Embedded Files
The English/Language Arts program is not only designed to fulfill the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Language Arts but also to encourage students to develop and master reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills.
The overall goals of the language arts program include the following:
❖ to develop analytical, critical, and creative thinkers.
❖ to ensure that all students can express their ideas in a cohesive and succinct manner.
❖ to create life-long readers.
❖ to appreciate the literary contributions of distinct cultures around the world throughout history.
❖ to instill student awareness and sensitivity to the cultural diversity of our nation and the global community.
All students are required to take four years of a literacy-based program that emphasizes the following:
❖ extensive reading through a variety of literary genres for interpretation, analysis, and self-awareness.
❖ writing that adheres to application of grammar, usage, and mechanics and that is appropriate for different audiences and real and varied purposes.
❖ research to extend student understanding of literary insights, authors, and cultural and historical settings.
❖ development of effective oral communication through class discussions, group activities, and oral presentations.
❖ expansion of vocabulary in the context of reading and writing.
English Language Arts Elective Courses
The following elective courses are offered in addition to the required courses. Designed to meet diverse student needs, these courses provide credit toward graduation, yet they DO NOT replace English requirements.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
#H1502
Grades: 9 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Public Speaking is a semester course for students who plan to enter a profession in which the ability to speak well is of major importance. Students electing this course will have a greater competence and confidence in the preparation and delivery of oral presentations. This course is recommended for students planning to continue their education at the college level.
ACTING WITH DRAMATIC LITERATURE
#H1512
Grades: 9 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Acting with Dramatic Literature is a semester course that includes instruction in critical reading and written analysis of a one-act play as well as lessons in acting through physical and vocal exercises. Students will study the fundamentals of dramatic literature, including the structure of the one-act play, focusing on the importance of plot, conflict, setting, and characterization. In addition, students will be assigned specific characters to analyze in writing, paying strict attention to motivation and subtext. Students will be required to participate in theatre games, improvisational work, and group rehearsal dynamics to discover and develop basic acting skills. Students will handle props, learn the basics of direction, and critically evaluate other actors’ work as well as their own orally and in writing. The final assessment of the course will be a performance of the one-act play.
JOURNALISM I
#H1552
Grades: 9 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
The focal point of this course is to learn and practice various forms of journalistic writing for a newspaper or magazine. It includes news, feature, sports, editorial, and column writing. News gathering and reporting for the story are stressed as the ideals of a free and responsible press are applied to the student's writing. Emphasis is given to learning concise, direct writing using school events and school related topics and issues for its subject matter. Student writing assignments may be submitted to the high school newspaper or local papers for publication.
JOURNALISM II
Grades: 10 – 12 Full Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Journalism I with a passing grade of “B” or higher, as well as a recommendation from the teacher/journalism adviser or instructor approval
Journalism II, offered as a full year course, is a workshop for the production of the monthly Fanscotian, the school newspaper. After enrolling, students are required to be available for a personal interview with advisor/teacher so staff positions can be selected according to the student's needs, interests, and abilities. Students electing this course should be effective writers with a well-developed writing style. Staff positions offer consistent, practical experience in reporting, news, feature and opinion writing, management, photojournalism, page make-up, paste-up, design, advertising, bookkeeping and circulation.All students will receive a position on the staff.
JOURNALISM II A
#H1562 Full Year Credits: 5
For students who have had Journalism I or II for one year, this course's emphasis will be on further development of writing skills, interviewing techniques, and editing skills, as well as exposure to advertising, photography, and layout. Some leadership opportunities will be available at this level.
JOURNALISM II B
#H1572 Full Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Journalism I and Journalism II
This course is for those students who have had two years of Journalism II or one semester of Journalism I and one year of Journalism II. These students will work more independently, with more of the responsibility for newspaper production and instruction of other students.
PHOTO-JOURNALISM & YEARBOOK I
#H1582
Grades: 9 – 11 Semester Credits: 2.5
This course stresses an integrated approach to various phases of yearbook production. The following skills are emphasized: copywriting, caption writing, proofreading, editing, sales, advertising, layout, thematic development and photography. This course is a prerequisite for Yearbook. Students must maintain a “B” average as well as a recommendation from the teacher/adviser to move into Yearbook II.
