English

The focus of this course is the study of the basic elements of prose fiction and poetry. In addition, students concentrate on mastering the skills of writing narrative, descriptive, and expository essays (including responses to literature). Students engage in a short research project and learn appropriate MLA formatting for formal papers. Students also learn the fundamental skills for delivering oral presentations. Grammar and vocabulary are addressed by reading and writing in conjunction with the course material. The number and complexity of literary selections is determined by the level of the individual class. Supplementary reading also differs in number and complexity relative to the class level.

Prerequisite – Successful completion of English 9

The focus of this course is the study of the basic elements of nonfiction and drama. In addition, students concentrate on mastering the skills of writing narrative, descriptive, and expository essays (including responses to literature). Students engage in a short research project and learn appropriate MLA formatting for formal papers. Students also learn the fundamental skills for delivering oral presentations. Grammar and vocabulary are addressed by reading and writing in conjunction with the course material. The number and complexity of literary selections is determined by the level of the individual class. Supplementary reading also differs in number and complexity relative to the class level.

Prerequisite – Successful completion of English 10

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is offered to those juniors whose teachers recommend them and whose work ethic and interest in literature and writing are indicative of success on this level. The course cultivates the reading and writing skills students need for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. The reading and writing students do in this course aims to deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations. The course cultivates the rhetorical understanding and use of written language by directing students’ attention to writer/reader interactions in the analysis of various formal and informal genres (letters, advertisements, political satire, personal narratives, scientific arguments, cultural critiques, and research reports). In addition, students study a variety of literature from the American tradition. The student is required to take the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Examination in the spring.

Prerequisite – Successful completion of English 10

The focus of this course is the study of American Literature, organized by the genres of fiction, poetry, and drama. Nonfiction selections are paired thematically with individual works. The number and complexity of literary selections is determined by the level of the individual class. Supplementary reading also differs in number and complexity relative to the class level. In addition, students concentrate on mastering the skills of writing expository essays (including responses to literature), synthesis essays, rhetorical analysis essays, and persuasive/argument essays. Students engage in a short research project and continue to learn appropriate MLA formatting for formal papers. Students also continue to practice the fundamental skills for delivering oral presentations. Grammar is addressed by reading and writing in conjunction with the course material. Vocabulary instruction seeks to augment students’ knowledge of words encountered on the college level. 

Prerequisite – Successful completion of English 11 or AP English Language and Composition

The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. A research project is also part of the curriculum. The Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition exam in May is mandatory.

Prerequisite – Successful completion of English 11

The focus of this course is literary analysis in the study of narrative fiction, poetry, and drama from ancient times to contemporary literature, including many multicultural voices. The number and complexity of literary selections is determined by the level of the individual class. Supplementary reading also differs in number and complexity relative to the class level. The major writing components are expository responses to literature and literary analysis. Students also engage in a short research project and continue to learn appropriate MLA formatting for formal papers. Socratic seminars expose students to college-level discussion formats and provide an opportunity to practice public speaking. 

This course is an activity-based speech communication program. Through a variety of activities, this course reinforces skills and techniques of the communication process to be effective speakers and listeners. The focus will be on formal and informal situations.