Course Offerings - Grade 10
Academic Literacy II - Course No.: 2056
GRADES: 10 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0
Academic Literacy II continues to build the skills introduced in Literacy I. Students will be placed in this course based on testing data and teacher recommendation. This course receives graduation credit, but does not count toward the English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement
Argumentation and Debate - Course No.: 2017F, 2018S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5
Argumentation and Debate students learn to compose an effective argument by applying critical thinking skills to the processes of analyzing audience, establishing purpose, and developing clear logic. They also learn to support their argument with acceptable research and to deliver their argument orally in various debate formats.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
Classic Literature Course No.: 2033F and 2034S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive
Classic Literature: Ever wonder about those pieces of literature that you always wanted to read but were never assigned in English class? You know, like The Adventures of Robin Hood, Dante’s Inferno, or even the popular Harry Potter series? In this semester course students will first discuss the essential question “What makes a classic?” and then discuss several texts that are deemed “classic literature.” These books can range from epic poetry to contemporary novels, all revolving around discussion of their timeless appeal. Other supplemental, non-fiction and poetical works may also be included. Students will develop their skills of literary inquiry, close reading, critical thinking, personal reflection, and peer discussion.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
College Preparatory Writing - Course No.: 2023F, 2024S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive
College Preparatory Writing is a college preparatory course that provides students with writing practice in a variety of expository, persuasive and analytical modes. Pre-writing activities, the analysis of models, timed in-class writing, peer evaluation, and self evaluation are among the strategies students will explore as they develop increasing mastery of organization, development, style and mechanics.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
Contemporary Fiction - Course No.: 2035F, 2036S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive
Contemporary Fiction helps you remember what it felt like back when you loved to read. Everybody was there at one point or another. No matter why you lost or temporarily misplaced that love, this course can help you get it back. Authors are writing great, strange, profound, twisted, meaningful, heartbreaking, humorous, dark stories...all to help make sense of the world. These stories help us understand the world in which they're created. They're written by authors not much older than you, more often than not. The class is primarily focused on reading and discussion, along with some composition and presentation. Students who want to re-discover the satisfaction of a really great story will love this class.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
Creative Writing - Course No.: 2025F, 2026S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive
Creative Writing engages students in exploring a variety of literary genres such as creative non-fiction, flash fiction, short story, slam poetry, poetry, drama, and screenplays. Students draft, revise, and polish their own works of prose and poetry. Students learn through frequent opportunities for peer review. Students experience learning through writing exercises and a workshop model. Writing takes place in and out of class on a daily basis, including extemporaneous writing and journal writing. By taking this course, students find new approaches to reading and writing that can affect them on a personal level, as the skills they gain in each lesson directly benefit their own creative goals.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
English Learner (EL) English Class 1, 2, 3, 4 - Course No.: see below
GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: EM II, III, and IV are Writing Intensive.
English Learner Classes are offered to students whose native language is not English. Students are evaluated by the EL staff and are placed in the appropriate level of EL and support based upon the test scores, school performance, and the recommendation of parents, teachers, and counselors.
Each level of EL is two semesters and students may move to the next level or exit the program upon attaining language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
EL English 1 2043 – This is an English class for students for whom English is a new language. The focus of this class is on vocabulary development as well as basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills necessary for academic success. Students also learn about the history and culture of the United States through authentic materials.
EL English 2 2045 – This is an English class for students who have completed EL 1 or who have a comparable level of English language proficiency. The focus of this class is on further developing the student’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Academic vocabulary and grammar development, reading strategies, literary interpretation, and basic research techniques, as well as descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and expository writing are emphasized.
EL English 3 2051 – This is an English class for students who have completed EL 2 or who have a comparable level of English language proficiency. The focus of this class is on developing the complexity of the student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is on academic vocabulary and discussion, literary interpretation/analysis, advanced research techniques, and writing expository, narrative, and persuasive essays.
