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English Language Arts (ELA)
English 2
English 2
The purpose of English II is to engage students in authentic reading and writing tasks, to target specific writing skills, to develop a variety of reading strategies, and expose students to a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. Students will read and write for a variety of purposes that will focus on argumentative, expository, narrative, and persuasive modes.
Accelerated English 2
Focus on essay writing to improve paragraph structure and integration of evidence; increase written and spoken vocabulary; use higher thinking skills of questioning, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; engage in research and complete a portfolio of work; practice for standardized, AP, and/or college entrance exams; use multimedia reference materials.
Humanities 2
Humanities II challenges students to examine and analyze major historical events and current global issues through the lens of literature and collaborative projects. This course combines English II, and social studies electives World History and Global Issues.
English 3
English 3
English III combines literature by American authors with focused writing assignments. Students read various pieces of literature; become familiar with author backgrounds, writings, and themes; develop communication skills; find personal meaning by responding to the literature; and recognize the relationship between American history and literature. Writing assignments include descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and expository paragraphs, essays, articles, critiques, and incorporating research techniques and skills into a formal paper or project. Students write for a specific audience; broaden vocabulary and increase critical thinking skills; and revise and proofread work for style, grammar, and mechanical errors.
American Studies
American Studies is a year-long survey course combining the study of American history with American literature and composition. This two-period block class provides an interdisciplinary approach to the three required courses. The chronological study of history from the pre-Civil War period to the present blends an appreciation for different literary genres throughout our nation’s history, helps students develop critical reading and writing skills, focuses on vocabulary building, and includes art, music, film, and other cultural developments of historical eras. If successfully completed, the student earns one credit for American history, 0.5 credit for American Literature, and 0.5 credit for Composition. Most students register for this course for their junior year of high school.
AP English Language & Composition
Trace trends in American Literature; analyze writing by identifying theme, style, tone, and purpose; analyze literature; increase reading and vocabulary; respond to other students’ writing; respond clearly and concisely to timed essay questions; understand and evaluate the semantic, structural, and rhetorical features of language; demonstrate the use of all elements of the writing process; incorporate research techniques and skills into a formal paper/project. Read and analyze novels and dramas in terms of theme, structure, and style; develop techniques for finding artistic merits of short stories and poems; locate and use literary analysis through discussion, timed writing, and extended research; refine expository writing skills; participate in large and small group discussion; participate in cooperative groups; use technology to utilize research techniques.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
Speaking
Debate 1
Retrieve information using all available library media; use all components of an organized argument; demonstrate cross-examination techniques using open, probing, and critical thinking and questioning skills; demonstrate problem-solving strategies on policy issues by writing and presenting an affirmative case; demonstrate skills in individual events, either through extemporaneous speaking or original oratory speeches; refute arguments presented on all sides of an issue; support claims of arguments by using evidence effectively; use critical thinking skills in the presentation of a debate; demonstrate effective speaking skills in presenting arguments by using debate skills; demonstrate proper interpersonal skills in an adversarial setting.
Debate 2
Expand the areas of persuasion, research, and argumentation explored in Debate I; demonstrate skills in individual events, either through extemporaneous speaking or original oratory speeches; demonstrate skills in theory and practice of Lincoln/Douglas debate; demonstrate skills in parliamentary procedure and debate through Student Congress; present an affirmative case and negative arguments on the next year’s debate topic; demonstrate advanced argumentation skills in competitive debates.
Team Debate
Demonstrate the use of advanced argumentation skills in competitive debates; demonstrate skill in debate and parliamentary procedure using the Student Congress mode; demonstrate advanced communication skills in oratory or extemporaneous speaking; demonstrate speech critiquing skills by judging novice debate contests; demonstrate advanced research skills in writing affirmative and negative arguments.
Speech
Research and utilize electronic and nonelectronic library information; demonstrate organizational skills in writing speeches, outlines, and note cards; exhibit an appreciation for other student ideas and opinions; demonstrate poise, self-confidence, and skills in public speaking in a one-on-one setting, a small group setting, and multiple large group settings.
Electives
American Film History
In our media-driven world, film and motion pictures have an important impact on our lives and our culture. This course looks at how American films have communicated and impacted the film industry since the beginning of the 20th Century. Technical and social aspects of award-winning and classic cinematic storytelling are examined and how these processes have impacted today's filmmakers and audiences.
AP English Literature & Composition
Read and analyze primarily imaginative literature, including novels, dramas, short stories, and poetry in terms of theme, structure, and style; analyze literature through discussion, timed writing, research, cooperative learning groups, and large and small group discussions; develop college-level analytical writing and thinking skills; broaden vocabulary; apply test-taking strategies and practice for success on the AP Literature and Composition exam.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
AP Research Capstone
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5, 000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
AP Seminar Capstone
AP Seminar, the first course in the AP Capstone experience, engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
British Literature
British Literature is all about making connections. From the earliest works in the English language to modern novels and short stories, students will learn about British authors, their works, and their influences. Exploration will be through reading, writing, discussing, and presenting.
College Prep English
A college-bound class geared towards applicable writing and communication standards for seniors seeking post-secondary education. Focus will be placed on collaborative and individual work that incorporates the narrative process, compare/contrast, analysis, college/military and workplace centered writing, argumentative critical thinking skills incorporated in ethical/social awareness, evaluate, organizing, and integrating writing and research skills all while demonstrating the proper use of mechanics and English grammar language skills.
