Course Descriptions

English I

In this course, students will develop reading and writing skills that align with the ELA Common Core State Standards. Students will read a variety of texts--including excerpts from novels, short stories, poems, plays, and informational articles and documents. Students will engage in independent reading based on interest and reading level. Students will also compare works of literature to other forms of multimedia, including art and film. This course will also focus on students’ development in writing narrative, argumentative, and explanatory pieces.

 

English II

In this course, students will continue to develop reading and writing skills that align with the ELA Common Core State Standards. Students will read a variety of works at an increasing level of text complexity--including excerpts from novels, short stories, poems, plays, and informational articles and documents. As students gain confidence in their independent reading, they will be encouraged to take on texts of increasing complexity. In class, students will also compare works of literature to other forms of multimedia, including art and film. This course will also focus on students’ continued development in writing narrative, argumentative, and explanatory pieces using research skills. As students progress in their writing skills, they will begin to develop purposeful structure in order to achieve a desired effect.

 

English III

In English III, students will build upon skills learned in English I and II that align with the ELA Common Core State Standards. Students will read works with at an increasing level of text complexity. Students will continue to read self selected texts, but will also be given required independent reading. In class, students will also read world literature to analyze cultural experiences of people outside of the United States. Courses will also continue to evaluate and analyze works of literature to other forms of multimedia. Students will also continue to develop and craft writing skills for narrative, argumentative, and explanatory pieces. Students in English III will move beyond teacher guidance on length and organization and begin to plan and implement these decisions independently.

 

English IV

In English IV, students will build upon skills learned in English I, II and III that align with the ELA Common Core State Standards. In this course, students will perfect the skills learned in English I, II, and III, while also preparing for college and career.  Students will continue to build their skills as independent learners by engaging in research for literary analysis and argumentative topics. In this course, students will delve deeper into the study of literary theory and style and the art of argument. Another component of this course will be preparation for college level required English course work.

 

Creative Writing

The focus of this course is for students to become familiar with writing across various genres, including short stories, poems, plays, novels, essays. Students will engage in various activities that will inspire writing. Students will also read texts to promote writing skills. This course moves students beyond the structured essay and prompts them to write more creative and individual pieces. Students will also learn to work through the writing process of outlining, revising, peer-editing, until final publication.