MYP Language and Literature
9
This course focuses on writing essays for academic studies, introducing a variety of methods for developing essays, and emphasizes clarity and precision. Students build on their knowledge of paragraph construction in response to fiction and non-fiction texts, and grammar studies to create well-developed expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. In addition to writing skills, students will also learn MLA style and continue to develop their literary analysis skills.
MYP LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE 1 AND 2 IS REQUIRED FOR ALL FRESHMEN.
MYP Language and American Literature 1 and 2
10
This course introduces students to American authors, texts, and literary movements and their history through the genres of essays, drama, short fiction, poetry, and novels. Students continue to develop the skills of close reading of literature and analysis of literary technique through exploration of terminology and effect. Students enhance communication and critical thinking skills through essays, major projects, and presentations.
MYP LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE 1 AND 2 OR HONORS MYP LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL SOPHOMORES.
Honors MYP Language and American Literature 1 and 2
10
This course introduces students to American authors, texts, and literary movements and their history through the genres of essays, drama, short fiction, poetry, and novels. Students continue to develop the skills of close reading of literature and analysis of literary technique through exploration of terminology and effect. Students enhance communication and critical thinking skills through essays, major projects, and presentations. Honors classes have additional supplementary texts as well as the expectation of more independent reading and assignments, resulting in an accelerated pace and greater depth.
MYP LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE 1 AND 2 OR HONORS MYP LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL SOPHOMORES.
HONORS PLACEMENT REQUIRES 1st SEMESTER MINIMUM GRADE OF "B+" IN
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE OR 1ST SEMESTER GRADE OF “B” IN HONORS LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE OR TEACHER RECOMMENDATION.
Language and British Literature 1 and 2
11
This course involves a comprehensive study of various forms of literature, poetry, and plays written by well-known British authors. A critical analysis of the material will include an examination of literary techniques, concepts, and terms. The interpreted readings are related to written and verbal communication through essays and discussions. Students will also advance research skills and be required to write a research paper, MLA style.
Honors Language and British Literature 1 and 2
11
This course involves a comprehensive study of various forms of literature, poetry, and plays written by well-known British authors. A critical analysis of the material will include an examination of literary techniques, concepts, and terms. The interpreted readings are related to written and verbal communication through essays and discussions. Students will also advance research skills and be required to write a research paper, MLA style. Honors classes have additional supplementary texts as well as the expectation of more independent reading and assignments, resulting in an accelerated pace and greater depth.
HONORS PLACEMENT REQUIRES 1ST SEMESTER MINIMUM GRADE OF "B+" IN MYP
LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE OR 1ST SEMESTER GRADE OF “B” IN
HONORS LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE OR TEACHER RECOMMENDATION.
Language and World Literature 1 and 2
12
World Literature is a comprehensive study of various forms of literature, plays, and poetry written by authors from all over the world. The purpose of this course is to continue to foster an appreciation and a critical eye for the study of literature. Students will study the literary genres, including novels, dramas, short stories, and poetry. They will analyze literary pieces through essays, discussions, and activities that develop critical thinking skills as well as empathy.
Students continue to practice MLA documentation system for their work.
Honors Language and World Literature 1 and 2
12
Honors World Literature is a comprehensive study of various forms of literature, plays, and poetry written by authors from all over the world. The purpose of this course is to continue to foster an appreciation and critical eye for the study of literature. Students will study the literary genres, including novels, dramas, short stories, and poetry. They will analyze literary pieces through essays, discussions, and activities that develop critical thinking skills as well as empathy. Students continue to practice MLA documentation system for their work. Honors classes have additional supplementary texts as well as the expectation of more independent reading and assignments, resulting in an accelerated pace and greater depth.
HONORS PLACEMENT REQUIRES GRADE OF "B+' IN 1ST SEMESTER LANGUAGE AND
BRITISH LITERATURE OR A GRADE OF "B" IN 1ST SEMESTER HONORS LANGUAGE AND BRITISH LITERATURE OR AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION.
Yearbook
10 11 12
This course is designed to explore various digital media tools necessary for the production of the school's yearbook, The Legend. Students will work with computer based design and imaging software to adapt and create individual layouts for the yearbook.Students will be responsible for taking pictures, interviewing students and staff, writing captions and editing their work. Students will cover issues dealing with photography, writing and layout. Attendance at after school events is required. Strong writing skills, organizational skills and a commitment to meeting deadlines are imperative.
