English 8

This course focuses on grammar, usage, and mechanics as a foundation for further high school education. Students will examine word use, sentence structure, and paragraph development. Vocabulary building is also a concentration in this course. Students will read stories, essays, and poetry, and will begin to develop an understanding of basic literary concepts that will serve as a foundation for the formal study of literature.

English I, English I Honors

The goal of English I is to develop and increase the student's proficiency in writing, and in the understanding and appreciating literature. English I includes a brief review of grammar, that is the parts of speech. Sentence structure, paragraph structure, punctuation, and usage will be ongoing topics of study within the context of writing assignments throughout the year. In order to develop critical thinking skills and to expose students to models of good writing, several types of literature will be considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.), along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction (Vocabulary Workshop Book D). Mandatory participation in the Accelerated Reader Program hones students' reading and vocabulary skills.

English II, English II Honors

The goal of English V is to develop and increase the student's proficiency in academic writing and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of World Literature. English II includes a brief review of varying types of sentence structure, punctuation, and usage and will be ongoing topics of study within the context of writing assignments throughout the year. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of World Literature are considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.) along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardization test preparation will be accomplished by working pracice standardized instruction (Vocabulary Workshop Level E).

English III - American Literature

The goal of English III is to develop and increase the student's proficiency in academic writing (expository, analytical persuasive writing), and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of American literature. English III includes a brief review of varying types of sentence structure, punctuation, and usage and will be ongoing topics of study within the context of the writing assignments throughout the year. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills, and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of American literature are considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.) along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction (Vocabulary Workshop G).

English III- Language and Composition AP

The Advanced Placement Language and Composition course is designed to prepare students to “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives” (The College Board AP English Course Description. May 2007, May 2008, P.^). The course curriculum is designed to reflect the criteria established by the College Board, thus the assignments focus on expository, analytical persuasive writings. The assigned readings are predominantly nonfiction, yet some poetry and fiction are included to further reinforce students' reading proficiency and critical thinking skills. All students are required to take the AP Language and Composition Exam in May.

English IV - British Literature

The goal of English IV is to develop and increase the student's proficiency in academic writing and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of British literature. English IV includes a brief review of varying types of sentence structures, punctuation, and usage, which and will be ongoing topics of study within the context of the writing assignments throughout the year. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills, and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of British literature are considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.) along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction.

English IV Literature and Composition AP

The Advanced Placement Literature and Writing course is designed to deepen each student's understanding of the ways in which writers manipulate language for the purpose of illustrating both meaning and beauty. An integral part of writing assignments focuses upon critical analysis of literature and includes the composition of expository, analytical and argumentative essays reflecting the three objectives: writing to understand a literary work, writing to explain a literary work and writing to evaluate a literary work. All students are required to take the AP Literature and Composition Exam in May.

English V* World Literature

The goal of English V is to develop and increase the student's proficiency in academic writing and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of World Literature. English V includes a brief review of varying types of sentence structures, punctuation, and usage, which will be ongoing topics of study within the context of the writing assignments throughout the year. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of World Literature are considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.) along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction.

Advanced Grammar and Composition

Students practice all aspects of writing, for all types of audiences. The aim is to continue to perfect basic writing skills: content, fluency, conventions, organization, and word choice, as well as developing a unique style. Working mostly I the computer lab, students revise and edit their work written on various assigned topics and compile a portfolio which is handed in bi-monthly. Students are also assigned reading on which to model their work. The student's grade is based on the portfolio, readings, and daily participation.

Creative Writing I & II

This course will provide each student with the opportunity to creatively express herself through the composition of teacher-guided poetry and personal essays and to focus upon the vision, revision, craft, and artistry of her own individual writing style. Written works will be submitted and presented to the class for the purpose of technical and literary analysis, criticism, and discussion. In addition, each student will be instructed in the use of various forms of computer software in order to assist with the publication of the school's literary magazine.

Publications I & II : Newspaper

Students learn desktop publishing by producing a school newspaper each nine weeks. Using the latest computer technology, the newspaper staff learns to write clearly, to develop various styles of news and feature writing, to compose layouts and visual design, and to use word processing effectively. Revising and editing skills improve markedly. All aspects of journalism are explored from conducting interviews to using digital photography and scanners.

Publications I & II: Yearbook

Basic photography and computer programs, PhotoShop, and In Design will be used o produce the school’s yearbook, through a series of assignments and portfolios. Basic computer terms are learned such as MB, Vector, Bitmap, JPEG, etc.

Women Writers

Students will read a variety of works by women following a historical chronology that begins in the Middle Ages and ends in the present time. The selections will expose students to women's lives and concerns throughout history. Some of the writers studied in this course include Alice Walker, Willa Cather, Virginia Woolf, Kate Chopin, Maya Angelou and Anne Rice.