Literacy
Grade 9-10
1 elective credit
This is a supplemental course for students who are reading at least two grades below their grade level as measured by the Slosson Reading test or a comparable assessment. Students will be assigned this class as appropriate. In it, students will work on various literacy and organizational strategies to complete their work in their English and social studies classes.
English 9
Grade 9
1 English credit
This course is designed for most in-coming freshmen students. The writing process is introduced with emphasis on writing and revising multiple drafts for content, word choice, sentence structure, grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics. Writing assignments include critical and analytical responses to literature, both persuasive and informative. The literature component of the course focuses on the elements of the short story, the novel, and poetry. Practice in both grammar and vocabulary support the literature base of this course.
Honors English 9
Grade 9
1 English credit
Honors English is designed for students who excel in reading and writing. This course includes a study of grammar, mechanics, word choice, and sentence structure. Writing pieces include persuasive and informative essays, critical and analytical responses to literature, personal narratives, and a research essay. Literature is studied in the form of the short story, novel, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. Students and parents are required to sign a contract in which the student agrees to complete assigned summer reading and writing as well as the more rigorous academic standards required for the course.
English 10
Grade 10
1 English credit
This English course offers sophomores the opportunity to practice and improve their reading and writing skills. Students taking this course read poetry, short stories, and a novel. Throughout the year, writing assignments have a direct connection to the literature being studied. Workbook practice in both grammar and vocabulary support the literature base of this course.
Honors English 10
Grade 10
1 English credit
Honors English 10 is offered to those sophomores whose strength and interest lie in the language arts. This course includes instruction and practice in grammar, the writing process, and literary analysis. Writing opportunities range from structured response to creative writing. Reading and discussion explore a variety of literary genres, including poetry, drama, fiction through the short story and the novel, and non-fiction. Much of our material has a connection to Maine and her contributions to good literature. Students and parents are required to sign a contract in which the student agrees to complete assigned summer reading and writing, as well as the more rigorous academic standards required for the course. .
English 11
Grade 11
1 English credit
Designed for the majority of juniors, English11 focuses on American Literature, formal writing, vocabulary development, grammar skills, and test preparation (PSAT and SAT). A chronological look at American Literature may include the following: early American pieces, The Crucible, essays by Emerson and Thoreau, poetry by Whitman and Dickinson, The Great Gatsby, Night, Maus I and II, and Catcher in the Rye, as well as other familiar American writers as seen in all genres. Writing skills include timed essay writing, a research essay, journals, and grammar skill review.
AP English Language and Composition
Grade 11
1 English credit
AP Language and Composition is a course in effective writing and critical reading. Areas of study include reviewing and analyzing the development and structure of language, utilizing different modes of writing, and responding analytically to several different genres of literature, including nonfiction. The literature focuses on American writers with careful attention to the connection found in U.S. history. In May, students are expected to take the College Board’s AP Language and Composition Exam, which may earn them college credit. Summer reading is expected; a contract must be signed by students and parents.
English 12
Grade 12
1 English credit
This course is designed for students who will be pursuing college after high school. The chronological survey of British literature is taught with an emphasis on historic periods and their impact on the writers. A wide variety of genres will be read. Literary responses, essays, and research will be written and discussed. Preparation for post-secondary education is the driving force in this class. Students will learn how to read, write, and study college-level material.
AP English Literature and Composition
Grade 12
1 English credit
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is designed for students who have a special interest and achievement in English. It offers students an opportunity to read and discuss a wide variety of literature. Students write literary responses, essays, critical analyses, and research papers. In May, students are expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Those students who do well on the exam may earn college credit for this course work.
Applied Communications
Grade 12
1 English credit
This class is composed of three basic strands: reading, writing, and speaking. The reading component includes a textbook, job applications, job search, interpretation of letters, and Death of a Salesman. The writing strand consists of job applications, resumes, a variety of business letters, memos, report writing, and an I-Search paper. The speaking component consists of presentations.
The Essay Workshop
Grades 9-12
1 elective credit
This course has one purpose: to help students improve their writing style. "Style is the ability to say in writing, with clarity and economy and grace, precisely what you want to say." It has certain basic elements that can be learned. This course is designed to help you learn them. Most work is done with the essay. Students begin by finding out exactly what the essay is and how it is put together. Then they will learn how to organize their thoughts in the same way, around one central point. This course leads directly into AP Language and Composition, and is recommended for those freshmen and sophomores whose strength and interest lie in the language arts. The course is also open to juniors and seniors. Students are required to bring a completed essay to the first class.
Publishing/Creative Writing
Grades 9-12
1 elective credit
In an attempt to offer students a wider range of publishing experiences, this elective has emerged from what was formerly our journalism/creative writing course. The first three quarters of this class offer students experience in computer lay-out and design as they build our yearbook. The fourth quarter offers specific instruction in the four kinds of writing: expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative. Following guided practice in each kind of writing, students will create and share original work in one or more of these four areas.
