English

Do You . . .enjoy reading and writing? enjoy expressing your opinion? have clear verbal and written communication skills? enjoy persuading others? have a creative and imaginative personality? have good organizational skills? enjoy the fine arts? enjoy performing in plays and related performances?

If you have answered “yes” to more than half of these questions, this department may have courses for you!

For greater understanding of your interests, see your guidance counselor to review your interest inventory results.

Strong reading and writing skills as well as the ability to verbally communicate clearly and effectively are the basics for success in high school and in post-secondary studies. Virtually every career choice today requires employees to have advanced communication skills. No matter the business - industry, education, medicine- your ability to read, interpret data, and communicate this knowledge are the keys to your success.

ENGLISH 9

Course: 115161/215161 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 9

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

English 9 is a yearlong course designed to explore various literary genres. The course includes a study of the short story, novel, mythology, epic tale, drama, non-fiction, and research skills. In addition, speaking and listening skills are emphasized. Writing units will also be incorporated in each area of study, with an emphasis on developing meaningful ways for students to respond to literature. English 9 provides a foundation for all students to develop in the language arts and be successful in high school. All course curriculum has been developed in alignment with the Wisconsin State Standards.

ENGLISH 9 ENRICHED

Course: 115171/215171 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 9

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Fee: $2.00

English 9 Enriched is a yearlong course designed to explore various literary genres. The course includes a study of the short story, novel, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and research skills. In addition, speaking and listening skills are emphasized. Writing units will also be incorporated in each area of study, with an emphasis on developing meaningful ways for students to respond to literature. English 9 Enriched provides a foundation for all students to develop in the language arts and be successful in high school. All course curriculum has been developed in alignment with the Wisconsin State Standards. Parents should be aware that students are encouraged to buy several texts. Reading and writing will be conducted at an accelerated pace to best meet the needs of advanced language arts students. 

ENLISH 10

Course: 115511/215511 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 10

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Fee: none

This year long course is designed to examine historical periods throughout American Literature and prepare tenth grade students for junior/senior level course work and college and career readiness. The class includes a study of the short story, novel, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and oral communication skills. Expository, research-based, and narrative writing units, as well as literary analysis will be incorporated in each area of study. English 10 requires critical thinking and employs student assessments that authenticate learning through a variety of student products. All course curriculum has been developed in alignment with the Wisconsin State Standards.

ENGLISH 10 ENRICHED

Course: 115311/215311 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 10

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Fee: none

This course is designed for the student who has already displayed the ability to write and to read critically. Exploring the philosophies of several authors, this class focuses on developing the literary analysis skills needed for IB English and other junior/senior electives. In addition, this course covers the following types of writing: the research paper, the comparison/contrast essay, in class essay exams, and other informal, timed and un-timed writings. During the year, students also build their vocabulary and speaking skills preparing them for junior/senior IB classes. Parents should be aware that students are encouraged to buy several texts. All course curriculum has been developed in alignment with the Wisconsin State Standards.

PUBLICATIONS LAB/YEARBOOK & NEWSPAPER

Course: 115333/215333 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 10–12

Prerequisite: Teacher Approval Fee: none

The Publications Lab is designed to publish East’s yearbook, the WAHISCAN, and the newspaper, the Skyrocket and to learn the skills necessary to do so.  Students need to have above average writing ability and be exceptionally responsible about meeting deadlines.  Prospective students must interview with the adviser and be earning at least a 3.0 grade point average. Enrollment will be limited to 25 students.  NOTE:  After successfully completing all assignments, a student will have earned one elective credit toward graduation.  This course can be taken more than once, and should satisfy most college/university entrance requirements for general credit.

LITERATURE SEMINAR

Course: 215251 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 2 Year Taken: 11–12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This course is designed to acquaint the student with a wide variety of adolescent and adult contemporary literature along with non-fiction literature.  The primary focus will be the enjoyment of reading, and the class will seek to improve comprehension and critical reading skills. 

This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center

REAL WORLD WRITING

Course: 115141 Credit: 1.0 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This course is designed for students who want to develop the written communication skills necessary for success in the real world. This course is appropriate for students planning to enter the job market, the military, or technical college upon graduation. Students will continue to improve their ability to produce writing that is clear, organized, grammatically correct, and purpose/result driven. Assignments will be completed in a variety of formats including print, video, and speeches. Assignments are directed toward the students’ life and career interests and skill development and may include letters, resumes, interviews, emails, paragraphs, and presentations.

This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center

SPEECH

Course: 215141 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

Speech provides the study of and practice in the basic principles and techniques of effective oral communication. This course includes instruction in adapting speaking to different audiences and purposes. Students learn how to deliver planned as well as spontaneous speeches. In addition, they examine techniques for informing, demonstrating, and persuading audiences with words as well as techniques of speech communication.   

