English

• Department Coordinator

English I

AIMS: To facilitate the use and continued development of basic language skills through speaking, writing, and the interpretation of literature.
CONTENT: Literature, grammar, spelling and vocabulary, speech, and writing.

• Course Syllabus

Honors English I

(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 9
NOTE: Student fee

Prerequisite: At least a "B" average in English grades 7 and 8, and permission of the instructor. Students must have passed both the reading and writing proficiency tests for ninth grade. Also, participation in summer reading program is mandatory.

AIMS: An English course geared toward the college-bound student. An advanced approach will be utilized to expand the student's capacity, competency, and efficiency in the areas of usage, writing, and literature.
CONTENT: This course will provide the student with an in-depth and analytical study of major authors of prose and verse in the context of the chief literary modes and traditions. In addition to the literary focus, students will complete a variety of essays and a short research paper. Vocabulary development and practice and preparation for the ACT/SAT will be included. This course will serve as a foundation for the Honors English II.

• Course Syllabus

English II

AIMS: To aid the student in his development of effective techniques in oral and written composition; to analyze literary works in order to demonstrate the characteristics of selected literary movements; to identify the characteristics and intellectual problems of movements of literature, music, and art; to instill an appreciation for language arts.
CONTENT: A linguistic approach to the study of language usage. A survey of world literature through selected novels, short stories, poetry, mythology, plays, films, and non-fiction.

• Course Syllabus - Mr. Barre
  
• Course Syllabus - Mrs. Rogers

Honors English II

Prerequisite: At least a "B" average in Honors English I. Permission of the instructor. Participation in the summer reading program is mandatory.

AIMS: An English course geared toward the college-bound student. An advanced approach will be utilized to expand the student's capacity, competency, and efficiency in the areas of usage, writing, and literature.
CONTENT: This course will provide the student with an in-depth and analytical study of the major writers of prose and verse in the context of the chief literary modes and traditions. In addition to the literary focus, students will complete a variety of essays and a research paper. Vocabulary development and practice and preparation for ACT/SAT will be included. This course will serve as a foundation for Advanced Placement English III.

• Course Syllabus

English III

Course Syllabus to be posted.

(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 11

AIMS: To use composition as a means of communication; to develop critical and responsible thinking; to recognize and use the concepts of good usage; to develop an understanding and appreciation of the literary forms, short story, novel, poetry, etc.
CONTENT: Grammar, literature (with emphasis on American authors), composition, and vocabulary.

• Course Syllabus

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition

Prerequisite: At least a "B" average in Honors English II. Permission of the instructor. Participation in the summer reading program is mandatory.

AIMS: An English course geared toward the college-bound student. An advanced approach will be utilized to expand the student's capacity, competency, and efficiency in the areas of usage, writing, and literature.
CONTENT: This course will provide the student with an in-depth and analytical study of the major American writers of prose and verse in the context of the chief literary modes and traditions of their age. Students will complete a variety of critical essays that will gauge their growth in analysis and composition skills. Practice and preparation for ACT/SAT and AP exams also will be included. Vocabulary development will continue. This course will serve as a foundation for Advanced Placement English IV.

• Course Syllabus

English IV

(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 12

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

AIMS: An English course geared toward both the college bound student and the student who will enter the work force upon graduation. This course will help to expand the student's capacity, competency, and efficiency in the areas of usage, writing, and literature.
CONTENT: Application of mechanics, grammar, usage, and vocabulary to various styles and purposes of writing. Review and refinement of writing techniques and purposes in preparation for senior proficiency test. Literature study will focus on world and British writers of prose and verse.

• Course Syllabus

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)
Grade 12 NOTE: Student fee

Prerequisite: At least a "B" average in previous Honors English courses and successful completion of Advanced Placement English III. Permission of the instructor. Participation in the summer reading program is mandatory.

AIMS: An English course geared toward the college-bound student. An advanced approach will be utilized to expand the student's capacity, competency, and efficiency in literature.
CONTENT: This course will provide the student with an in-depth and analytical study of the major British and World writers of prose and verse in the context of the chief literary modes and traditions of their age. In addition to the literary focus, students will complete a variety of critical essays that will prepare them for the senior AP exam.

