Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for the English core curriculum of reading and writing workshop, research and the study of grammar and mechanics, information literacy and communication skills. The development of persuasive writing, conventions, research skills and competence in writing will be emphasized. Student will read interpret, evaluate, analyze and synthesize multiple forms of literary communication.

Activities: Activities will include reading, writing, small group work, individual and group projects, exams, research, and oral presentations. Emphasis will be placed on high volume reading of student selected literature both fiction and nonfiction. Students will define, learn and effectively use academic vocabulary.

Content: This is a rigorous program, which incorporates in-depth study of text, both print and online literary sources, vocabulary development, grammar, and research. Both fiction and nonfiction will be studied with emphasis on literary interpretation, evaluation, analysis, and synthesis. The development of formal writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be emphasized. Academic vocabulary, terminology which is key to support the learning of the literary genres, elements and techniques will be emphasized.

Activities: Independent summer reading and literature study is expected and is germane to students’ literary knowledge development. The class will also include reading, writing, class discussion, group work and presentations, oral presentations, research projects, individual and group projects, and student-teacher conferences. College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for the English core curriculum of reading and writing workshop, research and the study of grammar and mechanics, information literacy and communication skills. The development of persuasive writing, writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be emphasized. The core curriculum includes continued study of literature, composition, grammar, and research, focusing on material of more sophistication and complexity than that of the freshman year. This is a writing intensive course that will satisfy graduation requirements.

Activities: Activities will include reading, writing, small group work, individual and group projects,exams, research, and oral presentations. Emphasis will be placed on high volume reading of student selected literature both fiction and nonfiction. Student will define, learn and effectively use academic vocabulary.

Content: This is a rigorous program, which incorporates in-depth study of text, both print and online literary sources, vocabulary development, grammar, and research. Both fiction and nonfiction will be emphasized on literary interpretation, evaluation, analysis, and synthesis. Academic vocabulary, terminology which is key to support the learning of the literary genres, elements and techniques will be emphasized. Development of persuasive writing, writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be covered. College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course.

Activities: Independent summer reading and literature study is expected and is germane to students’ literary knowledge development. The class will also include reading, writing, class discussion, group work and presentations, oral presentations, research projects, individual and group projects, and student-teacher conferences.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for the English core curriculum of reading and writing workshop, composition, research and the study of grammar and mechanics, information literacy and communication skills of more sophistication and complexity than that of the sophomore year. The development of persuasive writing, writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be emphasized. A variety of literary genres and historical periods will be covered. The instructional focus will be on the study of American literature and composition both fiction and nonfiction. Students will be required to learn academic vocabulary, terminology which is key to support the learning of the literary genres, elements and techniques studied in the course. This is a writing intensive course that will satisfy graduation requirements.

Activities: Students will study numerous works of major American writers. Through discussion students will engage in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of oral and written literary works. Refinement in writing compositions will also be an integral part of the course.

Content: Students may choose American Studies as an option that fulfills the Junior English and U.S. History requirements. This is a writing intensive course that will satisfy graduation requirements. This course combines the disciplines of English and American history and shares the philosophies and methodologies of both. One grade is given for each content area. The students will identify the major ideas and attitudes of the American experience as they are reflected in the history, literature, and culture of the United States. Group work is a significant component of this course. College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for the English core curriculum of reading and writing workshop, research and the study of grammar and mechanics, information literacy and communication skills. The development of persuasive writing, writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be emphasized. Students will be required to learn academic vocabulary, terminology which is key to support the learning of the literary genres, elements, and techniques in the course.

Activities: Interdisciplinary projects on thematic topics, which will include presentations, research papers, and creative, writing. Reading assignments in literature and history will be included in daily activities.

Content: This College Board approved course will provide the framework for the study of both rhetoric and American literature. This course will emphasize the interpretation, analysis and evaluation of literature. Instruction will include the study of elements of style and the rhetorical devices used in various literary genres to develop stylistic maturity. Students will be required to learn academic vocabulary, terminology which is key to support the learning of the literary genres, elements and techniques studied in the course.

