The purpose of this course is to develop an appreciation for literature as well as to develop students’ skills in grammar, composition, oral expression, and vocabulary development. Through an analysis of a literary works and genres, students will develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills which will then be integrated into  the writing process. In addition to the literature text, language arts skills at the junior high level will be guided by a developmental vocabulary workbook series (Full Year).

English Literature and Composition will review and expand the language arts previously taught, with particular emphasis on the elements of literature, writers’ craft and structure through the analysis of individual texts. These skills will be integrated into the formal academic writing process in order to build the skills necessary for the transition to high school. Language mechanics and grammar review are a regular component of the course. In addition to the literature text, language arts skills at the junior high level will be guided by a developmental vocabulary workbook series (Full Year).

The goal of this course is to provide students with a strong foundation for advanced study in literature and to teach effective writing for high level writing in English and across the curriculum. Students will learn composition and organization skills that will enable them to write better and more confidently. Students will master the rules and conventions for written Standard American English through a study of language and grammar. Literary study will be connected to the study of writing. Students will develop a knowledge of a wide range of literary terms relating to the structural elements and the dynamics of each literary genre and learn how to apply these terms to analyzing the content and meaning of literary works. Students will also be taught the process of writing a research paper. High school level study skills will also be taught (1 Credit).

The purpose of this semester writing course is to provide foundational support to beginning high school students as they encounter a college preparatory English curriculum. Students will learn composition and organization skills that will enable them to write more successfully and more confidently. Students will master the rules and conventions for written Standard American English. Students will gain experience in different types of writing including descriptive, expository, persuasive, and narrative modes. Selections from ninth grade literature may be assigned as models of effective writing, and as a basis for writing prompts. Taken as a companion course with Literature and Composition I, or as an English Language Arts augmentation course, student placement in Writing Seminar comes at the recommendation of the department chair (0.5 Credit).

The purpose of this course is to advance previous curricular critical thinking and literary analysis skills in the content areas of literature, language, and composition. Topics include recognizing structural elements, themes, and literary perspective, elements of rhetoric, writers’ craft and continued academic vocabulary development. Conventions of grammar and effective academic writing strategies are emphasized throughout the year. In each of these learning areas, pace is adjusted to the ability of the class (1 Credit).

This course covers American literature from its beginnings to the present. Students will learn to enhance their critical thinking skills through reading, writing, and speaking in class. Students will regularly write essays moving from personal essays to analytical essays and hone their sense of voice in their writing. Topics covered include vocabulary development, preparation for standardized testing and ways for students to explore their college essay in preparation for senior year. Each level will also be assigned outside novels and/or plays to supplement the textbook (1 Credit).

The purpose of this College Board Advanced Placement English Language & Composition course is to engage students in collegiate level coursework and encourage the development of a broad and sophisticated understanding of English language and composition skills necessary to succeed on the AP English Language & Composition exam. This course is designed to enable students to become more skillful readers and effective writers through exposure to a wide variety of nonfiction prose. Students are challenged to closely examine and evaluate these complex texts from a rhetorical perspective. Students undergo a rigorous and diverse regimen of writing exercises and essay assignments that require them to explore and work towards the mastery of various rhetorical concepts, devices, and modes. Students are expected to personally invest themselves in their reading and writing to a degree that will enable them to meet and exceed the current standards in a college level English course. All students enrolled in the course must take the AP Language & Composition exam at the end of the academic year. Prerequisites for this course include the recommendation of the student’s sophomore-year teacher and the approval of the department chair (1 Credit).

This course focuses on the study of British literature, incorporating literary interpretation, reading comprehension, research, writing, listening, and speaking skills with works from the Anglo-Saxon period to the late twentieth century presented in historical context. Course study will include a variety of genres within British literature presented chronologically, with a focus on representative “master works” and their historical and cultural influences. Readings are comprised of poetry, essays, short stories, and dramatic representative works. Grammar, composition, and vocabulary development are also incorporated into course instruction. Regular writing assignments will develop and refine students’ analytical and critical thinking skills. Workshops in drafting and editing essays will incorporate and review language mechanics and grammar. Students will produce a multi-source research paper using MLA-style format and citations. Students will also be assigned outside novels and/or plays to supplement the textbook (1 Credit).

The purpose of this College Board Advanced Placement AP English Literature & Composition course is to provide students with an intensive study of English through a college level analysis of a variety of types of literature and writings designed to expose students to a college environment in preparing for the AP English Literature & Composition exam. Students will learn to be skilled writers who compose for a variety of audiences, purposes, and occasions. Students will begin to understand the nuances of diction, style, form, voice, and structure in their own writings as well as learn necessary argumentative and analytical skills. Topics of study include a variety of genres from a cross-section of eras in the European, American, Asian, and African traditions. Students will examine the historical, social, and cultural values necessary to the piece’s analysis. Students will write both short and long pieces and will be taught in detail the skills of drafting, editing, writing, and revision. Students will write frequently in class as well as undertake a thorough approach to literature. All students taking the course must take the AP Literature & Composition exam at the end of the academic year. Prerequisites for this course include the recommendation of the student’s junior-year English teacher and the approval of the department chair (1 Credit).