English Language Arts

Course: 4991/4992 Grade: 9 Students will engage in a variety of reading and writing activities, many of their own choice, as well as selected literature and writing assignments. Students will develop the following skills: analysis and interpretation of novels, drama, short stories, nonfiction and poetry, research methods, formal speaking, grammar and vocabulary in the context of writing.

Course: 4004/4005 Grade: 10
Students will read and analyze literature in small groups, projects, and writing. Students learn to identify literary themes and will examine text through literary lenses. Emphasis is given to writing and responding to literature in order to develop strong literacy skills. A variety of genres is covered, such as poetry, novels, dramas, and short stories. Students will analyze and respond to literature in several ways, including thematically examining the “American Dream”.

Course: 4006/4007 Grade: 11
Students will read a diverse selection of texts, including poetry, short stories, drama, novels, and non-fiction books. Additionally, students will write a variety of texts, including a personal narrative, expository essay, critical analysis, and a research-based argumentative paper. Throughout the course, students will engage in grammar and vocabulary study designed to increase their ability to navigate both technical and college-level texts. Upon completion, students will be prepared for choosing 12th grade elective courses aligned with their college and career interests.

Course: 4100 Grade: 11-12 
Students are required to take Speech, Communication Theory and Practice, or Argumentation. Communication Theory and Practice prepares students to demonstrate effective communication skills in personal, community and/or work settings. Presentation is the core of class activity as students analyze communication situations, solve problems, participate in dialogue and reflect on their communication practices and observations. Emphasis is on effective speaking and listening in a variety of communication situations. This course meets the Language Arts Communication requirement.

Course: 4207 Grade: 12
Writing Workshop gives students the opportunity to explore the various modes of writing they will encounter in high school, professional, and post-secondary settings, including narrative, expository, and argument. Students will write and revise a variety of short pieces and three major papers. Throughout the course, students will build essential writing skills. This course meets the writing or elective requirement for 12th grade students in the 20-21 school year.

Course: 4210 Grade: 9-12
Creative Writing helps students discover the process of art-making with words. It accomplishes this by developing an awareness of the students’ five senses, expanding their imaginations, and alerting them to the relationships between things and people.  Exercises focus on writing scripts, short fiction, and poetry. Examples of various authors’ works will provide a basis for writing.  This course meets the Language Arts elective requirement but NOT the writing requirement.

Course: 4301 Grade: 11-12
This course centers on the imagination. It examines hypotheses about our beginnings, the reasons for our behavior, our ideals of heroism, our need to make a better world, and our curiosity about our future life. Throughout the term, literature of various cultures will be studied in the format of myths, legends, fantasy, folklore, horror stories, and science fiction. Students will also be reading and studying three novels: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, and a choice novel. This course meets the Language Arts Literature requirement for the 2020-2021 school year for 12th graders needing the literature requirement or a Language Arts elective.

Course: 4306 Grade: 11-12
World Literature provides college-bound students with an excellent background in acclaimed literature. Studies include major writings that have influenced American culture. A variety of genres are read with emphasis on different perspectives. This course provides challenging reading material and is recommended for students who enjoy discussing a variety of concepts. This course meets the Language Arts Literature requirement for the 2020-2021 school year for 12th graders needing the literature requirement or a Language Arts elective.

Course: 4407 Grade: 9-12
Students will learn about the elements and structure of forms of media. Multiple approaches for the interpretation and analysis of television, newspapers, magazines, the internet and film will be explored. These will be examined for their historical, social, and cultural significance as well as basic production elements. Attention will also be paid to the ever-changing role of advertising in mass media.  This course meets the Language Arts elective requirement.