English Language Arts

The Bernards High School English program consists of a four-year study sequence designed to enhance and enrich students' writing, reading, viewing, speaking, and listening skills. The curriculum offers an opportunity for students to develop their language potential and an understanding of its power in courses that are challenging but commensurate with their abilities. All English courses emphasize the acquisition and development of the skills of reading, discussion and oral presentation, as well as mastery of the various forms, modes, and strategies of written composition. From the richness of ideas explored in the study of literature, students can recognize and empathize with a variety of human experiences and gain an understanding of the enduring power of the human mind and spirit. Each course, regardless of ability level, is designed to prepare students with the skills and competencies needed for success in college, career and life by the time they graduate from high school. To support students' development of skills associated with language and literature, the department maintains an open-door policy for students who need extra help both during and after school. Four years of the English sequence are required for graduation.

The academic level categories are as follows:

English I (A) (03212)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

A full-year course, in which students will receive extensive instruction in reading, writing, vocabulary development, oral speaking, and traditional grammar including parts of speech, functions of words in sentences, correct punctuation, and proper usage. The reading curriculum focuses upon the various genres, and students are exposed to plays, short stories, nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, some of which are considered to be among the "literary classics." The writing curriculum will emphasize developing and refining students' writing. Students also will give two oral presentations during the year, and their vocabulary will be enhanced by the utilization of a vocabulary textbook as well as the instructor’s selection of vocabulary words from the assigned readings.

English I (H) (03213)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 9

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: None

English I (H) is a first year honors-level program in English for students who already have a solid understanding of the grammar of the English language. Students will receive extensive instruction in reading analysis, writing of the full -length essay, vocabulary development, and oral speaking. The reading curriculum focuses upon the various genres, and students are exposed to plays, short stories, nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, some of which are considered to be among the "literary classics." The writing curriculum will introduce and emphasize analytical thinking, the expository form, narratives, argumentative and persuasive writing. Students also will focus on public speaking techniques, and they will give at least two oral presentations during the year.

Techniques of Writing (H) (03255)

Semester Course; Level - Honors; Grade 9-10

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Students will be placed in this class based on standardized test scores scores and 1st semester English grades.

This course will emphasize expository writing (e.g., paragraphs, essays). Students practice all stages of the writing process and refine their revising and editing skills (e.g., grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice). Students read and comment on published essays for attitude/voice and figurative language. SAT Question of the Day and Writing section questions are discussed. In a workshop setting, each student addresses individual writing problems. This course will be an intensive introduction to the academic skills necessary at BHS. Reading and writing instruction will provide preparation for state standardized tests taken in the tenth grade. The course will focus on analyzing literature, developing written arguments about a topic and providing evidence to support ideas using a variety of texts. The smaller class size allows for regular individualized instruction. This course does not meet the English requirement.

English II (A) (03222)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 10

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English I

English II (A) is a full-year course in which students will receive extensive instruction in reading, writing, vocabulary development, and speaking. Students will read primarily American literature with emphasis placed upon increasing their analytical skills as well as acquiring a further appreciation for and knowledge of contemporary American literature. There will be an emphasis placed on informational texts in the form of speeches, nonfiction works, and newspaper articles. At least two oral presentations and one vocabulary workshop text will be completed by the end of the year.

English II (H) (03231)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 10

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English I...recommended for students with a final grade of B+ or above in English I (A), or completion of English I (H) with a final grade of B or above.

English II (H) is a course for students with superior verbal skills who demonstrate a solid understanding of the English language. Students will examine masterpieces of American literature whereby they will be asked to think and analyze critically the words of the authors, playwrights, and poets. Students will be encouraged to express their thoughts using both the written and spoken word. They will collaborate by sharing ideas, examples, and insights in informal conversation and discussion. The writing curriculum will demand that the students will continue to write in an in depth, organized manner, utilizing the various organizational formats. Correctness of expression also will be reinforced. There will be an emphasis placed on informational texts in the form of speeches, nonfiction works, and newspaper articles. At least two oral presentations will be given as students' speaking techniques will be enhanced and refined.

English III (A) (03232)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II (any level)

English III (A) is a full-year course in which students will continue to improve their language arts skills - reading with a continuing awareness and expertise; writing with correctness, clarity, and sophistication; speaking with preciseness, intelligence, and accuracy. The literature to be read will be primarily English literature along with short story and poetry units. The writing curriculum includes the writing of a full-length expository essay and the literary analysis essay.

