Grade |
Trimester I |
Trimester II |
Trimester III |
9 |
Essentials of English |
Novel Pursuits |
Intro. to Classical Lit. |
10 |
American Literature I |
American Literature II |
American Literature III |
11 |
British Literature I |
British Literature II |
British Literature III |
11 |
A.P. English Language |
A.P. English Language |
A.P. English Language |
12 |
World Novels & SAT Review |
World Drama |
College Composition |
12 |
A.P. English Literature |
A.P. English Literature |
A.P. English Literature |
The Standard level of English is appropriate for most students with good skills and motivation. The Honors level of English is offered in grades nine and ten and is recommended for those students who excel in reading and writing, are highly motivated, and have superior study skills. The course covers a greater depth and breadth of the standard curriculum at a significantly faster pace. Advanced Placement courses are available to students in grades eleven and twelve. Students are recommended for AP based on their performance in previous honors level English courses, PSAT/SAT scores indicating superior proficiency, or teacher recommendation.
Ninth Grade English: The first trimester of this course, Essentials of English, focuses on a comprehensive review of grammar to ensure that all students have the tools they need to write effectively in all of their classes. In addition, the students study the short story and review literary terminology, as well as the techniques necessary for close and analytical reading of texts. Most writing assignments are designed to comment upon the literature. In the second trimester, Novel Pursuits, the literary focus shifts to the study of the novel, and the students are required to write essays of varying length, once again based on the works read. In the final trimester, Introduction to Classical Literature, the students venture into a study of mythology and read classical texts, including epic and drama. Formal vocabulary study is an integral part of the curriculum in every trimester.
Tenth Grade English: This year-long course, American Literature, provides the student with a survey of American literature, beginning with the nation’s early authors and progressing systematically to modern writers in the third trimester. Included in this overview of literature is the study of many genres, including poetry, the short story, and the novel. Compositions of varying lengths and types are assigned throughout the year to all students. Grammar is reviewed quickly with the focus on application to written work, and vocabulary continues to be integral to the program.
Eleventh Grade English: This course, British Literature, provides the students with a survey of the wide range of British literature of many genres, beginning with Chaucer and ending with modern authors. Students are expected to write critically and analytically about all forms of literature throughout the year. Once again, grammar is reviewed quickly and with increasing complexity; vocabulary is studied throughout the year.
Advanced Placement English Language/Grade 11: Like the standard course, this course also focuses on British literature but is designed for the student who possesses superior verbal skills and who also has a strong interest in the material.
Twelfth Grade English: The first trimester of this course, World Novels & SAT Review, introduces students to the wide range of world novels. Numerous novels in translation are studied in this trimester, and vocabulary and techniques for taking the SAT’s are reviewed for the last time. Essay writing in this trimester focuses on the novels, but also allots time and assistance to the students for the composition of the essays required by their college applications. The second trimester of this course, World Drama, focuses on the development of drama from classical times to the present day. Student readings and frequent essays of various lengths ensure a dynamic trimester. The final trimester of the senior year, College Composition, is the culmination of four years of writing instruction and leaves the students prepared for writing in college courses.
Advanced Placement Literature/Grade 12: This course is designed for the exceptional student who has thrived in the honors and AP levels of the preceding years. The focus is on world literature and includes novels, drama, poetry, and literary criticism. While there are several long papers and reports assigned during the year, there is also a great emphasis on timed, in-class essay writing. Analytical skills are honed, and the student emerges prepared to tackle the most challenging levels of college work in literature studies. Successful completion of the advanced placement examination at the end of the academic year often results in college credit and placement out of introductory freshman composition courses.
Additional English Courses
The History of Mystery: The most popular shows on television revolve around crime and mystery. Where did this fascination with mystery come from? This course will trace the development of mystery in a historical progression from Edgar Allan Poe to the present day. It will include a study of influential authors of the genre such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, Patricia Cornwell, and John Grisham. Students will also be viewing related films. The purpose of this course is threefold: to understand the development of the mystery story, to recognize the conventions of it, and to appreciate its value beyond mere entertainment.
Public Speaking: This is a hands-on course, focusing on the most fundamental and practical speaking techniques, rather than parliamentary procedure, debate, or other specialized speaking skills. Initially, we will isolate the primary vocal, visual and verbal skills, exploring articulation, pitch and inflection, gestures, eye contact, speech formats, and organization. Students perform several exercises that are pertinent to each area. Following this introduction, students will deliver several common types of speeches, including demonstration, informative, persuasive, and impromptu.
Man, Myth and the Modern World: Joseph Campbell once said, “I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” In his book The Hero with A Thousand Faces, Campbell describes what he calls the monomyth, an archetype of the heroism shared by world cultures throughout time. This course will investigate how myths examine and reflect the aspects of humanity that bind us together. Through literature, art, and music, the class will analyze how various cultures throughout time compare with our modern culture and how humans have used these texts to attempt to answer the essential questions of existence. We will also examine how our modern culture uses myths to define us. The course requirements emphasize class discussion and short presentations.
