English

MEDIA LITERACY ELECTIVES

161.1 - Introduction to Media Literacy, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course encourages students to think about the role of media in our lives, and how to access and use media as consumers and creators. Class activities include digital games, group projects, and writing about film clips on topics of social media, journalism, bias, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to build students' digital literacy tools to analyze media for content, audience, and purpose. Students must recognize techniques and be critical of bias in all media and techniques in this modern, media-saturated world. Students should feel empowered to use digital resources and tools for high school, college, and career.

162.1 - Film Studies: Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

Explore the art of storytelling through the lens of film in our high school Film Studies course. Students will review different genres including adventure, sports, history, comedy, and Pixar animation. Assessments include class discussions, film screenings, and analytical writing assignments. Students will emerge from this course not only as avid film enthusiasts but also as critical thinkers equipped to appreciate the rich tapestry of storytelling in both literature and films.

166.1/165.1 Speech (Public Speaking), Advanced College Preparatory or Honors, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 Credits 

Speech (Public Speaking) focuses on building a solid foundation in practical, effective public speaking.  The course is designed for students to develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of communication skills in life; to increase self-awareness: to learn specific techniques to make interactions with others more productive, effective and meaningful; and to learn to fully enjoy communicating!

167.1 Creative Writing, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

All students will be given the opportunity through a variety of types of writing to develop their voice by exploring various genres of writing including short stories, memoir, poetry, fiction and nonfiction Skills in proofreading, peer editing, and revising are stressed.~ Critical thinking skills will be enhanced through patterns of language usage and reading.  Primary focus will be on developing each student’s creative voice.  This course is interdisciplinary in nature, as students will be asked to tap into themes and topics represented in disciplines other than English, particularly in the area of non-fiction.

168.1 Written Communication for the Real World, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12 Semester, 2.50 credits

This class supports the writing skills needed for real world communication, especially in future careers in business, psychology, health, sciences and/or technology. Students will write for a specific purpose and audience on self-selected topics related to college, career or 21st century skills. Students are expected to work on inquiry-driven research and writing in class and to collaborate on the writing process. Work will culminate in a personal portfolio reflecting a growth mindset. Students will share their process, drafts, and written product in presentations supported by hands-on, visual and/or digital mediums.

169.1 Journalism, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This course will provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the genre of journalism and mass media.  News and the dissemination of information through the mass media are ubiquitous in today’s society.  A background in journalism will provide the student with a valuable means of communication and analysis.  Such diverse topics as ethics, technique, production, mechanics, genre, bias, economics, and audience will be explored in this class.

170.1 Non-Fiction Writing, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 Credits

Non-fiction Writing provides an introduction to the Non-Fiction genre.  Using selected non-fiction texts and essays, students will write and experience a wide-range of non-fiction formats:  memoir, biography, argumentative essays, persuasive essays, and narrative analysis. Students will be able to select their own topic to explore during the semester (e.g. culture, societal influences, contemporary ethos).   In this class we will read and reflect on a wide range of non-fiction material, and write our own essays…with a focus on written voice, rhetoric, and style.

171.1 Our Dystopian Fascination, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 Credits 

This course will examine the wildly popular dystopian genre.  Students will examine the history of the dystopian plot, as well as classic and modern texts and film.  Critical thinking skills will be enhanced through making connections between these works and modern society.  Projects and assignments will include the analysis of these works, discussion, and creative interpretations that reflect the students’ points of view and criticisms of society. 

172. 1 Graphic Novel, Comics, and Manga, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits
Graphic novels are one of the greatest art forms of storytelling and media. This class will explore visual pop culture through the genre of graphic novels and Japanese visual comics; students will learn to read the text/images to discuss the meaning; to identify social-cultural issues and to enjoy for pleasure. Students will explore graphics and animation software and storyboards; use digital tools, and share the process with others.  Some texts may include Batman, Dune, Watchmen, Blankets, A Contract with God, Naruto, and manga by Tezuka and more. The final project will include a student portfolio using project art and design.

173.1 Spoken Word: Poetry and Performance, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, semester, 2.50 credits

This interactive class will explore the art of storytelling through traditional forms of poetry,  hip hop and rap, spoken word performance, dramatic monologue and more. Students will write, review, and share in workshop style. The class will share words of their own and others and gain confidence in voice, writing and performance. The class may support a spoken word club, perform at X Mic, compete in Poetry Out Loud, sponsor advisory or other school-wide events.

174.1 Diverse Identities, Advanced College Preparatory, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This class explores the intersectionality of identities and voice by reading, viewing, and discussing contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, music, and/or film. Discussions will include student choice around contemporary issues regarding oppression, privilege, racism, gender, and power. Identity may include race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, and/or socio-economic class. The classroom environment is highly supported; topics are explored in a seminar style with an expectation of restorative and constructive dialogue.  Students are expected to adopt a curious, respectful and inclusive attitude in order to learn more of themselves and others, and to actively participate in daily class discussions, reflective writing, and creative projects.

176.1 Great Works - Beyond the Barricade: A Modern Reading of A Tale of Two Cities, Advanced College Prep, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 credits

This 9-12 English elective course focuses on a single classic piece of literature each semester, allowing students to explore deeper universal themes through a contemporary lens. Fall/Winter 2025, we will study A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. This course aims to make classic literature accessible and relevant to modern-day life, even for more reluctant readers. We will emphasize themes such as revolution, social injustice, class inequality, the destructive power of vengeance, personal redemption through sacrifice, the impact of the past on the present, and the complex nature of love.

175.1 Advanced Composition, Advanced College Prep, Grades 9-12, Semester, 2.50 Credits

This course focuses on the writing process (planning, drafting, and revising). Students will focus on different writing genres and organizational structures: expository, argument, narrative, and analytic. Advanced language skills (grammar and usage) will be a major component of this class. There will be an emphasis on research-based writing, and preparing to write at the college level.

177.1 Popular Art: Taylor Swift and Literature, Grades 9-12, Advanced College Prep, Semester, 2.50 Credits

This course is for students who have an interest in poetry, literature, and popular culture. Students will explore how artists such as Taylor Swift respond to the human experience through their art, as well as how different artists use their platform (or don’t) to effect change. In addition to looking analytically at a variety of texts, this course will focus on the role of the artist in society, as well as how the role has evolved with the arrival of social media. Students can expect to read, write, and participate in lively and informed discussion that encourages them to examine the world around them. Assessments will consist of formal discussions, analytical writing, and personal interpretations and responses.