English I: Literature and Composition

Lord of the Flies, Julius Caesar, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, Animal Farm

Textbook: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes by Prentice-Hall 

Literature and Composition emphasizes both the acquisition of writing skills and the development of critical thinking through close reading and analysis of literature. The study of literature uses the comparative approach, stressing genres common to the great body of world literature and themes that transcend national boundaries. Frequent writing assignments foster clear, effective communication. An intensive study of vocabulary, including context clues and analogies, an emphasis on correct diction and spelling, and a careful review of sentence structure, sentence correctness, and mechanics help to increase writing finesse. Students are expected to read and discuss thoroughly and analytically, to master grammar and writing organization, and to recognize and apply elements of style. Students will also complete a research project including a paper with in-text citations and works cited pages using MLA format as well as a formal presentation summarizing the material learned.

Assessment modes include quizzes, tests, essays, oral reports.

American Literature

Prentice Hall “Literature: The American Experience,” Of Mice and Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Crucible, Steps to Successful Reading: Nonfiction, Vocabusters SAT Vol.1, MLA Handbook 7th Edition

American Literature examines a variety of genres in American Literature. Students are exposed to an in-depth analysis of the short stories, poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction from the American literary canon of the 19th and 20th centuries. Background information on the individual authors, specific literary movements, and literary techniques provide the students with a deeper understanding of the literature. By studying the relevance of thematic material in the texts to the outside world, students can make the universal connections that ultimately lead to higher-order thinking in their literary analysis. Frequent in-class discussions and ongoing writing assignments further develop the students’ knowledge and appreciation of vocabulary. In addition, students will exhibit a working knowledge of English grammar and the use of Standard American English. The process of writing a research paper utilizing the MLA format will culminate in a 7-10 page research paper and oral presentation. Students will be assessed by graphic organizers, quizzes, tests, essays, a research paper, an oral presentation, and class participation.

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World Literature

A Christmas Carol and Other Writings, Vocabulary Workshop, Their Eyes Were Watching God
The Great Gatsby, Othello, The Awakening, MLA Handbook, The Scarlet Letter

World Literature, a literary continuation of American Literature in approach and content, cultivates and refines expository and analytical writing skills. Students will write frequently on a variety of literary topics, reflecting as much on style as on content and meaning. Grammatical concepts and structures are reinforced in composition. A research paper builds upon the skills learned in American Literature. Because it is important for students to cultivate the ability to present an idea to a group and to develop it, class participation is expected. The class will focus on critical reading of literature within the context of the cultural movements which helped shape that literature. Students should have an intense interest in literature and no major writing shortcomings at this level.

Assessments include reading quizzes, unit tests, essays, oral reports, book reports, and the research paper.

British Literature

Macbeth, Frankenstein, Paradise Lost, Beowulf
Canterbury Tales,MLA Handbook, Anthology of the British Tradition

British Literature familiarizes students with the contributions of major British writers and analyzes the culture reflected in the writings. A major emphasis on analytical and expository writing in response to these readings is a major part of the curriculum. Students continue to learn age appropriate vocabulary and refine their grammatical knowledge. Student discussion emphasizes interpretative and analytical themes. Literary devices are analyzed and students are expected to master the identification of these devices. A major term paper which builds on the research skills learned in the previous course is a requirement.

Assessment is based on quizzes, tests, essay, oral presentations and the research paper.

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

Streetcar Named Desire, Death of a Salesman, Metaphysical poetry
Hamlet, Catch 22, 1984, Brave New World, The Kite Runner
MLA Handbook, Collection of the World’s Great Short Stories

AP English, a college level course, is an intensive comparative examination of literature from the classic to the contemporary, with numerous selections from each genre. Stylistic elements such as syntax, diction and literary devices are given equal emphasis as philosophy, point of view and content. Nightly in-depth reading and daily analytical and interpretative discussion are expected. A composition on each major work studied with emphasis on analysis is a major part of the course. Oral presentations, creative poetry and group presentations are other important elements of the class. In addition AP Exam procedures, sample questions, and sample essays are reviewed and evaluated in preparation for the spring exam which is required of all students.

Senior Project

Research Paper Procedure: High School, MLA Handbook 7th Edition

Senior Project is a unique and rewarding experience that offers all seniors the opportunity to explore the subject matter of their choice for a 15-20 page, in-depth research paper and a project presentation. Following the selection of their topics, each student chooses an adult mentor who guides the student throughout the year on his or her paper and presentation. While research and writing at any level is fundamental to the learning process, Senior Project is not your typical research assignment. Indeed, seniors will ultimately become experts on their respective topics.

The ability to consistently meet deadlines, remain organized, practice self-discipline, and learn the lifelong lesson of accountability is paramount to the senior’s success in this course; as a result, the seniors will learn and master the fundamental tools that will be required of them throughout their college career and beyond.

Public Speaking

38 Basic Speech Experiences,  DVD - Greatest Speeches of All Time

After the completion of the Senior Project research paper, students spend the second half of the year honing their Public Speaking skills. In addition to leading the weekly school wide assemblies, seniors learn the essentials of speech writing and delivery. Students will master the art of Speaking Persuasively,Speaking Informatively, and Speaking Competitively. A videotape of the students’ various speeches will serve as valuable instructional material for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the public speaker.

The culmination of Senior Project and Public Speaking is the Senior Project Presentation. The entire high school student body, faculty, parents, and guest judges from the business community attend these formal presentations. The seniors compile a 20-minute oral presentation using the ultimate expert resource – their own Senior Project research papers. Having spent the entire previous semester researching and writing on their chosen topics, the seniors have essentially become “experts in the field” of their respective presentations. Furthermore, as professional public speakers, the seniors utilize advanced technology throughout their presentations for an effective visual aid, and they conclude each presentation by way of a “Question and Answer” session with the audience.

To paraphrase a guest judge from previous Senior Project Presentations, “It felt as though I was in a professional press briefing during the ‘Q&A’ session.” Simply put, the Senior Project experience develops and ultimately characterizes the definitive potential that each senior has to succeed.

Topics from past Senior Project Presentations include: Lifesaving Technology in the Military, Current and Future Applications of Genetic Research, The Horror of Media Violence, Meeting the American Cowboy, Computer Malware, Caffeine, Ancient Egyptian Religion, and Divorce in the United States: Children in Crisis.