English Courses

(Note:  The research process & information literacy is taught in all English courses.)

English 9 (100):  1 credit – Grade 9 – Weight 1.0

English 9 is designed to provide a solid foundation in which students will become familiar and proficient in both literature and grammar/composition. Heavy emphasis will be placed on recognizing literary elements while reading works of literature and drama, short written responses, and vocabulary and spelling. Further emphasis will be placed on writing in different modes, such as informative, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing through the development of a student portfolio.  Communication skills will be enhanced through public speaking, group and individual presentations, and the writing process.

English 10  (101):  1 credit – Grade 10 – Weight 1.0

English 10 is designed to develop and enhance student recognition of literary elements in literature.  Students will be expected to complete multiple readings from a variety of different sources and to be able to discuss those readings in a classroom format. Emphasis will be placed on reading comprehension, critical and analytical thinking skills, vocabulary building, and oratory development.   The course is also designed to improve and reinforce proficiency in composition. The focal point of this part of the course will stress the importance of the writing process; students will be expected to self–edit and peer–edit all of their work in order to increase their talents as writers.

English 11 (102):  1 credit – Grade 11 – Weight 1.0

English 11 is a chronological exploration of American literature, with an emphasis on the evolution of the “American Dream” through readings of short stories, essays, plays, poetry, and novels.  Students will read literature, write and speak reflectively of the literature, study the English language, and work cooperatively within this framework.

English 12 (103):  1 credit – Grade 12 – Weight 1.0

English 12 is designed to engage students in contemporary and modern literature; however, there will be an emphasis on 21^st century readings.  Students will be expected to complete multiple readings from a variety of difference sources and actively engage with those readings in a classroom discussion.  Emphasis will be placed on reading comprehension, critical, and analytical thinking skills, vocabulary building, and oratory development.  The course is also designed to improve and reinforce proficiency in composition.  The focal point of this part of the course will stress the importance of the writing process, students will be expected to self and peer–edit all of their work in order to increase their talents as writers.

Honors English 9 (100H):  1 credit – Grade 9 – Weight 1.1

Honors English 9 is designed to provide a solid foundation in which students will become proficient in both grammar and composition. Heavy emphasis will be placed on parts of speech, the marks of punctuation, rules of grammar and usage, and vocabulary.  Further emphasis will be placed on writing in different modes, such as informative, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing through the development of a student portfolio; students will write a formal research paper. Students will also master and recognize literary elements while reading works of literature and drama. Communication skills will be enhanced through public speaking, group and individual presentations, and the writing process. Teacher recommendation required.

Honors English 10  (101H):  1 credit – Grade 10 – Weight 1.1

The focus of this course is to expose students to authors from around the world with an emphasis on cultural values and social issues.  The course examines how a nation’s culture and history are reflected in its literature including short stories, novels, and poetry.  Students will analyze and discuss how literary elements work to reinforce and emphasize an author’s message.  Expository texts will be used for students to gain background knowledge about the beliefs and politics of the different countries being studied.  In addition, current essays addressing themes and ideas relevant to the readings will be used for class discussions and written assignments aimed at challenging students’ critical thinking skills.  Through class discussions and presentations, students will develop speaking skills needed to succeed in both college and the workforce.  The honors course emphasizes college level vocabulary development and writing. Teacher recommendation required.

Honors English 11 (102H):  1credit – Grade 11 – Weight 1.1

Honors English 11 is a continuous exploration of American literature, with a strong emphasis on the many different archetypes that appear throughout the short stories, essays, plays, poetry, and novels.  Students will read literature, write and speak reflectively of the literature, study the English language, and work cooperatively within this framework. Teacher recommendation required.

Honors English 12 (103H):  1 credit – Grade 12 – Weight 1.1

The focus of this course is the study of literature from a global perspective.  The works in this course range from the ancient to the contemporary and demonstrate the concept of humanity on an international level.  This course will explore the ideas, philosophies, and cultures from the past and present.  The students will examine the literature of a variety of people, demonstrating a direct reflection on time and events in the historical period in which the text was written.  Teacher recommendation required.

AP English Language & Composition (102AP):  1 credit – Grade 11, 12 – Weight 1.2 (Offered 2021-22)

This course will emphasize the expository, analytical and argumentative writing forms that are the basis of academic and professional communication. Emphasis is on American literature (in accordance with the Pennsylvania framework), but additional works will be included. Students will read and analyze prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts. This course also enhances student skills in argumentation, rhetoric, persuasion, and style analysis. Students will be expected to complete summer reading texts and assigned work. Teacher recommendation required.

AP English Literature & Composition (103AP):  1 credit – Grade 11, 12 – Weight 1.2 (Offered 2022-23)

This Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Course is designed in form and function to mirror that of a collegiate level freshman English course. Students will be expected to complete multiple readings from a variety of different sources and be expected to openly and actively listen and engage with those readings in a seminar format. In each class session, students will be expected to discuss all aspects of reading comprehension and writing including, but not limited to diction, syntax, figurative language, structure, style, and mechanics.

This class will also serve as a writing workshop in which students will share, edit, and analyze each other’s writing talents in an effort to increase their skills and proficiencies in all types of writing. This workshop will follow the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description. Emphasis will include writing to understand, writing to explain, writing to persuade, and writing to evaluate. Teacher recommendation required.

IB Language and Literature (HL) (103IB): 2 year course – 1 credit per year – Grade 11, 12 – Weight 1.2

The language and literature course introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary and non–literary genres. The formal analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in respect to contexts of production and consumption. The course is organized into four parts, each focused on the study of either literary or non–literary texts. Together, the four parts of the course allow the student to explore the language in question through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim is the development of critical literacy. The International Baccalaureate aspect of the course culminates in May (senior year) when the students take a two–day SL Design Technology external examination. Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation. Students do not need to be enrolled in the IB CP Program to take the course.

