Course Offerings - Grade 11

Academic Literacy III - Course No.: 2058

GRADES: 11 LENGTH:  Full Year CREDIT: 1.0

Academic Literacy III continues to build the skills introduced in Literacy II and prepares students for standardized tests. Students will be placed in this course based on testing data and teacher recommendation. This course will receive graduation credit, but will not count toward the English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition - Course No.: 2000

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive 

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition meets the needs of students whose interests and abilities warrant an especially rigorous course of study.  It encourages students to explore prominent themes of American Culture through the intensive analysis of texts of all genres and historic periods.  Students compose formal written analyses of texts and compose persuasive essays in a variety of rhetorical modes. This course embodies an integrated, inquiry-based approach to reading, writing, speaking, and research, with critical thinking underpinning all of these strands.  Advanced Placement English Language and Composition incorporates intensive preparation for the AP English Language and Composition exam fulfills the third year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition - Course No.: 2006

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition students read literature gleaned from a wide variety of cultures throughout the ages; these works reflect such problematic issues as what it means to be human and how to understand the human condition. The writing component of the course challenges students to compose thought-provoking analysis of literature. In-class and out-of-class essays, extemporaneous in-class discussions, oral presentations, and field trips comprise class activities. This course incorporates intensive preparation for the AP English Literature and Composition exam and fulfills the third year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

Advanced Placement Seminar-English - Course No.: 2016

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive, Global Scholar Course

Advanced Placement Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, analyze and evaluate information from divergent perspectives,  compose evidence-based arguments, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Students taking both AP Seminar and AP Research may qualify for the AP Capstone Diploma from the College Board.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

American Literature and Composition - Course No.: 2010

GRADES: 11 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive

American Literature and Composition is a literature and composition course organized as a survey of American literature from colonial to contemporary eras. The course develops the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking with critical thinking underpinning all of these skills. Special emphasis is placed on expository and argumentative writing, creative writing, conducting research, analyzing historically important works of nonfiction, and appreciating culturally significant works of fiction.  American Literature fulfills the third year English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

American Studies - Course No.: 2020

GRADES: 11 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Writing Intensive. Taken in conjunction with US History (CN 4222).  

American Studies integrates the study of U.S. History and American Literature. This cross-curricular course focuses on reading, writing and critical thinking. Emphasizing collaboration, inquiry and multidisciplinary study, the course aims for an immersive, transformative experience. This year-long course meets for a double period and fulfills the junior year requirements for both English (American Literature) and Social Studies (U.S. History).
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

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 I, II, III, IV - 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. A 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 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

Philosophy and Film - Course No.: 2037F, 2038S

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive

Philosophy and Film combines the study of philosophy with the study of film. Philosophy provides the frame to analyze film, and film provides a means to understand philosophy. Students will be introduced to film as a uniquely powerful art form and philosophy as a profound mode of inquiry.  Sample pairings could include Metaphysics and The Matrix, Epistemology and The Truman Show, and Ethics and The Dark Knight. Analytical, reflective and evaluative writing is a routine and central component of the course. (Note: Film selections may include movies rated R.)
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature 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

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