English

English I

Grade: 9

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

This course is designed to expose students to a variety of styles of literature.  These include short stories, plays, fiction, and nonfiction texts.  Students will also study grammar, literary devices, and vocabulary.  During this course students will learn organized writing techniques for both paragraph and multi-paragraph writing.

English II

Grade: 10

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

This course is a general study in literature (prose, drama, poetry, and novels), grammar (usage and sentence structure), intensive writing, and vocabulary. 

Speech

Grade: 10

Length: 1 semester

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

This course is designed to improve the student’s ability to select and narrow an appropriate topic for a public speaking situation. Intermediate library science and technology-based research skills will be introduced. Both formal and informal communication skills are discussed. Each student will prepare and deliver a minimum of six speeches ranging from informal communication to a formal informative, persuasive, and demonstrative speech. Proper documentation methods will be stressed. 

English III

Grade: 11

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

This course emphasizes the study of American literature, grammar and vocabulary. Writing skills are studied culminating with a research paper. This course will fulfill both graduation and college entrance requirements. 

Honors English III

Grade: 11

Length: 1 year

Level: Honors

Credit: 1

This course is designed for those students who intend to further their education beyond high school at a four year college or university. It is the study of grammar, composition, and intensive writing. There is also a focus on vocabulary. A term paper is required. A comprehensive study of literature is designed to help college-bound students analyze literature. Emphasis is placed on knowing authors, their respective periods of literature, and their ideas expressed through their works. Essays based on literature are frequently required. Students should expect to be challenged in this course.

English IV

Grade: 12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

This course is designed for any student who wishes to further develop skills in academic writing, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Students will be exposed to various pieces of British literature and will be expected to complete analytical essays using critical thinking skills. Writing skills learned in Honors English 3 and English 3 will be built upon including the review of MLA. Another important aspect of this course is the persuasive research paper in which students will learn the principles of APA documentation. Students should be prepared for a heavy literature based curriculum.

Creative Literature

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 semester

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

The course is an eclectic study of literary genres. The curriculum will include an exploration of short fiction & nonfiction, journals, biographies, essays, poetry, drama, graphic novels and children’s literature. Students should expect to read literature aloud and memorize and recite poetry. A strong emphasis is placed on the cultural impact on literature and how profound literature impacts society.   This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Film as Literature

Grade: 10-12

Length: 1 semester

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English I

This course is a study of the early development of film, beginning with photography and advancing through early cinema. The focus continues with the presentation of literary elements in film. Both classic and contemporary films are incorporated. Students will complete a variety of assignments ranging from group projects to writing assignments.  This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Language Arts & Performance

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 semester

Level: General

Credit: 0.5

Students will develop understanding, skills, and enjoyment of the performing arts.  This course will include a focus on various fine arts genres, especially those most commonly found on stage and in performance competition.  These genres can include, but are not limited to, dramatic interpretation (both individual and duet), humorous interpretation (both individual and duet), extemporaneous and/or impromptu speaking, prose and poetry reading, radio and newscast speaking, and original oratory.  Students will learn and practice effective communication skills through the study of these genres.  Students will be expected to read, review, and critique these various genres, considering style, context, form, audience, all in the realm of fine arts appreciation.  Students will also be required to actively prepare for and participate in the performance of student-chosen selections of some of these genres.  A goal of this course is to direct the student to the interest of theater and performance competition.  However, participation in competition will not be a requirement. This course will be offered on a rotational basis as the instructor’s schedule allows.

Newspaper/Yearbook

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year

Level: General

Credit: 1

Students who take this course will work on both the school newspaper and yearbook. Students will learn to collaborate by reporting and photographing the school year. The newspaper will be published on the school website. The yearbook will be completed throughout the school year with publication at the end of the year. Students who wish to take this course should be willing and able to attend after school events. This course will involve writing activities as well as multimedia opportunities.