English

English Department

Name	Phone Ext.	Room
Amelia Pepper	265220	E220
Anthony Natoli	265213	E213
Christina Scheffel	265219	E219
Drew Johnson	262118	B118
Edel Drevno	265217	E217
Eileen Springfield	269125	J115B
Emma Anderson	265215	E215
Ianna Natoli (Dept. Chair)	265221	E221
Joseph Rezac	269214	J214
Mary Garvert	265212	E212
Dr. Michael Kardos	265218	E218
Samantha Buford	269215	J215
Tanya Humes	265214	E214
Tonya Karl	265226	E226

English Course Descriptions

Freshman English

Grade 9
Levels: CP, Honors

Both college prep and honors levels of Ninth Grade English are designed to further develop reading comprehension and purposeful writing skills while studying various literary genres. Grammar, writing skills, and research are taught in conjunction with reading strategies. This course is aligned with the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts in reading, writing, speaking/listening, and language. Oral presentations and written assignments will include extensive use of research and study skills. Students enrolled in Honors courses should expect more rigorous assignments with an emphasis on independent study in preparation for Advanced Placement courses.

10th Grade English

Grade 10
Levels: CP, Honors

The World Literature course (college preparatory and honors) exposes sophomore students to a range of non-fiction and fiction texts, from different cultures around the world. The course is aligned with the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts in reading, writing, speaking/listening, and language. It enhances different skills such as writing (argumentative, analytical, personal narratives, speeches, etc.), and public speaking skills through extensive research-based presentations. The goal of the course is to challenge students to grow as readers, writers, thinkers, and lifelong learners and to be prepared for standardized tests (PSAT 10, SAT) and Advanced Placement courses. Students will have ample opportunities to experience the authentic practice of 21st-century skills, as they evaluate different sources, engage in digital collaboration, and conduct web research. Students enrolled in Honors courses should expect to adapt to more rigorous assignments, with an emphasis on independent study, in order to prepare for Advanced Placement courses.

American Literature

Grade 11
Levels: CP, Honors

The American Literature course
(college preparatory and honors) provides junior students the exposure to a variety of non-fiction and fiction literary texts, enhancing their ability to understand, appreciate, and apply rhetorical analysis strategies, while studying the unique American experience. The course is aligned with the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts in reading, writing, speaking/listening, and language it enhances skills translating in oral presentations, analytical essays, argumentative pieces, short/extended research projects, personal position statements, and reflective essays. Students will be given a plethora of opportunities to work with a variety of technology applications while exploring the curriculum. Reading comprehension and writing strategies, as well as verbal skills, are designed for SAT preparation and college-level evaluations. Students enrolled in Honors courses should expect to adapt to more rigorous assignments, with an emphasis on independent study, in order to prepare for Advanced Placement courses.

British Literature

Grade 12
Levels: CP, Honors

The College Preparatory and Honors British Literature courses offer senior students exposure to and exploration of fiction and non-fiction literary works so that they may study the power of language and thought pertaining to the human condition, both in classic British Literature and modern works. The primary focus of this course is to explore, in depth, practical, moral, and philosophical questions related to an individual’s impact on the world. Assignments will include argumentative, analytical, and narrative writing, in addition to oral presentations.

Honors students are expected to adapt to a more rigorous pace that includes a deeper analysis of texts and advancement into comparative studies. Verbal engagement in class discussions is encouraged and expected. This course requires students to read and comprehend texts written at the upper high-school level and beyond. Students are expected to be able to write at grade-level or beyond as well as have a genuine interest in literary studies. Independent reading, study, and project work is required outside of classroom time. This is a class where it is essential to be present in body and mind!

African American Literature

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

This course has been curated to give an introduction to and an overview of African American literature and its place as part of the broader American Literary canon. To begin, this course will examine a more recent narrative about the origin and development of African American literature and how that view challenges previous accounts of this area of study. This course will examine the themes of race, ethnicity, economics and geography in relation to the literary works produced by African Americans. The intent of this course is to give students an introductory overview of African American literature through the critical analysis of shortfiction, poetry, songs, and non-fiction essays. Students will learn to identify, examine, and process ideas about the origin and development of African American literature in order to improve their reading and writing skills, as well expand their referential frames to become more well-rounded students of literature. Expect to read – it is a literature course!

Social Justice

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

In an effort to establish educational equity, particularly for certain demographics, it is imperative that we begin to examine areas of bias within our culture, community, and school. Scholars in the fields of literary criticism, legal studies, sociology, and psychology (among others) contend that there is evidence to support the idea that those who exist at the nexus of multiple forms of exclusion suffer greatly for it. When faced with multiple forms of prejudice and exclusion, people get stuck, have fewer choices, and limited access to opportunities for success. This course will examine the themes of race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in relation to those who are affected by these biases. The intent of this course is to open a dialogue about bias and prejudice, using the lens of intersectionality, while studying excerpts from novels, poetry, and non-fiction essays. Students will learn to identify, examine and process ideas behind exclusion, prejudice, and power in order to develop their worldview and expand their referential frames to become more tolerant, equitable, and solution-oriented citizens who recognize inequities and are willing to address them. This course will involve reading and writing at the 11th and 12th grade levels.

