Course Descriptions

English I [1]
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to accommodate approximately 80% of the ninth grade students. Emphasis will be on fundamental language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and presenting. An emphasis on vocabulary and composition skills will be an on-going part of the program. The course includes studies of various literary genres: short stories, poetry, novel, drama and non-fiction. The development of critical reading skills is a major emphasis of the course.

English I – H [1]
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and appropriate test scores
English I Honors is a course designed for approximately the upper twenty percent of the freshman class, the selection being based upon achievement test scores and teacher recommendation. Students will participate in a general review of grammar with emphasis upon usage. Strong attention will be given the development of composition skills. Vocabulary development and outside reading will complement each credit of study. All literature study will be supported by composition. Literary emphasis includes the short story, novel, drama and poetry.

English II [1]
Prerequisite: English (1 credit)
This course includes a review of language skills, the teaching of intermediate composition skills, and an examination of literary themes and forms. The course includes study of various literary genres, short stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and the novel. Emphasis in both semesters will be placed on vocabulary development, composition skills, and critical reading skills.

English II – H [1]
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, appropriate test scores and English (1 credit)
This course is designed for approximately the upper twenty percent of the sophomore class; the selection being based upon test scores, teacher recommendation, and performance in English I – H/PreAP/PreIB. Students will review writing skills and extend their study of vocabulary, the short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Strong attention will be given to the development of composition skills. Composition will support all literature study. Outside reading assignments will continue for both PreAP and PreIB students. New areas of emphasis are the writing of the argumentative paper and the development of research skills.

Creative Writing [.5]
Prerequisite: None
In this class, students will have the opportunity to read contemporary poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction and to use these as springboards for their own creative work. Unlike the literature courses, the emphasis will be placed upon the students' work and not upon the selections read as models. Students will be encouraged to submit their work to the campus literary magazine.