ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT

english class
Writing Workshop
The purpose of the Writing Workshop is to build writing abilities throughout the academic year. This course will discuss and practice varying writing styles and elements. This will include, but is not limited to, paragraph writing, essay writing, poetry, journal writing, informal writing, formal writing and more. This course will also discuss the aspects of writing such as parts of speech, thesis statement writing, organizing paragraphs and completing the steps of the writing process. Each student will be asked to write each night, typically in response to an assigned podcast, video, article or journal to be read. In this class each student will also be given a journal to keep all responses in, typically to be used for homework assignments.
Literature and Short Stories
Literature and Short Stories is a literature and composition class that draws from a variety of world authors to facilitate the learning of more advanced English fluency, reading at an academic level, and more structured writing. Students use a host of short stories, poems, essays, and plays to develop self- disciplined and analytical reading skills, stronger vocabulary, and a writing process that focuses on the revision of both creative and analytical compositions. The goal of the course is to strengthen students' English proficiency while preparing them for the demands of higher level English courses.
Exploring Literature
Exploring Literature is designed for students who are ready to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills through the study of literature. Students will explore a variety of short stories, novels, poetry, and other literary works while examining themes, characters, conflicts, perspectives, and cultural experiences. The course emphasizes building confidence with academic English while developing the skills necessary to read and understand increasingly complex texts. Students will engage in class discussions, literary analysis, vocabulary development, and written responses that allow them to express and support their ideas effectively. Through literature, students will explore different cultures and perspectives while making connections between the texts they read and their own experiences and the world around them. The goal of the course is to strengthen students' English proficiency while preparing them for the demands of more advanced high school and college-level English courses.
Global Literature
Global Literature is an English Literature course meant to expose students to various genres that make up Global Literature. Within this class, students will explore both the cultural as well as the societal points of view given by authors around the globe within several different time frames. These genres will be viewed through several avenues including novels, short stories, and more. Students will be analyzing Global Literature through its contrasting themes and connecting these themes to their own personal experiences. Students will be completing assigned required reading, essays, collaborative class discussions, and assessments based on readings.
Heroes in Literature
Heroes in Literature will provide students with a diverse experience of high school literature and the use of higher levels of critical thinking. Students will analyze the common bonds between great literary works as well as their connection to history and culture. We will be reading novels, short stories, a select few poems, essays, and plays from a range of cultures and time periods. Students will learn to annotate their readings as well as increase the level of their critical thinking and its expression through collaborative writing exercises. In order to help students utilize their newfound thinking skills, the course will feature a strong focus on writing and the proper process necessary to use in developing a strong and clear written argument. We will have several writing workshops that utilize the innovation of Google drive to allow teachers to see changes in student work immediately. All students will frequently practice brainstorming, outlining, and drafting papers. Discussion is necessary in the advanced literature courses that students will encounter later in high school, and thus classroom participation is essential to every student’s development and will factor into the evaluations at the end of the term.
World Literature I and II
World Literature I and II explores a diverse range of literary works from different cultures, time periods, and regions of the world. Students will read and analyze poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and other forms of literature while examining themes such as identity, culture, conflict, morality, power, and the human experience. Through discussion, writing, and critical analysis, students will develop their ability to interpret complex texts, communicate ideas effectively, and understand literature within its historical and cultural contexts. The course emphasizes critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, and college-level reading and writing skills.
Language Arts I

Language Arts I is a course designed to develop students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The course aims to introduce communication skills, including critical thinking, analysis, and effective expression. The standard conventions of grammar and mechanics are taught, both through the use of a traditional grammar text, and as part of learning how ti incorporate the revision stage of the writing process. Oral presentations as well as public speaking skills are utilized to assist students in developing skills to present information effectively. 

Language Arts II
Language Arts II is a course designed to improve students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The course aims to develop communication skills, including critical thinking, analysis, and effective expression. The standard conventions of grammar and mechanics are taught, both through the use of a traditional grammar text, and as an integral part of the revision stage of the writing process. Oral presentations as well as public speaking skills are utilized to assist students in developing skills to present information effectively and persuasively.
Language Arts III
Language Arts III is a course designed to enhance students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The course requires students to frequently utilize comprehensive communication skills, including critical thinking, analysis, and effective expression. Students are expected to understand and apply rules of grammar and writing mechanics, both through the use of a traditional grammar text, and as an integral part of the revision stage of the writing process. Oral presentations as well as public speaking skills are utilized to assist students in developing skills to present information effectively and persuasively. Students should also be able to respond to criticisms, counter discussions, or questions while presenting in front of a forum of their peers.
Language Arts IV
Language Arts IV is a course designed to refine and strengthen students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in preparation for college and career. The course emphasizes advanced critical thinking, comprehensive rhetorical and communication skills, accurate and in-depth research, and effective written and oral expression. Students will analyze a variety of literary and informational texts while developing the ability to construct well-organized, evidence-based arguments and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. Grammar, mechanics, and style are reinforced through the writing and revision process. Students will also participate in presentations, discussions, and formal speaking activities that require them to effectively present information, respond thoughtfully to questions and opposing viewpoints, and engage in meaningful academic discourse.
American Literature
The purpose of this course is to expose students to the diverse genres of American literature in preparation for future academic and professional endeavors. From early Native American writings through contemporary text, this survey course provides students with the opportunity to experience a variety of literary expressions. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they learn to analyze literary works and connect them to their personal experiences. While being made aware of the ever- changing future, students will enhance their higher order thinking skills by utilizing technology for their research process to better prepare them for the professional world. Beyond individual reading and writing assignments, presentations and collaborative projects are emphasized to allow opportunities for team building and learning how to accomplish a task alongside other diverse learners.
Advance Placement Literature and Composition
The AP English Literature and Composition course is designed and taught thematically with an emphasis on core readings along with modern and contemporary selections that illuminate and expand upon a variety of themes. AP English Literature and Composition closely follows the requirements described in the AP English Literature and Composition Course and Exam Description (CED), including the fundamentals of literary analysis and introductory college composition. Each week students discuss and engage in a variety of writing activities focusing on argumentation, interpretation, analysis, rhetorical strategies, exposition, structure, and style. Students read and study a variety of novels, plays, poems, and short stories from the 16th century to the present. In addition to novels, students read shorter works and drama. The course focuses on the experience of literature, the interpretation of literature, the evaluation of literature, and writing to develop stylistic maturity and sophistication. Students practice their writing via numerous timed essays, which are revised several times, as well as longer essays that require outside research and MLA formatting. Students also practice oral communication skills, through poetry presentations, regular classroom discussions and acting as discussion facilitators.

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