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN LITERATURE

Course: 115281 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 12

Prerequisite: None Fee: $2.00

This course covers American Literature from the 1950’s to the present and will include short stories, drama, poetry, and novels. Discussion and written assignments will focus on analysis of the literature. Written assignments will include essay tests, shorter response, and literary analysis papers. Contemporary American Literature is recommended for readers of above average ability who plan on continuing their education after high school.

CREATIVE WRITING

Course: 115451/215451 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 or 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

Creative Writing is designed for juniors and seniors who desire to experiment in writing poetry, short stories, and plays. Through writing prompts and short assignments, writers will focus on the elements of imaginative writing.  Class members analyze works of well-known fiction writers while improving their own work through peer-editing and instructor feedback.

FILM AS LITERATURE

Course: 115351 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 10-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This course is designed to enable students to become more critical viewers of film and be able to view film as a piece of literature. Students analyze feature films in terms of technical aspects and literary merit (juxtaposition, motif, characterization, symbolism, etc.). Emphasis is on analysis through class discussion and writing assignments.

This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center

MULTI-CULTURAL LITERATURE          

Course: 215271 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: $2.00

Multicultural Literature is a course designed for readers of above average reading ability.  The course features a study of cultures and literature from minority and cultural sub groups as represented by students in our schools and may include Southeast Asian, Native American, African American, Hispanic, LGBTQ, or other under-represented groups, all with an historical, sociological, and literary perspective.  Because many colleges and universities strongly encourage students to participate in diversity courses, Multicultural Literature is recommended for those planning to continue on to post-secondary studies. 

NOVELS

Course: 115301/215301 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 or 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This course is designed to introduce the student to the novel as an art form. Graphic Novels will be the primary focus of the coursework and will include the study of art, composition, and structure. Students will be expected to be involved in elements of the English Language Arts classroom including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Critical analysis of the Graphic Novel will be an expectation.

WORLD LITERATURE

Course:  215431 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: $2.00

This course surveys the literature, philosophy and historical background of world cultures including Sumerian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese and African, as well as European Romanticism and Realism. Students will read a variety of shorter prose, poetry, novels, and drama, often centered on the search for the meaning of life. Written work and discussion will focus on literary analysis, with written assignments of essay tests, shorter responses, comparison, and literary analysis. An individual choice book is an additional requirement.

COMPOSITION

Course:  115371 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 11- 12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This is a one semester writing course designed for juniors and seniors needing to refine and strengthen their academic writing, focusing on paragraph development and different types of essays. This course will benefit students who need additional work in formal essay writing. Attention will also be given to sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Students who plan to attend college will also want to take Advanced Composition I and /or II before graduation

ADVANCED COMPOSITION I

Course: 115001 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 11- 12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This is a one semester writing course designed for juniors and seniors who are confident with academic essay writing and want to begin to strengthen the writing skills needed for success in college. Attention to organization, style, voice, word choice, critical thinking and writing skills and conventions are stressed throughout. An A or B average from previous English classes is recommended.

ADVANCED COMPOSITION II

Course: 215631 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 2 Year Taken: 12

Prerequisite: Advanced Composition I Fee: None

This is a one semester writing course designed to prepare college bound seniors for college level writing and discussion.  Students will write in a variety of genres, read and analyze a non-fiction book, and deliver formal presentations.  An A or B average in previous English courses and an independent work ethic is strongly recommended. 

ENGLISH IB I     

Course: 115121/215121 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 11

Prerequisite: Students need to be ready for a challenging curriculum and/or consent of instructor Fee: None

This is the first year of a two-year course, offered under the auspices of the International Baccalaureate Organization.  The course will concentrate on a study of world literature.  Literary analysis is a major focus of the reading, writing, and speaking in the class. English IB students are expected to write analytical essays, sit for exams testing content and style, and speak analytically in daily discussions and oral presentations.  Throughout the course, students compete with other IB students around the world on a series of rigorous assessments which may result in college credit and/or college course exemptions, depending on the college the student attends. A passing semester grade is required to progress from one semester to the next.

ENGLISH IB II

Course: 115131/215131 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 12

Prerequisite: Students need to be ready for a challenging curriculum and/or consent of instructor Fee: None

This is the second year of a two-year course, offered under the auspices of the International Baccalaureate Organization.  The course will concentrate on a study of world literature.  Literary analysis is a major focus of the reading, writing and speaking in the class.  English IB students are expected to write analytical essays, sit for exams testing content and style, and speak analytically in daily discussions and oral presentations.  Throughout the course, students compete with other IB students around the world on a series of rigorous assessments which may result in college credit and/or college course exemptions, depending on the college the student attends. A passing semester grade is required to progress from one semester to the next.

BROADCASTING

Course: 124661 Credit: .5 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 10-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This course explores the utilization of oral and written communication as it applies to potential career fields such as newscasting and journalism. Coursework will include broadcasts that entail transitions, graphics, news, audio and video technology. Individuals interested in improving their speaking and writing abilities and/or curious about media might consider this course.