English Department

Semester              Credit .5             Est Fee: $0                  Grade Level: 9-12

ESL English is a required course for all English Language Learners. The course is designed to support the development of academic language skills. Students will be exposed to appropriate level reading and writing skills. Students will participate in the OELPA test every year to track the progress of their English language development. Once they reach proficiency, they will be mainstreamed and the following year they will take a standard English course. 

Year Credit 1 Est Fee: Not to exceed $10 

English 9 is a required course that combines the study of various literary genres (both fiction and nonfiction), vocabulary, and writing and research skills. Composition focuses on a variety of different forms of writing requiring multi-paragraph development. Writing mechanics are incorporated into instruction through the context of written and oral communication. 

Year Credit 1 Est Fee: Not to exceed $10 (Required Novels)

Prerequisite: 8th grade teacher’s recommendation 

Honors English 9 is an intensified study in literature, composition, grammar, and vocabulary that enriches the English 9 standard curriculum This course features and explores an extended scope of literature and literary analysis in essays; Students will be challenged with rigorous writing and analysis. Students who demonstrate an ability to think and write above grade level will further develop their skills. Teachers may require summer reading.  

Year Credit 1 Est Fee: Not to exceed $10 (Required Novels)

Prerequisite: English 9 

English 10 is a survey of world literature that emphasizes universal themes from a variety of cultural and historical sources, both fiction and nonfiction. Active reading strategies and ongoing literary analysis will be introduced and reinforced. Writing instruction will focus on the development of clear and effective expository and argumentative styles of writing through the development of logically-developed essays. Students will be required to complete the state-mandated end -of-course assessment. 

Year Credit 1 Est Fee: Not to exceed $10 (Required Novels)

Prerequisite: English 9 and 9th grade teacher’s recommendation. 

Honors English 10 addresses all aspects of the English 10 core curriculum and will differ in the selection of the material and depth of analysis and critical response required to evaluate literature. Students learn advanced skills of literary analysis and annotation. Composition focuses on literary analysis, logically developed expository and argumentative essays, as well as the development of the research paper. This honors course is designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement English in their junior year. Students will be required to complete the state mandated end of course assessment. Teachers may require summer reading. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 11         Est Fee: Not to exceed $20 (Required Novels)

Prerequisite: English 9 & 10 

American Literature is a study of well-known American authors with an emphasis on the historical context and American ideals presented in the literature. Major literary genres include both fiction and nonfiction through study of journals, essays, diaries, sermons, poems, plays, novels, documents, speeches, and articles. Critical and analytical terminology to discuss and respond to literature is emphasized. Writing skills are developed through expository and analytical compositions. Writing instruction will stress organization, idea development, fluency, analysis, word choice, and style. ACT preparatory skills in the area of Reading and English are also reviewed regularly. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 11         Est Fee: Not to exceed $20 (Required Novels)   

Prerequisite: English 9 & 10. 

Junior Humanities students analyze the connections between various media, including but not limited to: literature, art, history, and music. Students will learn about historical/cultural background of time periods of texts, analyze works for underlying themes, explore characterization, and examine use of language and literary devices to enhance development. Culminating focus will be placed upon making meaningful objective and personal connections with media of study. Writing assignments are primarily expository and argumentative and provide an opportunity for analysis and critical skills that connect the literature with experiences and the world around us. Emphasis on ACT preparatory skills in the area of Reading and English are also emphasized regularly. Supplemental texts are required. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 11         Est Fee: Not to exceed $40 (Required Novels)   

Prerequisite: English 9, 10 and 10th grade teacher’s recommendation. Students in Advanced Placement English Language & Composition pursue studies equivalent to a college level class. The study of literature, primarily through the exploration of nonfiction works, including various nonfiction texts, speeches, editorials, and essays. Emphasis is placed on critical reading and writing about expository, argumentative, and analytical prose, as well as completion of research projects to prepare students for the English Language and Composition Exam administered in May. Supplemental texts are required. Summer reading is a requirement and supports the rigorous pacing required by College Board. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 12 Est Fee: Not to exceed $20      

