Course Offerings - Grade 11

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition - Course No.: 7012

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.: 7008

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.: 7081

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 or other unique recognition from the College Board.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

American Literature and Composition - Course No.: 7010

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 - English - Course No.: 7013

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

American Studies integrates junior level United States History and American Literature. This two period course explores history through a thematic approach and emphasizes modern connections. Students will examine six themes: American Ideals, Justice and Oppression, Newcomers, American Dream, Conflict and Compromise and Power and Responsibility. Each unit will assist students in developing their voice and skills as historians, analytical communicators, reflective learners, and critical producers of evidence. Students will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and be daring and active learners. This year-long course emphasizes team-centered, project-based, multidisciplinary study.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

Argumentation and Debate - Course No.: 7017F, 7018S

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

The Bible as Literature Course No.: 7021F and 7022S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Writing Intensive      

The Bible as Literature explores the various genres of literature in the Bible (drama, narrative, epic, poetry, history, short story, novel, proverb, prophecy, epistle, biography) and studies the influence of this ancient literature on our society’s art, literature, music, politics and entertainment.  Students will read the literature, employ critical thinking skills to analyze and discuss it, work on projects, and write.
PREREQUISITE: Freshman Lit or Freshman Lit Honors

College Preparatory Writing -  Course No.: 7023F, 7024S

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.: 7027F, 7028S

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.  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.: 7035F, 7036S

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 English Class - Course No.: 

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: EM 2, 3, and 4 are Writing Intensive.

Our 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 7030 – 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. PREREQUISITE: Placement

EL English 2 7031 – This is an English class for English language learners 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.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

EL English 3 7032 – This is an English class for English language learners who have completed English 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. 
PREREQUISITE: Placement

EL English 4 7033- This is a class for English language learners who have completed English 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 Literacy -Course No.: 7037 

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. OTHER: Global Scholar Course

EL Literacy is designed to help English language learners who are identified by standardized tests and departmental evaluation. The course uses high interest/appropriate level materials to teach students literacy strategies related to content reading, while enhancing acquisition of academic English.This course receives graduation credit, but does not count toward the English requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

 

English Learner Support -Course No.: 7038 

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.

EL Support class is for all levels of EL students. It provides them with academic support to enable them to succeed in their core academic classes. Students receive assistance with the development of cognitive academic language as well as with reading and writing skills. Instructional methods are adapted to individual needs.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Journalistic Writing - Course No.: 7014

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Extended Study Option; Writing Intensive       

Journalistic Writing: School Newspaper (The Scratching Post) 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 producing a student newspaper on a consistent basis.  Students learn to recognize news, plan an issue, interview, do research, develop photo features, and create layout and design.  Desktop publishing tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign are integral parts of this course. Some out of class work is needed. Students who apply for and are appointed to the Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor positions, at the discretion of the Faculty Advisor, will receive Honors 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.: 7001F, 7002S

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.: 7003F, 7004S

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

Social Justice Literature - Course No.: 7097F, 7098S

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

Social Justice Literature encourages students to explore the prominent theme of social justice within the context of writing by diverse writers of the United States. Through analysis of texts of all genres, this course embodies an integrated, inquiry-based approach to reading, writing, speaking, and research, with critical thinking about issues of social justice underpinning all of these strands. Students enrolled in this course will encounter mature content and should be prepared to wrestle with emotional issues regarding race, immigration, class, religion, gender, and sexual identity, as well as inequality and privilege.
PREREQUISITE: World Literature or World Literature Honors

Speech - Course No.: 7087F, 7088S

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