Students will read closely a variety of diverse literature, including excerpts, short stories, drama, and nonfiction, to enhance critical thinking skills as they write to analyze given texts; use evidence to make claims and determine the purpose behind how authors structure text and develop ideas; develop writing through inquiry in a research project; and develop arguments through text analysis to develop their own arguments in writing.

At a more elevated pace and with more analytical depth, students will read closely a variety of diverse literature, including excerpts, short stories, drama, and nonfiction, to enhance critical thinking skills as they write to analyze given texts; use evidence to make claims and determine the purpose behind how authors structure text and develop ideas; develop writing through inquiry in a research project; and develop arguments through text analysis to develop their own arguments in writing.

Building upon skills learned and reinforced in English 9, students will closely read a variety of diverse literature, including poetry, nonfiction, drama, to analyze these texts and determine how authors develop complex characters and ideas; work more in depth to determine authors’ purposes as the analyze authors’ use of rhetoric and word choice to develop ideas and claims; research multiple perspectives to develop a position in their writing; and determine how authors use craft and structure to determine characters and ideas.

Continuing to reinforce and develop skills learned in English 10, students will closely read a variety of diverse literature, including poetry, excerpts, drama, and nonfiction, to determine how authors develop and relate elements of a given text; determine how authors use figurative language or rhetoric to advance a point of view or purpose; research multiple perspectives to develop a position in a given task; and determine how authors use narrative techniques to craft fiction writing.

The AP English Language and Composition course is modeled after college freshman rhetoric and composition courses. AP English Language, therefore, emphasizes reading, critical analysis, and literature study and appreciation. Literature (primarily nonfiction) from various eras and genres such as humanities, biography, philosophy, history, and political science will be studied. Students will also study visual rhetoric such as photographs, advertisements, and political cartoons. Focus will be on various modes of discourse and will require students to understand audience, purpose, tone, context, and style. Students must come into the class expecting an intensive writing experience.

Reinforcing and enhancing skills learned in English 11, students will closely read a variety of diverse texts, including nonfiction excerpts, and drama, to develop personal narratives (e.g. college application essay); research multiple perspectives to develop a position for a given research task and presentation project; analyze the interaction of central ideas and character development; and explore complex ideas through craft structure of given texts.

The first of two courses in the one-year composition sequence, English 101 introduces students to college-level writing as a process of developing and supporting a thesis in an organized essay. English 101 requires students to read and think critically, and it emphasizes using appropriate style and voice as well as the conventions of Standard English and citation. Tuition and fees are the responsibility of the student and his/her family.

English 102 is the second of two courses in the one-year composition sequence. English 102 continues exposing students to college-level writing by developing and supporting a thesis in persuasive papers. English 102 requires students to read and think critically and to apply documentation and research skills to a multi-sourced academic research writing assignment. Tuition and fees are the responsibility of the student and his/her family.

In A.P. Literature and Composition, students must read, write, and speak at advanced levels. British poetry and prose, studied chronologically and analyzed critically, enable students to understand the development of modern English literature and language. Writing focuses mainly on exposition, with emphasis on process, content, clarity, and form. Students will do extensive outside reading and present oral reports each quarter. Additionally, students use research skills and the MLA format for written and oral projects. The literature and writing content of this year-long course helps prepare students for the A.P. Literature and Composition exam in May.

This course, which aims to broaden students’ knowledge and appreciation of African American literature, surveys the history and literature of African-American people from their African background to the present. The course concentrates on the literature, but connects to the music and the art that contributed to each period of African-American cultural history. Assessments could include analytical essays and projects.

Students analyze nonfiction or literature that addresses the struggles of young adults, whether they are trying to discover identity, determine ethics and honor, or overcome the obstacles imposed on them in their society or environment. Students will be expected to work cooperatively and independently, to read outside of class, and write for a variety of purposes, and to present in front of their peers. Assessments may be essay, objective, or project-based.

This course offers writing experience with the short story, poetry, play, informal essay, drama, and autobiography. It will help students develop creative thinking. Class time will be used in writing, revising, reading students’ work, and conferring with the teacher, as well as reading and analyzing examples of various literary genres

Students will analyze novels by authors from around the world. Through these readings, analysis (written and verbal), and potential research, students will broaden their awareness of other cultures from the past into more contemporary times. Students will be expected to work cooperatively and independently, to read outside of class, to present in front of their peers, and write for a variety of purposes. Assessments may be essay, objective, or project-based, including presentations.

This is a semester course, where students read, analyze, and discuss mythology from around the world, including the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands, and other legends from history to show their continued relevance in today's world. Assessments may be essay, objective, or project-based, including presentations that reinforce their understanding of various cultures.