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Composition 9 (One semester requirement for grade 9) Students will gain mastery of the writing process and develop the skills and confidence to write effectively in any setting. Primary emphasis will be given to content with mechanics, usage, and editing skills complementing the overall writing process.
Speech 9 (One semester requirement for grade 9) The class will cover the proper organization, researching, preparation, and presentation of speeches which inform, persuade, and oral interpretation of prose. This class is not intended to prepare students for speech team, but to introduce them to public speaking.
English 10 is required
English 10 (Requirement for grade 10) Areas of concentration will include grammar, composition, and usage. We will study poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel. Students may read the following novels and play: Night, Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451, Romeo and Juliet, and The Odyssey.
English 11 Vocational or college prep English are required courses
English 11V (vocational) This course focuses on two general areas: reading and writing skills related to getting and keeping a job, and a basic study of American literature. Students will keep a working portfolio of reports, essays, short stories, and poetry. Vocabulary, grammar, and short writing assignments are also a part of the course. We will also be taking an in depth look at certain authors and reading their works. These authors include: Mark Twain, Arthur Miller, John Steinbeck, Edgar Allen Poe, and Willa Cather .
English 11C (college preparatory) This weighted course is basically an American literature survey course. Students in junior college preparatory English will also read novels from the following list: The Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Grapes of Wrath, My Antonia, and The Great Gatsby. Along with reading some of these novels, the students will also study the authors, as well as many other authors. Students will also be reading several essays, short stories, and poetry. Students will even dabble in creating poems, short stories, and small essays. Students will keep a working portfolio of their reports and essays. Each student will self-evaluate his or her own work at the end of the year. Included in this course will be a study of the principles of English grammar and usage. Also, students will work on a 1500-word persuasive essay during first semester. A grade of at least a “B” in sophomore English is strongly suggested for enrollment in the junior college preparatory English program.
English 12 Vocational or college prep English is required
English 12V (vocational) This course includes a multi-cultural approach to world literature with the emphasis on British classics. Some of the works studied will range from poetry, short stories, plays and excerpts from novels. The main text will be The Language of Literature, which incorporates reading, writing, and vocabulary exercises. Students will also be involved in making creative works like poetry, short stories, movies, and character sketches. Students will keep a working portfolio of their works. Also, during second semester, students will be working on a web quest based on the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. This will require the research and the writing of a short story from a different point of view than the original story.
English 12C (college preparatory) Most of the first semester of this weighted course will be devoted to the survey of British literature. Some of the works studied will range from poetry, short stories, plays and excerpts from novels. Students will read selections from Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Le Morte de Arthur , and Gulliver's Travels. Students will also read Hamlet, Macbeth, The Lord of the Flies, or other possibilities. Also, during second semester, students will be working on a web quest based on the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. This will require an extensive amount of research and the writing of a short story from a different point of view than the original story. Students will also be keeping a portfolio of their writing throughout the year, and they will self-review the portfolio near the end of their senior year. A grade of at least a “B” in junior college preparatory English is strongly suggested for enrollment in senior college preparatory English.
English Composition I (3 hour college credit course/English 1010/fall semester) Designed to develop writing skills. Students write short papers and essays based upon their personal experience and/or assigned readings. The course emphasizes the clear written expression of ideas and the importance of organization, word choice, logic, and sentence construction. The process of planning, writing, revising, and editing essays for a particular audience is also emphasized. Prerequisite: English 11C; recommended to be ranked in upper half of class and/or a GPA of 3.0 or above or score of 20 or above on ACT; parent permission; school counselor recommendation.
English Composition II (3 hour college credit course/English 1020/spring semester) Similar to English 1010, but with emphasis on the technique of reading and explicating works of literature, particularly the novel and poetry. Prerequisite: English 1010 or permission of instructor.
Yearbook (Option for grades 9-12) Students will plan and prepare the school yearbook. Activities include photography; writing of headlines, copy, and captions; designing layouts, and preparing and selling advertising. This class is limited in size to 10-12 students with preference given to those with yearbook experience. Grade of A or B in English is required.
Drama (Option for grades 9-12) Students will learn basic drama techniques such as pantomime and improvisation. They will also learn relaxation techniques and how to “get into character.” Students will study the different keys to characterization, stage grouping, and positioning. They also study prop and set design, makeup techniques, and costume design. Students are encouraged to utilize creative abilities. Students must be part of the class in order to participate in play production. Fulfills fine arts requirement.
Speech Team (Option for grades 9-12) The class is devoted to preparing students for competition. Students do not have to be part of the class, but are encouraged to do so. Students spend time preparing and practicing speeches. They will also listen to and critique each other's speeches. They will participate in speech team competition during second semester. Students who are part of the class must compete on the speech team. Fulfills fine arts requirement.