English (Language & Literature)

IB English 11 SL I & II (Language and Literature)

1807/1808

In this course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media. By examining communication across literary form and text types, students investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture. Approaches to study in the course are meant to be wide ranging and can include literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies and critical discourse analysis among others. Students study text types such as plays, graphic novels, documentaries, speeches and advertisements. This IB course is part of a 2-year curriculum which gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via the internal assessment and the May exams. Testing would occur after the completion of course 1809/1810 in senior year.

IB English 11 HL1 I & II (Literature)

1854/1855

In this course, students focus exclusively on literary texts, adopting a variety of approaches to textual criticism. Students explore the nature of literature, the aesthetic function of literary language and literary textuality, and the relationship between literature and the world. Each unit includes both independent reading and analytical writing. Students study texts ranging from poetry to traditional fiction to graphic novels, each from various parts of the world. This IB course is part of a 2-year curriculum which gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via the internal assessment, the Higher Level essay, and the May exams. Testing and the Higher Level essay occur during course 1856/1857 in senior year.

IB English 12 SL I & II (Language and Literature)

1809/1810

This course aims to develop skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can relate to culturally determined reading practices, as well as to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a text is combined with an exploration of how that meaning is affected by reading practices that are culturally defined and by the circumstances of production and reception. Students focus closely on the language of studied texts and become aware of the role of wider context in shaping meaning. The study of literature in translation from other cultures is especially important because it contributes to a global perspective. Texts are chosen from a variety of sources, genres and media. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments.

IB English 12 HL2 I & II (Literature)

1856/1857

This course continues the sequence of intensive literary study started in IB English Literature HL1. This is the second year of a 2-year sequence that prepares students for the Higher Level IB Examination in May.

Coursework: Each unit includes extensive reading and writing. This year focuses on timed essay writing in preparation for the two written exams in May through focused literary analysis in a Modern Classroom format. In addition, a Higher Level essay of 1200 - 1500 words, externally assessed, is included in the required IB assessments. Students in this course must do all of the IB assessments including the two May Exams: Paper 1 (Guided Literary Analysis) and Paper 2 (Comparative Essay on 2 of 4 novels studied). This IB course is part of a 2-year curriculum which gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via the internal assessment, the Higher Level essay, and the May exams. Testing and the Higher Level essay occurs in senior year.

Creative Writing (11-12)

1705

Creative writing is designed for students who enjoy writing and pushing their creative and artistic talents to the limit. The focus of the writing in this class is interest and enjoyment because good writing is never dull. Students compose prose and poetry of various lengths and styles. In addition, students assist in the production of the school literary magazine by publishing original writing and artwork.

School Newspaper/Journalism 1 (11-12)

1706

In this course students work on Cooper’s award-winning monthly newspaper “The Quill”. Students should be solid writers who are interested in improving and refining their writing skills, especially as they pertain to journalistic style. During class, students may write stories for the news, feature, opinion, arts and sports sections of the paper. Students also engage in the production of the school newspaper, including photography, illustration, layout, design, distribution and advertising. Also considered in the class are the importance of the audience, the history of newspaper production and the impact of media on our society.

School Newspaper/Journalism 2 (11-12)

1707

Prerequisite: Journalism 1 is suggested but not required.

This course allows students to continue to work on the production of Cooper’s award-winning monthly newspaper “The Quill”. Students taking this class should be solid writers who are interested in improving and refining their writing skills, especially as they pertain to journalistic style. During class, students may write stories for the news, feature, opinion, arts and sports sections of the paper. Students also engage in the production of the school newspaper, including photography, illustration, layout, design, distribution, and advertising. In addition, students are directly responsible for the editorial decisions that guide the paper, fill leadership positions on the paper, and help mentor the new staff members.

Yearbook 1 & Yearbook 2 (12)

1708/1709

These courses are designed to develop students’ skills in journalism by providing experience in many aspects of yearbook production. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing copy, interviewing, captions and headlines, digital photography, graphic design, advertising and sales. Yearbook supports students’ development as writers, photographers, editors, independent users of technology and as the responsible, contributing members of the Cooper community. Students produce all aspects of the Cooper Talons Yearbook. The ability to work independently, cooperate and collaborate, and meet deadlines is essential.

Film Study (11-12)

1752

Students study film as a means of mass communication, a source of information, a form of entertainment, a vehicle for persuasion, and a venue for artistic expression. Students analyze and critique the content and context of films through journals, essays, and research papers. Students also consider film, film genres and the film industry from historical, political, social, artistic and economic perspectives. Students are required to view additional films outside of the classroom setting and respond to those films through writing, oral presentations and class discussion.

IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) I & II (12)

1858/1859

This course, which is required for the IB Diploma, examines the origins and the validity of various forms of knowledge. Emphasis is placed on the student as “knower”. Through a process of inquiry and reflection, students unify what they have learned in previous IB courses by comparing and contrasting knowledge claims across disciplines. TOK is an interdisciplinary course that stimulates critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom and challenges students to question the basis of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument. Coursework includes an extended essay and CAS program deadlines (Diploma candidates only); a 1600 word TOK essay; a 10-minute TOK oral presentation; CAS program deadlines; and assorted homework assignments, essays, projects, reports, discussions, quizzes, tests, and finals. TOK is open to any student. Students do not need to be an IB Diploma Candidate to take this class. Also, students who are not diploma candidates do not need to complete an extended essay or CAS.