• Course Syllabus

Stage

AIMS: To survey the historic developments in the dramatic area of visual and/or performing arts. To encourage students to become more discerning consumers of dramatic productions. To participate in creating, producing and/or performing visual dramatic art.
CONTENT: Students will be introduced to dramatic works by such playwrights as Shaw, Sophocles, Simon, and O'Neill. The course content will focus on participating in the creation, production and/or performance of drama; recognizing and understanding the value of aesthetic education; and tracing the history and progress of drama.

Journalism I

NOTE: Application must be completed prior to registration.

Prerequisite: Accumulated grade point average of 2.3, accumulated grade point average in English of 2.6, basic computer knowledge, and permission of instructor.

AIMS: To give students a comprehensive picture of the professional print media, thus creating a sound basis for discrimination in reading, viewing, and listening; to present journalistic writing as a form of composition, thus enabling students to further develop their writing skills while presenting information in an objective, coherent manner.
CONTENT: Newswriting, sports writing, editorial writing, interviewing, feature writing, characteristics of high school publications, layout and design techniques, distribution, photography, social responsibility of journalists. Students will work on the newspaper publication (The Chieftain).

Journalism II

NOTE: Application must be completed prior to registration.

Prerequisite: Journalism I, accumulated grade point average of 2.3, accumulated grade point average in English of 2.6, computer skill and permission of instructor.

AIMS: To develop in students a sense of responsibility for the printed word, to encourage improvement of the newspaper publication; to give students the opportunity to utilize journalism skills and innovative computer technology to create a fine publication, to acquaint students with career and job opportunities available to individuals with a journalism/media background.
CONTENT: Refinement of content of Journalism I. Students will be required to complete an in-depth feature story. Students will accept an editor's position on The Chieftain.

Journalism III

NOTE: Application must be completed prior to registration.

Prerequisite: Journalism II, accumulated grade point average of 2.3, accumulated grade point average in English of 2.6, computer skill and permission of instructor.

AIMS: To provide students maximum exposure to the various ways the working journalist effectively communicates with an audience. A study of the current realities of the field.
CONTENT: Refinement of Journalism II. Newspaper and magazine articles, journalistic photographs, television and radio programs, films, and advertising campaigns are objects for classroom study.

Journalism IV

NOTE: Application must be completed prior to registration.

Prerequisite: Journalism III, accumulated grade point average of 2.3, accumulated grade point average in English of 2.6, computer skill and permission of instructor.

AIMS: To provide students maximum exposure to the various ways the working journalist effectively communicates with an audience. A study of the current realities of the field.
CONTENT: Refinement of Journalism III. Newspaper and magazine articles, journalistic photographs, television and radio programs, films, and advertising campaigns are objects for classroom study.

Communication Skills I*

AIMS: To teach students skills necessary to understand written communications; to communicate better in writing. This course is designed for those students who wish to acquire those skills necessary to better communicate in school as well as in the workplace. Students will practice effective verbal and nonverbal skills and focus especially on those skills needed to make them more successful in reading comprehension and better able to communicate through writing for a varied as well as a specific audience.
CONTENT: This program will focus on effective skills and strategies for successful workplace communication; how to listen and speak effectively using both verbal and nonverbal methods; clear, concise writing skills related to a variety of tasks; and skills useful in analyzing, evaluating, interpreting, and applying what they read.

Communication Skills II*

NOTE: Although it is highly recommended, students do not have to take Communication Skills I to enroll in Communication Skills II.

AIMS: To teach students skills necessary to communicate oral messages effectively and to utilize a variety of presentation methods designed to enhance oral presentations. Students will be expected to complete a multi-media presentation.
CONTENT: This program will focus on methods to organize ideas and communicate oral messages to appropriate listeners and situations through a variety of technologies.

*NOTE: Communications Skills I & II will rotate each year with Creative Writing and Poetry. Communications Skills I & II will be offered again 1999-2000.

Creative Writing

AIMS: The semester course in creative writing is designed to encourage students to express themselves freely and creatively in a variety of writings including stories, poems, plays, and personal essays which often contribute to the writer's own awareness of the world. Students will display attention to detail, awareness of language, appreciation of the style of professional authors, and knowledge of the elements of each genre studied. Students will be encouraged to submit their efforts for publication.

Poetry

AIMS: The semester course in poetry is designed to encourage students to express themselves in a wide variety of poetic styles including lyric, dramatic, narrative, and modern verse. Students will display an appreciation for the magic of words and the power of imagination, the ability to identify poetic devices and literary elements in poems, and the ability to interpret and analyze poems they encounter in their reading. Students will be encouraged to submit their efforts for publication.