English Literature
Grade 7 | Full YearThe purpose of this course is to develop an appreciation for literature and students' skills in grammar, composition, oral expression, and vocabulary development. Through an analysis of 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.
English Literature & Composition
Grade 8 | Full YearEnglish 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 to build the skills necessary for transitioning 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.
Literature & Composition I
Grade 9 | 1 CreditThe goal of this course is to provide students with a solid 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 drafting a research paper. High school level study skills will be explored as well.
Literature & Composition II
Grade 10 | 1 CreditThis course advances 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.
American Literature
Grade 11 | 1 CreditThis 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 draft 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.
AP English Language & Composition
Grade 11 | 1 CreditThe 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. 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.
British Literature
Grade 12 | 1 CreditThis 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. Regular writing assignments will develop and refine students' analytical and critical thinking skills. 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.
AP English Literature & Composition
Grade 12 | 1 CreditThe 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 various audiences, purposes, and occasions and will begin to understand the nuances of diction, style, form, voice, and structure in their own writings. 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.