English

Mike Dwyer, Department Chairperson - WVHS
Karen Pierros, Department Chairperson - NVHS

• English Department's User Guide

A student must be registered in a core English course each semester. The curriculum builds language skills sequentially from freshman through senior levels. Writing-based courses introduce, develop, and refine student skills in all aspects of the writing process including literary analyses, personal essays, and creative writings. In addition, reading development is approached through the various literature offered in each course.

The first two years of English course work consist of two full-year courses, English I and II. In the remaining four semesters of a student's high school career, a student must take:

(1) one semester of English III-British Literature I

(2) one choice from the five choices offered from the junior choice list, and

(3) two choices from the senior choice list for the student's senior year in the district.

If students are enrolled in a year course such as English III Practical Reading and Writing, English III British Literature and Contemporary Literature, or English III Advanced Placement British Literature and Composition, they need not make semester selections from the Junior or Senior choices because their class lasts for the entire school year.

Students may also take Advanced Placement classes, English III-AP and English IV-AP, to fulfill their four-year English requirement.

The communication electives (special interest courses) may be taken in addition to the core curriculum but do not count toward fulfillment of English requirements for graduation.

Because Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) course work is accelerated and more sophisticated, upper level work of high quality in a compacted time frame is demanded of students. The English Department has developed recommendations for student success. These criteria are indicators of performance levels or standards for the Honors or A.P. courses and are available from the English Department.

English Course Listing

English Course Descriptions

All English courses are year-long unless noted.

Freshman Level Core Courses

4200 English I - Practical Reading and Writing - By placement only. This full year course is designed for direct reading instruction to maintain skills or improve reading rate and comprehension for those students who are reading two or more years below grade level.

4204 English I - Literature Survey and Composition - This full year course focuses on literary analysis through study of myth, short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Descriptive, expository, persuasive, and narrative writing, as well as basic research techniques and speaking skills are emphasized. In addition, students will refine grammar and usage skills through the writing process and effective composition strategies. Major themes and works studied include "Coming of Age" and "Visions of the Future, " To Kill A Mockingbird”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “Fahrenheit 451”.

4205 English I Honors - Literature Survey and Composition - This course emphasizes analytical consideration of mythology, short story, novel, poetry, and tragic drama. Refinement of the principles of grammar, usage, and precision of expression is taught through emphasis on effective composition skills. Through the study of literature and composition, students will learn strategies necessary to earn Advanced Placement test credits as juniors and seniors. Major themes and works studied include "Coming of Age" and "Visions of the Future," Romeo and Juliet”, “Frankenstein”, “Merchant of Venice”, and “Fahrenheit 451”.

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Sophomore Level Core Courses

4202 English II - Practical Reading and Writing - By placement only. This full year course continues to maintain or build reading rate and comprehension skills, developing from each student's instructional level.

4206 English II - American Literature and Composition - This full year course includes the study of American Literature from colonial through contemporary periods. Students will read journals, biographies, essays, novels, short stories, plays, and poetry representing American authors and authors of various ethnic backgrounds. The literature will promote students' analytical abilities and will encourage critical thinking skills through the writing of expository, persuasive, and narrative essays. In addition, the literature will service as models and material for speaking in persuasive, informative, and entertainment forums. Major themes/works studied include "The American Dream", "Creating the Self”, "The Great Gatsby”, and “The Crucible”.

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4207 English II Honors - American Literature and Composition - This full year course includes the study of American Literature from colonial through contemporary periods. Students will read journals, biographies, essays, novels, short stories, plays, and poetry representing American authors and authors of various ethnic backgrounds. The literature will promote students' analytical abilities and will encourage critical thinking skills through the writing of expository, persuasive, and narrative essays. In addition, the literature will serve as models and material for speaking in persuasive, informative, and entertainment forums. Through the study of literature and composition, students will learn strategies necessary to earn Advanced Placement test credits as juniors and seniors. Major themes/works studied include "The American Dream", "Creating the Self”, "The Great Gatsby”, and “The Crucible”.

4929 American Society: Interdisciplinary American Literature/American Studies - Two periods, all year. This year long course provides a two-credit alternative to separate American Studies and English classes. Students will receive individual grades for each course and will fulfill the graduation requirements for both English and U.S. History. The linkage between the two courses allows for many opportunities to emphasize the connections between American literature, history, art, music and architecture through team-teaching, joint assignments and projects. The course demands active student participation, intensive outside reading, and challenges beyond the classroom setting (i.e. field trip, projects). Students who are interested in studying English and history through this creative humanities emphasis will enjoy this option. Major works include: “The Crucible”, “The Great Gatsby”, and “Warriors Don't Cry”.

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Junior Level Core Courses and Choices

Core Courses

4226 English III - British Literature and Contemporary Literature - This course surveys British literature in thematic units. It is designed to reinforce valuable principles and usage with emphasis on improving composition skills. Students complete a research project during the second semester.

