ENGLISH

This course is designed to develop reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through the exploration of various literary genres. The students will be required to read a number of major full-length works in addition to selections from the anthology. Several written assignments will be completed at which time grammar and vocabulary skills will be honed. In order to facilitate the transition to high school, the course will feature a weekly Guidance component. Guidance counselors will conduct classroom activities to address students’ academic, career, and personal / social needs.

 

This course surveys classic literary works from around the world. A sampling from different cultures and time periods gives students the opportunity to respond in various forms of written and oral expression, with emphasis on vocabulary and grammatical choices. The student will be required to read a number of major full-length works in addition to selections from the text. Prerequisite: English 9 R.

 

A survey course of classic literary works from around the world, this course extends the reading and writing curriculum from English 10-R and provides a challenge for the advanced reader and writer. Students will learn to respond to literature using a variety of written modes. An introduction to rhetoric, both written and oral, is integrated into the curriculum. An emphasis on literary analysis and essay writing is combined with vocabulary and grammar studies appropriate for the advanced high-school writer. Prerequisites: exceptional work and effort in English 9, strong writing skills, and Department approval. Class size is limited.

 

This course focuses on the life, times and writings of America’s literary greats from pre-colonialism through the 21^st Century. A number of major works are required reading. In the second term, a full-length research paper will be required. Students will take the Comprehensive English Regents during this course, which they must pass in order to graduate. Prerequisite: English 10 R.

 

This is a reading and writing intensive course designed to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to experience the process of composing prose in a variety of forms – narrative, exploratory, expository and argumentative. Students are expected to accomplish college level reading and extensive writing. Students must take the AP Exam in May (fee ~$85.00). Students will take the Comprehensive English Regents during this course, which they must pass to graduate. Prerequisites: exceptional work and effort in English 10, strong writing skills, and Department approval.  Class size is limited.

 

This is a study of British Literature tracing the chronological development of English from Beowulf through the 20^th Century. Satisfactory completion of a series of critical and analytical assignments is required. Students are required to read full-length novels and plays. Prerequisite: English 11 R.

 

Semester 1 is an introduction to British literature representing several historical periods and the dominant schools of literary criticism. Students will participate in advanced analysis and discussion as they improve critical thinking and writing skills. Semester 2 is a writing intensive course in which students will prepare multiple revisions of essays. Students will also analyze writing drawn from various sources. Students must take the AP exam in May (~$85.00). They may  take the course for credit through St. John’s University.  Prerequisites: exceptional work and effort in English 11, strong writing skills, and Department approval.  Class size is limited.

 

This one-semester course is required for juniors who are not continuing their study of the Fine Arts. In this course students will learn about the history and technique of public speaking. Coursework includes topic selection, speech’s rhetorical purpose, audience analysis, active listening, nonverbal delivery, choice of appropriate diction, management of speech anxiety, use of audiovisual aids, and review of model speeches. Students will work on improving their delivery and developing self confidence as they present informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches.

 

This one semester course is required for juniors who are not continuing their study of the Fine Arts. In this course students will enhance their skills through process writing instruction and practice in the various genres of writing. Topics include various types of writing (expository, narrative, persuasive, comparative, news article, reviews, and op-ed), writing strategies for college entrance exams, research and source evaluation, peer response, and cover letters / resumes.