PHOTO-JOURNALISM & YEARBOOK II
#H1592
Grades: 10 – 12 Full Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Introduction to Yearbook with a passing grade of “B” or higher, as well as a recommendation from the teacher/yearbook adviser or instructor approval
This course is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have met the criteria of Introduction to Yearbook. Students in this course will be responsible for the development, production, sale, and distribution of the yearbook. Students will continue to develop and apply skills such as copy writing, reporting, editing, photography, graphic arts, business, sales, and marketing, publication law, computers technology, business software, desktop publishing, and digital imaging. Students will also develop life skills such as communication, team collaboration, personnel management, time management, and problem solving
HUMANITIES
#H1602
Grades: 11 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
The purpose of the interdisciplinary humanities class is to make students aware of the differences and similarities between the cultural groups that make up American society and to help them accept and celebrate these differences and similarities. With this awareness, students will develop their ability to positively affect society through acceptance and action. Emphasizing self-discovery, self-awareness and tolerance/acceptance, the course makes use of many disciplines including literature, history, psychology, sociology, drama, music, and film. Units taught in the course include: The Individual, Human to Human, The Family, The Individual in Society, and Global Awareness.
TOMORROW'S TEACHERS
#H7802
Grades: 11 – 12 Full Year Credits: 5
Students will be given challenging real-world projects and assignments typical of the education field. Classroom activities will include reading, research, projects, problem solving, and observations. Projects will include working with other students in an educational setting. Assessment methods will include reflective writings, hands-on activities, observations, oral and written projects, reading assignments, and a portfolio. This course can fulfill a practical or a fine and performing arts requirement.
CREATIVE WRITING A
#H1612
Grades: 9 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
CREATIVE WRITIING B
#H1622
Grades: 10 – 12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: Creative Writing A, unless a student has a grade of “B” or higher in the preceding year’s English class.
Each of these courses is designed for students who are interested in developing their skills in creative writing. Topics emphasized are plot construction, dialogue, figurative language used for description, mood, point of view, and character development. Much of the class time will be devoted to the analysis of professional models as well as student writings. Performance poetry will be part of the first semester requirement. A portfolio assessment will be utilized at the end of each semester. Students who intend to be on the staff of Muse, the school literary magazine, are recommended to take this course.
VIDEO ARTS PRODUCTION
The Video Arts Production Department aims to inspire and prepare students to become innovative storytellers and skilled professionals in the dynamic fields of video production, television journalism, and filmmaking. Through a comprehensive sequence of courses, students gain foundational and advanced expertise in storytelling, technical production, and collaborative creation. By engaging in authentic, hands-on learning experiences—such as producing newscasts, creating podcasts, and developing short films—students cultivate their creativity, technical skills, and teamwork capabilities. The program fosters a passion for visual media and equips students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in higher education and future careers in media arts, making a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving world of communication.
INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION
#H7202
Grades: 9-12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: None
This is an introduction to all of the video production courses that provides a base knowledge of many different aspects of video production. Students will learn how to write scripts, perform basic camera functions, and follow video editing techniques.
TV JOURNALISM PATHWAY
BROADCAST JOURNALISM & STUDIO TV
#H7212 Dual Enrollment
Grades: 9-12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: H7202 - Introduction to Video Production
Students taking this class have to take Introduction to Video Production. Students will create news magazine style video packages and learn how to put together video packages into a full newscast. Students will develop a deeper knowledge of video editing, graphics, hosting, and interviewing techniques. Students will also create their own video podcasts as well as design their own live studio shows within the television classroom.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM: RAIDER TV NEWS
#H7222
Grades: 10-12 Full Year Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite: H7212 - Broadcast Journalism & Studio TV or instructor approval
Students taking TV News & Journalism are expected to be proficient in on camera presentation, video editing, and proper camera framing. Students will work as a team to create a newscast “Raider News” that gets published and shared with the community on YouTube.
FILMMAKING PATHWAY
CREATIVE STORYTELLING & VIDEO PRODUCTION I
#H7232
Grades: 9-12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisite - H7202 - Introduction to Video Production
Students taking this class have to take Introduction to Video Production. Students will create short films while learning about and using three phases of video production. Students will develop a deeper knowledge of screenwriting, storyboarding, directing, cinematography, video editing, and special effects.
CREATIVE STORYTELLING & VIDEO PRODUCTION II
#H7242
Grades: 10-12 Semester Credits: 2.5
Prerequisites - H7232 - Introduction to Video Production, Creative Storytelling & Video Production I or instructor approval
Students taking this Filmmaking capstone course are assumed to have a proficiency in screenwriting, cinematography, and video editing. Students will develop video production projects in technical areas they are passionate about and work with the guidance of the teacher and the support of their peers to accomplish their larger scale filmmaking goals.
Page updated
Report abuse