English Language Arts

Prerequisite: None

This course provides basic instruction in composition, literature, and vocabulary building through a standards rich curriculum. Major units of study in literature include Romeo & Juliet, poetry, modern short stories, and novels. Students are expected to build a background in literature and non-fiction texts while focusing on the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course will prepare students for the New York State English Regents.  

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and proficiency on an entrance assessment.

This course focuses on close reading and analysis of complex literary and informational texts by training students to observe the small details in a text to arrive at a deeper understanding of the whole. It also trains readers to appreciate authors’ sometimes-subtle choices, developing an awareness of how words produce effects and how the conventions of the English language are used for both precision and style. As writers, students focus on crafting complex sentences, producing well-organized paragraphs, and writing more sophisticated, longer-form analyses. This course will prepare students for the New York State English Regents.

Prerequisite: English 9

This course is designed to further expand the standards-based skills developed in Grade 9. Composition and literary analysis skills will be emphasized. In literature, Macbeth, poetry, modern short stories, and novels are studied. Students will also read and analyze original documents of an interdisciplinary nature. The course will prepare students for the New York State English Regents.  

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and proficiency on an entrance assessment.

This course builds on the foundations of the English 9 Honors course, with an emphasis on the recursive moves that matter in preparing students for the challenges of college-level reading, writing, and discussion. Students will be required to apply the fundamental routines of close observation, critical analysis, and appreciation of author’s craft to a new host of nonfiction and literary texts. As readers, students will develop a vigilant awareness of how the poet, playwright, novelist, and writer of nonfiction alike can masterfully manipulate language to serve their unique purposes. As writers, students compose nuanced analytical essays without losing sight of the importance of well-crafted sentences and a sense of cohesion. This course will prepare students for the New York State English Regents.

Prerequisite: English 10

This course offers students the opportunity to comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and communicate complex information in preparation for the Regents in English Language Arts. A student must pass the NYS Regents exam to satisfy the state requirements for a high school diploma. Emphasis in composition includes the literary analysis essay, persuasive essay, and the critical and evaluative essays. Emphasis in literature is on nonfiction texts, poetry, Shakespearean drama, and American novels and plays. All students are expected to take the New York State English Regents.  

Prerequisite: Pass English 10 Honors with at least an 85 or English 10 with at least a 90. Students must receive a teacher recommendation and show proficiency on an entrance assessment.

This course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts from a range of disciplines and historical periods. All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination offered in May. 

The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced Lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines.

Students have the option of taking this course for college credit through the SCCC Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite: English 11

The American Mosaic course invites students to explore the rich tapestry of American literature through the lens of diverse voices and perspectives. By examining literary works that reflect the varied cultures, backgrounds, and communities of the United States, students will deepen their understanding of the contributions that shape the contemporary American literary landscape. 

Students have the option of taking this course for college credit through St. Joseph's University HS Bridge Program. 

Prerequisite: Pass AP English Language and Composition with at least an 85 or English 11 with at least a 90. Students must receive a teacher recommendation and show proficiency on an entrance assessment.

This course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.  All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination offered in May. The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced Lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines.

Students have the option of taking this course for college credit through the SCCC Beacon Program. 

Prerequisite: English 11

This is the first semester of a two‑semester sequence introducing students to major literary genres through representative British texts from key historical periods. Through close study of seminal works, students examine the religious, political, and social forces that shaped British society. Emphasizing college‑level literacy, the course develops reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Each unit includes targeted instruction in effective prose, challenging students to produce mature, thoughtful, and stylistically sophisticated responses.

Prerequisite: British Literature A

This is the second semester of a two‑semester sequence introducing students to major literary genres through representative British texts from key historical periods. Through close study of seminal works, students examine the religious, political, and social forces that shaped British society. Emphasizing college‑level literacy, the course develops reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Each unit includes targeted instruction in effective prose, challenging students to produce mature, thoughtful, and stylistically sophisticated responses.

Prerequisite: English 11

This course is the first in a two-semester sequence that develops 21st-century communication skills for business, professional, and technical contexts. Students research fields of interest, produce audience‑focused documents (resumes, cover letters, emails, reports, and proposals), and practice data‑driven writing and document design with digital tools. Through both individual and group projects, students also develop and refine their oral presentation and interview skills, and they practice persuasive techniques to convince an audience. Students complete a professional portfolio that showcases polished writing and presentation readiness.

Prerequisite: Career-Minded Writing A

This course is the second in a two-semester sequence that develops 21st-century communication skills for business, professional, and technical contexts. Students research fields of interest, produce audience‑focused documents (resumes, cover letters, emails, reports, and proposals), and practice data‑driven writing and document design with digital tools. Through both individual and group projects, students also develop and refine their oral presentation and interview skills, and they practice persuasive techniques to convince an audience. Students complete a professional portfolio that showcases polished writing and presentation readiness.

Prerequisite: English 12 Fall Elective

This course examines the historical development and cultural significance of literature for children and adolescents, tracing its evolution from early oral traditions to contemporary works. Students analyze texts in context, synthesize multiple perspectives, and evaluate how these works reflect and shape social, moral, and educational values. The course emphasizes critical reading, interpretive thinking, and clear written expression.

Prerequisite: English 11

This course will use the traditional writing workshop format to foster student skills in writing short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. There will be an emphasis on class discussions of student work, as well as critical reading and study of classical and contemporary writers. This course will use peer evaluations to foster student skills in writing. In addition, the course will strive to integrate guest speakers and lectures from the surrounding academic and art communities.   

Students have the option of taking this course for college credit through St. Joseph's University HS Bridge Program. 

Prerequisite: English 11

This is the first semester of a two-semester course designed to support the development of strategic reading and writing skills. This course uses a contemporary approach, including exploration of high-interest topics and analysis of real world texts, to motivate students and expose them to effective instructional principles. Coursework encompasses a set of literacy expectations that will enable students to comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and communicate complex information.   

Prerequisite: English 12A

This is the second semester of English 12, which continues to prepare students for the literacy demands of college and career. This course uses a contemporary approach, including exploration of high-interest topics and analysis of real world texts, to motivate students and expose them to effective instructional principles. Coursework encompasses a set of literacy expectations that will enable students to comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and communicate complex information.   

Prerequisite: English 11

This course is designed to introduce, explore and examine the origins, universality, and enduring significance of heroic myths and legends that have helped humans make sense of their world and shape their societies. This course will employ cross cultural analysis of diverse texts in multiple mediums in order to consider the commonalities embedded in the heroic cycle as well as the human experience.

Prerequisite: English 12 Fall Elective

This course will focus on science fiction and fantasy as genres that blend literary art with scientific and philosophical speculation. This course is designed to introduce and explore the roots of and needs for classic science fiction and fantasy as well modern works in these genres. The course requires students to analyze the common themes of various texts that posit alternate or eventual allegorical realities in order to comment on enduring and complex societal issues.  

Prerequisite: English 11

Public speaking is the art of using words to share information with an audience. It includes speaking to audiences of any size, from a handful of seminar participants to millions of people watching on television. When students watch celebrities, politicians, business leaders, or other public figures speak on television or in public, they may mistake impactful speaking for innate talent. While it is true that some individuals are natural orators, most effective public speakers train for success. The guiding idea behind this course is that developing and mastering public speaking requires the study of effective models, progression through the writing process, and the exchange of feedback.