English for Speakers of Other Languages

ESOL 1 (100EL):  2 credits – Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 – Weight 1.0

This course meets every day for 90 minutes. ESOL 1 is designed to provide a solid foundation in basic communicative skills in English. Thematic study centers on recognizing and employing common phrases for use in the high school, the community, and beyond. Students will learn rudimentary English skills such as: the English alphabet, cardinal numbers 1–100, parts of speech, verb conjugation, simple present and simple past tense, telling time, asking and responding to WH questions, following directives, making comparisons, expressing preference, utilizing text features, completing short written responses, and developing vocabulary and spelling skills. Emphasis will be placed on increasing English proficiency in all four language domains – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

ESOL 2 (101EL):  2 credits – Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 – Weight 1.0

This course meets every day for 90 minutes. ESOL 2 is designed to build upon the solid foundation established in ESOL 1. The course encourages further confidence with basic communicative skills in English, and introduces academic and technical language constructs. Thematic study centers on recognizing and employing common phrases for use in the high school, the community, and beyond. Students will acquire practical English skills such as applying basic grammar and punctuation rules, asking clarifying questions, evaluating and responding to information, using text features and context clues to decode the meaning of narrative and informational text, simple present/past/future tenses, completing analytical written responses, and broadening academic vocabulary and spelling skills. Emphasis will be placed on increasing English proficiency in all four language domains – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

ESOL 3 (103EL):  1 credit – Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 – Weight 1.0

This course meets every other day for 90 minutes. ESOL 3 is designed to build upon the groundwork established in ESOL 1 and ESOL 2. The course concentrates on advanced communicative skills in English, and enables students to explore specialized academic and technical language constructs. Thematic study centers on recognizing and employing common phrases for use in the high school, the community, and beyond. Students will acquire formal English skills such as: writing with phrasal and discourse–level diversity and complexity, writing and posing questions that foster critical thinking, critiquing and expressing skepticism, building inferences based on textual information, utilizing conditional and imperfect tense, analyzing text, research, problem–solving skills, and skills to build low–frequency academic vocabulary. Emphasis will be placed on increasing English proficiency in all four language domains – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

English Electives

Creative Writing (910):  ½ credit – Grade 10, 11, 12 Weight 1.0 – Offered Every Year

This class will serve as a writing workshop in which students will share, edit, and analyze each other’s writing talents in an effort to increase their skills and proficiencies in various types of writing. The course will focus on creative writing with an infusion of journalism to expose students to both fiction and non–fiction writing.

Drama (912):  ½ credit – Grade 10, 11, 12 – Weight 1.0 – Offered Every Year

This course is an introduction to the realm of theatre. Students will obtain knowledge of the entire theatrical production process; although a myriad of acting styles will be explored and applied, students will learn that drama does not simply encompass performing onstage. Topics include: Elements of a production, voice and diction, non–verbal communication, improvisation, interpretation/working with scripts, film and theatre history  

Speech & Mass Media (911):  ½ credit – Grade 10, 11, 12 – Offered Every Year

This course is intended to provide instruction and experience in the preparation, delivery and potential influence of speech and media.  Students would examine and analyze the preparatory stages of speeches and broadcasts, as well as learning about the evolutionary nature of media and how the process of delivery has changed over time.  In addition to examining media, students would be expected to deliver speeches that reflect a specific delivery structure (informative, persuasive, special occasion speeches). These speeches would be completed in tandem with specific areas of study for mass media (news, propaganda, special events/broadcasts).

Mystery & Mayhem (902):  ½ credit – Grade 10, 11, 12 – Weight 1.0 – Offered 2022/23

Students who enroll in Mystery & Mayhem can expect an exploration into the genre of mystery. Students will have a wide range of selections to choose from based on their interest level while delving into several sub–genres such as Magic Realism, Serials/Series, Whodunit, and Doctor Detective. The students will explore a favorite author or character while participating in literature circles, group work, hands on projects, and multi–media presentations.

Myths & Legends (901): ½ credit – Grade 10, 11, 12 – Weight 1.0 – Offered 2021/22

Through class instruction, reading, and both group and independent projects, students will be given an overview of mythology. Students will create original myths and complete a project examining specific cultures to determine the impact that culture has on mythology. At the conclusion of the course, students will understand the common threads of mythology and will realize what these stories can tell us about past civilizations, specific cultures, and the qualities that these worlds share with our present lives.

Reading (801):  1 credit – Grade 9 – Weight 1.0 – Offered Every Year

READ180 is a research based intensive reading program designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below grade level.  The program directly addressed individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high interest literature, and direct instruction in reading and writing skills.  Prerequisite:  placement test as incoming student.

Reading 2 (802):  ½ credit – Grade 10 – Weight 1.0 – Offered Every Year

This course is designed to be a continuation of the 9^th grade READ180 program.  Students continue working with individualized computer software and reading materials at their personal instructional level.  A particular emphasis is placed on preparation for the Keystone Literature exam.  Prerequisite: by Reading teacher recommendation only.

Career Skills (706):  ½ credit – Grade 11, 12 – Weight 1.0

Students will conduct personal research, career research, and post–secondary education research.  They will learn basic employability skills, work ethics, business networking skills, decision–making and planning skills, and customer service skills.  They will also prepare cover letters, employment applications, resumes, and thank you letters.  They will learn about appropriate dress, as well as interview techniques.