English III (H) (03233)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II…recommended for students with a final grade of B+ or above in English II (A), or completion of English II (H) with a final grade of B or above.

English III (H) is a course for students with superior verbal and analytic skills. Students will examine masterpieces of British literature. Using the literature read, students will be encouraged to engage in intensive and extensive analysis of the readings. They will be required to articulate their insights using both the spoken and written word. Additional reading and/or research may be assigned so that the discussions might be even further enhanced. The writing curriculum will include the developmental in-depth exposition, narration, the college application essay and persuasion. Formal and informal oral presentations will be required.

AP English III - Language and Composition (03238)

Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 11

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Completion of English II (A) with a final grade of A or above, or completion of English II (H) with a final grade of B+ or above.

This class is designed for motivated juniors who are willing to undertake the challenge of college-level language and composition study. In addition to affording a learning experience comparable to that of an introductory college composition course, the class will require students to read and analyze major works of literature, primarily of British authorship, and a wide range of no n-fiction writing. Students will strive to understand the many purposes of language, its power, and the numerous ways in which it may achieve its purposes. Primarily, students will develop their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they tackle significant literary works, essays, poems, and documents requiring careful consideration and mature thought. This course emphasizes how writers convey their messages/themes, at least as much as it deals with what those themes/messages are. As a result, students will become aware of, and proficient in the use of, the writing process, rhetorical modes, and rhetorical devices. In addition, students will use the many non-fiction readings as models to perfect their own writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to read sophisticated texts representing a variety of disciplines and write such texts – in preparation for productive college study and career success. Those who elect this class must be prepared to meet its rigorous academic standards and demands as of a significant reading load, frequent analytical writing assignments, oral presentations, group projects, and rigorous AP exam preparation. It is expected that students in this class will possess the motivation and maturity for sophisticated independent study and will contribute regularly to productive interaction in a seminar setting.

English IV (03241)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English III (any level)

In this course, students continue developing a working knowledge of all facets of the English language, as well as experiencing practical applications of their language arts skills in a classroom setting. Primary focus will be placed on enhancing their speaking, listening, writing, and reading abilities. Students will participate in Reader’s Workshop, a groundbreaking approach to literary study for which students use an extensive classroom and school library to choose their own texts for independent reading. In addition, students will focus intensely on writing styles and tasks for college and career settings. The course also will teach students to prepare all the necessary documents related to obtaining a job or applying to college, as well as exposing them to advantageous interviewing techniques.

English IV (A) (03242)

Full-Year Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English III (any level)

English IV (A) is a full-year course in which students will continue to hone their language arts skills. Students will experience several genres of text through an increasingly independent and sophisticated means of study. They will continue to develop their expertise with regard to written forms of communication, writing with correctness, clarity, and sophistication; speaking with preciseness, intelligence, and accuracy.

English IV (H) (03265)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English III …recommended for students with a final grade of B- or above in English III (A), or completion of English III (H) or AP English III.

English IV (H) is a course for students with outstanding verbal and analytic skills. Students will explore literature in groups as well as independently. Students will have the opportunity to engage in an extensive research project as a capstone senior assignment. Course work will include, but not be limited to, developing a research proposal and paper, designing and implementing a project, a portfolio and a means of presentation of the research in a manner of the student’s choosing. Examples of possible presentation formats include: a podcast, a documentary, a paper or a “Bernie” Talk.

AP English Literature and Composition (03244)

Full-Year Course; Level - AP; Grade 12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Completion of English III (A) with a final grade of A or above, or completion of English III (H) with a final grade of B or above, or completion of AP English III with a B- or above.

The AP English IV- Literature and Composition course is designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through a careful, intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, the student will build a basis from which to analyze maturely in both oral and written form. With that in mind, evidence of extensive annotation is expected with each reading assignment. The college composition course that this is intended to parallel is one of the most varied in the curriculum. As in the college course, the purpose of the AP Literature and Composition course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose that is rich enough and complex enough for mature readers. Since all students are encouraged to sit for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam in May, test preparation will be woven into the program. Each unit will incorporate assessments and activities to strengthen the skills needed for fulfilling interaction with and resultant persuasive analysis of the literature. All students will be required to complete successfully the Senior Portfolio, which is a graduation requirement.