Prerequisite: English 9, 10, American Literature 

This course helps students develop the skills necessary to research, interpret and display information for documents relevant to both college and workplace writing. Students will practice clear and concise communication in a variety of media formats. The course is highly recommended for students with an interest in the following majors and career fields: science and engineering, business systems and finance, law enforcement and public safety, and health and human services. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 12 Est Fee: Not to exceed $20     

Prerequisite: English 9, 10, American Literature 

This course provides students an opportunity to read, research and create literature that interests them. Students will research a genre, read a variety of student-selected texts within the genre; research analyze and argue the subtleties of genre-specific writing styles and then synthesize findings in a variety of assignments. Students will also study the nuances of fiction and the impact of employing specific literary elements for effect. Writing assignments will engage students in a variety of styles following industry standards for format and structure. Students finish the year with a culminating publishing project that includes writing letters of query and synopsis of their personal writing. 

Year Credit 1   Est Fee: Not to exceed $20 (Required Novels)      

Prerequisite: English 9, 10 & 11 

*Concurrent College Credit may be available to those that qualify. See page 15 for details. Senior Composition & Literature is a survey course that emphasizes critical analysis of a variety of literature (with a concentration on British literature) including short stories, poems, plays, novels, and prose essays. Writing experiences for this course will extend to expository and persuasive essays, as well as research projects. Supplemental texts are required and must be purchased or supplied by the student. A summer reading assignment, located on the Northview website at www.sylvanianorthview.org, is required for this course. 

Year Credit 1 Est Fee: Not to exceed $20 (Required Novels)      

Prerequisite: English 9, 10 & 11 

Senior Humanities is a college preparatory class that explores the connections between literature, philosophy, history, visual and musical arts. Critical and analytical skills will be employed to evaluate the effects of Eastern and Western thought, culture, and tradition on society and the world. Writing experiences for this course will connect literature to the humanities through exposition, research and persuasive essays. Supplemental texts are required and must be purchased or supplied by the student. A summer reading assignment, located on the Northview website at www.sylvanianorthview.org is required for this course. 

Year Credit 1 Est Fee: $50 (Required Novels)   

Prerequisite: English 9, 10 & 11 and 11th grade teacher’s recommendation. 

Students in Advanced Placement Literature & Composition pursue studies equivalent to a college level study in literature and composition. Classic literature from a variety of genres, time periods, disciplines, types and rhetorical contexts will be studied with an emphasis on critical and analytical techniques used to evaluate literature. A heavy emphasis on written composition allows students to sharpen their critical writing skills and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their personal writing style. The course serves as preparation for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Test that is administered in May. Supplemental texts are required. Summer reading is a requirement and supports the rigorous pacing required by College Board. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 10-11   

Prerequisite: Honors Science and Honors English or Teacher Approval 

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-12 Est Fee: Not to exceed $5      

This class counts toward Fine Arts Requirement

This class counts towards Technology Seal

Students will learn the basics of digital photography including composition, how to use a camera, and Photoshop skills. Students enrolled in the class can use their own digital camera, one of the school supplied cameras, or can even use the camera on their phone. Additional equipment, while helpful, is not necessary. Students also experience the school's darkroom printing photos and photograms. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 11-12 Est Fee: $0      

The main objective of this course is to provide a foundation for students in creative writing. It will challenge students in a new way and provide an outlet for their own unique, creative approach to writing. The course will primarily focus on all forms of poetry and short story writing while allowing students to bring their individual perspectives into the classroom. This course will also feature more creative pieces of literature to assist in the exploration of style, form and genre. Some supplemental materials may be required and must be purchased or supplied by the student 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-12     

Pre Requisite: Oral Communications I

This course introduces students to the research, writing, and speaking skills necessary to compete in a formal debate. Students will analyze topical issues and resolutions, analyze debate theory and practice, and apply critical listening and speaking skills to their arguments. Students may receive Honors credit with teacher approval. 

