Course Descriptions

Semester Special Interest Electives

Applications in Writing (I) This one semester course offered during the first semester will provide students with the opportunity to explore post-secondary academic options and sharpen the composition and literacy skills necessary to meet the challenges of post-secondary life in regards to both academic and real-world reading and writing.

Argumentation (I, A)

This class provides students with experience in oral argument, persuasion, and group discussion. The focus of the curriculum is formal and informal argumentation, supported by research, critical thinking, organization and communication. This class fulfills the speech graduation requirement or it can be taken for a general English credit.

Composition, Literature, and Film (I)

This course is designed for juniors and seniors interested and curious about the history, techniques, storytelling elements, and impact of film as an art form. The focus is on how filmmakers in various genres influence the story through their visual and musical choices. Students will engage in verbal and written analysis of the films and work individually and with teams to complete a variety of projects from traditional essays to visual projects and presentations.

AP Literature and Composition

This full-year course is open to advanced-level seniors interested in literature who are college-bound and demonstrate a sophisticated level of critical reading, writing, and discussion. Reading selections cover classical Western literature, Shakespeare, Eastern cultures, and modern world literature. Writing assignments require students to show sophistication in different genres of writing. Students must also show conscious choices regarding organization, development, and support in order to develop independent thought and decision-making for larger, cumulative assignments. Students must be able to discuss complex and mature topics effectively in small and large group settings. This class will also include a discussion of resources and practice activities in preparation for the AP Literature and Composition exam.

Intro to Acting (I, A)

This one-semester course is designed to help students improve character analysis skills, understand themselves as a performer, and improve their acting and improvisational skills. Students will study different styles of acting and apply those styles to their performances.

Communication Studies (I, A)

Communication Studies is designed to improve student research, organization, analysis, writing, speaking and listening skills. A variety of communication experiences will be studied and performed; communicating in various situations will be the major focus on the course. The skills mastered in this course are applied throughout the entire high school curriculum.

Semester Writing Electives

Senior Rhetoric (I)

This one-semester course is designed to prepare students for college-level writing. A variety of essay strategies and professional models of these strategies are introduced. Offered 1st semester.

Journalism (I)

Journalism is the study of newspaper and magazine writing, layout/design, photography, broadcasting, and advertising, focusing on the various formats and requirements, ethical issues, and news writing styles. Students practice these formats in writing articles for class and for the school newspaper. Students will also utilize the daily news for class discussions.

College Composition I (I)

College Composition 1 (1101; 1st semester) introduces key concepts in rhetoric and writing, including situation and context, audience, genre, purpose, and persuasion. Students apply these concepts in writing projects that demonstrate how reading and writing are embedded in multi-faceted academic, personal, social, political, and/or professional purposes. These writing projects unfold through a deliberate process of inquiry, feedback, and revision. Students in this course have the opportunity to earn dual credit if they qualify.

College Composition 2 (I)

College Composition 2 (1102; 2nd semester) builds upon the rhetoric, reading, and writing concepts introduced in College Composition 1 by having students compare inquiry-driven research projects. In their research process, students find and select the most appropriate sources to address research questions that are intended for a discourse community. Students integrate sources meaningfully to support their findings before and then present those findings. Students have the opportunity to earn dual credit if they qualify. College Composition 1 is a prerequisite for this course.

Creative Writing (I) (course flyer)

This course is designed to create a community of writers as well as provide instruction in the techniques used by creative writers. The writing genre to be emphasized include short stories, non-fiction prose, poetry, and drama.

Semester Literature Electives

Modern & Contemporary Literature (I)

Modern Literature is an elective designed to introduce students to a wide selection of modern authors. The goal is to develop knowledge of and appreciation for the themes and ideas in literature through reading, class discussion, and activities. Mature subject matter and writing styles are frequently found in selections taught in this class.

British Literature (I) (course flyer)

British Literature is designed to study the literature of Britain from the Anglo-Saxon period through the twentieth century. Representative examples of drama, poetry, short stories, essays, and novels will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on reading and discussion. Offered 2nd semester.

Modern Poetry (I) (course flyer)

Students will study poetry of the last fifty years--from song lyrics to poems being written and published today. They will investigate and talk about themes, trends, and styles. Students will discuss, write about, and present poems to various audiences. Although some time is dedicated to improving student writing, the emphasis is on the study of other people’s poems and searching for a poet or poem that speaks to each student. Offered 2nd semester.

College Literacy Skills (I) This course offered during the second semester will provide students with the opportunity to sharpen the reading and writing skills necessary to meet the challenges of post-secondary life, with an emphasis on critically analyzing real world situations. While “Applications in Writing” is not a prerequisite class, it is recommended.

*Themes in Lit: Ancient War & Mythology (I) This class will examine the impact war has on the individual & society through the analysis of literary works, including the Iliad and the Aeneid. The primary focus will be on ancient Greek and Roman history and mythology, including the Trojan War, the Spartan 300, and the Roman Empire’s invasion of England.

*Themes in Lit: Fantasy (I) This class will answer the question; “what makes a great fantasy story?” After examining classic fantasy series like The Lord of the Rings, Eragon, and The Wheel of Time, the class will identify patterns in the fantasy genre. In addition to three novels studied by the whole class, students will choose two additional works to read and creatively present. Film and creative writing will also be used as teaching tools to explore the fantasy genre in this class

*Themes in Lit: Latine Lit (I) This class will examine Latine voices of the past, present, and future. Using great works of literature, students will learn about Latine history. Students will read and discuss wonderful books, short stories, and poems—from classics in Latine literature to contemporary works. This class will be offered in the 2nd semester.

*Themes in Lit: Popular Literature (I) This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore personal preferences in reading through independent reading choices. Journaling and conferences with the instructor will be required. Students must be able to work independently without teacher-imposed deadlines.