English 9 Honors covers the literary genres of the short story, novel, essay, and poem through a chronological study of American literature (Colonial Period to present). This course is for students who are self-motivated and who have mastered basic grammatical skills and the five-paragraph essay. In addition to extensive assignments in the literature anthology, students will also read four novels for classroom oral and written analysis. The focus of instruction in writing is the thesis paper, incorporating textual support. A short thesis paper based on two novels read independently is required. Grammar and vocabulary instruction are integrated weekly.

English 9 is a course spent in establishing and reinforcing basic skills in reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and speaking. Students read four novels, one Shakespearean drama, and a selection of short stories and poems. All students must master the five-paragraph essay and are required to write two five-paragraph thesis papers on novels read in class and independently.

English 10 Honors, a follow-up to honors-level 9* grade, is a chronological study of English literature and its relationship to the historical periods which produce it. In addition to two Sophocles and two Shakespearean tragedies, students will analyze two Victorian novels, poetry, essays, and short stories, and read one literary work per term independently. Students will write two analytical essays per term and a research paper, as well as write responses to their reading. Grammar instruction in conjunction with student writing and vocabulary are studied regularly.

English 10 includes the study of tragedy (Greek, Shakespearean, modern), as well as short stories, poetry, and short essays. Students will be assessed on vocabulary and grammar instruction and speaking skills. Two thesis essays and a short research paper are major writing requirements in addition to the maintenance of a reader's log and writing portfolios, which include personal narrative, description, persuasive essay, and literary analysis. In addition to reading assigned for class, students will be required to read independently.

English 11 Honors is intended as a follow-up for students who have already taken honors- level 10'h grade English. Students are expected to master advanced grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, and writing skills. A ten-page, word-processed, formal paper is required. The course also includes College Board preparation and literary analysis units in the classical epic, short story, drama, novel, and poetry from American and European literature. LENGTHY READING ASSIGNMENTS ARE PART OF THE CURRICULUM. They include Crime and Punishment, The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Great Gatsby, and Hamlet, as well as works read independently for the research paper.

English 11 focuses on twentieth century American literature. A four to six page, word- processed research paper based on the independent reading of two literary works is required. Students will demonstrate proficiency in descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and literary analysis writing. Reading comprehension, critical thinking, and both literary and media analysis skills will be applied to The Sun Also Rises, The Great Gatsby, Inherit the Wind, Death of a Salesman, and Catcher in the Rye, as well as to short stories and poems. Students are expected to use all conventions of standard English to edit their writing. Vocabulary study and College Board preparation are also emphasized.

English 11 emphasizes written and verbal language skills necessary to communicate clearly, including spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. In addition to writing various forms of business correspondence, students use electronic media to research careers for a required project. Literature studied includes twentieth century American novels, short stories, and plays.

English 12 AP is designed for students who are willing and able to do college level work and who have done well in the previous years of honors-level English. Sophisticated oral and written analyses of approximately seven novels, six plays, and numerous short stories and poems are required. Students also will write a word-processed research paper and an extended critical analysis. Those completing this course take the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature for college credit and/or advanced placement. Mastery of all grammatical skills is expected of students when they enter the course. Prerequisite: Refer to information and requirements on page six.

English 12 Honors is designed for students who have taken previous honors-level English. It is a rigorous course focusing thematically on literature of the Western World. A formal ten-page, word-processed research paper is required, as well as written analyses of works studied and independent reading assignments. Continuing emphasis is placed on verbal skills through oral presentations, vocabulary study, and College Board review. Students are expected to use all conventions of standard English to edit their writing.

English 12 focuses on American and European literature. A five to seven page, word- processed research paper is required. Skills of reading comprehension, analytical writing, speaking, vocabulary, and College Board review are emphasized. Students are expected to use all conventions of standard English to edit their writing, which includes analysis of works by Bronte, Ibsen, Shakespeare, Potok, and Williams.

English 12 focuses on the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening while integrating grammar and vocabulary. School to career activities are taught to assist in personal career development and to connect school knowledge and skills to future vocations. Literature studied includes 20* century American and European authors in addition to a required research project.

The Creative Writing course is a semester length class devoted to writing and the analysis of it. Students will read and analyze literary forms: poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, and write in a variety of these genres. Students will write on a daily basis and will be assessed through a process involving peer and teacher evaluation. Dedication to the writing process and sincerity of effort will be factors when assigning a grade to a students creative work and to the final portfolio. This course does not fulfill the four-year (20 credit) requirement for English.

Theatre Arts I, a semester course, is an introduction to the nature of drama, including theatre, literature, and life situations through improvisation. The course includes development of the use of body and speech, particularly in group work related to a thematic approach. Students will also learn general directing, stage designing, make-up, and costuming skills. Students are required to crew for at least one production per semester. This course does not fulfill the four-year (20 credit) requirement for English.

Theatre Arts II is for students who have completed Theatre Arts I or auditioned for the class. This course provides an in-depth study of movement, voice, and staging techniques focusing on scene study. Students are responsible for producing and directing a series of one-act plays throughout the year. They are also required to act in or crew for each high school production including "Dramafest." This course does not fulfill the four-year (20 credit) requirement for English.

Students will be selected for this class on an audition basis only. The class will resemble a theatre company producing one-act plays throughout the school year. Each piece, starring each class member, will be performed at different venues, depending upon the plays focus. Students will work cooperatively and creatively with other theatre company members in the play selection process, developing production content, and performing for a variety of audiences. Students are also required to act in or crew for each high school production including "Dramafest." Course content will include drama and other literature, library research, and original student-written material. This course does not fulfill the four-year (20 credit) requirement for English.

A reading specialist is a resource available to all students and teachers. The emphasis of the reading program is to develop individual reading skills with a variety of appropriate materials. The specialist serves as a resource person who finds and demonstrates materials appropriate to the reading levels of classes and of individual students. Study opportunities available through the reading department include:

This course is open to all students in Grades 9-12. Utilizing programmed materials, students will begin instruction at a level of difficulty determined by a series of timed pretests. Students will advance at their own rate to more difficult material with an emphasis on speed and comprehension.