English

Grade 9
Levels: CP, Honors 

The English 9 course (college preparatory and honors) is designed to further develop reading comprehension and purposeful writing skills while studying various literary genres. Grammar, research, and writing skills 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. Class oral presentations and written assignments will include extensive use of research, and study skills. The curriculum focuses on lifelong learning skills, as well as extensive preparation for PSAT 9, state tests, as well as 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.

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.

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. 

Grade 12
Levels: CP, Honors 

The British Literature course offers senior students the exposure to fiction and non-fiction literary works, to study the power of language and thought, pertaining to social issues, both in classic British Literature and modern works. The primary focus is to explore practical, moral, and philosophical questions related to an individual’s impact on the world. Assignments will include informative, argumentative, and narrative writing, in addition to oral presentations. Reading and writing instruction are designed for college and career readiness. Honors students are expected to adapt to a more rigorous pace. Independent study is required.

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

This course has been curated to provide a deep focus 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 a deeper look into African American literature through the critical analysis of short fiction, 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 as expand their referential frames to become more well-rounded students of literature.

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.

Grades 11-12
0.5 Credit Elective Course

Film and Literature is designed for upperclassmen interested in the connection between literature and visual media. Students will analyze and discuss literary themes by comparing and contrasting them with works of film. Writing emphasis will entail both formal and informal critical responses. A final project is required.

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.

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.