Creative Writing (03250)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed for students who wish to develop their writing skills. Students will express themselves through original poems, short stories, plays, non-fiction, journals, and expository writing. Topics will come from a variety of assignments, as well as from students' own experiences and sensory impressions. Students will read and discuss literary models, utilize peer review, conference with the instructor and share final products with the class. In addition, students will learn the terms and devices used in improving their writing craft. Students will submit writings to The Pinnacle, the high school art and literary magazine. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Introduction to Journalism (03263)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-11

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This is a semester course open to all interested students. Journalism is designed as an introductory course to print journalism. The fundamentals of journalistic writing and newspaper production will be introduced. Students will learn to write in a variety of forms and voices; students will explore the following types of writing: leads, headlines, captions, news briefs, features, editorial/opinion, sports, reviews, survey analysis, news articles, personal profiles, and many others; students will learn and use appropriate grammar, spelling, and mechanics in writing; students will use critical and creative thinking, logic, problem solving, and cooperative group skills. Reading and analysis of the New York Times supplement the text. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Journalism 1

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: B- or higher in Introduction to Journalism

This is a yearlong course open to all students who successfully complete Introduction to Journalism. Students will expand upon and utilize knowledge from Introduction to Journalism and apply it to the production and distribution of the student newspaper, The Crimson. Journalism 1 students will be responsible for writing leads, headlies, news briefs, features, editorial/opinion pieces, sports, reviews, survey analysis, news articles and personal profiles. Students will also be responsible for page layout, editing of articles and production. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Journalism 2

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: B- or higher in Journalism 1

This is a year-long course open to all students who successfully complete Journalism 1. Students in Journalism2 will serve as mentor editors for Introduction to Journalismwriters. Students will be responsible for editing, layout and design of The Crimson. Another focus of Journalism2 is on photojournalism as students anlayze photographs, write captions and cutlines, edit photographs and study ethics. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Publications (H) (03256)

Full-Year Course; Level - Honors; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: B- or higher in Journalism 2.

This is a full-year course designed for editors of the school newspaper, literary magazine and online Crimson, allowing students to work on these pubilcations with the support of a journalism teacher. The editors conduct meetings to make story assignments, design The Crimson, report and write stories, conduct public relations campaigns and meet with other student organization leaders. This course also offers opportunities for meeeting with the publication sponsor. Editors should expect to spend several hours a week after school working on print and online publications. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Public Speaking (03248)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

By familiarizing students with how to organize and deliver differing types of conventional public speeches, this course aims to increase student confidence, build student poise, and teach the student how to be an interesting and effective public speaker. In addition to establishing correct standards of good speech, the course focuses on listening excellence, group speaking situations, principles of interpersonal communication, appropriate use of body language, and principles of delivery and critiquing. Students will be required to speak in front of large groups in order to receive credit for this course. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Debate (A) (03248)

Semester Course; Level - Accelerated; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: None

This semester-long course will act as a “sibling” to the Public Speaking course; students can take either or both. With the increased role of oral presentations in the Common Core, this course provides more opportunities to our students. The experiential and performance-based approach will focus on Public-Forum Debate – a two-person team event whereby students argue both sides of controversial national issues. Specifically, students will work collaboratively and learn and adhere to the rules of this style of debating. They will develop logic and reasoning skills through depth of analysis and case development. Students will utilize research and evidence, present a clash of ideas in a rebuttal; effectively listen and communicate ideas with clarity, organization, eloquence and professional decorum. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Beginning English ESL (03209)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Beginning English ESL is a full-year course in which students with limited English proficiency will receive instruction in reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary development, and study skills. Students will read and respond orally and in writing to various forms of literature, including novels, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, nonfiction, and poetry. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

Beginning English ESL (03210)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Intermediate English ESL is a full-year course in which students with limited English proficiency will receive instruction in reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary development and study skills. Students will read and respond orally and in writing to various forms of literature, including novels, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, nonfiction, and poetry. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.

ELA Test Preparation ()

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 2.5

Prerequisite: Recommendation of guidance and/or special services

This elective course is for students who have exhibitied a need for remediation in state-mandated English Language Arts skills as required in part through the State Assessment Program (PARCC/NJSLA). Topics of instruction will include reading lierature, reading informational text, vocabulary acquisition and use, narrative writing and analytical writing. Students who received a Level 3 or below in the ELA 10 State mandated assessment could enroll in this course for at least one semester. This elective course does not fulfill the English requirement.