English I
Prerequisites: None
Level: Freshman
Credit: 1
Description: This course will focus on grammar, vocabulary, writing and literature. Literature content includes short stories, nonfiction novels, and a play. The writing content includes the "mechanics" of writing, such as spelling, grammar, and structure and a variety of writing assignments of varying lengths and styles (expository, narrative, and research). Accelerated Reader points are a requirement each semester.
English II
Prerequisite: English I
Level: Sophomore
Credit: 1
Description: This course will build on the development of English I and promote awareness in literature variety, and effective oral and written communication. This course concentrates on the appreciation of American literature ranging from the Colonial period through the Civil War. Literature studies will include nonfiction, historical documents, short stories, biographies, poetry, and novels. Students will be required to write numerous types of writing, including creative writings, and informative essays, as well as an extensive research paper on a career choice after completion of a unit on career education. Mechanics and effective composition skills will be reviewed.
English III
Prerequisite: English II
Level: Junior
Credit: 1
Description: This course is designed so that students become extensively aware of American literature ranging from post-Civil War to modern American Literature. Students will interpret American literature analytically, critically, concentrating on aspects, such as the relationship among the audience, author, time period in which the work was written, and themes. This course focuses on different styles of writing and different types of genres, such as short stories, poems, novels, and plays. In addition to the literary concentration, students will develop their writing skills through numerous expository and creative writings, as well as a persuasive research paper. Students are also expected to write literary responses to literature. Mechanics, composition skills, study skills, test taking skills, and vocabulary are also reviewed.
English IV - Weighted
Prerequisite: English III
Level: Senior
Credit: 1
Description: This course is designed for college-bound seniors who are serious about sharpening their reading and communication skills. The course emphasizes the students' analytical skills, as well as independently working, on-going projects, time management, and organizational skills. It is designed by significant time periods in British Literature. In addition to continual focus on critical interpretation of literature, the course also re-emphasizes argumentative prose skills in the students' writing, including informative, persuasive, and research. Assignments are rigorous and will require listening and note taking skills. A prerequisite of a B average is required.
English IV
Prerequisite: English III
Level: Senior
Credit: 1
Description: This course is designed for seniors to sharpen their reading and communications skills. The course emphasizes the students' analytical skills as well as independent working, on-going projects, time management, and organizational skills. It is designed by significant time periods in British Literature. In addition to continual focus on critical interpreation of literature, the course also re-emphasizes argumentative prose skills in the students' writing, including informative, persuasive, and research. Assignments will require listening and note taking skills.
Drama/Speech
Prerequisites: None
Level: Junior, Senior
Credit: 1
Description: The first semester of this class concentrates on theater arts. Students will learn about the history and components of theater, script analysis, storytelling, pantomime, as well as several acting techniques culminating in a final prepared and memorized monologue. We will also be producing the fall play. Students will be required to participate either as performers or backstage crew. The second semester of this course will focus on speech communication. Students will organize and deliver a variety of speech projects ranging from informative, personal, persuasive, demonstrative, impromptu, debate, and radio/t.v.