English Department

ENGLISH 9 - CP

Prerequisite: Completion of English 8 

Credits: 5

This course is designed to improve close reading skills and explore and refine writing territories. Students will read a host of literary and informational texts, and practice analysis of single, comparative, and multiple texts. The content of English 9 anchor and elective texts are composed of world authors across nations, genders, and time periods. Students will begin their study of the works of William Shakespeare with Romeo and Juliet. Multiple literary genres will be defined, studied, and sampled. Students will approach writing creative fiction through poetry and short prose. 

ENGLISH 9 - HONORS

Prerequisite: Completion of English 8 with no less than a B+ (87%); or a score of exceeded expectations (score of 5) on the NJSLA 

Credits: 5

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a strong work ethic and the ability to analyze and evaluate reading assignments independently. Students should also already possess a clear writing style and a comfortable command of standard English conventions. This course challenges students with more analytical, interpretive, and creative tasks in the study of literature and composition, as compared to the tasks assigned in English 9. In addition to substantial nonfiction paired texts, students are expected to cover supplemental and more complex works of literature than in the regular English 9 course. This course expands on the regular course of study with an emphasis on higher-order thinking skills, abstract thought, analytical writing, and expanded opportunities for creative writing and thinking. 

ENGLISH 10 - CP

Prerequisite: Completion of English 9

Credits: 5

This course improves students’ strengths in reading and writing skills developed in English 9 while developing writing strategies for narrative, literary analysis, and research synthesis pieces. English 10 also explores the following themes in American literature: leadership, abuse of power, deceit and betrayal, post-colonialism, and the pursuit of civil rights. Thematic units will reflect core unit concepts of United States History I, and students will study anchor and elective nonfiction texts that apply to both courses. Students will also complete independent reading units focusing on both fiction and nonfiction studies. Associated writing assignments will include comparative analysis. A unit on PSAT preparation is also included. 

ENGLISH 10 - HONORS

Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 with no less than a B+ (87%); or a score of exceeded expectations (score of 5) on the NJSLA 

Credits: 5

This course is designed for students who demonstrate the ability to fully comprehend their reading assignments, not only for information but also for interpretation, and who already possess a clear writing style.  The course will explore the following themes in American literature: leadership, abuse of power, deceit and betrayal, post-colonialism, and the pursuit of civil rights. Thematic units reflect core unit concepts of United States History I, and students study anchor and elective nonfiction texts that apply to both courses. Writing, which will focus on literary analysis and comparing texts, will be extensive and require students to conduct advanced analyses. 

ENGLISH 11 - CP (AMERICAN STUDIES)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 10

Credits: 5

This course promotes strong reading, writing, thinking, and speaking skills that will be useful throughout high school and beyond. Students will read a variety of American fiction and nonfiction selections of the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries as well as examples of American rhetoric. Some authors studied in this course include (but are not limited to) Dr. King, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and more. Central themes will explore America, as an idea, place, and identity in addition to the American Dream. Students will compose expository essays on a variety of topics while paying particular attention to developing effective thesis statements, citing textual evidence to support ideas, and incorporating MLA formatting and research methods. Students will also develop an advanced vocabulary, including the study of word recognition skills; understanding new words in context; and review of roots, prefixes, and suffixes.  

ENGLISH 11 - HONORS (AMERICAN STUDIES)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 with no less than a B+ (87%); or a score of exceeded expectations (score of 5) on the NJSLA 

Credits: 5

This course emphasizes essential skills for learning and promotes strong reading, writing, thinking, and speaking skills that will be useful throughout high school and beyond. It is designed for those students who are fully able to understand texts independently at an accelerated rate. Students are expected to think analytically and critically about the ideas presented in a literary work and to communicate original thought. This course is writing-intensive and students will compose many analytical essays as well as a research paper. The content of the course will focus on American fiction and nonfiction selections of the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries as well as examples of American rhetoric. Some authors studied in this course include (but are not limited to) Twain, Thoreau, Emerson, King, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Walker, and Miller. Students will also study a Shakespearean play. Central themes will explore American identity and the American Dream. Students will also develop an advanced vocabulary, including the study of word recognition skills; understanding new words in context; and review of roots, prefixes, and suffixes.  

ENGLISH 11 - AP ENLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 with no less than a B+ (87%); or a score of exceeded expectations (score of 5) on the NJSLA 

Credits: 5

This course provides a foundational study of argument, rhetoric, documentary film, and expository prose with a specific focus on audience and purpose. Students will learn to write timed first-draft compositions with precision and confidence in preparation for college-level courses as well as professional and personal purposes. This course deconstructs expository, analytical, and argumentative prose with a specific focus on pieces written before 1800. Students learn to read primary and secondary sources carefully, to synthesize materials from these texts in their own compositions, and to cite sources using conventions recommended by professional organizations such as the Modern Language Association (MLA). Related topics of study include satire, argument fallacy, personal narrative and memoir writing, and cultivating a current events portfolio. Students enrolled in this course will also devote a good percentage of time specifically preparing and practicing for the AP English Language and Composition Exam administered in May. Foundational works of American literature are also studied in preparation for AP English Literature the following year. Students must take the AP exam in May to earn weighted GPA credit. 

ENGLISH 12 - CP

Prerequisite: Completion of English 11

Credits: 5

This course was designed to challenge students to think and communicate critically. Students will read a variety of contemporary works of literature in the post-modernist era including JD Salinger, James Baldwin, Marie Howe, and more. Central themes will explore emerging voices as part of the larger American collective and the role (and struggle) of the individual within his/her larger society. A large emphasis is placed on exploring the human condition in the context of postmodernism as a form and aesthetic. Students will compose literary analysis essays while paying particular attention to research methods, working with quotes, and synthesizing information. Students will also learn to compose a personal narrative. Moreover, students will learn professional ELA skills, including developing internal communications, public speaking, and developing employment-seeking resources (cover letters, résumés, interviews, etc.). 

