Dr. Patton

English 2 focuses on grammar, developmental composition skills, and in-depth reading skills. Students will refine literary, argumentative, and analytical writing skills. Students will also learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. They will read short stories, poems, drama, novels, and non-fiction from selected world literature.

English 3 focuses on an in-depth survey of American Literature, continued writing development, and ACT test prep. Students will focus on on-demand speech writing, persuasive writing, and argumentation. They will learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. Additionally, each English 3 student will refine and apply research and documentation skills through a variety of research assignments. Each grading period students will read at least one book or play from a suggested reading list. Assessments include public speaking, performance events, responsive writing, constructed responses, argumentative essays, multiple choice questions, and projects.

English 4, which is a course designed to promote higher level thinking through effective writing, critical reading, and thinking as well as skillful speaking. Students will be completing text-based literary analysis writing and research-based writing, and they will also apply critical standards for evaluation and appreciation of British and world literature.

Honors English 2 is a course emphasizing close reading/literary analysis and developmental composition skills that will support student growth as thinkers and clear effective writers. Students will learn to write in various forms and develop “on demand” writing skills, without extended time or revisions. They will also study all genres including drama, poetry, non-fiction, short stories and novels. During the course of the year, they must read a combination of 6 independent texts, including novels and plays, from the suggested AP Board recommended list. Completion of summer reading is recommended.

In the fall, students will complete the Honors English 3 curriculum, which is an advanced version of the English 3 curriculum.

In the spring, students will take WRD 110, the first dual credit Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies course offered by the University of Kentucky. For this semester, students are classified as both ECS and UK students.

WRD 110 focuses on critical inquiry and research. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore their place in the broader community and engage in reflective thinking and analysis. WRD 110 asks students to write and speak effectively about local issues, not only for their classmates, but also for audiences beyond the classroom. WRD 110 places special emphasis on the skills of conducting primary and secondary research, as well as how to use visuals and online resources to enhance writing and oral presentations. Over the course of the semester, class members can expect to work independently, with a partner, or with a small group of classmates to investigate, share findings, and compose presentations of their research, as well as to practice and evaluate interpersonal and team dynamics in action.

In the fall, students will take Honors English 4, an advanced advanced version of English 4, which is a course designed to promote higher level thinking through effective writing, critical reading, and thinking as well as skillful speaking. Students will be completing text-based literary analysis writing and research-based writing, and they will also apply critical standards for evaluation and appreciation of British and world literature.

In the spring, students will take WRD 111, the second dual credit Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies course offered by the University of Kentucky. For this semester, students are classified as both ECS and UK students.

WRD 111 focuses on rhetorical analysis, deliberation, and argumentation. Students use their sharpened research skills in order to explore issues of public concern and to propose solutions based on well-developed arguments. To learn to analyze a public issue using rhetorical analysis, the entire class will explore together one contemporary social issue and related texts about it. A significant component of the class will consist of learning to use visual and digital resources, first to enhance written and oral presentations and later to communicate mass mediated messages to various public audiences. Over the course of the semester, class members can expect to work independently, with a partner, and in a small group (team) to investigate, share findings, and compose and deliver presentations, as well as to practice and evaluate interpersonal and team dynamics in action.