Activities: Instructional areas of focus will be: readings (including outside reading) in a variety of genres of American literature, essays, timed writings, examination and analysis of currently published non-fiction, research, individual and group projects and oral presentations, class discussion, information literacy, teacher-student conferences and exams. At the expense of the student the opportunity to sit for the AP examination will be provided.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. This is a traditional literature/composition course designed to help students improve their writing skills, as well as read and interpret British and/or World masterpieces. Course assignments will consist of reading and writing workshop, research and the study of grammar and mechanics, information literacy and communication skills. The development of persuasive writing, writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be emphasized. Students will be required to do extensive writing, including a research paper. The focus of the written composition assignments will be to fine tune students’ writing skills to meet college entrance requirements.

Activities: Reading assigned materials; frequent essays, compositions, and a research paper; group projects, information literacy activities.

Content: This College Board approved course will provide the framework for the study of both literature and composition. It includes the intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods of World literature. The writing that students produce in this class will reinforce their understanding of works of recognized literary merit. The writing assignments will include analytical and argumentative essays. Students will engage in critical analysis of various types of literature: novels, poetry, short stories and drama.

Activities: Student activities will include reading a variety of genres of World literature, essays, timed writings, individual and group projects and oral presentations, research, class discussion, information literacy, student-teacher conferences and exams. At the expense of the student the opportunity to sit for the AP examination will be provided.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. This course is a full-year workshop class for those who want to refine their writing skills. Willingness to write daily and to participate in regular workshop discussions is expected. Classes focus on methods of drafting, revision, criticism, submitting for publication, and performance. Content includes the study and creation of poetry short story, and drama.

Activities: Learning activities will include writing, reading, peer editing, discussion, portfolio, guest speakers and the production of the school literary magazine.

Content: Students will improve reading skills through engagement in small group shared and guided reading instruction. Students will apply cognitive reading strategies to increase their background knowledge, use of vocabulary (from literature and academic terminology) and reading comprehension. Emphasis will be placed on high volume reading of student selected literature both fiction and nonfiction.

Activities: Areas of study specifically designed for each individual student may include independent reading with teacher guidance, vocabulary and comprehension improvement, study skills assistance and structural analysis.

Content: This course will develop basic acting, oral communication, and introductory memorization skills. Voice and body control will be studied as well as character analysis techniques. As skills develop, students will perform in short acting situations.

Activities: Participation in group and individual improvisations, movement exercises, and pantomimes.

Content: This course will strengthen acting, oral communication and memorization skills. Various historical periods may also be studied. Students will showcase the skills gained during the semester.

Activities: Students will participate in individual and group improvisations. Various styles of drama will be performed, including classical, Shakespearean, comedy and modern drama.

Content: Students will develop skills in the non-acting areas of theatre. Students will create and build school play sets and assist in costume and make-up design.

Activities: Students will design and construct sets, work with painting, lighting, costuming, make-up and production techniques. This will include the practical, hands on experience working on school productions.

Content: This course is for students interested in acting. The course includes the study of pantomime, storytelling, analysis of children’s literature, and plays for children.

Activities: Pantomiming, storytelling, plays playwriting, directing, performance.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. Students will develop the ability to participate in various phases of oral communication, including listening, speaking in various settings, and evaluating oral presentations. Strategies for building self-confidence and developing consciousness of how people are affected by communication will also be a component of this course.

Activities: Discussion, peer critiques, formal and informal speeches, group presentations, research, standard debates, and development of visuals.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. This course provides the foundations of academic debate. Students will research and orally defend a proposition incorporating logic, reasoning, and argumentation. They will learn the fundamentals of standard debate procedures. The course will strengthen students’ skills in the areas of leadership, investigation, analysis, critical thinking, open-mindedness, quick thinking, speaking, organization, listening, self-confidence, and teamwork.

Activities: Class discussion, group work, research, practice with various debate formats, brief writing, note-taking, practice with both affirmative and negative positions.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. A study of mass media emphasizing how to appreciate and evaluate intelligently what one hears, sees, or reads in the media.

Activities: Reading, discussion, projects, practicing skills of using mass media intelligently.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. This course focuses on the elements of journalism, including interviewing, writing, photography, researching, editing, business, computer assisted layout and design, and ethics.

Activities: Throughout the school year, students will regularly produce issues of the school newspaper, participating in all phases of newspaper production, including using computer software and other technology to aid in the production. In addition, students will create portfolios of personal and professional news writing.

Content: College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for this course. This course focuses on principles of photography, copy writing, computer assisted layout and design, advertising and business practices through the production of the high school yearbook.

Activities: Taking pictures, indexing, writing copy, organizing time and budget, computer assisted layout.