7th Grade Language Arts is a thematic survey of literature. The theme for this course will examine the concept of the hero – the qualities that make a heroic character in story and a heroic person in real life. Students will develop their comprehension, writing, speaking and vocabulary skills as we explore the many faces of the hero. We will study mythic heroes, fantasy heroes, animal heroes and historical heroes. Technology is integrated into the curriculum in through research activities, presentation programs and assessment tools.

This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of an integrated language arts program. Students read from the genres of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry. There is an independent reading component that is vital in creating live-long readers. Writing activities span blogs, editorials, letters, the beginning of traditional essays, and creative writing. Grammar instructions and vocabulary instruction are integral components of each week’s work. Students work on multiple multimedia projects throughout the year that are linked to our theme of “transformation.”

English 9 is a survey course covering several genres in literature and written communication. Students study the short story, novel, drama, prose and poetry. Special emphasis is given to the novel. Written communication includes descriptive writing, narrative writing, expository writing, persuasive writing and the five-paragraph essay. Independent reading is emphasized and vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension continue to be developed. Critical thinking skills are introduced and class discussion encouraged. Technology is integrated into the curriculum through research activities, presentation programs and assessment tools.

This course is designed to provide students with the vocabulary and concepts required to succeed in higher level language arts courses. The year is structured to study in depth each of the following genres: short story, drama (including a Shakespeare play), fiction and non-fiction. There is an independent reading component that is vital in creating live-long readers. Writing activities span blogs, editorials, literary and expository essays, researched reports and creative writing. Grammar and vocabulary instruction are integral components of each week’s work. Students work on multiple multimedia projects throughout the year that are linked to our theme of “choice and consequence.”
Prerequisite: 10th grade standing

“AP English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.

[The course] allows students to write in a variety of forms-narrative, exploratory, expository, argumentative-and on a variety of subjects from personal experiences to public policies, from imaginative literature to popular culture. Therefore, it emphasizes the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing facility in any context….Its purpose is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers” (The College Board).

This course has been developed in accordance with the guidelines described in the AP English Course Description published by the College Board. AP English and Composition is an intensive study of an array of literary genres. Over the course of the year we will study representative works from both British and American writers. These will include novels, plays, short stories, poetry and nonfiction prose. To insure students have a strong background in literary origins, the course includes a brief study of classic Greek literature and a sampling from Hebrew scripture. We will also include some multicultural works, songs and art as part of the curriculum. Students are expected to read thoughtfully and to respond critically to literature in our class discussions and in their writing. All of our studies will focus on helping students become attentive readers, critical thinkers, effective writers and engaging presenters.

Along with the required text and reading assignments, students will be expected to complete several independent reading assignments each quarter. These will be works of literary merit that engage and challenge readers to consider writing as a timeless form of communication, its many universal themes, the manner in which literature reflects the human condition and ultimately how writing provides a mirror to help us understand ourselves and others. The hope is that students will grow to appreciate the breadth and beauty of literature in its many forms.

Course writing will include writing to understand, writing to explain and writing to evaluate. Critical analysis asks that writers evaluate the effectiveness of a literary piece, and to be an effective evaluator, one must first understand and explain. The essence of scholarship is the combination of these three approaches to writing. Students will therefore, have many opportunities to explore with their writing through fast writes (close readings of specific passages or literary devices), timed essays and longer papers. We will practice revising our longer written work through self-editing, peer editing and teacher feedback. We will examine our writing for effective word choice, varied sentence structure, overall organization and fluency, clear persuasive argument and supportive evidence from the text.

Additionally the course will include weekly vocabulary study and grammar instruction on an as needed basis.

Students will prepare for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam (mandatory for credit and a weighted final grade in the course).

American Literature is a chronological study of American writing beginning with Native American/Puritan selections and ending in Contemporary works. The course reading focuses on the changes and development in literary thought as well as literary technique and terminology. Students will identify and evaluate American ideals and values as expressed in literature. Writing emphasizes responses to literature and organizing/creating a well argued/documented essay. Critical thinking, class discussion and vocabulary continue to be developed. Technology is integrated into the curriculum in research activities, presentation programs and assessment tools.

This course is designed to enable the students to explore and gain insight into many of the complex issues that currently face our society. Students will read and engage in activities that support the comprehension of various contemporary texts, including poetry, novels, films and graphic novels. Writing activities span blogs, literary and expository essays, researched reports and creative writing. Vocabulary instruction continues to be an integral component of each week’s work in preparation of college-bound testing. Students work on multiple multimedia projects throughout the year that are linked with the works which they are studying.

This course is designed to engage students in a critical inquiry of various World Literature texts. In each quarter, students will read and engage in activities to support comprehension of a “foundation” text, poetry, short stories and a full-length novel from each region. Writing activities span blogs, literary and expository essays, researched reports and creative writing. Vocabulary instruction continues to be an integral component of each week’s work in preparation of college-bound testing. Students work on multiple multimedia projects throughout the year that are linked with the region which they are studying.