English 9

Prerequisite: English 8
Credit: 1 Unit
Length of Course: 1 Year
Type of Exam: Local

English 9 focuses on the development of English Language Arts Standards in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a process approach. Students are involved in individual, group, and project work throughout the year.

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English 10

Prerequisite: English 9
Credit: 1 Unit
Length of Course: 1 Year
Type of Exam: Local

The objective of this course is to develop proficiency in English Language Arts Standards through the writing process, listening and reading activities, analysis of world literature, and vocabulary development.

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English 11

Prerequisite: English 10
Credit: 1 Unit
Length of Course: 1 Year
Type of Exam: Local

This full-year course prepares students for the Comprehensive Regents Examination in English. Students will study selected works in American literature, which will help them develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Independent reading, reader response writing, and portfolio development are implemented in cooperative learning groups to build team learning skills for the workplace. The final exam in this course is a portfolio of the student’s work.

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English 12 (Fall)

Prerequisite: English 11 or 1 full year of English electives
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: 1 Semester
Type of Exam: Local

English 12 (Spring)

Prerequisite: Students must meet all three of the following requirements:
1. English 11 or 1 full year of English electives.
2. Successful completion of English 12 (Fall) or completion of 1st semester English elective.
3. Students must pass English 12 (Fall) in order to choose an English elective other than English 12 (Spring).

English 12, Fall & Spring, will help the student develop and practice communication skills in preparation for entering college or the job market. The course studies a variety of literary genres and includes units on problem solving strategies, technical writing, and communication in the workplace. Class discussions allow students to develop their own values and opinions.

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British Literature: (Fall) Entrance requirement for AP English

Prerequisite: English 9 & 10
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: ½ Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Type of Exam: Local

British Literature is a one-semester course that surveys major works in a historical, chronological approach. Major periods explored include the Anglo Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, and Modern. Students write an analytic paper, read a Shakespearean play and a major Victorian novel.

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Creative Writing: (Spring)

Prerequisite: English 9 & 10
Completion of previous semester elective course.
A passing grade on English Regents exam or concurrent enrollment in English 11
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: ½ Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Type of Exam: Local

Creative writing explores descriptive, expository, narrative, and poetic forms. Students generate ideas through free writing techniques such as the journal, timed-writing exercises, and group compositions. Students develop a sense of audience and its input into the writing process. Writing moves from egocentricity to abstraction; in other words, from work on a lyric poem to formulation of a thesis. A writing portfolio will count for the final exam. This course will include reading for models of creative writing.

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American Literature: Entrance requirement for AP English

Prerequisite: English 9 & 10
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: ½ Year (Fall)
Grade Level: 11-12
Type of Exam: Final Paper

American Literature, taught from a historical perspective, is reading/writing intensive. Its purpose is to prepare students for the Comprehensive English Regents exam in January and for college-level English courses. Research projects and analysis papers are the major method of evaluating the four English Language Arts Standards. Students in this class will take the English Regents exam in January.

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Drama: (Spring)

Prerequisite: English 9 & 10
Completion of previous semester elective course
A passing grade on English Regents exam or concurrent enrollment in English 11
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: ½ Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Type of Exam: Local

Three objectives of this course include understanding, performing and appreciating drama. To accomplish these things, scenes and plays are read, discussed, improvised, and performed in class. Students also attend professional productions. The local exam will count as the final exam.

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Advanced Placement Literature & Composition

Prerequisite: 3 credits of English
(English 9, English 10, American Literature and British Literature)
Credit: ½ Unit
Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: ½ Year
Type of Exam: Local & A.P. Exam in Literature & Composition

A.P. Writing is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal with the problems and materials in both literary discourse and the composing process. Emphasis is placed on students learning multiple approaches to literary criticism and honing critical writing through peer writing groups. College level literature texts are used. At the conclusion of the year, students are expected to sit for the Advanced Placement Examination in Literature and Composition. Students who successfully complete their exam will be eligible to receive college credit in English.

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College Research Skills

Prerequisite: English 10, 11, or full year of English electives simultaneously or previously.
Credit: ½ unit general credit or ½ unit of English credit may be earned in a 5-year English program only.
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 Year (meets every other day)
Type of Exam: Final Term Paper

This course is designed to aid college bound students to compete successfully in both college entrance exams (PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, ACT) and in college courses in general by improving advanced vocabulary, reading, writing, and thinking skills.

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Communications

Prerequisite: English 11 or a full year of English electives simultaneously or previously.
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: ½ Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Type of Exam: Local

Students will explore how and why people communicate. Each student will learn by doing exercises related to television, radio, literature, journalism, advertising and public speaking. Reading and writing skills are important aspects of each project. The course objectives are to increase poise and self-confidence with varying audiences. This course serves as a vehicle for all students to develop school to work skills through classroom and community activities.

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Film & Literature: (Fall and/or Spring)

Prerequisite: English 10 and American Literature or English 11 (Juniors may take this class, space permitting. Seniors have priority.)
Credit: ½ Unit
Length of Course: ½ Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Type of Exam: Local

"Quiet on the set, rolling, action, take one!" These are the words students will explore along with the art and history of film. They will produce original video/film related projects. Students will study specific film-related literature and develop their own writing skills directly related to multi-media production. Equipment such as video cameras, computers, and digital still cameras are integrated into this Tech Prep curriculum open to all recommended students. This is a "learning-through-doing" environment that explores "real-world" employment opportunities through classroom and community activities.