Eng. Course Descriptions

English Department
Updated for 09 - 10

This survey course introduces students to the major literary genres:  short story, poetry, drama, and the novel.  The literature studied ranges from classical to contemporary authors.  Students supplement classroom study with outside reading assignments. Students complete a variety of reports including research techniques that stress correct grammatical structure and usage.  Oral presentations and class discussion are an integral part of this course.  All students are required to write an acceptable research paper.

This course provides an integrated approach to the study of literature and composition.  Students are introduced to the major literary genres and learn to analyze and critique short stories, poems, drama, and novels.  Throughout the writing program, students learn sentence structure, paragraph development, and proper use of mechanics.  Vocabulary building and examination of Latin roots is an integral part of this program.  Critical reports and research techniques are required.  All students are required to write an acceptable research paper.

This course follows the same syllabus as English I Accelerated, but more attention is given to grammar, usage and writing skills.  All students are required to write an acceptable research paper.

In this course, students analyze and evaluate significant developments in the American experience as reflected in the literature of the Twentieth Century.  The writing skills covered in this course stress literary analysis and research techniques.  Students are expected to master oral discussion skills through class presentations.  To receive credit for the course, students must submit an acceptable research paper.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of English I-Honors with a B or better, or English-Accelerated with an A or better, or Departmental approval. 

This course offers a survey of American literature from the Colonial Period to the 20^th Century with an overview of the social, intellectual and philosophical developments in America.  The application of the rules of correct English usage and the principles of composition are emphasized in critical papers including a research report.  Students are presented with opportunities to enhance oral skills through class discussion and presentations.  To receive credit for the course, students must submit an acceptable research paper.

This course is structured around the same syllabus as English II Accelerated, but more attention is paid to writing and analysis skills.  Students must submit an acceptable research paper to receive credit for this course.

In this course, students analyze and evaluate significant developments in the British experience as reflected in the literature of the Twentieth Century.  The writing skills covered in this course stress literary analysis and research techniques.  Students are expected to master oral discussion skills through class presentations.  To receive credit for the course, students must submit an acceptable research paper.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of English II-Honors with a B or better, or English II-Accelerated with an A or better, or Department approval.

This course offers a survey of British literature from the Anglo Saxon period to the 20th century with an overview of the cultural, social, political, intellectual, religious, economic, and scientific movements in Great Britain.  Students will study literature from the Anglo Saxon period through the modern era.  Students will write a variety of critical, expository and creative papers.  Students must submit an acceptable research paper to receive credit for the course.

This course is for students who wish to receive advanced credit and/or placement in college. The content of the course includes representative works from the four genres of literature, concentrating on the American and English traditions. Writing assignments include critical literary analysis, essays in exposition and argumentation, creative projects, and research papers.  Extensive summer reading, submission of an acceptable term paper, and completion of the A.P. Examination are requirements of the course.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of English III-Honors with an A- or better and exceptional writing skills.  A sample of each candidate's written work must be submitted for evaluation prior to selection.

English IV - Accelerated
All students must choose one first semester course and one second semester course from the six listed below, to fulfill graduation requirements.
Course numbers 223 - 228.

Students in this course will analyze recognized works of world literature in both the short story and poetry genres.  This course will include literature from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe as well as America through the 21^st century.  Critical reading will include works of mythology, fables, epic poetry, non-fiction as well as short stories and poetry.  The students in this course will write a variety of papers that include essays of critical analysis such as close reading of passages in a short story, explication of poems, as well as creative writing assignments.

This course will focus on studying modern novels.  Modern day works from around the world such as The Kite Runner, The House of Spirits and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent will be examined.  There will be an emphasis on critical reading and writing, creative writing and oral presentations.  This course is for the student who likes to read and would enjoy discussing some of today's most popular books.  Outside reading will be required.

Same as first semester.

This course focuses on writing clear, coherent paragraphs.  Assignments include persuasive, narrative, descriptive, and comparison/contrast essays.  The course also includes exercises to develop topic sentences, sentence variety, and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. This course is offered as a workshop; so, students receive individual attention from the teacher.Student swho struggle with writing will greatly benefit from taking this course.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of English II or  English III and Department approval.

Same as first semester.

This course is a writing workshop for juniors and seniors. The assignments are based on personal, social, and literary prompts. Students develop essays of narration, exposition and persuasion. Class members will compile a portfolio of polished personal essays based on self and peer evaluations as well as teacher conferences.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of English III-Accelerated or Department approval

This course includes interviews, extended definition papers, essays of comparison/contrast, critical reviews, personal narratives, process papers, biographical sketches and opinion and classification papers. Students have the opportunity to study models of quality writing and to experience constructive feedback from the teacher and peers.

Pre-requisite: Students must be recommended by their English teachers and must have maintained at least a B- average in English class.

This course provides students an opportunity to develop skill and confidence speaking in front of groups. Activities include brief communication exercises, debates, and presenting informative, persuasive, and explanatory speeches. Students make repeated use of writing and research skills and practice speaking from manuscripts, note cards and visual aids. Students also learn to make PowerPoint presentations.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of English II-Accelerated or Department approval.

Same as first semester.

This course is geared toward the student who has an interest in tapping into his or her creative talents.  The initial focus of the class fosters ways of unleashing the creativity in every student.  Through specifically designed exercises, the student discovers unique and individual ways of looking at the world and his or her place in the world.  Through a series of short, creative, follow-up writing assignments, students perfect ways of observing the world around them and find their own unique voice often for the first time.  In conjunction with this course, students will create a scrapbook project in which they document their senior year in pictures, items, and naturally, creative writing.  Writing Portfolio required.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of English II-Accelerated or English III  and submission of an acceptable writing sample.

Across the English Curriculum, students use the internet as a source of research material along with more traditional sources.  Students use the technology labs at various times as writing workshops to compile portfolio material.