Creative Writing:

Creative Writing is designed to guide the student through an intense process of improving creative writing skills through creative thinking and a study and exploration of a variety of models of effective writing in different genres. Students will likewise be challenged to expand the boundaries of their own personal styles. Through both individual and group activities, students will have the opportunity to create myths, fairy tales, poetry, parodies, satires, skits, and short stories. Students electing this course must have completed English I and II.

English I: Policy sheet

English I is a comprehensive study of literary genre. The structure of the short story, the novel, poetry and drama as well as some nonfiction is examined. Selections introduce noted authors and exemplary pieces for instruction, discussion, and writing. Through the study of literature, students develop vocabulary, critical thinking and expository writing skills. The course begins with a unit to encourage good study habits and to introduce library skills and the technology in the library. It also concentrates on structure and language usage which seek to enhance each students communication skills. Portfolio assessment is used to exhibit the student's efforts, progress and achievement with the writing process.

Honors English I: Policy sheet

Honors English I is offered to freshmen who will accept the challenge of intensive reading and writing beyond the regular comprehensive study of the literary genre. The readings will include quality fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction from many cultures. The students will draw upon the aesthetic, historical, philosophical and linguistic perspectives of literary interpretations to discuss and to write their literary criticisms. The course will concentrate on the language skills and writing skills needed for the effective communication of knowledge. There is an application process for this course.

English II: Policy Sheet

English II introduces second year students to a focused selection of American Literature. Inclusive of all genre, this study begins with and develops a chronological appreciation by which the literature mirrors American history and chronicles the development of the American mind and spirit. Selections and authors represent some of the finest writing from the earliest period up to the contemporary writings of the Twentieth Century. Instruction, discussion, and writing are integral to comprehension and appreciation. Skill in creative and technical writing, vocabulary development, public speaking, thinking, and reasoning skills are intrinsic to the curriculum. Policy Sheet

Honors English II: Policy Sheet

Honors English II introduces students to a more focused and in depth study of American Literature. Inclusive of all genre, this study develops a chronological appreciation by which the students are exposed to the correlation between historical and cultural events and their impact on the development of American Literature. Selections and authors represent some of the finest writings from Native American Literature to the present. Intensive skill in creative and technical writing, research, vocabulary development, thinking and reasoning, literary interpretation, and oral presentations are intrinsic to this curriculum. There is an application for this course.

English III: Policy Sheet

English III introduces third year students to a survey of major British writers and significant literary works. Chronologically developed from Anglo-Saxon period to the contemporary world, the course offers exemplary pieces of literature and a broad sense of the cultural foundation that English literature has established for American writers and students. Students learn to write more critically with emphasis on expository and persuasive essays. The expansion of vocabulary is stressed on this level as an assistance to the student's preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

Honors English III: Policy Sheet

Honors English III is offered to juniors who have shown by their work in previous English courses a desire to pursue English on an advanced level. The course is a chronological study of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to contemporary times with emphasis on specific genre important to each. It is designed to be reading and writing intensive with a concentration on major modes of writing, including expository, argumentative, creative, and technical discourse. At the completion of this course, students should be prepared to apply for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition course in the senior year. There is an application process for this course.

English IV:

English IV introduces students to literary works of merit by writers from a variety of world cultures. Students discuss ideas about literature, articulate analyses using appropriate and accurate terminology, and express understanding of the cultural, historical, and personal value of a work. Critical reading and analytical writing skills are emphasized in preparation for the transition from high school to college English courses. Students are required to complete a thesis based, research supported paper on a major literary work.

Honors English IV:

Honors English IV is offered to seniors who have shown by their work in previous English courses their desire to pursue English at an advanced, accelerated level. The course is a study of world literature with an emphasis on universal themes which have occurred and endured throughout time and across cultures. It is reading and writing intensive with a concentration on literary analysis and evaluation. Students are required to complete a thesis based, research supported paper on a major literary work. There is an application process for this course.

AP English Literature and Composition:

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a year long, college level course that covers a wide spectrum of literary genres. A survey of classical to contemporary selections from the Greeks to contemporary writers is presented. Students experience an introduction to philosophy and clear communications of original thought. Writing assignments include literary analysis, literary criticism, expository writing, creative writing, journaling, and research supported thesis papers. This course is designed to comply with the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description. Students are encouraged to take the AP examination in May.