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English
The curriculum of the English Department follows the standards recommended by the Archdiocesan English Curriculum Committee, which is aligned with the state and national standards for English/Language Arts. Students will develop skills in critical reading and thinking, writing, speaking, and listening. While all classes will explore literature, develop vocabulary, review grammar, and improve writing, the track of each class will determine the pace on instruction and intensity of readings. All track three students will participate in the WordSmart program in the computer lab to increase their vocabulary skills. All students will keep a writing portfolio that will follow them through all four years of high school.
Summer Reading Assignments will be required for all students.
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| Course Listing |
| AP English Literature, 145 |
Gr: 12 |
Trk: 5 |
Cr: 1 |
The AP English Literature course is based on the cirriculum recommended by the college Board. According to the College Board this course "engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's style, structure, and themes, as well as such smaller scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone."
A broad range of literature will be covered in this course: American, British, and World authors of all eras and in all genres. Students will be require to read extensively and actively praticipate in class discussions. Regular writing assignments will focus on the analytical and evaluative responses necessary to answer AP questions. A major research paper based on the critical analysis of literature will be required.
REQUIREMENTS: The AP English Literature class will accept a limited number of students. To be rostered for this class a student must (1) receive a recommendation from the English III teacher, (2) meet minimum requirements on grade 11 Terra Nova and PSAT reading and writing scores, (3) produce a writing sample, (4) make a commitment to scheduled assignments, including summer reading and test prep sessions.
ALL AP STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE HE AP EXAM IN EARLY MAY.
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| English I, 112 |
Gr: 9 |
Trk: 2 |
Cr: 1 |
This course focuses on an introduction to the elements of literature, such as theme, plot, conflict, setting, characterization, and point of view through the study of various genres including the novel, short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. Individual and group assignments are designed to improve students’ reading comprehension skills and encourage analytical thinking. Students in this class will thoroughly practice the steps of the writing process and work on the development of thesis statements and the organization of supporting details. Students will produce descriptive, expository, and narrative samples and will begin a portfolio that will follow them through their four years of high school. Vocabulary development, grammar review, and critical thinking skills are also important features of this class.
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| English I, 113 |
Gr: 9 |
Trk: 3 |
Cr: 1 |
This basic level course will focus on helping students develop the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in high school. Using various genres of literature, students will learn strategies to improe their reading comprehension and begin to think analytically about works of literature. A heavy emphasis in this course will be placed on vocabulary building skills, such as using context clues and work parts, and writing development, particularly sentence and paragraph structure, and usage and mechanics. Students in this class will thoroughly practice the steps of the writing process and work on the development of thesis statements and the organization of supporting details. Students will produce descriptive, expository, and narrative samples and will begin a portfolio that will follow them through their four years of high school.
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| English II, 122 |
Gr: 10 |
Trk: 2 |
Cr: 1 |
This course deals with the significant periods of British Literature, with a focus on the development of the English language. The major works will be covered, and class discussion, group work, and writing assignments will focus on understanding and analyzing these works. Vocabulary building and SAT preparation are also critical elements of the course. Students will build on their Grade 9 writing experiences and begin producing quality mulit-paragraph essays. Proper research methods will also be introduced.
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| English II, 123 |
Gr: 10 |
Trk: 3 |
Cr: 1 |
This course is an introductory survey of British Literature which may be arranged chronologically or thematically. The emphasis of this course is continued development of comprehension and analytical skills while exposing students to the development of the language throughout the centuries. Vocabulary building and grammar review, as well as SAT preparation, are also critical elements of the course. Students will build on their grade 9 writing experiences and begin producing quality multi-paragraph essays.
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| English III, 132 |
Gr: 11 |
Trk: 2 |
Cr: 1 |
This course deals with the significant movements in American literature from the earliest period to the present. It highlights prominent authors in each era and in all genres. This class is taught chronologically emphasizing major historical influences. Class discussion, cooperative learning, and writing assignments focus on improving comprehension and analysis, thus increasing critical reading skills. Vocabulary development and grammar review are important elements of this class, and significant time will be spent preparing students to take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Students will produce expository and persuasive writing samples, including practice in providing on-demand writing samples such as for the SAT essay. Proper research methods will be reinforced, and a paper of moderate length will be required.
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| English III, 133 |
Gr: 11 |
Trk: 3 |
Cr: 1 |
This course presents an overview of American literature from the earliest period to the present, highlighting major American writers and various genres. A main focus of this course is to continue the development of reading comprehension skills and to promote reading for critical analysis. Selections are arranged chronologically, and insights into the writings of the period are correlated with customs and events of the time. Emphasis will be given to vocabulary building and grammar review. Essay writing skills will be reviewed, and students will produce expository and persuasive writing samples, including practice in providing on-demand writing samples such as for the SAT essay. Proper research methods will be taught in detail, and a brief paper will be required.
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| English IV, 142 |
Gr: 12 |
Trk: 2 |
Cr: 1 |
This course is a survey of World Literature. Literary works from The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas will be covered. Class discussion, group work, and written assignments will focus on the major themes and literary conventions of these works. Critical thinking skills, vocabulary building, and SAT perparation are also major elements of the course. Research methods will be reviewed, and completion of a major research paper will be necessary.
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| English IV, 143 |
Gr: 12 |
Trk: 3 |
Cr: 1 |
This course is a survey of World Literature. Literary works from The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas will be covered. Through group projects, classroom discussion, and student writing, the major themes of these works will be explored. Critical thinking skills, vocabulay building, and SAT perparation are also major elements of the course. Other types of writing, such as business letters and resume writing will be covered. Research methods will be reviewed and completion of a research paper of intermediate length will be necessary.
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| Honors English I, 111 |
Gr: 9 |
Trk: 1 |
Cr: 1 |
This accelerated course focuses on an introductory analysis of the elements of literature, such as theme, plot, conflict, setting, characterization, and point of view. Students will study various genres including the novel, short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. A heavy emphasis in this class will be placed on a thorough study of the writing process, the development of thesis statements, and organization of supporting details. By the end of this course, students will be able to write well developed multi-paragraph essays. Students will produce descriptive, expository, and narrative samples, as well as critical responses to literature, and will begin a portfolio that will follow them through their four years of high school. Vocabulary development, grammar review, and critical thinking skills are also important features of this class.
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| Honors English II, 121 |
Gr: 10 |
Trk: 1 |
Cr: 1 |
This course deals with the significant periods of British Literature, with a focus on the development of the English Language. The major works will be covered, and class discussion, group work, and writing assignments will focus on understanding and analyzing these works. Vocabulary building and SAT preparation are also critical elements of the course. Students will review modes of writing from grade 9 and begin producing persuasive samples of multi-paragraph essays. Proper research methods will also be covered, and students will be responsible for a research paper of moderate length.
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| Honors English III, 131 |
Gr: 11 |
Trk: 1 |
Cr: 1 |
This advanced level course focuses on a chronological study of American Literature and the social/historical contexts that influenced the literature of the various periods. Students will be expected to analyze critically all genres and to recognize literary techniques and devices. Class discussions and writing assignments should prepare students for the intense critical reading of the senior AP English course. The writing in this course will emphasize expository and persuasive techniques with a focus on preparing for the SAT essay, along with writing critically about literature. Proper research methods will be reinforced, and a paper of moderate length will be required. Additional summer reading assignments are required.
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