Course Descriptions
English Department
Title: World Literature
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
English I is an introductory freshman course concentrating on skill development in composition, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and speech. Students will receive reinforcement in study and interpretation skills. The approach in reading and writing is experiential and analytical, with an emphasis on personal expression.
Title: World Literature Honors
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
English I Honors is an introductory freshman course concentrating on advanced skill development in composition, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. Students also will receive reinforcement in study and oral interpretation skills. The approach in reading and writing is experiential and analytical with an emphasis on personal expression. In addition, students will create a personal writing portfolio. Qualifying test scores and teacher recommendations are needed for entrance to this honors class.
Title: Language Arts Skills
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
Language Arts Skills is designed to assist qualified freshmen adjust to high school life and college preparatory academic work. Assignments in LA supplement assignments given by other teachers and are designed to strengthen reading, writing, and math skills. These assignments also provide students with additional opportunities to learn about the subjects they will be studying during high school. These subjects include, but are not limited to the following: World History, US History, English, Fine Arts, Math, and Religion.
Title: American Literature
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
English III is a college preparatory, formal literature and composition survey course for juniors, which covers the development of American literature from the colonial period to the present day. The course study is chronologically oriented and attempts to “trace the changes in attitudes, ideas, and styles that have occurred in our American culture over the last several centuries”. Genres examined include the novel, drama, poetry, short story, and non-fiction. Students will develop a competent knowledge of and appreciation for the authors, major literary works, and the development of literary techniques, styles and values. Students will continue to build critically upon the writing process with a focus on the formal essay. Skills in grammar usage, critical thinking, vocabulary, spelling, and oral presentation are reinforced throughout the year. Besides the formal textbook, students will explore the major themes in novels such as Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby.
Title: American Literature Honors
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
English III Honors is an intensive and challenging chronological study of American Literature. Students will study the development of American Literature from the colonial period to the present day. Students will examine various genres of American Literature: essays, the novel, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, etc. Students will learn how the influences of the history and development of America became evident in its literature. Students will continue to build upon their writing skills and improve their understanding and usage of grammar and vocabulary. Some of the criteria for acceptance to this course include current teacher recommendation, grades in all English classes, standardized test scores, and overall GPA.
Title: Topics in Literature
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Students will explore any of a variety of literary topics. This will be a focused examination of the writings of major authors. In addition, students will explore their own voice through written and spoken expression.
Title: Topics in Literature Honors
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
This course provides an introduction to the literature of war and peace. Students will study historical documents, memoirs, and fiction born out of past and present global conflicts. Through the voices of civilians, warriors, and peace advocates, students will study the contrasting human experience of conflict and war with people's desire for peace.
Title: British Literature
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This is a college preparatory course designed to explore the development of the English language and its literature through a chronological study of major British authors. This class is theme-based according to historical and literary periods. The exploration of these themes from the textbook will be augmented with a variety of British and non-British novels. A major portion of this class will be the writing of thoughtful and creative essays, both inside and outside the class. These writing assignments will include creative, comparative, analytical, and argumentative essays through the use of poetry, drama, short stories, essays, and novels
Title: Literature Theory Honors
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
Literature Theory Honors is an intensive, challenging reading and writing course for the motivated college-bound student. The course is part of the Seattle Univeristy, Matteo Ricci program and students completing the course will have an opportunity to purchase college credit. The class will tackle a chronological study of some of the various genres (poetry, short story, drama) of British Literature, as well as certain outside materials/novels. It will examine both the historical and contemporary importance of the selected works. Writing instruction will focus on a range of approaches with an emphasis on the advancement of analytical writing skills and the refinement of individual writing style. Internet use, vocabulary development, oral communication and presentation skill development will also be a part of this course.
Title: Publications I
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
Publications I focuses on the details of yearbook production. Students will study layout, design, photography, editorial copywriting, and investigative reporting. A student who successfully completes this course will practice basic journalistic principles of writing and editing as they relate to the production of a yearbook. In addition, students will be able to explain basic principles of good photography and explain how to successfully integrate the photo function into the yearbook operation.
Title: Publications II
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
Publications II is a selective course in which students assume lead roles in the yearbook production. Students in Publications II will assist the teacher with the introduction of layout, design, photography, editorial copywriting, and investigative reporting. In addition, students will collaborate with the teacher to determine thematic and stylistic content of the yearbook. Instructor permission and successful completion of Publications I are necessary to enroll in Publications II.