English
English 9
1 year/1 credit
In English 9, students begin to develop skills necessary for achieving mastery of the New York State learning standards at the commencement level and continue to study prose, poetry and drama. Students will examine recurring themes in various literary works and make connections between texts and world events. Students will also study various genres of writing, with close attention to purpose, audience and organization. In addition, teachers will introduce the developmental skills needed to write a college-level research paper. This course is aligned with the New York State learning standards. Students will engage in higher- order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore structures and conventions of language and practice writing from sources to support claims.
English 9 Advanced
1 year/1 credit (w)
In English 9A, students begin to develop the skills required for success on the AP level. Students are challenged as readers and writers to be creative, analytical thinkers. As writers, students will study the development of the essay and the stylistic components of good writing in depth. The advanced student is encouraged to develop his/her ability to work independently on projects and assignments and to make connections between texts and the world. In addition, students will begin to develop the skills needed to write a college-level research paper. This course is aligned with the New York State learning standards, as well as the Advanced Placement Language and Literature assessments. Students will engage in higher-order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore structures, meaning and purpose in texts, explore structures and conventions of language, and practice writing from sources to explore structures and conventions of language and support claims.
English 10
1 year/1 credit
In English 10, students continue to read selections with emphasis on world literature. As writers, students will continue to focus on the development of effectively written essays and narratives. Students continue to develop voice and point of view in their writing, as well as practice speaking and listening skills. Students also continue to develop research skills. In line with the New York State learning standards, students will engage in higher- order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support claims.
English 10 Advanced
1 year/1 credit (w)
In English 10A, a pre-Advanced Placement course, students continue to refine the skills required for success on the AP level, with particular emphasis on the study of argument and rhetorical strategies. As writers, students will focus on the development of a sustained and logical argument supported by diction, syntax and rhetorical technique. This advanced course requires students to read independently and analytically, to conduct extensive research and to present research findings. In line with the New York State learning standards, as well as the Advanced Placement Language and Literature Assessments, students will engage in higher-order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support evidence- based claims.
English 11
1 year/1 credit
In English 11, students read and study selections from a wide range of texts from a variety of cultures and viewpoints. In addition, students enhance their skills in writing, spelling, vocabulary, reading compre- hension and listening in preparation for the English Regents examination. Research skills are refined and further developed to prepare students for the demands of college- level writing. In line with the New York State learning standards, students will engage in higher-order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support evidence-based claims.
AP Language and Composition
(Grade 11): 1 year/1 credit (w)
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition serves the needs of juniors who wish to pursue college-level studies while they are still in high school. The course is designed to train students to become skilled readers of prose written from a range of periods, disciplines and genres. Students will be trained to become skilled writers who can compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. Students are trained in the analysis of writer’s craft and in the construction of sound arguments. Students are required to take the AP examination in May. Research skills are further developed and refined to meet college standards. In line with the New York State learning standards and the Advanced Placement examination, students will engage in higher- order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support evidence- based claims.
AP Capstone Program
AP Capstone Seminar: English 10
1 year/1 credit (w)
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. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas. This course allows students to choose topics to research what they are passionate about. Topics that have been explored include social justice, food, social media, sports and K-pop. This course fulfills the requirement of a 10th grade English course.
AP Capstone Research
(Grades 11-12): 1 year/1 credit (w)
**AP Seminar is a prerequisite for this course. AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to explore an academic topic, problem, issue or idea of individual interest in depth. Students design, plan and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning advanced research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. This course is an elective and does not fulfill the requirement of English 11.
After completing both AP Seminar and Research with AP exam scores of 3+, students will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. After completing AP Seminar and Research plus four other AP classes with AP exam scores of 3+, students will receive the AP Capstone Diploma.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO SENIORS
Three mandates in English are required for graduation. You must:
A. Complete four credits in English courses. These do not include electives.
B. Pass the English Regents.
C. Complete a research paper in senior year under the following guidelines:
1. AP Literature and Composition students must complete and pass the research paper by the end of the third marking period.
2. Students in English 101 must complete and pass the research paper in the first semester.
In addition, some of the courses below indicate the potential for students to earn college credits.