Film and Literature

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

Film & Literature is an elective course designed for upperclassmen that explores the deep connections between literature and visual media, examining how novels, short stories, and plays are transformed into film and television. Through dynamic units of study, students will analyze themes, characters, settings, and storytelling techniques across both mediums to discover the unique power of each– often learning that both have equal power and standing.

This course prioritizes student voice and choice, encouraging learners to engage with texts and films that resonate with their interests. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and creative interpretation skills as they dive into curated units such as: Character Creation, The Magic of Ensemble, Colorful Creations, Dystopia, Period Pieces, & Diverse Perspectives.

Students will engage in class discussions, creative projects, and independent study, culminating in opportunities to pitch their own ideas, reimagine classic works, or even craft their own adaptations. Whether you’re a bookworm, a cinephile, or a curious storyteller, this course invites you to explore the stories that shape us across time and mediums.

Creative Writing

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

By taking the Creative Writing course, students will gain exposure to the collective power of breathing life into their writing through their engagement in writing workshops. Students will work through the writing process by brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing their creative works. Throughout the semester, students will explore a variety of writing types that are not typically featured in their English classes; therefore, exposing them to the vast complexities of the written word. Together, students will collaborate and critique their individual works to foster connection as they grow as a community of writers. Additionally, students will study a variety of authors to grasp different writing styles and techniques that span across genres. At the end of the semester, students will produce a writing portfolio showcasing their work throughout the course.

Mythology

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

Myths and legends of a society are the cornerstone of which its culture is built. In this course, students will interact with classic literature from diverse cultures and learn how these stories connect people around the world, developing and increasing their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of world cultures in order develop self-awareness of how they fit into a global community. Starting with Greek and Roman mythology and building into Norse, Egyptian, Native American, Chinese, Japanese, Celtic, African, Hindu, and Mesoamerican, students will explore the cultures of the world to examine the archetypes, motifs, and recurring themes across these cultures. The course will allow for a variety of learning styles and experiences. With sociological and anthropological learnings, students will be able to write analytical, argumentative, and narrative pieces to show their knowledge as well as engage in a more project-based learning style course.

Music as Literature

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

This elective English Language Arts course explores literary devices, writing techniques, and cultural history through the lens of blues, rap music and lyrics. Students will analyze song lyrics, study the historical and cultural contexts of these genres, and draw comparisons between their themes, structures, and societal influences. The course will include critical analysis, creative writing, and research assignments.

Global Mythology

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

Myths and legends of a society are the cornerstone of which its culture is built. In an age where it is our duty to help students have a broader worldview as the digital age widens the pool of those we come in contact with, diversifying our curriculum is of the utmost importance. In a course like Mythology, students can interact with classic literature from diverse cultures and learn how these stories connect people around the world, developing and increasing their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of world cultures. Equally important as gaining an appreciation of this literature are the goals of improving reading and writing skills, critical thinking, and, developing increased self-awareness by relating to human problems and concerns. Starting with Greek and Roman mythology and building into Norse, Egyptian, Native American, Chinese, Japanese, Celtic, African, Hindu, and Mesoamerican, students will explore the cultures of the world to examine the archetypes, motifs, and recurring themes across these cultures. The course will allow for a variety of learning styles and experiences. Students will write in a variety of styles to show their knowledge as well as engage in a more project-based learning to suit the needs of a diverse student population.

Public Speaking and Debate

Grade 11 - 12
Pre-requisites - English 9 & 10
Semester Course

This high school course is designed to empower students with the art of effective verbal expression and the ability to engage in compelling debates. Throughout the semester, participants will explore various facets of public speaking, honing their skills in persuasive speech, informative presentations, and impromptu talks. The course will also delve into the intricacies of formal debate, equipping students with the tools to construct and defend arguments with eloquence and clarity. With a focus on fostering confidence and a deep understanding of diverse perspectives, students will not only refine their public speaking abilities but also develop the essential skill of respectfully navigating and responding to diff ring opinions.

AP English Course Descriptions

AP Literature and Composition

AP Literature and Composition

Grade 12
Levels: Advanced Placement

As set forth in the College Board AP English Literature and Composition course description “The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.” A complete course overview can be viewed by clicking here.

Dual Enrollment English Courses

English 101: Critical Thinking and Academic Writing
English 102: Composition and Research

English 101: Critical Thinking and Academic Writing

Delaware Technical Community College Dual Enrollment Course
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Test Scores

This college-level course is designed to teach the concepts of critical thinking and reading skills in the context of written responses of shorter and longer lengths as well as public speaking. This course introduces and reinforces the skills necessary to complete college-level academic tasks and respond to diverse texts in meaningful ways.

English 102: Composition and Research

Delaware Technical Community College Dual Enrollment Course
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Test scores and successful completion of Delaware Tech English 101

This college-level course builds on Delaware Tech English 101 and is designed to enhance writing, research, editing, speaking, and grammar skills as well as to provide a foundation in reasoning skills for lifelong learning.