English Course Descriptions

ENGLISH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ENGLISH 1

FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS:

Freshmen are required to choose either #110 English 1, #112 College Prep English 1, or #113 Honors English 1.

#110 – ENGLISH 1 – 5 CREDITS (Level 0)

Grade 9

English 1 is designed to help students develop literacy skills by actively engaging in reading, writing, listening,

speaking, and viewing activities. This course places special emphasis on the reading and writing skills needed for successful performance on the High School Proficiency Assessment. Thematic literature study is supplemented by a heavy emphasis on refining reading and writing skills. The students will demonstrate proficiency in writing narrative, persuasive, descriptive and comparison-contrast expository essays. The students will be taught strategies that will assist them in editing text for spelling, grammar, mechanics and punctuation. The students will learn the skills associated with Internet and text research for formulation of a research project.

 #112 – COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 1 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grade 9

 CP English 1 is designed to help students develop and refine literacy skills by actively engaging in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing activities. Specific emphasis is placed upon effective composition, analytical response to literature, collaboration and discussion techniques. The students will explore a variety of writing discourses such as persuasion, cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution as well as research based projects. The students will explore a variety of literary genres that include poetry, short stories, non-fiction, drama and novel. The student will learn to respond analytically, personally, and imaginatively to literature to discover connections between literature and the world outside the classroom. This class will also address study skills, grammar and usage, vocabulary development and research procedures.

#114 – HONORS ENGLISH 1 – 5 CREDITS (Level 2)

Grade 9

H English 1 is designed to challenge the highly motivated and academically skilled students. The students will develop and refine literacy skills by actively engaging in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing activities. Specific emphasis is placed upon effective composition, analytical response to literature, collaboration and discussion techniques. The students will explore a variety of writing discourses such as persuasion, cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution as well as research based projects. The students will explore a variety of literary genres that include poetry, short stories, non-fiction, drama and novel. The student will learn to respond analytically, personally, and imaginatively to literature to discover connections between literature and the world outside the classroom. In addition, vocabulary development and grammar study will be included in the course of study. This course will place rigorous demands upon students in terms of study skills, homework and independent projects.

 

ENGLISH 2

SOPHOMORE REQUIREMENTS:

 Sophomores are required to choose either #120 English 2, #122 College Prep English 2, or #124 Honors English 2.

 #120 – ENGLISH 2 – 5 CREDITS (Level 0)

Grade 10

English 2 further enriches students’ growth acquired in English 1. This course continues the emphasis on the reading and writing skills needed for successful performance on the High School Proficiency Assessment. The thematic approach of the program incorporates exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts.  Thematic units of study will include “Diversity,” “Contemporary Issues,” “Relationships and Love” and “Conflict and Resolution.” The students will practice all stages of the writing process including: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and post writing. The student will respond analytically, personally, and imaginatively to literature and make connections between literature and the world outside the classroom. The class will also address study skills, grammar and usage, vocabulary development and research procedures.

#122 – COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 2 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grade 10

CP English 2 further enriches students’ growth acquired in College English 1. The thematic approach of the program incorporates exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts. Thematic units of study will include “Diversity,” “Contemporary Issues,” “Relationships and Love” and “Conflict and Resolution.” The students will practice all stages of the writing process including: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and post writing. The student will respond analytically, personally, and imaginatively to literature and make connections between literature and the world outside the classroom. The class will also address study skills, grammar and usage, vocabulary development and research procedures.

#124 – HONORS ENGLISH 2 – 5 CREDITS (Level 2)

Grade 10 

H English 2 is designed to challenge the highly motivated and academically skilled students. The thematic approach of the program incorporates exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts. Thematic units of study will include “Diversity,” “Contemporary Issues,” “Relationships and Love” and “Conflict and Resolution.”  The students will practice all stages of the writing process including: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and post writing.  The student will respond analytically, personally, and imaginatively to literature and make connections between literature and the world outside the classroom. The class will also address study skills, grammar and usage, vocabulary development and research paper.

ENGLISH 3

JUNIOR REQUIREMENTS:

 Juniors are required to choose either #130 English 3, #132 College Prep English 3, #134 Honors English 3, or #148 AP English Language and Composition.

#130 – ENGLISH 3 – 5 CREDITS (Level 0)

Grade 11 

English 3 offers an intense HSPA review and organizational strategies for writing. The course provides students with a solid foundation in American Literature that explores thematic units including: “The Journey,” “Progress and Social Maladies,” “Good, Evil, and Innocence” and “Trials, Tribulations, and Adversity” in American Literature. The students will respond persuasively, analytically, personally and imaginatively to literature. The course will prompt students to make connections between their lives and literature. The class will also address grammar and usage, vocabulary development and research procedures.

#132 – COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 3 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grade 11

CP English 3 focuses on the American tradition in literature through a thematic approach incorporating exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts. Thematic units include: “The Journey,” “Progress and Social Maladies,” “Good, Evil, and Innocence” and “Trials, Tribulations, and Adversity.” Students will respond persuasively, analytically, personally and imaginatively to literature. The course prompts students to make connections between their lives and literature. The class also addresses grammar and usage, vocabulary development and the research paper.

#134 – HONORS ENGLISH 3 – 5 CREDITS (Level 2)

Grade 11

H English 3 is an American Literature course designed to challenge the highly motivated and academically skilled students through a thematic approach that focuses on the problems and fears that Americans have been confronting for centuries.  Students will examine how these issues have evolved and how language and writing styles adapt to adequately reflect these social changes through various literary movements and social issues including schematic oppression, prejudice, representation, war, and class disparity.  In each unit, students will analyze how writers try to expose our country's problems, ameliorate social injustices, and persuade readers to take action through their genre, diction, and literary devices.  The class also addresses grammar and usage, vocabulary development, close reading, and the research paper.

