The English Department fosters connections between students and the world around them through the literature they read, the essays they write, and the discussions they have with their peers.
The English faculty is committed to developing communication skills in students that will enable them to be successful in college and beyond. We want students to develop their own unique voices and to understand the importance of literature and language in their everyday lives and find personal connections to the texts that enhance their understanding of themselves and the world.
All literature requires us to look at the world from a different perspective than our own. Effective writing and speaking also requires that we reflect on the perceptions and beliefs of others.
Goals Students will encounter a wide variety of literary genres and styles in our classes. Students will read both fiction and nonfiction texts from ancient times through today, including myths, epics, short stories, poems, novels, plays, speeches, essays, and more. Students will also develop their writing skills through a range of writing assignments, from short responses to persuasive essays and research papers. Students will refine their writing with grammar and vocabulary instruction as well.
Introduction to Literature
Full Year - 5 Credits
Introduction to Literature is a course designed for the expansion of reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills. Formal lessons are designed to increase the students’ working vocabulary, both oral and written, as a life skill. A broad range of language skills will be stressed. An emphasis will be placed on mechanics and style in an effort to enable students to write in a clear expository style.Course Learning Objectives
Compose short essays containing an introduction, body and conclusion Develop vocabulary through a systematic program of study Read books on his/her independent reading level Employ test-taking strategies to improve scores on standardized tests Make proper use of print and non-print sources, including online Read and discuss assigned works of fiction and nonfiction Write structured reactions to the studied works Prepare and present brief oral reports and speeches Engage in structured listening, speaking, and viewing activities Maintain an informal journal related to class readings and personal experience Ascertain topics and main ideas in various readings Employ an organized, systematic method for taking notes Explore career opportunities Collaborate by sharing ideas, examples and insights productively and respectfully in informal discussion/conversation Utilize appropriate multimedia technology to present an oral project Full Year - 5 Credits
World Literature undertakes to send students on a literary journey of reading and writing through a variety of texts taken from non-English speaking origins.Course Learning Objectives
Develop vocabulary through a systematic program of study Read books on his/her independent reading level Make proper use of print and non-print sources, including online Read and discuss assigned works of fiction and nonfiction Write structured reactions to the studied works Prepare and present brief oral reports and speeches Engage in structured listening, speaking, and viewing activities Ascertain topics and main ideas in various readings Employ an organized, systematic method for taking notes Collaborate by sharing ideas, examples and insights productively and respectfully in informal discussion/conversation Utilize appropriate multimedia technology to present an oral project Compose a research paper using MLA format Full Year - 5 Credits
American Literature is the study of the form, content, and analysis of literary genres is continued through a chronological study of the writings of American authors finally concentrating on modern American writers. Cultural changes in the United States are observed through writings, which reflect the various philosophies of a growing and expanding country.Course Learning Objectives
Read and analyze literary selections representative of diverse cultural backgrounds Trace the development of drama, poetry, nonfiction and fiction Define and offer examples of a variety of literary terms and techniques found in literature Read in-depth selections considered the master works of major writers Identify universal themes in literature Compare and contrast the treatments of similar themes in different works and time periods Relate ideas presented in all literary works studied to present day situations Explore the arts as a reflection of enduring values and essential human nature Practice critical reading skills with emphasis on understanding an author’s style and tone Identify and explain the motivations of characters Discuss and analyze the criteria which determine why certain works have survived over time Evaluate the literary works studied as reflections of the society producing them Prepare written and oral presentations using research skills Write in a variety of styles: expository, narrative and persuasive Integrate the disciplines of music, art, literature, history and philosophy Incorporate multimedia projects into one or more of the units of study Full Year - 5 Credits
This course introduces students to the major authors, literature, and thoughts of British literature.Course Learning Objectives
Read and analyze literary selections representative of diverse cultural backgrounds Trace the development of drama, poetry, nonfiction and fiction Define and offer examples of a variety of literary terms and techniques found in literature Read in-depth selections considered the master works of major writers Identify universal themes in literature Compare and contrast the treatments of similar themes in different works and time periods Relate ideas presented in all literary works studied to present day situations Explore the arts as a reflection of enduring values and essential human nature Practice critical reading skills with emphasis on understanding an author’s style and tone Identify and explain the motivations of characters Discuss and analyze the criteria which determine why certain works have survived over time Evaluate the literary works studied as reflections of the society producing them Prepare written and oral presentations using research skills Write in a variety of styles: expository, narrative and persuasive Integrate the disciplines of music, art, literature, history and philosophy Incorporate multimedia projects into one or more of the units of study
AP Language and Composition
Full Year - 5 Credits
AP English Language and Composition will prepare students to take the AP exam given in May and potentially earn college credit.
