English

Philosophy

The overarching goal of the Ramsey English Language Arts program is to develop the skills necessary to be broadly literate in a modern society, and in turn, be able to act upon these skills to take part in a global culture. We look to help students to think critically and figuratively in order to achieve personal fulfillment and to communicate effectively in a complex society. To do this, we look for students to appreciate language, explore their passions, and apply their understanding to the context of their experiences through critical reading, well-developed research, and various forms of inquiry.  We also look for students to read complex texts with engagement to create lifelong lovers of literature. 

This structure aims to encourage students to produce works that are both meaningful and skillfully created.  The craft of writing is deeply explored alongside the fundamental skills of clarity, coherence, and grammar. An effective use of language transfers their understanding of various styles, genres and forms to convey an interpretation of their worldview.  The art of rhetoric (speaking) is also explored to speak thoughtfully with an understanding of audience and culture and to engage and collaborate in meaningful conversations. These skills and mindsets are essential to building a successful future in the 21st century.

  Although the AP examinations at the end of English III and English IV are optional, we recommend that students take the exam. A summer reading requirement is part of all English courses at Ramsey High School.


Course Descriptions

English I (Honors, CP) 

Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grade 9

This course focuses on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills that help students relate the immediate world and themselves to those experiences experiences of others to help better understand both themselves in the world. Students develop a better understanding of the various genres of writing and speaking through close reading and analysis of texts. Through the exploration of the various processes of writing, including generating, drafting, revising, editing and publishing student deepen their understanding of how to communicate complex ideas to a wide variety of audiences. Students practice public speaking skills, and study mechanics, usage, spelling and grammar, and learn methods of academic notation in research projects. 


English II (Honors, CP) 

Prerequisite: English I - 1 year 5 credits Grade 10

This course focuses on the reinforcement of skills developed in previous grades and emphasizes sophisticated thinking, speaking and writing. Students deepen their understanding of their place in the world through the study of sophisticated narratives, complex arguments, informational texts. They also study the diverse themes and movements in literature and examine literature as it reflects the changes in our culture. Through the exploration of the various processes of writing, including generating, drafting, revising, editing and publishing student deepen their understanding of how to communicate complex ideas in a wide variety of forms to a wide variety of audiences. English II stresses the honing of research skills to synthesize information through the investigation of students’ interests and passions .


English III (CP)

Prerequisite: English II - 1 year 5 credits Grade 11

Students study the development and various functions of the English language through a wide variety of texts.  In doing so, students think deeply about the role of literature in society and its impact on culture. Through the exploration of the various processes of writing, including generating, drafting, revising, editing and publishing student deepen their understanding of how to communicate complex ideas in a wide variety of forms to a wide variety of audiences. Students have frequent opportunities to write regularly, drawing ideas from their own experience, from model texts, and from other media. Students engage in the specific steps necessary for conducting sophisticated academic research and begin writing college admission essays.


English III H/AP: English Language and Composition

Prerequisite: English II - 1 year 5 credits Grade 11


An AP English Language and Composition course cultivates the reading and writing skills that students need for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts and becoming flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes. The reading and writing students do in the course should deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations. This is achieved through an effective use of rhetoric, a controlled tone, an established individual voice, and an appropriate emphasis through diction, literary devices, and varied sentence structure.  This course prepares students for the rigorous Advanced Placement Examination in English Language and Composition.



English III AP:  Seminar

Prerequisite: English II  

1 year 5 credits       Grade 11


AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.




English IV (CP):

Prerequisite: English III - 1 year 5 credits* Grades 12

The foundation of this course is to develop their reading, writing, speaking, discourse, public speaking, and problem solving skills to help appreciate and become active citizens in the world. The course content is multi-disciplinary to give students opportunities to explore in depth current issues in the areas of politics, philosophy, law, ethics, gender, race, social media and celebrity culture, consumerism, morality and business, the consumer culture, technology, arts, and science, etc.  Through reading, writing, and discourse, the course will cultivate in students the ability to apply, analyze, argue, create, etc. using the various rhetorical strategies and technological tools. In addition, the student will explore these skills and themes through the forms of the short story, personal narratives, modern and contemporary drama, and world literature. Student also will continue to build on their reading, grammar and usage, writing, and vocabulary skills and will write in a variety of forms, including informational, argument, critical analysis, argumentative essays and reflection. 


English IV AP: English Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: English III - 1 Year 5 credits Grades 12

Students in the AP English Literature and Composition course devote themselves to the study of literary works written in—or translated into—English. Careful reading and critical analysis of such works of fiction, drama, and poetry provide rich opportunities for students to develop an appreciation of ways literature reflects and comments on a range of experiences, institutions, and social structures. Students read selected literature from a variety of cultures that significantly contributed to major movements in literary history and will examine the choices literary writers make and the techniques they utilize to achieve purposes and generate meanings.


General Electives

These courses do not satisfy graduation requirements for English but do count toward the total number of credits necessary for graduation.


Exploring Social and Digital Media*

Prerequisite: None - 1 semester     2.5 credits   Grade 12

*Profile Pathway Course

This is a senior profile course where students have the opportunity to deeply engage with a topic of interest related to social or digital media content which could include video, podcasts, film, vlogs, live-streaming, etc.  Students may also explore the influencer culture, the evolution of modern communication, how companies target content, or the potential for “going viral.” Components of the project will include the analysis of social trends, a study of the creative process, a practical examination of the resources and tools associated with social and digital media, and developing an understanding of modern media culture. Students will be provided time to complete the profile project components which include a proposal, research summary, portfolio of work, and a final reflection.   

Creative Writing

Prerequisite: None - 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 9 – 12

Creative Writing explores modes of self-expressions. Students write accounts of personal experiences, short stories, and dialogues. Ideas are drawn from printed models as well as other media. Emphasis is placed on technique, and students write on a regular basis.


Introduction to Reading

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation - 1 Year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

The main purpose of this program is to engage students in reading a controlled text with an emphasis on decoding and encoding. This program is designed for students who are reading and/or spelling below their grade level.


Developmental Reading

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation - 1 Year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12

The Developmental Reading Course is designed to help students improve on skills necessary for the success in their high school careers. It concentrates on developing reading and listening comprehension, vocabulary and the appreciation of reading through a wide variety of texts representing various genres. The course will also focus on effectively using sources, digital literacy skills, understanding illustrative materials (infographics, maps, charts, images, etc.) organizational skills, and note-taking techniques.