Contemporary Literature
Read contemporary literature that reflects a society's political, social, and personal views including, but not limited to short stories, novels, poetry, essays, and dramas; discuss current relevance, evaluate effectiveness in writing. Respond to assignments in clear and logical writing; identify and explain literary terms; analyze the interaction among plot, narrative, structure, and language in literature.
Creative Writing
Use imagination, creativity, and technology in writing. Experience various genres of writing, primarily fiction, nonfiction, and poetry; interact with others to develop ideas for writing; share, edit, and revise personal writing and the writing of others; evaluate strengths and weaknesses of writers; submit pieces for publication.
Journalism
Students who enjoy writing and have above-average writing skills and interest in journalism may register. Develop skills in interviewing, gathering, writing, and editing features, editorials, and news stories; critique layout/design of professional press; keep informed of daily news; develop word process and page design programming techniques; understand legal and ethical restrictions of journalists.
Journalism/Newspaper
Students who enjoy writing and have above-average writing skills and interest in journalism may register. Develop advanced skills in understanding, gathering, writing all types of stories; editing and writing headlines; preparing copy for print; studying principles of advertising writing and design of photojournalism; applying rules of punctuation, spelling, and usage. Upper-level writing skills, consistent attendance, and the ability to work with others are necessary for success in this class.
Journalism/Yearbook
Conduct interviews; write, revise, and edit copy (stories, captions, and sidebar text); design yearbook page layouts using the computer; learn photography settings appropriate to required photoshoots; apply photography principles in selecting quality photos; compose and crop all photos to fit spread design; understand legal and ethical restrictions of journalists; accept staff position for the yearbook and carry out duties for the year. Upper-level writing skills, consistent attendance, meeting deadlines, and the ability to work with others are necessary for success in this class.
Oral Interpretation
Understand the art and craft of competitive speaking; create or find appropriate cuttings of literature; write appropriate introductions; write a persuasive and/or informative speech; research and utilize electronic and nonelectric library information; understand the full range of academic, vocal, and physical skills needed to make presentations enjoyable and to convey they author’s meaning; demonstrate poise, self-confidence, and skills in public speaking; exhibit good personal communication and audience member skills; appreciate the skills and performance of others; learn to accept constructive criticism; develop an appreciation of the life skills gained through oral interpretation and public speaking.
Teacher Pathway 1
Explore a profession in teaching without the commitment of college tuition! Gain a clear understanding of the diversity of career options within this field through exciting hands-on experience, discussion, speakers, reading, writing, collaboration, and reflection. Learn about learning! By leaving the high school classroom at least once a week, you will use your curiosity to explore classrooms from the perspective of an educator. You will reflect on your own learning experiences as well as understand learning environments, teaching methodology, and best practices. Discover ways you can become an active part of the education field!
Teacher Pathway 2
Explore a profession in teaching without the commitment of college tuition! Gain a clear understanding of the diversity of career options within this field through exciting hands-on experience, discussion, speakers, reading, writing, collaboration, and reflection. Learn about learning! By leaving the high school classroom at least once a week, you will use your curiosity to explore classrooms from the perspective of an educator. You will reflect on your own learning experiences as well as understand learning environments, teaching methodology, and best practices. Discover ways you can become an active part of the education field! This semester includes a research component.
Team Oral Interpretation
Locate appropriate, quality pieces of literature for presentation and competition; cut literature to fit limitations imposed by competition; write an appropriate introduction; analyze the thematic elements of the selection; profile character through detailed analyses; utilize a full range fo academic, vocal, and physical skills to best present a selection; develop an emotional empathy for the situation and character; exhibit strong personal communication attributes such as confidence, poise, and rapport with an audience; exhibit audience member skills such as attentiveness, courtesy, and appreciation; appropriately critique and judge other performances; appropriately mentor novice team members; gain an appreciation of the skills and performances of others; learn to accept constructive criticism in a positive manner; develop an appreciation of the life skills gained through oral interpretation and public speaking.
World Literature
Read and evaluate novels, short stories, drama, and poems written by a variety of authors from throughout the world to develop an understanding of the universality of literature. Analyze how the history and the culture of the region have influenced each piece of writing. Work independently and with others to analyze the literary merit of differing global perspectives and mythologies. Create, write, develop, edit, and present multimedia presentations using a variety of technologies. Literature is studied from regions such as South Africa, Korea, China, Brazil, Spain, Marianas Islands, India, Russia, Germany, Japan, Norway, and many other parts of the world.
Reading Courses
Basic Reading 1
This course is designed to improve the skills of students who are reading significantly below grade proficiency. Use of individualized, self-paced programs, small-group activities, and oral reading is emphasized. Students will develop a more extensive vocabulary; develop skills relating to the English language, including phonemic awareness; increase reading comprehension; recognize main points of literature; develop skills that lead to lifelong reading. A counselor or teacher should recommend students for this course.
Basic Reading 2
This course is designed to improve the skills of students who are reading below grade proficiency. The use of individualized, self-paced programs, small-group activities, and oral reading is emphasized. A counselor or teacher should recommend students. Students will develop a more extensive vocabulary; increase reading comprehension; recognize main points of literature; and develop skills that lead to lifelong reading.
Reading 1
This course is designed to benefit students who read below grade proficiency. Students will use small group instruction and individualized computer programs to further develop vocabulary skills; reading comprehension skills; reading strategies; and writing skills utilizing increasingly complex texts. A counselor or teacher should recommend students for this course.
Reading 2
This course is designed to benefit students who read below grade proficiency. Students will use small group instruction and individualized computer programs to further develop vocabulary skills; reading comprehension skills; reading strategies; and writing skills utilizing increasingly complex texts. A counselor or teacher should recommend students for this course.