#148 – AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION – 5 CREDITS (Level AP)

Grade 11

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

AP Language and Composition offers students the opportunity to pursue college level work in exposition and composition. The course has an interdisciplinary focus, drawing on issues in literature, science, the arts, world cultures, government and philosophy. The students will learn to appreciate structure and style of language and composition. Students will study mass media and propaganda techniques to learn discrimination in judgment and precision in expression. Studying advanced writing skills, students will master writing techniques, develop their own style and voice and prepare for the Advanced Placement test.

ENGLISH 4

SENIOR REQUIREMENTS:

Seniors are required to choose either #140 English 4, #142 College Prep English 4, #144 Honors English 4, #146 AP English Literature and Composition.

#140 – ENGLISH 4 – 5 CREDITS (Level 0)

Grade 12

English 4 focuses on the British tradition in literature. Students will examine several time periods in British Literature with a concentration on Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance and Victorian periods. The thematic approach of the program incorporates exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts. The students will respond persuasively, analytically, personally and imaginatively to literature. The course prompts students to make connections between their lives and literature. The class will also address grammar and usage, vocabulary development and the research paper.

#142 – COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 4 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grade 12

CP English 4 focuses on the British tradition in literature. Students will examine several time periods in British Literature with a concentration on Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance and Victorian periods. The thematic approach of the program incorporates exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts. The students will respond persuasively, analytically, personally and imaginatively to literature. The course prompts students to make connections between their lives and literature. The class will also address grammar and usage, vocabulary development and the research paper.

#144 – HONORS ENGLISH 4 – 5 CREDITS (Level 2)

Grade 12

H English 4 is designed to challenge the highly motivated and academically skilled students. Honors English 4 focuses on the British tradition in literature. Students will examine several time periods in British Literature with a concentration on Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance and Victorian periods. The thematic approach of the program incorporates exercises in critical reading, writing, listening and speaking in a variety of contexts. The students will respond persuasively, analytically, personally and imaginatively to literature. The course prompts students to make connections between their lives and literature. The class will also address grammar and usage, vocabulary development and the research paper.

#146 – AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION – 5 CREDITS (Level AP)

Grade 12

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

The objective of AP English Literature and Composition is to provide an enriched program in literature and writing that will enable students to score well on the Educational Testing Service’s test of the same name. Students will acquire the ability to interpret, analyze, critique, and appreciate literature of a variety of genres and to express their ideas about the literature they read both orally and in writing. In addition, they will learn to do in-depth literary research. Finally, students will become familiar with both the objective and subjective test-taking skills needed for use on the Advanced Placement test.

POSSIBLE ENGLISH ELECTIVES

#162A – JOURNALISM 1 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

#162B – JOURNALISM 2 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

#162C – JOURNALISM 3 – 5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: CP English 1

Journalism provides the students with an opportunity to learn the fundamental principles of writing, editing, and producing news. The role of media in our society is also introduced. This course should be considered a must for any student interested in a career in print or broadcast journalism. The course also offers potential Karux Newspaper editors and staff members the opportunity to prepare and practice their role on the paper. In this manner, authentic student work is exhibited.

#164 – READING AND WRITING IN MODERN SOCIETY – 2.5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: CP English 1 and CP English 2

Reading and Writing in Modern Society is a “hands-on” course for those students who have successfully completed College English 1 and College English 2. Students will experience literary genres and various types of language usage through their own writing.  Students will learn language process, elements, and conventions as they read, write, and discuss their own and other writing.  The course will also provide an awareness of a broad scope of contemporary literature allowing students to write in the genres studied.

#170 – LEADERSHIP: A CULTURAL REVOLUTION – 2.5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: CP English 3 (CP English 3 and Leadership: A Cultural Revolution may be taken concurrently)

Leadership: A Cultural Revolution is a course in the art and science of leadership. Through various forms of literature, students will study the lives and practices of current and former leaders in society. Students will put their research into practice and experience the transformation that leadership promotes. This course is designed to prepare students for the many facets of leadership in society – so they can develop a skill set that will prepare them for the real world beyond their academic careers.

#172 – FROM NOVEL TO FILM – 2.5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English 3 (English 3 and From Novel to Film may be taken concurrently)

From Novel to Film explores the relationships between literary works and their film adaptations to create a better understanding of their major differences. Students will analyze works of fiction, non-fiction, and drama. Students will critically analyze film through careful examination of literary adaptations by exploring character development, performance, and dramatic structure. This class also establishes a vocabulary of both literary and specific cinematic terminology.

#176 – MAKING COMICS – 2.5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: CP English 1 and CP English 2

Making Comics teaches students the fundamentals of sequential art – paneling, closure, pacing, line styles, coloring, and picture-word dynamics – through reading theory texts by some of the most prominent contemporary comic writers. Students will further study these graphic storytelling techniques by reading graphic novels, on-going series, and individual issues from various comic genres. This writing and project based course will require students to analyze and critique issues, create their own character, and redesign a costume, culminating in writing or drawing a single issue of a visual narrative script. Students do not need prior knowledge of comic theory or writing, they just need to have an interest in comics.

#178 – COMIC LITERATURE I: ANALYZING COMICS – 2.5 CREDITS (Level 1)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: CP English 1 and CP English 2

Analyzing Comics exposes students to classic story arcs and individual issues that have shaped comic and graphic novel history. The course begins by examining the physical layout and structure of comics, which will allow students to analyze and critique comics from the golden to modern ages. Through these varied readings, discussions, mini-papers, and creative projects, students will examine the historical, social, literary, and aesthetic value of comics and graphic novels.