English Department

English 9 (College Prep)
Prerequisites: 8th Grade Literature
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course includes the study of short stories, poetry, epic, non-fiction, plays, and novels. Students engage in narrative, description, persuasive, and expository writing, as well as research. A review of grammar, usage, and mechanics are introduced as needed. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, literary analysis, and written composition. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increasing comprehension and the ability to respond to a wide range of genres. They should also demonstrate an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression. Summer reading is required.

English 9 (Honors)
Prerequisites: 8th Grade Literature
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: 8th grade English teacher
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course continues the study of literary genres, including short stories, poetry, epic, non-fiction, plays, and novels. Students make thematic connections among literary texts and contemporary issues. They use language for expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes, engaging in revising and editing techniques and reviewing grammar, usage, and mechanics as needed. Reading and writing assignments are rigorous; students must be avid readers and competent writers. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, literary analysis, written composition, and research skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to read and respond to a variety of increasingly complex texts. Students should also demonstrate the ability to write effectively in a variety of modes. Summer reading is required.

English 10 (College Prep)
Prerequisites: English 9
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course provides instruction in the study of grammar usage, mechanics, vocabulary, and composition. Emphasis is placed on the correct use of grammar and the development of writing skills. Selections of world literature, including novels, plays, epic, and short stories are studied representing diverse time periods and cultures. Summer reading is required. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation for diverse cultures and literature as well as be confident in writing and reading skills.

English 10 (Honors)
Prerequisites: English 9 B or higher in English 9 H or an A in English 9 CP
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: English 9 teacher
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course focuses on world literature and composition. Emphasis is placed on composition, grammar usage, mechanics, speech, and vocabulary. World literature study includes novels, plays, short stories, epic, and non-fiction. Students must be avid readers and enjoy writing. Independent work and summer reading are also required. Upon completion, students should be able to function independently and demonstrate an understanding of world literature and cultures. The students will also demonstrate a more sophisticated writing ability.

English 11 (College Prep)
Prerequisites: 10th Grade English
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course involves the chronological study of American literature, from its colonial beginnings to the present. Students analyze the literature of the United States as it reflects social perspective and historical significance. They continue to use language for expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, writing and speaking skills, and correct grammar, mechanics, and usage as these students prepare for the rigors of college. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze a wide range of texts and demonstrate proficiency in written composition. Summer reading is required.

ENGLISH 11 Honors
Prerequisite: B in English 10 H.
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course explores American literature from its Colonial beginnings to the present. Students will read works from all genres in addition to those read in the College Prep level. Students will use language for expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes. An emphasis on vocabulary development and correct grammar usage is a part of the curriculum. The course is designed to challenge the highly motivated, self-directed, and reflective learner. Higher level thinking skills will be emphasized. Upon completion students should be able to analyze texts with a critical eye and demonstrate a more sophisticated writing style. Summer reading is a requirement for this course.

English 12 (College Prep)
Prerequisites: English 11
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course covers selections from British prose and poetry. An emphasis on literature and college level composition helps develop critical skills of intellectual reading, thinking, and writing. An emphasis on speaking skills and correct grammar usage is also a part of the curriculum. Summer reading is required. Upon completion, students should be able to be more successful in college. Students will also be able to demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking, and time management as part of the Senior Project requirement.

ENGLISH 12 Honors
Prerequisite: B in English 11 H.
Credit: 1 per year
Description: The course involves the study and analysis of British literature from 449 to the present, including novels, plays, numerous short stories, poems, and non-fiction selections. The composition component prepares students for freshman-level college English courses focusing on the modes of writing involving critical thinking and reading skills. Students must be able to read at an advanced level since independent reading is required. Grammar/vocabulary study and a focus on oral presentations and speaking skills will comprise a part of the curriculum. Summer reading is required in this course. Students will also be able to demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking, and time management as part of the Senior Project requirement.


AP English Literature and Composition
Prerequisites: 90% or better in English 11H
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: English 11 teacher
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course is a rigorous, college level survey of major British, American, and world authors including poetry, prose, short stories, and plays. Works of literary merit are studied for their literary, social, cultural, and historical values and significance. Emphasis is placed on intense preparation for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam. Since the AP Exam focuses on reading and composition, students who enroll in the course are expected to be strong writers and avid readers. Performance expectation is high with a demanding workload outside of class. Summer reading and Senior Project are required. Upon completion, students should be able to earn a passing score on the AP Exam and receive college credit. Students will also be more successful overall in college for having taken this course.