Semester Credit .5   Grade Level: 9-12        

This course will count toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement

Drama is a semester course surveying the basic elements of acting. Students will explore pantomime, voice, improvisation, stage direction, movement and character creation. Students will perform a variety of short scenes throughout the semester. Students will be challenged to evaluate productions based on the elements of drama and provide written and oral critiques. With instructor approval, this course may be taken for honors credit. 

Semester Credit .5   Grade Level: 9-12           Est Fee: Not to exceed $30 (makeup kit)     

This course will count toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement

This class fulfills the Technology Seal

Theatre Workshop is a semester course introducing the basic elements of stagecraft and technical theatre. Students will explore the "behind the scenes" aspects of design and production including properties, scenery construction, make-up, costumes, lighting, sound, publicity and theatre business, culminating in the creation of a personal technical theatre portfolio. Students may work on the design for current student productions during the semester. With instructor approval, this course may be taken for honors credit. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-12    

Preferred pre-requisite class for newspaper and yearbook staff. 

This class fulfills the Technology Seal 

The students will learn the basics of working on the newspaper and yearbook staff. This course will require the students to practice various types of writing including news, sports, editorials, columns, reviews, and features. Students are taught interviewing, news gathering skills, and copyediting techniques. Students will also learn about design using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop as well as infographics, headlines, caption writing, and basic page design for media production. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-11    

This course is designed to prepare students to write and design for the school newspaper or yearbook. This course stresses the role of computers in the design portion of the course. They will be designing news pages as well as yearbook spreads. The writing portion will give students practice in the various types of new writing. They will write a feature story, a sports story, a movie review, a hard news story and an editorial. They will be taught basic interviewing skills, copy8 editing, and news gathering techniques. Students may have work featured in the student newspaper for publication. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 10-12           

This class fulfills the Technology Seal

PERMISSION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED. 

Members of the Journalism Staff produce the school newspaper. It is expected that Journalism students will provide continuity to the newspaper program and generally provide leadership on the paper. Journalism students produce, plan, work on the advertising campaign for, research, write, photograph, and design the school newspaper. Students often spend extra time beyond the regularly assigned publications period working on the newspaper. Staff assignments are made through application and appointment. Because the course requires extra time and commitment, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher to remain on staff. Students may earn honors credit with teacher approval. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-12    

Oral Communication is an introduction to ways people communicate both intra- and interpersonally. We will explore various types of communication and make several speeches/presentations over the course of the semester including impromptu, prose/poetry, storytelling, persuasive, informative, etc. Students enrolled in this course may earn honors credit with teacher approval. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-12    

Prerequisite: Oral Communications I. 

Oral Communications II is a continuation of the level I course. Students will develop a deeper understanding and extended practice on intra- and interpersonal communication. Students will begin to analyze verbal and nonverbal communication. Students will explain how communication skills transfer to advertising, broadcasting, interviews, declamation, debate, and impromptu speeches. 

Semester Credit .5 Grade Level: 9-12      

Public Speaking is a semester course that introduces students to speech communication and provides a safe platform to experiment with and grow their abilities in a variety of speaking formats. Speaking opportunities will include informative, demonstration, impromptu, and persuasive speeches as well as an introduction to debate utilizing parliamentary procedure. With instructor approval, this course may be taken for honors credit. 

Year Credit 1 Grade Level: 10-12         A pay to participate fee is required.

This class fulfills the Technology Seal

PERMISSION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR IS REQUIRED. *A Pay-to-Participate fee is associated with this class. Students must participate in the application process; it is recommended that you speak to the high school teacher for further application details. Members of the yearbook staff design, photograph, write and edit the school yearbook. Students often spend extra time beyond the regularly assigned publications period attending events, interviewing people, and taking photos. Students will be expected to meet advertising quotas for production. Because the course requires extra time and commitment, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher to remain on staff. Students may earn honors credit with teacher approval.