ENGLISH 1

English I provides students with skills and experiences to communicate effectively through written and oral language and to develop a personal voice as a writer and participant in the classroom. Students will read a variety of texts pertaining to the idea that life is a metaphorical journey fraught with obstacles to be transcended and epiphanies to be revealed. Students will discover that language is a dynamic instrument for learning and reflection. They will analyze how word choice and structure shape meaning and tone in narrative texts. Students will also produce narrative and expository writing pieces that are developed by organized writing techniques. Furthermore, students will have opportunities to prepare and participate in more formal presentations, such as speeches, panel discussions, and debates, while adapting speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks. Development of vocabulary, research, and study skills will empower students to become more articulate consumers and producers of language. Students will acquire and apply 21st century skills in technology and media as well as global literacy as part of the curriculum.

JOURNALISM 2

Journalism 2 is a full-year course open to students who have completed Journalism I and expressed a firm commitment to the continued production of the SHS newspaper. Advanced responsibilities of upper-level staff will include editorial decisions for feature articles, columns, personality profiles, photo essays, film and music reviews. The nature of journalistic ethics will be critiqued and provide the foundation for responsible reportage. By examining design and circulation trends in other national and scholastic newspapers, students will evaluate their final product and work to refine all elements of the production process including advertising and distribution. Editorial staff members who have successfully completed Journalism 1 may register for this course.

JOURNALISM 3

Journalism 3 is a full-year course for the editorial staff of Verve. This is a production course with emphasis on editorial policy and the study and evaluations of national, regional, and local publications. Students must successfully complete Journalism 2 to register for the class.

 JOURNALISM 4

Journalism 4 is a full-year course for the editorial staff of Verve. This is a production course with emphasis on editorial policy, and the study and evaluations of national, regional and local publications in print and online. Students must successfully complete Journalism 3 to register for the class.