English

English 9 focuses on  skill development in reading and writing. Students still closely study the novel, the short story, mythology, poetry, drama and nonfiction texts. Students are expected to read selected chapters daily and may be given overnight reading or writing assignments of 10 or more pages depending up on the level of reading difficulty. Students will demonstrate their ability to create, organize, and communicate ideas through multiple formats including writing, speaking, and other media. Students will write many essays based on literature selections as well as short research papers (3 or more pages). In order to improve the student’s familiarly with word usage, they will study vocabulary words that relate to the novels and short story selections throughout the course. The course theme is understanding ourselves and our world through literature. 

Advanced English 9 focuses on strengthing students writing and interpretive skills. Students will demonstrate their ability to create, organize, and communicate ideas through multiple writing, speaking, and media formats focusing on expository, narrative, and informational forms. The multi-paragraph essay and the writing process will be emphasized. Common core standards in English Language Arts are embedded. Students should be prepared to write essays with a minimum of grammatical errors and with fully developed, well-supported content. Students should be prepared to complete daily reading assignments outside of class. Advanced English students should be able to work independently, meet deadlines, and possess strong reading and writing skills. 

English 10 focuses on examining perspectives in literary and informational texts. Students will study a variety of literature including short stories, drama, novels, and poetry. Readings will cover a wide range of eras, authors, and cultures with an emphasis on understanding the authors' and characters' perspectives.  Frequent writing and speaking activities, comprehensive projects, and reading quizzes are used to assess students' mastery of current ELA standards. Writing and speaking assignments focus on strong organization, idea development and should be free of grammatical and mechanical errors. Students will learn the research process, gather credible data in the form of interviews, journals and surveys, and write a researched, argumentative essay using MLA citation and format. Students will conference regularly with classmates and teacher to master the writing process. Students should be prepared for daily reading assignments and have the ability to meet deadlines. Students will learn multiple methods of online writing and will be expected to use school technology resources appropriately. 

Advanced English 10 focuses on analyzing perspectives in literary and informational texts. Students will study a wide variety of literature including short stories, drama, novels, and poetry. Readings will cover a wide range of eras, authors, and cultures with an emphasis on understanding the authors' and characters' perspectives. Formal and informal daily writing assignments are composed in response to the literature, in a variety of essay forms. Writing and speaking assignments focus on strong organization, idea development and should be free of grammatical and mechanical errors. Students will learn the research process, write a persuasive research paper, and gather credible data in the form of interviews, journals and surveys. Students also frequently share information with the class as peer teachers. Students should be prepared to complete daily reading assignments outside of class in order to analyze and discuss content in class. Advanced students must be self-motivated, strong readers and writers, and have the ability to meet deadlines. Students will learn multiple methods of online writing and presenting and will be expected to use school technology resources appropriately.  

English 11 focuses on analyzing literature and culture as it is expressed in classic and contemporary American literature which includes short stories, essays, drama, novels, and a unit of 20th century multi-cultural literature. Examples of the longer works may include: Glass Castle, Into the Wild, The Crucible, Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave, and The Great Gatsby. Students develop writing skills by writing several formal and informal essays with an emphasis on literary analysis, research, and expository writing. ACT test prep will also be integrated into the course. 

English 12 focuses on developing and demonstrating the ability to examine and produce texts in contemporary society.  Students will examine a variety of generes, including text, audio, and video.  The course will emphasize reading, writing, and discussion skills. Students will engage in weekly writing exercises and will write themes of various types. A senior research project is completed by all seniors as part of their English requirement. Principle readings may include Beowulf, Canterbury Tales, Hamlet, Kite Runner, Animal Farm, Persepolis and The Bathhouse.