(ONE SEMESTER ONLY)
(STUDENTS ON THE YEARBOOK STAFF WHO WOULD LIKE TO REPEAT THE CLASS
NEED PERMISSION FROM THE YEARBOOK MODERATOR)
Public Speaking
10 11 12
This course gives students the opportunity to experience composing, delivering, and evaluating public address and interpretive speeches. Each student has the opportunity to perform in public speaking categories and interpretive categories. Students are evaluated on preparation, delivery, and student/teacher evaluations and in class exercises focusing on specific skills in public speaking.
(ONE SEMESTER ONLY)
AP English Language and Composition 1 and 2
11 12
Advanced Placement Language and Composition requires the study and practice of writing about language and rhetoric with sensitivity and discernment. Students are engaged in the critical reading and analysis of various challenging prose and nonfiction pieces representative of several genres and periods. These works are challenging and of recognized literary merit, worthy of careful scrutiny because they are complex and rich in thought and language. Likewise, students are expected to demonstrate complex and rich analysis and synthesis through formal and informal essays, projects, and presentations. The class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Composition in the spring semester, and so the demands of the class will mirror those of the freshman college level.
OPEN TO SENIORS AND JUNIORS WITH A 1ST SEMESTER "A" AVERAGE IN MYP
LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE OR A 1ST SEMESTER "B" AVERAGE IN MYP
HONORS LANGUAGE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE AND/OR BY PERMISSION OF THE
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED
*AP testing fee required by the Advanced Placement College Board
AP English Literature and Composition 1 and 2
12
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition requires the study and practice of writing about language and fiction with sensitivity and discernment. Students are engaged in the critical reading and analysis of various challenging poetry, drama, and fiction pieces representative of several genres and periods. These works are challenging and of recognized literary merit, worthy of careful scrutiny because they are complex and rich in thought and language. Likewise, students are expected to demonstrate complex and rich analysis and synthesis through formal and informal essays, projects, and presentations. The class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature in the spring semester, and so the demands of the class will mirror those of the freshman college level.
TAKING AP COMPOSITION BEFORE AP LITERATURE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
OPEN TO SENIORS WITH A 1ST SEMESTER "B" AVERAGE IN AP COMPOSITION, OR A
1ST "B" AVERAGE IN HONORS LANGUAGE AND BRITISH LITERATURE, OR BY
PERMISSION OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED
*AP testing fee required by the Advanced Placement College Board
IB English HL 1 and 2: Language in Culture and Mass Communication
11
This is the first year of a two-year course designed to meet the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Centering on the study of language through the lenses of culture and media, this class incorporates analytical, rhetorical, and critical thinking skills. Effective communication, both written and oral, will be stressed. Throughout the course, students will examine the relationships between language and meaning and will develop an astute understanding of rhetorical strategies. Students in the class are required by the IB to perform both oral assessments and written assessments, in addition to completing all other internal assignments and assessments.
OPEN TO IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME JUNIOR CANDIDATES ONLY
IB English HL 3 and 4
12
This is the second year of a two-year course. Year two concentrates on preparation for the Individual Oral Commentary, an IB assessment which recognizes literary analysis as an oral activity. The course literature includes a detailed study of Shakespeare texts, fiction and nonfiction prose, and poetry. In the spring term, students will begin preparation for the written presentation of literary analysis found on the May IB exam. The culmination of the two-year IB English HL course results in mature well-versed commentary in both an oral and written format. Students in this class are required to take IB exams in addition to completing all other internal assignments and assessments.
OPEN TO IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME SENIOR STUDENTS ONLY PREREQUISITE: IB ENGLISH HL 1 AND 2
ELECTIVES
Film Studies Spring
10 11 12
This course is an introduction to the study of film through a specific lens of Hollywood cinema. It involves a focus on film studies, and an analysis of film technique, but not learning how to make films. Emphasis is placed on a close viewing of films and on learning the meaning and application of film terminology – using films as the text for traditional English analysis. Students enhance their writing, critical thinking, and analysis skills through essays and filmic readings. A Disney+ or Amazon Prime account is required to access the films for this course, though many will be viewed in class. Powerschool is used for assigning films, material, papers, and weekly discussion forums. Findings are ultimately presented in written form.
PREREQUISITE: GRADE OF "B" IN 1 SEMESTER MYP LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE OR GRADE OF "B" IN 1 SEMESTER HONORS MYP LITERATURE