ENGLISH 12 - HONORS

Prerequisite: Completion of English 11 with no less than a B+ (87%); or a score of exceeded expectations (score of 5) on the NJSLA 

Credits: 5

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a strong work ethic and the ability to analyze and evaluate reading assignments independently. Students should also already possess a clear writing style and a comfortable command of standard English conventions. This course challenges students with more analytical, interpretive, and creative tasks in the study of literature and composition, as compared to the tasks assigned in English 12. Students will read a variety of contemporary works of literature in the post-modernist era including JD Salinger, James Baldwin, Marie Howe, and more. Central themes will explore emerging voices as part of the larger American collective and the role (and struggle) of the individual within his/her larger society. A large emphasis is placed on exploring the human condition in the context of postmodernism as a form and aesthetic. Students will compose literary analysis essays while paying particular attention to research methods, working with quotes, and synthesizing information. Students will also learn to compose a personal narrative. Moreover, students will learn professional ELA skills, including developing internal communications, public speaking, and developing employment-seeking resources (cover letters, résumés, interviews, etc.). 

ENGLISH 12 - AP ADVANCED LITERARY ANALYSIS

Prerequisite: Completion of English 11 with no less than a B+ (87%); or a score of exceeded expectations (score of 5) on the NJSLA 

Credits: 5

This course provides a broad and thorough introduction to literary analysis of poetry and prose with an emphasis on New Criticism. Skill categories include the study of comparative literature, explaining the function of plot, narration, and setting, and figurative language, and the development of textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of part or all of a text. Writing assignments, oral reports, and class discussions demand articulate, deliberate, and precise preparation and attention to detail. In keeping with the content of the AP examination administration, the curriculum includes works of authors both classical and contemporary, canonical and elective; students are also encouraged to choose elective texts to supplement their reading. While the curriculum is varied and rich, it is also a challenging and extensive schedule of reading and writing. Students enrolled in AP Literature will devote a substantial amount of time to the development of writing and close-reading skills in preparation for the AP English Literature exam. Students must take the AP exam in May to earn weighted GPA credits. Students must take the AP exam in May to earn weighted GPA credit. 

Expressive Writing - CP

Prerequisite: English 10

NCAA-2.5 Elective Credits

A fast-paced, half-semester writing course that dives headfirst into diverse narrative landscapes. Students will hone essential writing techniques through playful exercises focused on sentence structure, figurative language, and crafting compelling imagery. The course also explores the power of language through poetry, analyzing and writing various forms to understand rhythm, sound, and emotional impact. Students craft short stories that explore the chilling depths of dystopian literature, build engaging characters and weave heartwarming stories for the screen in Pixar-style screenwriting, and culminate in a unique project: conceptualizing, writing, and animating a children's book, bringing creative vision to life in a tangible, shareable format. Throughout the course, the value of reading, analyzing, and discussing a wide variety of literary models, both contemporary and classic, is emphasized to inform and inspire your own writing. Expect weekly written pieces designed to reinforce learned techniques and explore new creative avenues. This course is designed to spark your imagination and equip you with the tools to tell powerful stories across a variety of mediums.

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM I - CP

Prerequisite: Enrollment in English 10

Credits: 2.5

Students learn the fundamentals of writing news and editorials, composing features, and preparing effective headlines. The course includes news photography and layout preparation. Students publish the school newspaper as a major focus of the course’s assigned tasks. This course does not meet graduation requirements for ELA. 

MULTIMEDIA  JOURNALISM II - CP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I

Credits: 2.5

Students learn the fundamentals of writing news and editorials, composing features, and preparing effective headlines. The course includes news photography and layout preparation. Students publish the school newspaper as a major focus of the course’s assigned tasks. This half-year course directly builds on Journalism I and continues to advance journalism skills such as the profile, investigative journalism, and journalism in new media. This course does not meet graduation requirements for ELA. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING - AUTHENTIC AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION-CP

Prerequisite: English 10
2.5 Career Readiness Credits
This course will offer an opportunity for students to gain confidence and skills needed beyond high school,    whether attending college or heading directly into a vocation. Students will develop proficiency in several areas related to public speaking including speeches and articulation, interviews, performances, academic recitations, 

debate, overcoming stage fright, persuasive techniques, interactive discussions, real-world simulations, questioning techniques, podcasts, and other current ways of communicating, as well as the use of visual aids to enhance a presentation. Students will also learn effective volume, articulation, diction, and body language to deliver their content successfully.  Students do not need to already be comfortable speaking to benefit from this class, but they should be prepared to engage in a very hands-on, performance-based class in which everyone puts forth their best effort. This course does not meet graduation requirements for ELA.

YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE - CP

Prerequisite: English 10

2.5 Elective Credits

This course will allow students to familiarize themselves with the ever-expanding literature written for and marketed towards others with similar respective ages to themselves. In this class we will read, discuss, question, analyze, apply and experience books relating to cultural diversity and identity, dystopian visions of society, loss, difference, friendship and coming-of-age themes through psychological, technical, and realistic points-of-view. Students will have the shared responsibility of facilitating whole class and small group discussions, which will satisfy several speaking and listening standards,  as well as reading independently to participate. This course will emphasize the understanding of literature using various theoretical approaches. A primary goal for this course is to engage high school students as readers. As enthusiastic readers, students will be encouraged to develop articles for publication, create/respond to blogs surrounding literature and engage in conversation surrounding several areas of study. Moreover, another goal for the class would be to create a supportive environment in which students will feel comfortable relating real-life experience to the content at hand.  This course does not meet graduation requirements for ELA.