Academics
Language Arts
English 1
The purpose of this course is to provide students with instruction in English language skills, including writing, speaking, and listening, in addition to reading and analyzing various literary selections.
Writing 1/ Writing 2
The content should include, but not be limited to, the following: analysis of model essays, impact of audience, purpose, and writing mode, writing process strategies, organization and support appropriate to text, peer review techniques and publication of final products.
Selected Topics In Classic Literature
This course is for students designated gifted or those intending to take World Lit and AP or for those students who successfully completed English Honors in the Eighth grade. The course will concentrate on the major themes recurring in world literature. The course will stress college-prep writing skills.
Creative Writing 3
The purpose of this course is to develop writing and language skills needed for individual expression in traditional poetic forms. The content should not be limited to the following: — reading, analyzing and writing Blues, Ballad, Asian, Italian, French forms and traditional forms — technical aspects of entering contests and publishing student work in a literary publication — technical aspects of entering and performing in a public reading.
Intensive Reading
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and strengthen reading skills. Learning tasks and materials accommodate the needs of students in an effort to increase student proficiency in reading.
English 2
This course provides instruction in English language skills, in the study of world literature, and in the development of composition skills. Course content includes grammar, vocabulary, reference skills, speaking and writing.
World Literature and Composition
This course is a prerequisite to AP English/DE English (college level). This course includes literary analysis skills applied to the short story, play, poetry, and a combination of advanced writing skills and creative writing. Teachers reserve the right to remove students from their classes at the end of four weeks (and place them in a general English class) if student performance does not meet teachers’ satisfaction.
English 3
This course includes the frequent writing of papers, especially those which require
reference and summarizing skills. American literature is studied though the analysis
of various genre, and instruction in listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar
are included. In addition, the Junior Focus — a career-specific project which combines
a research paper, job-shadowing, a portfolio, and an oral presentation — is
required.
English 4
The purpose of this course is to provide students with instruction in language skills through the study of British literature. Course content includes vocabulary building, literary analysis, public speaking, and listening skills. All aspects of the writing process are applied in frequent writing in real-life situations.
AP English Language and Compisition
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the semantic,
structural, and rhetorical resources of the English language as they relate to the principles
of effective writing. In addition the course prepares students for AP exams and exposes
them to American Literature. Please note that outside reading is required. The course is
also designed to provide students with a variety of writing opportunities calling for the use
of different styles and tones. This is a college level class that demands high commitment.
This class has a high level of rigorous work.
AP English Literature and Compositions
The course prepares students to take the AP exams as well as preparing them to excel at
college-level English. The course covers extensive study of ancient, Asian, classical, and
modern literature. Literary analysis will be stressed and outside reading is required. This
is a college level class that demands high commitment. This class has a high level of vigorous
work and should not be seen as an “out” of any level of Senior Project. Teachers reserve
the right to remove students from their classes at the end of four weeks (and place
them in a general English class) if student performance does not meet teachers’ satisfaction.
Dual Enrollment
Fundamentals of Speech
This course includes principals of oral communication common to speaking and listening. Emphasis is on listening techniques, preparation, and delivery techniques for extemporaneous speaking.
Student Success
This course is designed to equip students for transition in education and life. Students will
be actively involved in learning and integrating learning styles and goals. Students will
develop a learning portfolio and education plan while enhancing critical thinking and study
strategies.
Freshmen Composition 1& 2
These courses provide instruction and practice in effective expository writing. Emphasis is
on clarity of central and supporting ideas, adequate development, logical organization,
coherence, and grammatical and mechanical accuracy. There is a 6,000 word writing
requirement for each course.
*This course counts as two high school credits.