English

• 4 credits, 1 each year, are required for graduation.
• In addition, 1 credit of Interdisciplinary Preparation and Geography must be completed during the freshman year.

Freshman Seminar
(9) (1 credit — required) 
The class is designed to assist students as they transition from eighth grade to a college preparatory high school curriculum. Students refine time management techniques, self – assessment, realistic goal setting, and study skills. They participate in Socratic discussions, MLA research, speech writing and delivery, and formal resume writing in both theory and practice. Additionally, students will study geography throughout the year; including, earth and space, physical systems, human systems, political systems, and climate systems, and maps.

Introduction to Literature and Composition 
(9) (1 credit) 
This course provides a strong basis in writing skills and an introduction to literary analysis. A variety of genres of literature are used to understand, analyze and synthesize literary works. A comprehensive study of literary elements in each genre provides students with the ability to understand how authors create works. Students apply what they have learned in various essays and writing assignments that analyze the literature presented. Writing strategies incorporate formal and informal styles and techniques. A vocabulary study enables students to increase reading and writing skills and prepare for examinations. Focused and close reading exercises help students build skills in note – taking and reading comprehension.

Honors Introduction to Literature and Composition 
(9) (1 credit) 
This course provides a thorough introduction and analysis of short stories, novels, poetry, and drama that students will use as they read selected works from each genre. A nonfiction unit is included to focus on author’s purpose and argument and persuasion techniques. Students gain an understanding of the diversity of literature with a particular em phasis on ancient drama and mythology. The writing emphasis is on literary analysis as well as increasingly sophisticated writing techniques. Vocabulary from a required text and from literary selections is also is included weekly.

Composition and Readings 
(10) (1 credit) 
Maintaining a focus on universal writing strategies, composition concentrates on description, narration, persuasion, example, comparison and contrast, definition, cause and effect, argument, and research modes of writing.  A stronger emphasis is placed on the writing process rather than final product; however, periodic timed writing will be used for evaluation.  Style, grammar, and vocabulary lessons are both practiced as independent drills and integrated into writing assignments. To inform their writing, students study short essays as models for the students' own compositions. In addition, students read course books as further augmentation to discovering their own writing styles.

Honors Composition and Readings 
(10) (1 credit) 
This course provides an overview of contemporary nonfiction and world literature through assigned novel and independent novel study. The students will also focus on the various types of essay writing with an emphasis on compare and contrast, cause and effect, and argument essays. Shorter essays will be read and analyzed as models for the students own writing. The students will practice research techniques during the year in the culmination of a year – long research and analysis project using the writing techniques studied. A study of vocabulary will be incorporated throughout the year and used to make writing more articulate.

American Literature and Composition 
(11) (1 credit) 
This course involves the study of American literature from the colonial period to present through novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. A variety of literature provides students with a comprehensive view of how American culture has impacted literature and how literature and writing has changed over time. Composition concentrates on students formal and informal responses to literature and its elements, in addition to a research project that focuses on American culture. Vocabulary is studied within the context of literature and through the vocabulary text.

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition 
(11) (1 credit)
AP Language and Composition is a yearlong writing and reading course. The reading focus is American literature, essays and other nonfiction writing. The course involves rigorous analysis of and practice with rhetorical strategies and devices. Argumentative, expository, and analytical writing are significantly rehearsed and explored. Research techniques are also emphasized. All students taking the course are expected to take the AP Language and Composition exam in the spring.

British Literature and Composition 
(12) (1 credit) 
This course provides the study of a sampling of British literature from the Anglo – Saxon period through modern times. Vocabulary is studied within the context of literature and through the vocabulary text. With regard to composition, there is a concentration on the responses to literature and its elements; personal, expository and persuasive writing; a personal memoir project, and a collaborated research paper/ project .

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition 
(12) (1 credit) 
This course complies with the curricular requirements found in the AP course description issued by The College Board. Students participate in close reading and critical analysis of a variety of literature and genres. The required close reading of texts lead students to a deeper understanding of the writer’s craft in interpreting meaning and creating enjoyment for readers. The students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as smaller scale elements such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. They also study representative works from the 16th through 21st centuries, including various genres, periods and cultures with the primary focus on covering several works in depth. This requires deliberate reading and analysis of the work’s complexity, layers of meaning, and literary style, as well as the social and historical values they reflect. Students write timed writings at regular intervals, followed by both instructor and peer evaluations. While students receive practice and guidance for taking the AP exam in the spring, this course is aimed primarily at providing college level instruction and expectations leading to the development of college level skills. All students taking the course are expected to take the AP Language and Composition exam in the spring.