"Every vital development in language is a development of feeling as well."
- T.S. Eliot
The study of English emphasizes three interrelated categories: language, communication arts, and literature.
Language is a dynamic entity whose structure, syntax, character, and standard of "correctness" are shaped and modified by the development of the indigenous culture.
Communication arts are the utilization of language in speech and writing for the purpose of conveying thoughts, ideas, concepts, and emotions successfully.
Since language is man's primary instrument for interacting with his fellow beings, the English student is encouraged to become involved with language through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Individual and group progress is assessed by the evaluation of meaningful writing assignments which are an outgrowth of class involvement and relevant to the literature.
All required courses are 1.0 Credit - Full Year.
Within this course, students will focus on the fundamentals of reading and writing through the Read 180 curriculum. Vocabulary and grammar will be taught within the context of both writing and literature. Students will also study non-fiction, short stories, drama, poetry, and novels, which will provide them with a survey of literature genres. The emphasis in writing will include the organization of coherent ideas in persuasive, narrative, and informative writing.
Within this course, students will focus on the fundamentals of reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. They will read and study short stories, drama, novels, poetry, and non-fiction. In addition, students will practice analyzing literature through reading strategies and writing MLA formatted narrative, informative, and persuasive essays to demonstrate their findings/claims.
Within this rigorous course, students will focus on the fundamentals of reading through the use of reading strategies, various forms of writing, literary devices, context-based vocabulary, and grammar. Students will be expected to read and analyze a play, a variety of short stories, novels, poems, historical nonfiction texts, and articles. As this is an honors course, students will read much of these works independently, followed by teacher-led class discussion and activities. The curriculum will focus on narrative, informative, and argumentative writing.
Prerequisite: Grade of A- or higher in LANGUAGE ARTS 128 (on level course) OR a B or higher in LANGUAGE ARTS 138 (advanced level course) OR LANGUAGE ARTS 148 (Gifted Level).
All courses are 1.0 Credit - Full Year.
The literature in this course will include short stories, novels, current events, and poetry. In part to emphasize preparation for the state Keystone examination study will concentrate on reading strategies for literature and non-fiction, vocabulary development, writing skills, and speaking and listening.
In part to emphasize preparation for college entrance examinations and the state Keystone examination, study will concentrate on reading strategies for literature and non-fiction, vocabulary development, writing skills, and speaking and listening. The curriculum offers a variety of works by American writers and includes examples of short stories, novels, plays, poems, essays, and biographies. Approaches to this study of American literature will include a cultural/historical perspective, as well as a thematic perspective.
Prerequisite: Final passing grade in ENGLISH 9 OR final grade of an A- or higher in APPLIED ENGLISH 9.
This course will help students develop higher-level thinking skills; intense reading and writing will take place, with an emphasis on American literature. Students will analyze literature and contemporary issues on many levels. Throughout the course, students will analyze the development of American identity through 20th-century literature and 21stcentury short stories and poems. Emphasis will also be placed on preparation for the Keystone exam.
All courses are 1.0 Credit - Full Year.
This course is designed to teach students the communication skills that will be required in the workplace of today and tomorrow. In addition to the traditional academic expectations, students learn by utilizing materials designed to develop the oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills necessary for future success. Concise writing skills along with relevant research are emphasized as well as grammar, vocabulary and career exploration.
Through a series of absorbing experiences while reading literature, analyzing literary and thematic forms and devices, and reflecting on historical development, students will gain a heightened awareness of World Literature. The course will focus on the following thematic concepts: the triumph of the human spirit, the value of individuality and human nature, the conflict of fate vs. free will, and the effects of chaos and violence in society. Students will study the human search for final answers through the evaluation of both traditional and modern contexts enabling them to define their personal positions regarding the quality and nature of existence. A strong emphasis will be placed on critical reading and elements of writing. Students will learn how to identify and use rhetorical devices. Students will be expected to complete a research paper in MLA format.
Prerequisite: Final passing grade in ENGLISH 10 OR final grade of an A- or higher in APPLIED ENGLISH 10.
Through a series of absorbing experiences in reading literature, analyzing literary, and thematic forms and devices, and reflecting on historical development, students will gain a heightened awareness of World Literature. The course will focus on the following thematic concepts: the triumph of the human spirit, the value of individuality and human nature, the conflict of fate vs. free will, the effects of chaos and violence and the resulting psychology in society, and the role of the hero. Students will study the human search for final answers through the evaluation of both traditional and modern contexts enabling them to define, in discussion and on paper, their personal positions regarding the quality and nature of existence. Students will also complete a literary criticism research paper in the MLA format.
Prerequisite: Course grade of B or higher in preceding year’s Honors course OR a course grade of A- in preceding College Prep Course.