4228 English III - British Literature I and Composition - Semester course. This one-semester course continues college preparation of language and composition skills through concentration on the study of works such as “Beowulf”, “The Canterbury Tales”, and “MacBeth”. Emphases on written skills continue primarily based on critical analyses of works studied as well as on the writing of personal essays.

4229 English III Advanced Placement - British Literature and Composition - This year long course emphasizes the genres of British literature and continues the writing of critical analyses of works studied as well as the writing of personal essays. During the course a focus is the preparation for taking the Advanced Placement English Language Test. Students may receive college credit by qualifying on the advanced placement exam administered by the College Board. Students in this course may also opt to add an additional junior choice to their second semester studies.

4250 English III - Practical Reading and Writing - By placement. This full year course continues to maintain or build reading rate and comprehension skills, developing from each student's instructional level.

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Junior Choices

The following are second semester junior classes. Juniors enrolled in English 4228 must choose one of the following electives to complete the high school four-year English requirement. Juniors in Practical Reading and Writing (4250) or AP (4229) English classes may opt to take English 4247, 4239, 4227, 4228 or 4235 as electives only.

4227 English III - Contemporary Literature and Composition - One semester. This class provides the opportunity for students to experience current issues through contemporary fiction and non-fiction. Through analysis of novels, short stories, and non-fiction works, students will examine the relevance of the literature to their experience. With the use of high interest literature, students will continue building their writing, thinking, and vocabulary skills.

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4235 English III - Mythology and Composition - One semester. This course is designed to acquaint students with world myths, legends, and folklore that form the background and tradition of literary heritage, gaining an appreciation for literature of other cultures and time periods, some of which are African, Celtic, and Middle and Far East. The students will work toward mastery of skills including writing, speaking, cooperative learning, and higher-level thinking. Through the study of mythology and its influence in more modern literature, students will enhance global awareness and insight into imagination and the human experience.

4239 English III - Dramatic Literature and Composition - One semester. This course offers a study of dramatic literature from various theatrical genres and historical periods. Students will examine these plays as pieces of literature, not production. The reading and accompanying discussions and activities will provide a basis for expository and analytical writing. Through the study of dramatic literature, students will continue to enhance their reading, writing, and thinking skills.

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4247 English III - British Literature II and Composition - One semester. This course offers a thematic and chronological approach to the continued study of British literature through essays, poetry, novels, and short stories from the Restoration to the Modern and Contemporary Eras. This course continues the emphasis on critical thinking, composition writing, and effective reading skills needed to be lifelong learners.

4258 English III - Cultural Studies - Grade 11. One semester. This course allows students to be exposed to literary works from a variety of cultures. The emphasis will be placed on reading novels that are the result of the society from which they were produced. The similarities and differences among the various cultures studied will provide students with a historical and social perspective. By looking at the cycle through which society impacts literature that then has a future effect on society, students will gain awareness of how multi-cultural literature affects and reflects today's society.

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Senior Level Core Courses and Senior Choices

Core Classes

4236 English IV - Film Studies, Composition and Communication - This full year course focuses on various aspects of film study including the technical viewpoint, the historical significance, and the visual approaches used to demonstrate thematic ideas in film. Also, students focus on communication skills needed to effectively connect with others in their environment, personal relationships, daily activities, and professional settings. Students will focus on logically developing ideas with appropriate evidence, clear and precise language, and varied sentence structure. In this course students will utilize and refine their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

4249 English IV Advanced Placement - Literature and Composition - This year long course emphasizes the genres of British literature and continues the writing of critical analyses of works studied as well as the writing of personal essays. During the course a focus is the preparation for taking the Advanced Placement English Literature Test. Students may receive college credit by qualifying on the advanced placement exam administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students in this course may also opt to add a senior choice to their semester studies.

4252 English IV - Practical Reading and Writing - By placement. This full year course continues to maintain or build reading rate and comprehension skills, developing from each student's instructional level.

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Senior Choices

The following are semester long senior classes. Seniors may choose two of the following electives to complete the high school, four-year English requirement. Seniors in Practical Reading and Writing (4252), or English IV Film Studies and Continuing Composition and Communication (4236) may opt to take these Senior Choice courses as electives only.

4238 English IV - Film Studies: Literature and Composition - One semester. This course allows seniors the opportunity to understand the historical periods of film development (The Silent Era, German Expressionism, Documentary, Suspense), the technology in film production and the elements of film making in order to become more literate, critical and evaluative when viewing film. Students will research films and respond to films through a variety of rigorous assignments such as written analyses, class presentations and semester projects. This class will hone critical thinking and composition skills developed in previous English classes while introducing the concept of visual literacy.