English 101:
(Grade 12): 1/2 year/1/2 credit
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
This semester course is required for seniors in the fall semester. It focuses on the skills necessary for success in college and careers. This course concentrates on college writing, particularly the personal essay and the mandatory research paper that is required to pass senior-year English. Students in English 101 will develop research skills by using the library and its print and electronic sources. This course enhances students’ abilities to critique, analyze and deconstruct literature as well as prepare students for the SAT exam. In line with the New York State learning standards, students will engage in higher- order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support evidence- based claims.
AP Literature and Composition
(Grade 12): 1 year/1 credit (w)
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition serves the needs of seniors who wish to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. The course is designed to promote student achievement through an intensive study of literature and the study and practice of specific writing techniques. Through the analysis of texts and the development of writing skills, the students will become aware of language and stylistic (rhetorical) devices. Students are required to take the AP examination in May and produce a college-level research paper. In line with the New York State learning standards, students will engage in higher-order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support evidence-based claims.
English 102
(Grade 12): ½ year/½ credit
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
This semester course continues to develop those skills honed in English 101. Students will continue to examine the written word through college-level research and argumentation. Building on the work of English 101, this course addresses sensitivity to complex rhetorical and stylistic choices. English 102 will also focus on analytical reading and the deconstruction of texts through literary and artistic means. In line with the New York State learning standards, students will continue to engage in higher- order examination of meaning and purpose in texts, explore sophisticated structures and conventions of language and practice writing from multiple sources to support evidence- based claims.
ALTERNATIVES
Creative Writing
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
May be taken in place of or in addition to English 102.
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
This course enables students to write a variety of pieces such as short stories, poems, plays, diary entries, biographical essays and children’s stories. Students are encouraged to create their own writing styles, develop their own voices and submit their work for publication.
The World and Me: Society, Culture and Self-Discovery
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
May be taken in place of or in addition to English 102.
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
Students are invited to explore their place in the world. By studying contemporary texts from different genres, students will encounter a range of voices and experiences to sharpen their understanding of how personal, societal and cultural influences have shaped themselves and others. Students will read fiction and nonfiction, prose and poetry; they will compose creative pieces and analyze course texts. In this discussion-rich environment, students will work together to understand the defining features of culture, society and self, while considering their own arc of personal growth. The course concludes by asking students to draw from course readings, class discussions and personal experience to articulate a vision for how they will leave a mark on the world.
HERstory: The Power of Gender,
Culture and Activism
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
May be taken in place of or in addition to English 102.
From the Women’s Suffrage Movement to the Me Too Movement, students will explore outside of the classroom to investigate how the time period we live in drives the need for activism. In particular, this course focuses on how the four feminist movements in history have shaped the treatment of gender in modern society. In this class, students will learn the rhetoric of social change to create their own multimedia activist campaign. Students will explore the works of female writers, including Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde, Toni Morrison, Malala Yousafzai and many more.
ELECTIVES
NOTE: These courses do not satisfy the 12th grade English requirement.
Dramatics
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
This course is designed to meet the beginner’s needs in fundamentals of dramatic art. Students will examine the history of drama, play structure, elementary principles of pantomime, voice, diction, stage craft and dramatic criticism.
Journalism
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
This course centers on journalistic writing of various kinds, including news stories, feature articles and editorials. Students will study the layout of the newspaper as well as the function of the components of a newspaper. Students are encouraged to participate in the production of the school newspaper and yearbook.
Broadcast Journalism
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
This course allows students to explore the history of both broadcasting and journalism. This will involve the evolution of these topics from printed newspapers, television, the internet and social media. Students will learn the importance of being an informed citizen, the necessity of communicating information to the community and the value of maintaining a high moral and ethical standard. In addition, students will learn about and manipulate contemporary technology and software to produce news stories. Students will also gain experience with a wide range of media outlets. Media outlets will include but are not limited to Twitter posts, electronic newspapers, podcasts and blogs.
Public Speaking
(Grades 10-12): ½ year/½ credit
Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits.
The objective of this course is to develop competency in oral presentations, such as introductory, informative, persuasive and special occasion speeches. This course will focus on oral reading, panel discussions, and extemporaneous and prepared presentations. The course in public speaking will also include research and its incorporation into oral presentations. Evaluation will be based on use of language, stage presence and oral interpretations.