English classes are grouped by ability, and weighting occurs at the appropriate level.
ENGLISH I
Prerequisites: None, available to grade 9.
Freshman English will integrate the following: an intensive grammar and usage study, a survey of literary genres, prescribed vocabulary and literary terms, and instruction in writing/composition skills.
ENGLISH II
Prerequisites: English I credit, available to grade 10.
Sophomore English will integrate the following: a study of American Literature, vocabulary and literary terms, the study of more complex grammar and usage areas, and further development of writing/composition skills.
ENGLISH III
Prerequisites: English II credit, available to grade 11.
Junior English will integrate the following: a study of British literature including novels, plays, and short stories by great British writers, an intensive study of vocabulary and literary terms, appropriate grammar and usage review, and continued development in writing/composition skills emphasizing technical mastery.
ENGLISH IV
Prerequisites: English III credit, available to grade 12.
Senior English will integrate the following: a chronological study of World literature and literary movements, an intensive study of vocabulary and literary terms, a final grammar and usage review, and sophistication in writing/composition skills.
AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
Prerequisites: At least two years of Honors level English and the recommendation of the students’ most recent Honors English teacher. Available to Grade 12
The course involves extensive challenging reading and continuous writing which focuses on the critical analysis of literature. Special attention is given to analyzing the tone, diction, syntax, structure, theme and point of view of significant literary works. This course is designed for students who have taken at least two years of English at the Honors level and who are seeking college credit through a high school course. All students who take AP Literature and Composition are required to take the AP test in the spring. Students receiving an acceptable grade on the examination may be awarded college credit in English.
READING SKILLS
Prerequisites: None, available to grade 9
Reading Skills is offered to freshmen who test below grade level in comprehension or vocabulary skills on their eighth grade placement test. Overall emphasis is placed on developing students’ self-awareness of their own reading attitudes and behaviors, reading processes, and the use of reading/writing as natural components of communication in everyday life. In this context, students work on improving concentration, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, study skills, self-esteem, reading for pleasure and for achievement of future goals, and writing based on reading.
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Prerequisites: English I credit and current English teacher recommendation: Available to grades 10, 11, 12.
Contemporary Literature is a one semester elective, considered an enrichment to the basic English four year program. This course studies novels, plays, short stories, and poems written in recent years. Students will study major selections, in addition to shorter pieces. Selections are subject to change each year. This elective is designed for those students who enjoy reading and discussing contemporary literature.
CREATIVE WRITING I
Prerequisites: English I credit and current English teacher recommendation; Available to grades 10, 11, 12.
This class will require completion of approximately one creative writing assignment (poems, short story, personal narrative) per week in addition to daily writing warm-up activities. Using both writing prompts and original topics, students will work on writing and technique each day in class. All students will be required to submit work to both the literary journal, Reflections, and an outside publication. Each student will present the entire semester’s work in a final collection portfolio. There will be an additional emphasis on performance of works.
CREATIVE WRITING II
Prerequisites: Available to grades 10, 11 and 12; Student needs an 85% average in Creative Writing I and recommendation of Creative Writing teacher(s).
This class will concentrate on students’ strong points in form and technique. The student will create a showcase portfolio, work independently, and submit work for publication. This entails approximately one creative writing assignment per week in addition to daily writing warm-up activities. There will be an additional emphasis on performance of works. Students will also oversee the publication of the literary journal, Reflections.
JOURNALISM
Prerequisites: Recommendation from English teacher; Available to grades 10, 11, and 12.
This course teaches journalistic skills such as news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, headline writing, copy editing, and interviewing. Students will apply these skills through the publication of the online school newspaper, The Milestone. Emphasis is placed on independent work skills. Students may take more than one semester of Journalism.
ADVANCED JOURNALISM
Prerequisites: At least one semester of Journalism. Recommendation from Journalism teacher.
This year-long course develops college-level journalistic writing and leadership skills and provides practical application of technology and media. The student will assume a leadership role in the publication of the online student newspaper and create a portfolio of work published in external publications.
YEARBOOK
Prerequisites: Recommendation from English teacher; Available to grades 10, 11, and 12.
This year-long course teaches the skills necessary to publish the school yearbook, Countdown. Students will learn aspects of publication including theme and development, organization and content, layout and design, and writing and editing. Emphasis is placed on the independent work skills.
ADVANCED YEARBOOK
Prerequisites: Yearbook I and recommendation of Yearbook I teacher; Available to grades 11, and 12.
This year-long course develops professional publication and leadership skills. The student will assume an editor role in the publication of the yearbook, critique page design and content, and make decisions concerning theme, ladder, budget, design, etc.
English Faculty
Angie Noble, Chair
Trey Aultman
Julie Dill
Anne Jones
Jeff Mulvey
Laura Rupp