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The English Department strives
to provide students with a strong foundation in critical
reading, analysis and writing through required courses that
address grammar, vocabulary, composition and literature.
Elective courses offer an opportunity to study a particular
aspect of English, whether writing-based or
literature-driven. In all English classes, students
regularly use technology for research, writing, and
presentations. Four credits are required for graduation.
Introduction to Literary Genres and Basic Composition
214engI QP 4.33 GR 9 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course
introduces students to the genres of fiction (through the
short story and novel), non fiction, drama, and poetry. It
exposes students to the language of literature and teaches
them how to read each genre critically. The course also
fosters the development of writing skills, incorporating
both critical and creative assignment, and includes grammar
and vocabulary components.
Honors Introduction to Literary Genres and Basic
Composition
217engIH QP 4.67 GR 9 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course is
offered to students who have qualified by their English
scores on the entrance test. Like English I, this course
introduces students to the genres of fiction (through the
study of both the short story and the novel), nonfiction,
drama, and poetry; exposes students to the language of
literature; and teaches them how to read each genre
critically—but it does so in greater depth. The course also
fosters the development of writing skills, incorporating
both critical and creative assignments, and includes grammar
and vocabulary components. Individual assignments/projects
complement the material covered in class.
American Literature
224eng II QP 4.33 GR 10 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course offers
a survey of American literature from Colonial American to
the present. In addition to developing grammar, vocabulary,
and PSAT skills, students produce creative works consistent
with the materials being studied and papers reflective of
their maturing critical skills including an author-based
research paper. Grammar, vocabulary, and PSAT skills are
also addressed.
Honors American Literature
227eng IIH QP 4.67 GR 10 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course
surveys American literature from Native American to the
present. Students must produce an in-depth critical paper on
an American author whom they have read and researched. In
addition to developing grammar, vocabulary, and PSAT skills,
students produce a series of critical essays as well as
creative expressions. Prerequisite: minimum 3.67 average in
Introduction to Literature and Basic Composition
British Literature
234engIII QP 4.33 GR 11 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course
examines masterpieces of British literature, surveying works
from the Anglo-Saxon period through the twentieth century.
Writing, grammar, vocabulary and critical discussion skills
are stressed. Independent reading assignments and critical
essays are completed each quarter, culminating in the
production of a 5-6 page research paper which conforms to
MLA guidelines required for course credit.
Honors British Literature
237engIIIH QP 4.67 GR 11 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course
examines in depth, masterpieces of British literature,
surveying works from the Anglo-Saxon period through the
twentieth century. Writing, grammar, vocabulary and critical
discussion skills are stressed. Extensive reading and
research are required as independent reading and critical
essays are assigned regularly. To receive course credit,
student must produce a 7-8 page well-written research paper.
Prerequisite: Minimum 3.67 average in World Literature
The research paper during junior year is required in
order to advance to senior year.
AP Comparative Literature (Advanced Placement)
29llitAP QP 5.0 GR 12 YEAR 1 CREDIT This course
concentrates on comparative studies of famous pieces of
literature which share theme, plot and/or other
characteristics. Selections are chosen from different
cultures, eras, and perspectives, and are discussed
according to various schools of critical thought. The
writing component includes genre studies, literary analyses
and a 12-15-page research paper. Each student participates
in panel presentations of selected major works. All students
in this course take the Advanced Placement exam in May.
Prerequisites: Minimum 4.0 average in British Literature.
All Seniors (with the exception of those taking AP
Comparative Literature) are required to take World
Literature. Seniors taking AP Comparative Literature may not
take World Literature.
World Literature
265wldlit QP 4.33 GR 12 SEM 1 .5 CREDIT A senior-level,
one-semester course, World Literature surveys a selection of
literary works, past and present, from around the world,
stressing a thematic analysis of them. Students write a
series of analytical essays based on textual reading and
produce an 8-10 page research paper. The course continues
the development of language arts skills and vocabulary study
of the previous years.
Honors World Literature
267wldlitH QP 4.67 GR 12 SEM1 .5 CREDIT A senior-level,
one semester course, World Literature surveys a selection of
literary works, past and present, from around the world,
stressing a thematic analysis of them. In addition to
writing short critical papers, students are required to do
considerable research, culminating in 10-12 page research
paper. The course continues the development of language arts
skills and vocabulary study of the previous years. .
Prerequisites: 3.67 average in British Literature.
Perspectives in Fiction
2005-2006 246fic QP4.33 GR 11,12 SEM 2 .5 CREDIT This
course focuses on a study of fictional works by classic and
modern authors. Students explore the narrative method and
symbolic interpretation of the human experience. In addition
to sharing in classroom discussion and writing critical
papers, students present in-depth research panels on noted
authors and their works and complete independent reading and
study of selected novels.
Mythology as Literature
245mythlit QP 4.33 GR 11, 12 SEM 2 .5 CREDIT Ancient
Mythology forms the core around which much of Western art,
literature, and music revolve. The topic of mythology will
be approached by way of exploring universal themes and
archetypes. By focusing on Classic Mythology, students will
investigate the connections between myths of that time
period, and those of contemporary cultures in a fascinating
variety. Creative writing, formal writing, and critical
panel discussion skills are stressed, in addition to
root-based vocabulary development. Students write 3-4 page
expository essays and create an origin myth.
Writing Seminar
286writsem QP 4.33 GR 11, 12 SEM 1,2 .5 CREDIT This
course focuses on practicing and perfecting the elements of
the writing craft. Designed for students who have
experienced discomfort in writing, Writing Seminar aims at
teaching these students to master overall coherence in essay
writing. This course emphasizes editing skills, unity, and
the writing of reasonably correct prose. Students spend a
considerable amount of time perfecting these essential
skills while perfecting the various forms of expository
writing. By the end of this course, each student should be
able to recognize and evaluate the various writing
techniques of exemplary writers and be more confident about
her own unique writing style.
Honors (Advanced) Composition
287compH QP 4.67 GR 11, 12 SEM 2 .5 CREDIT Designed for
students with a firm foundation in writing, Honors
Composition prepares students for college writing courses by
introducing students to the complex literacy of reading,
writing, thinking, and speaking. Students will be introduced
to the specific requirements and rigorous standards of
academic writing, including essay format, voice, and
organizational strategies. Each student will take an active
role in the reading and writing process, which regularly
includes roundtable discussion, peer editing, and frequent
revision. Students produce 8-10 essays during the semester
and, at the end of the course, create a portfolio of their
work. Prerequisites: 3.67 average in American Literature
and/or British Literature, demonstrated ability in writing.
Women in Literature
266womlit QP 4.33 GR 12 SEM 1,2 .5 CREDIT Art Portfolio
In this course, students examine the role of women in
literature, both as authors and principal characters.
Examining works from all different genres and time periods,
students will engage in thematic/historical analysis and
participate in critical discussions of selected works.
Assignments include a research project concerning a female
author, as well as several short essays.
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