The objective of all four English courses is to encourage each student to develop her ability to read with insight, to think logically, and to express herself clearly as an individual and as a contributing member to society. Class discussions, frequent papers, reading assignments, and one-on-one tutorials with the teacher (at least once a week) enable each student to achieve these goals.
 

Independent Reading

Books are selected with guidance from the teacher and the librarian. Grade 11 students select books by American authors; grade 12 students select books by British authors. Students are encouraged to vary the genre of books they read.

 

Formal Writing

Students write formal papers in response to novels read throughout the year (not including independent books) as well as in response to units in our textbook. These papers require students to participate in all stages of the writing process, including prewriting, outlining, drafting, editing and revision. Written assignments include character analysis, comparison/contrast, argumentative, narrative and creative writing.

 

Individual Conferencing

Students meet individually with the teacher during all formal writing assignments to discuss their writing. The teacher makes detailed suggestions during the prewriting and drafting processes, and may meet with students after the final paper is graded to discuss suggestions for improvement.

 

Group Activities

Students read selections from the text as well as additional novels; discussions, quizzes, and tests are based on these readings.

 

English I - Genre Studies/Grammar & Composition:

(Genre Studies) This course is designed for the college bound student to gain an appreciation for the major genres in literature. Students will be reading and analyzing short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and drama to gain insight into the fundamental elements of each literary form. Students will be expected to read the required assignments, participate in class discussions, write about the literature, read independently, complete vocabulary units, create projects that relate to the readings, and take notes on the ideas and concepts presented in class. Students should leave this course with the ability to analyze and interpret different writings and understand literary terms as they relate to these writings. They should increase their vocabulary, and, hopefully, enjoy the literature

(Grammar & Composition) This course is designed for the college bound student to gain an understanding of the grammatical forms of the English language and apply them to expository composition. Grammar instruction will focus on usage and mechanics with attention to parts of speech, parts of the sentence, phrases, clauses and sentence structure, verb tenses, and subject-verb agreement. Composition instruction will focus on the writing process, thesis statements, paragraph development, and the effective use of transitions. Students will be expected to complete various written grammar and composition exercises including sentence diagrams, research, prewriting and drafting, and the submission of final essays. Students should leave this course with the ability to compose logical, effective academic essays that properly adhere to the rules of English grammar.

 

English II - World Literature:

This course is designed for the college bound student to gain an appreciation for world authors from antiquity to the present. Students will read a variety of genres including short stories, poetry, novels, and drama to gain insight and understanding of the authors and the time periods in which they lived. Students will also discuss the history, culture, and philosophy found in the literature of each unit. Students will be expected to read the required assignments, participate in class discussions, write about the literature, read independently, complete vocabulary units, create projects that relate to the readings, and take notes on the ideas and concepts presented in class. Students should leave this class with the ability to analyze and interpret different writings and understand literary terms as they relate to these writings. They should increase their vocabulary, and, hopefully, enjoy the literature.

 

English III - American Literature:

This course is designed for the college bound student to gain an appreciation for American authors from the Colonial period to the Modern Age. Students will read a variety of genres including short stories, poetry, novels, and plays to gain insight and understanding of the authors and the time periods in which they lived. Students will also discuss the history, culture, and philosophy found in the literature of the various time periods. Students will be expected to read the required assignments, participate in class discussions, write about the literature, read independently, complete vocabulary units, create projects that relate to the readings, and take notes on the ideas or concepts presented in class. Students should leave this class with the ability to analyze and interpret different writings and understand literary terms as they relate to these writings. They should increase their knowledge of vocabulary words, and, hopefully, enjoy the literature.

 

English IV - British Literature:

This course is designed for the college bound student to gain an appreciation for British authors from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Modern Age. Students will read a variety of genres including short stories, poetry, novels, and plays to gain insight and understanding of the authors and the time periods in which they lived. Students will also discuss the history, culture, and philosophy found in the literature of the various time periods. Students will be expected to read the required assignments, participate in class discussions, write about the literature, read independently, complete vocabulary units, create projects that relate to the readings, and take notes on the ideas and concepts presented in class.Students should leave this class with the ability to analyze and interpret different writings and understand literary terms as they relate to these writings. They should increase their knowledge of vocabulary words, and, hopefully, enjoy the literature.

 

AP English - English Literature & Composition:

This course is designed for students who wish to receive advanced placement (AP) credit for English Literature and Composition. The level of difficulty, demands, and expectations will be equivalent to those of a first-year, college-level English course. Students will be expected to intensively read and analyze novels, short stories, poetry and drama. Writing assignments will include critical analysis of literature, research papers, and a daily journal. Requirements of the course include regular participation in class discussions, independent reading, and completion of the Advanced Placement exam.