English Electives

This class is an elective for any student interested in the various aspects of theater. Beginners will be introduced to the stage; experienced students will sharpen their craft. The course will begin by studying the history of theater, reading plays representational of different time periods/movements, and completing projects related to stage design and costuming. Students will also participate in acting exercises and be required to memorize and perform monologues and dialogues. The final assessment will be to participate in a play that will be performed for elementary students. Students wanting a successful experience in this class will memorize lines, feel comfortable in front of others, think creatively, and turn in all assignments and complete deadlines. This class also emphasizes participation and being a team player.

Students will develop communication skills to support academic success and prepare them to be engaged citizens in a democratic society. Students work to develop public speaking skills, listening and discussion skills, and practice argumentation and debate. Students will read, write, and speak about current event topics and issues as well as research and discuss both historic and contemporary legal issues and trials. This should be of particular interest to students who are interested in Speech Team, Mock Trial, and similar activities. 

Students in this elective course will document life at St. Peter High School by producing a bi-weekly digital newspaper.  If you enjoy writing, interviewing, layout, design and photography, and being active in the high school community, this class is for you!  Students should be collaborative, have excellent time management skills, be able to follow the ethics and laws of journalism and have the ability to meet deadlines.  Attending high school events taking place outside of the school day will be expected.

Creative Writing is an elective for any student interested in writing. Students will write daily in many creative formats, such as poetry, short stories and drama. Students should be prepared to read mentor texts and model writing strategies employed by published authors. To be successful in this course, students should be willing to take risks, accept feedback, and complete multiple revisions of assignments. Additionally, students should be willing and able to provide honest and respectful feedback to their peers. Publishing or presenting polished work to a broader audience will also be expected. Students will complete a writing portfolio as part of the course. As an English elective, students need to be disciplined self-starters who are able to manage their time.