EL English 4 2053 - This is an English class for students who have completed EL 3 or who have a comparable level of English language proficiency. The focus of this class is on strengthening the student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Strong emphasis is placed on academic discussion, literary interpretation/analysis, and writing expository, narrative, and persuasive essays.
PREREQUISITE: Placement
English Learner (EL) Support - Course No.: 2052
GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: This course does NOT count toward the English requirement but may be repeated for grade and credit.
English Learner (EL) Support aims to develop basic reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students learn about American culture and society and share their experiences and backgrounds. Instructional methods are informal and adapted to individual needs. EL Support assists students who can succeed in regular English classes as well as those in EL Class.
PREREQUISITE: Placement
Fantasy Literature - Course No.: 2069F, 2070S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive, Global Scholar Course
This course explores the world of today through the realms of fantasy. Students read short stories and novels and examine the issues the characters face and how those same issues are mirrored in our own world. The course touches on High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Science Fantasy, Fairy Tales and retellings, Heroic Fantasy, and Contemporary/Urban Fantasy. Students engage in discussions, create projects, and write critical and evaluative papers to enhance their understanding.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
Journalistic Writing - Course No.: 2073
GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Extended Study Option; Writing Intensive
Journalistic Writing: School Newspaper (Drops of Ink) offers a workshop forum for students who are interested in developing and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic writing. It also provides an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and perform a service to the school and community by maintaining a news website and producing a student magazine every quarter. Students learn to recognize news, plan an issue, interview, research, develop photo features, write maturely, and create layout and design. Desktop publishing tools such as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are integral parts of this course. Some after-school work is expected. Students who apply for and are appointed to editor positions, at the discretion of the Faculty Adviser, will assume additional responsibilities and receive Honors credit. Acceptance into the class is based on submitting an application. The Extended Study Option allows students to re-enroll in this course for grade and credit. Seniors earn an English graduation credit for this course (all others earn an English elective credit).
PREREQUISITE: Placement (and fulfillment of application)
Literature of World Religions - Course No.: 2085F, 2086S
GRADES:10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive, Global Scholar Course
Literature of World Religions teaches about the commonalities and differences among the various literary texts important to exploring religious beliefs and behaviors around the world. Furthermore, this class studies the influence of religions on literature, current world issues and culture. Students participate in discussions, completing written responses and analysis, and developing a global perspective.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
Science Fiction - Course No.: 2075F, 2076S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive, Global Scholar Course
Science Fiction studies humans and their world through science fiction literature in its broadest definition. Students will read and discuss elected novels and short stories. Emphasis is placed on science fiction as speculative literature. Critical and evaluative papers will be required as well as occasional oral reports. The materials used are viewed in light of today’s ethical and moral dilemmas. Average reading and writing skills are presumed.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
Speech - Course No.: 2087F, 2088S
GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5
Speech is designed to help students improve their speaking abilities in both formal and informal settings. Public speeches, oral interpretations, demonstrations, improvisations, and radio news broadcasts are among the activities that further students’ expressiveness and command of spoken English.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors
World Literature and Composition - Course No.: 2094
GRADES: 10 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive, Global Scholar Course
World Literature and Composition encourages students to explore themes and questions that cross national boundaries through the analysis of texts from around the globe. This course continues an integrated, inquiry-based approach to reading, writing, speaking, and research, with critical thinking underpinning all of these strands. Students continue analytical and persuasive writing experiences in a variety of modes. World Literature fulfills the second year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Literature or Freshman Literature Honors
World Literature and Composition Honors - Course No.: 2096
GRADES: 10 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive, Global Scholar Course
World Literature and Composition Honors meets the needs of students whose interests and abilities warrant an especially rigorous course of study. It encourages students to explore themes and questions that cross national boundaries through the analysis of texts from around the globe. It continues an integrated, inquiry-based approach to reading, writing, speaking, and research, with critical thinking underpinning all of these strands. Students continue analytical and persuasive writing experiences in a variety of modes. World Literature and Composition Honors fulfills the second year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Literature or Freshman Literature Honors
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