4246 English IV - 20th Century Literature and Beyond - One semester. This course allows seniors the opportunity to read a variety of contemporary novels, plays and short stories. Building on textual knowledge, critical thinking and composition skills developed in previous English classes, students will question and determine the role of contemporary literature in society through a variety of written analyses, class presentations and quarterly projects.

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4266 English IV - Poetry Reading and Composition - This course allows seniors the opportunity to enhance creative and imaginative expression by developing the skills and commitment essential for reading and writing poetry. Through the study of classical, modern and contemporary poetry, the course provides seniors with a wide variety of poetic prompts, opportunity to respond to the prompts, analysis of poetry in formal compositions, and a workshop setting that enables students to respond to and learn from one another's writing. Students will be encouraged to submit their writing for publication.

4276 English IV - World Literature and Composition I - This one semester course will provide students with an overview of timeless major literary works from around the world. Students will read and respond to selected novels, plays, short stories, essays, and poetry. Students will gain an understanding of works of literary merit from other cultures and the universality of the human condition.

4277 English IV - World Literature and Composition II - This one semester course offers a continuation to World Literature I, although World Literature I is not a prerequisite. The course provides students with a further exploration of timeless major literary works from around the world. Students will read and respond to selected novels, plays, short stories, essays, and poetry. Students will gain an understanding of works of literary merit from other cultures and the universality of the human condition.

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4282 English IV - Philosophy through Literature - In this one semester course, students will analyze the cultural roots of civilization through an examination of selected literature and its philosophies, preparing students for further study and enhancing their understanding of broader profound concepts such as: knowledge, truth, the difference between right and wrong, justice, evil, fate, freedom, and beauty. Through this study students will hone critical thinking skills, understand the basic principles of argumentation, and create counterarguments in both discussion and formal writing.

4283 English IV - Composition and Communication - This one semester course concentrates on communicating effectively in the academic environment, personal relationships, daily activities, and professional settings. In this course, students will utilize and refine their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students will focus on logically developing ideas with appropriate evidence, clear and precise language, and varied sentence structure. They will learn how to effectively communicate in different settings through instruction on teamwork, problem solving, technological application, leadership skills, and interaction with people in various roles and work situations, all to help them become successful communicators in the world beyond high school.

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Communication Electives

These courses count toward graduation as general electives rather than toward the English requirement.

4220 Public Speaking - Grade 11-12. One semester. This course develops essential oral communication skills learned at previous levels of the language arts experience. Individual speeches, such as children's stories, prose reading, awards, impromptus, radio speaking, and original essays are covered in this semester program. Special attention is given to acquiring poise, confidence, and respect as a speaker.

4222 Theatre Arts I - Grade 10-12. One semester. This course is a student-oriented class that focuses on the theory of acting, the process of directing, and the elements of technical theatre. Theory will be interlaced with opportunities for hands-on involvement at all levels of the theatrical experience.

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4280 College Prep Reading - Grade 10-11. One semester. This course will address the reading strategies required for comprehension of text materials and sophisticated fiction selections, etymology, and logic strategies. Test preparation will also be an element of this course: students will learn how to deal with the different test constructions (e.g. ACT, SAT) for improved test performance. This course will have a reading list and will require work outside class time.

4284 Reading Workshop - Grade 9-10. Placement required. Reading Workshop is a year-long course offered to students who are willing to make a commitment to improve and enhance their reading skills. The workshop will emphasize organizational skills, reading and advanced reading strategies and test-taking skills.

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4224 Theatre Arts II - Grade 10-12. One semester. This course builds upon concepts learned in Theatre Arts I while still centering on student participation and involvement. The focuses will be on more advanced styles of acting and more specific responsibilities inherent to the directing process, including technical aspects of theatre.

4230 Creative Writing I - Grade 11-12. One semester. This course enhances creative and imaginative expression by developing the skills, style, and commitment essential for effective writing. Students will explore a variety of genres journals, short stories, poetry, essays, and drama.

4232 Creative Writing II - Grade 11-12. One semester. Prerequisite is Creative Writing I. This course significantly extends the writing experiences introduced in Creative Writing I. Primary focus will be on poetry and short story writing. Students will create a portfolio for both their poetry and their short stories and will submit some of their work for publication.

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4240 Newspaper Journalism - Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is instructor's permission based on teacher recommendations regarding the student's writing ability, creativity, and dependability. A test of basic writing skills may also be administered. This course develops writing, interviewing, and design skills which are applied when students produce the school newspaper. NOTE: This course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.

4242 Yearbook Journalism - Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is instructor's permission based on teacher recommendations regarding the student's writing ability, creativity, and dependability. A test of basic writing skills may also be administered. This course develops skills such as writing copy, designing spreads, and desktop publishing. Students develop computer literacy skills and meet specific deadlines in order to produce the annual high school yearbook. NOTE: This course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.

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