Language Arts
English |
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| ILA 8 | ILA 9 Academic | Ac. English 10 | Ac. English 11 | English 12 Level 1 |
| ILA 9 Honors | Hon. English 10 | Hon. English 11 | Ac. English 12 | |
| Hon. English 12 | ||||
| AP English | ||||
The mission of the English department is to develop the student as an effective communicator. An effective communicator is one who demonstrates the ability to receive, analyze, synthesize, apply and evaluate information; in addition, an effective communicator demonstrates significant knowledge and understanding in both speaking and writing.
In addition to test-based vocabulary study, the Sadler-Oxford program is used to provide sutdents with formal vocabulary study in grades 8-12.
Student should commit to advanced programs as a sequence in order to obtain background to perform well in all of the courses.
Note: All ILA 8 and ILA 9 courses are yearlong.
Ac ILA 8 #1238
This yearlong course includes classics and high interest literature as sources for reading, writing, discussion, research, and presentation. Working independently and/or collaboratively, students develop their ideas in provess-developed, thesis-driven, expository format. Students also use writing as a tool for learning. Grammar skills develop through direct instruction and "just in time" mini-lessons, which are prompted by individual student needs as demonstrated in their writing. Further, the research skills of paraphrasing, in-text documentation, and note-taking are targeted in this course. Additional components are vocabulary building and 8th grade PSSA test-taking preperation. Various instructional configurations and technologies provide opportunities for support, practice, extension, and acceleration when appropriate.
English Language Arts 9 - Academic(2 credits)
Using both readings and films, this course gives the student exposure to some literary classics of Western Civilization as well as to more contemporary novels. The course provides a solid foundation in descriptive and expository writing and builds on the basic aspects of research and documentation skills. Speaking and listening form a large part of the classroom experience and expectation Performance, presentation groups, and speeches are required. The course also includes vocabulary-building through word study.
English Language Arts 9 - Honors #1242 (2 credits)
This course includes the reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and research activities of the academic course. In addition, this course provides more challenging literature, research experiences with literary criticism, and more frequent, more in-depth expository writing.
Ac English 10 #1225 (1 credit)
The primary focus of this multicultural, thematically structured course is to expand upon writing process and literary analysis skills. Students write expository essays and descriptive narratives; they read from a variety of literary genres. Students learn and practice research skills and process. Grammar usage, within the context of students' reading and writing, is an integral component. Students experience many opportunities to work collaboratively to further develop communication skills further.
Hon English 10 #1235 (1 credit)
This course offers more challenging literature and more frequent, in-depth expository writing opportunities than the academic course does. Students are also required to conduct discussion, lead seminars and write a research paper.
English 11 #1261 (1 credit)
English 11 is a study of American literature with an emphasis on skill development in the areas of vocabulary, writing, and research.
Ac English 11 #1245 (1 credit)
Through the study of various genres of multicultural American literature, students refine critical reading skills. Students continue to build vocabulary through their reading. They hone their research and expository writing skills by integrating primary and secondary sources in a major research-based paper. Grammar instruction is more individualized and connected to student monitoring of errors. Literature circles provide guided enrichment reading opportunities.
Hon English 11 #1255 (1 credit)
This course includes intensive work in expository writing and focuses on analysis of more challenging American literature. Archetypes, perspective, and narrator reliability are examples of the literary devices students learn to recognize and utilize in literary analysis. Extensive discussion activities-round tables, peer groups, literature circles- demand student leadership which, in turn, builds sophisticated speaking and listening skills. Research skills are honed during a literature-based project.
English 12 #1270 (1 credit)
As the final stage in language arts instruction, this course is designed to focus on individual needs in writing and reading skills. Activities evolve according to the levels of competence displayed by the class members. Literature is also tailored to the needs of the students in a given class.
Ac English 12 #1265 (1 credit)
The goal of this course is to synthesize the communication skills learned in previous years and apply them in various contexts. Students refine their writing, reading, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills. They demonstrate proficiency through a variety of media including analytical and personal essays, mini-research papers, oral presentations, literature circles, partner and group projects, and full class seminars and discussion. Grammar continues to be more individualized with mini-lessons on an identified, as needed basis.
Honors English 12 #1273 (1 credit)
This course builds on the concepts and skills learned in Honors English 11. Students will read classical, modern and contemporary contributions to world literature. They will read and write intensively in order to hone skills of analysis and synthesis of literary concepts. Participation in both small and large group discussion is expected, as students work together to make meaning of challenging texts.
AP English 12 #1275 (1 credit)
This demanding, college-level course takes an in-depth look at difficult classical, modern and contemporary literature. Students are expected to demonstrate precision in reading the subtleties of a text, in writing analytically about a text, and in presenting material to their peers. A background of honors English classes is assumed, and students must be teacher recommended for this class. Curriculum, expectations, and standards are those of the College Board. Success on the nationally administered Advanced Placement examination could lead to college credit and advanced standing.
Electives
SAT Preparation #1285 (.5 credit)
See course description in the math section.
Television Production #1229 (.5 credit)
"TV Production" is a follow-up to "Introduction to Video Production" that is taught in the 8th grade. Students will refine and build upon the equipment and writing skills introduced to them in the 8th grade. Students will study the fundamentals of lighting, sound, editing, graphics, scripting, storyboarding, and directing an assortment of video productions. The course will introduce students to more critical television viewing as they analyze programming and participate in certain aspects of the broadcast business. Throughout this course students will work both independently and as a members of a production team.
Digital Video Production #1228 (.5 credit)
Students will plan, write, direct and edit video productions to be aired on our cable access channel. In addition to using the studio equipment, the students will learn an advanced, digital video-editing program. This program, Final Cut Pro, is the next step for students interested in video production. Students will master Final Cut Pro while developing the format in which several productions will be aired. Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of TV Production.
Broadcast Journalism #1227 (.5 credit)
This course will present students with the opportunity to explore the different facets of producing a news show. They will have the chance to work together and be part of a news team, work on the show from its inception to its delivery, explore journalistic research and writing for television, gain hands-on experience with the studio and editing equiptment, and gain a basic understanding of the broadcast industry and various careers avaliable. The student-produced news will be aired on our cable access channel and our website. Prerequisite: Television Production and Digitial Video Editing.