This course is offered to students eager to learn about the complexities of the English language. While students will examine traditional content that includes works of fiction like novels, dramas, and plays, this college-level course will focus more on non-fiction texts and rhetorical techniques used by the authors. Students will use skills-based instruction to become tenacious critical readers and proficient writers of expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. The course is designed to prepare students for the AP Exam in May and is intended as a substitute for entry-level college English.
Eligible for Dual Enrollment Credit through Seton Hall University
Prerequisite: Grade of B or higher in HONORS ENGLISH 10, or a grade of A in ENGLISH 10.
All courses are 1.0 Credit - Full Year.
This course continues to develop the skills emphasized in Applied English 11. The course not only covers traditional career readiness activities such as job searches and interest surveys but also touches on the basic 21st Century skills students will need as they enter the working world. Concentration will include communicating with coworkers and superiors and evaluating job performance. Specific employment skills regarding securing, upgrading, and changing jobs will be addressed. Additionally, traditional academic expectations in the areas of oral, written and research presentations will be required, as well as a focus on grammar, vocabulary and the art of writing.
This course is designed for students to explore the diverse world around them through literature. Students will study a variety of genres and eras completing presentations, projects, and real-world activities that emphasize the importance of articulate communication. Students will complete writing assignments in a variety of modes and styles, also with an emphasis on real-world applications.
Prerequisite: Final passing grade in ENGLISH 11 or final Grade of an A or higher in APPLIED ENGLISH 11.
This is a writing-intensive course with a focus on British literature spanning its emergence through the twentieth century. Students will read works including poetry, drama, and novels, as well as supplementary readings to enhance the depth of understanding. Students will extensively read, analyze and critically respond to literature through discussion, writing, and projects that require the demonstration of higher-order thinking skills. Grammar will be addressed in the context of student writing, with an emphasis on preparing students for college-level writing. Assignments in this course will also include a college application essay at the start of the fall semester, and a research and presentation-based course project.
Prerequisite: Grade of A- or higher in ENGLISH 11 or B- or higher in HONORS ENGLISH 11.
This course is designed for college-bound seniors who intend to take the AP Exam for college credit. The course is the culmination of the English Honors program. Students who choose this course should be extremely skilled in literature analysis and should be writing on at least a “B” level in the eleventh grade Honors program. Students should also be diligent and responsible as well as strong readers and writers. Because of the demanding nature of this course, only students that are highly motivated and ready for the rigorous academic challenge of the course should take it. Students have the option of taking the AP exam for college credit at the end of the course at their own expense.
Eligible for Dual Enrollment Credit through Seton Hall University
Prerequisite: Course grade of B or higher in HONORS ENGLISH 11 or AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION or an A in ENGLISH 11.
In CREATIVE WRITING, students explore the limitless possibilities of storytelling. Students work to develop a personal style and voice through short stories, poetry, free writing, and major projects. Additionally, students will experiment with collaborative writing, writing for TV and long form writing. Students should be willing and eager to write frequently.
.5 Credits - Half Year
In this year-long course, students will continue to learn and develop journalism and multimedia skills as applied to the publication of the student newspaper, the Spotlight. Focus will be placed on writing, editing, and page design. Students will use technology on a daily basis to research, write, revise, edit, and publish. Those who possess strong writing skills, and who have an interest in current events and communications are well suited for this course. Students who wish to be considered for editorial positions on the Spotlight staff are required to take this course. This class may be taken more than once for credit.
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: B or higher in previous year’s English class
1.0 Credit - Full Year
The focus of this course will be on real-life situations that demand effective communication. Students will learn strategies used for a variety of speaking situations, ranging from informative to How-To to persuasive speeches independently and in group settings.
Grades 11-12
LCCC Eng 111 - Dual Enrollment
Eligible for Dual Enrollment Credit through Seton Hall University
.5 Credit - Half Year
This elective course will allow students to express themselves in various forms of video, television and film production. Students will have the opportunity to write, produce, videotape, edit and reflect on both live and edited television and film productions. Students will apply video skills learned in class to their own personal interpretations and ideas in television and film. Students will also study the techniques of storytelling using audio and editing techniques, including special visual effects and visual composition. Emphasis for instruction will include a prescribed text and practical/performance demonstrations using the component equipment in the TV studio as well as the Final Cut 10 editing program. If you want to make your own videos look more professional, this course is a good starting point.
Grades 10-12
.5 Credit - Half Year
Production of the yearbook by means of a desktop publishing computer program is this class’s goal. Writing, revising copy, creating layouts, taking photographs, proofreading pages, selling advertising and staying on schedule require the cooperation and commitment of all students in this course. After school time is necessary in order to meet deadlines, including attending school events to photograph for the yearbook.
Grades 9-12
.5 Credit - Half Year
Prerequisite: If you have taken yearbook previously, you must have earned a minimum grade of B.
Courses marked “*” indicates a weighted course.