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The primary function of the English department is to provide the students with the necessary skills to achieve each of the following objectives in their English studies: an understanding of and appreciation for the many genres of literature, such as the novel, the short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction; a comprehension of the basic rules of English grammar, especially those which are applicable to improving writing proficiency; the development of a working vocabulary for life after high school; and the ability to communicate successfully and clearly in both oral and written forms. All courses are, to a certain degree, college preparatory and have been designed to accommodate students' needs for studying in a two or four year college.
401 ENGLISH I (Grade 9, Full Year, 1 unit)
The focus of the ENGLISH I Program is improved competency in reading and writing. To achieve this goal, students will read selections of various short stories, plays, essays and poems. They will learn to analyze by using the elements of these genres. They will also learn to think critically about the truth the selections represent. Studying grammar will enable Freshman students to expand their capabilities of response through writing. A systematized vocabulary series will enhance students' reading capabilities as well as prepare them for the PSAT and SAT that are taken in the Junior year.
It is the decision of the ENGLISH Department to have all Freshmen students study in a heterogeneous situation. It is anticipated that students will inspire each other to strive for their best learning. The level they achieve will determine their placement in Sophomore year.
Prerequisite: Summer Reading List
402 ENGLISH II (HONORS) (Grade 10, Full Year, 1 unit)
This advanced course includes work in literature, arranged by genre, vocabulary and grammar. In an effort to preserve the study of certain works of British Literature, the Canterbury Tales and one Shakespearean play are presented. Selected novel reading is required. Emphasis is placed on writing various types of papers: expository, argumentative, research. The student continues to work with grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisites: Summer Reading List; 90% average for ENGLISH I; recommendation of previous teacher.
403 ENGLISH II (REGENTS) (Grade 10, Full Year, 1 unit)
The course focuses on literature by genre (short stories, poetry, plays) and on grammar and vocabulary. Selected novels are assigned. Some selections of British Literature, including a Shakespearean play are included to preserve the study of influential works. Improvement in writing continues to be a goal.
Prerequisite: Summer Reading List, recommendation of previous teacher.
405 ENGLISH III (REGENTS) (Grade 11 Full Year, 1 unit)
The course concentrates on American Literature. Vocabulary, grammar and writing prepare the student for the year's major tests: October's PSAT; May's SAT; June's ENGLISH Regents exam. Assigned novel reading is done through the year.
Prerequisites: Summer Reading List; recommendation of previous teacher.
407 ENGLISH IV (REGENTS) (Grade 12, Full Year, 1 unit)
The course is devoted to studying literature by genre including novels, short stories, poems and plays. Emphasis is placed on writing during which a student is required to produce a documented literary paper in the fall and a documented research paper in the spring.
Prerequisite: Summer Reading List.
Electives:
Creative Writing (1/2 Unit)
Students will have an opportunity to express themselves in various styles of poetry, short stories, and creative essays. This class is structured as a workshop in which students engage in peer editing techniques and constructive criticism of each other's works.
Film as Literature (1/2 Unit)
Students will explore American cinema and its importance as an impacting force and reflection upon American identity. Students will be provided with an overview of the history of American Cinema as well as opportunities to analyze film using literary and cinematic terms; thus this course will also be writing intensive.
Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition (1 Unit)
The purpose of this full-year course of study is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. It will accomplish this goal by developing the interpretive skills of students as they learn to read and write with increasing sophistication.
Pre-requisite: Recommendation of Instructor.
Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition (1 Unit)
This course is a college-level examination of literature and its interpretation and analysis, in both written and oral form. Each quarter students will examine units of short stories, poetry, Shakespearean Drama, and modern drama. Students should be comfortable reading a large volume of literature, writing frequent essays about these works, and discussing their interpretations with the class.
Pre-requisite: Recommendation of Instructor.
Yearbook Production (1/2 Unit)
This course is intended for the serious student who is a self-starter, and who is self-motivated and self-paced. Students will work with the yearbook advisor in the various phases of yearbook production. Skills in computer, proofreading, layout, photography and keyboarding are desirable but not essential. Class size will be limited to a maximum of 15.
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