English

English 9 is a writing class. Throughout the year students explore a wide range of writing topics beginning with the personal and moving towards the analytical. This workshop approach focuses on drafting, editing, and revising, with an emphasis on developing grammar and punctuation skills. Reading comprehension is a priority. Regular vocabulary assignments and weekly quizzes bolster confidence in the English language. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills necessary to understand the structure and content. Students practice time management, organization, memorization, listening, speaking and note taking. By the end of the year, students produce a body of written work that serves as a measure of their personal growth as readers, writers, and thinkers. Students explore a wide range of drama, fiction and poetry. They are asked to assemble reading portfolios that capture important details, quotations, images, elements of style and analytical opinions. These portfolios allow students to prepare for writing tests during the reading process. With an emphasis on paragraph structure, students can write about what is most important to them. They are encouraged to capture their process of discovery. Discussion and in-class readings are a regular occurrence. Reading highlights include Romeo and Juliet and A Raisin in the Sun. Students learn to bring characters to life and the close connection with the dialogue brings out more personalized and precise prose. We also explore the poetry of Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson and William Carlos Williams. Students are required to annotate, recite, paraphrase and analyze the poems. Music and film study are intertwined into the reading experience to enhance imagery and sound. Many assignments and documents are exchanged through the Moodle portal in an attempt to limit paper use.

Reading List:

  • A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry; Signet; ISBN-10: 0451124154; ISBN-13: 978-0451124159
  • Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare; Folger Shakespeare Library; ISBN-13: 978-0812416558
  • Cannery Row by John Steinbeck; ISBN: 0140177388
  • The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger; Little, Brown and Company; ISBN-10:0316769177; ISBN-13: 9780316769488
  • Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; Penguin Classics; ISBN-13: 978-0140186420

English 10 is a literature-based course that explores the various components that create our understanding of the concept of “humanity.” The course is organized through two major themes: Nature and Society. Each major theme will include smaller sub-themes such as love and hate, social commentary, human’s relationship to the natural world, identity, family, and creativity. Students will consider these themes while reading a variety of genres assembled from both the classical canon as well as from the more contemporary, including short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, graphic novels, as well as several complimentary novels. While reading these texts students will expand their knowledge of literary devices and other technical elements. The goal of these theme-based genre readings is to understand how authors of different genres are able to address similar themes concerned with our human experience while maintaining distinct styles. Students will improve their analytical thinking and writing skills while reading the selected literature, learning to analyze the text in close readings, to compare and contrast, as well as contextualizing the work in both a historical and a contemporary format. Ultimately, the students will be able to apply their reading to their own lives in some fashion and carry their analytical and writing skills into other areas of their academic lives. Skills that were acquired during English 9 will be improved and built upon so as to ready them for the next academic step beyond English 10. In addition to the written work and essays, students will grow their vocabulary, improve their citation skills, and have opportunities to work in groups, utilize multimedia, and participate in class discussions.

Prerequisite: English 9

Textbooks and Reading List:

  • Dry by Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman, ISBN: 978-1481481977
  • No Exit and Three Other Plays by Jean-Paul Sartre. Vintage, ISBN-13: 978-0679725169
  • The Call of the Wild by Jack London, ISBN: 978-1954839144
  • March: Book One by John Lewis, ISBN: 978-1603093002
  • The Girl with the Louding Voice: A Novel by Abi Dare, ISBN: 978-1524746094
  • The Princess Bride by William Goldman, ISBN: 978-0156035156
  • Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots; Book Four by Elizabeth Osborne; Prestwick House, Inc. 2nd Workbook Edition; ISBN-13: 978-1580492065
  • The Norton Introduction to Literature, Portable 12th Edition by Kelly J. Mays; W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. ISBN-13: 978-0393938937

English 10 Honors, like English 10, is a literature-based course organized through two major themes that explore the various components that create our understanding of the concept of “humanity.” The expectations of an Honors student are reflected in the course load and level of literature and analysis. An honors student can expect an increase in the complexity and depth of written work as well as in the amount of reading. Students will consider the major themes of Society and Self and its many possible subdivisions such as class, mortality, love and hate, family, culture, and the imaginative spirit. Readings will at times be the same or similar to the English 10 course, but much of the time will deviate and become more complex and advanced. Texts will be selected from both the classical canon as well as contemporary selections in a variety of genres: short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, as well as several challenging novels While reading these texts students will expand their knowledge of literary devices and other technical elements. The goal of these theme-based genre readings is to understand how authors of different genres are able to address similar themes concerned with our human experience while maintaining distinct styles. Students will improve their analytical thinking and writing skills while reading the selected literature, learning to analyze the text in close readings, to compare and contrast, as well as contextualizing the work in both a historical and a contemporary format. Ultimately, the students will be able to apply their reading to their own lives in some fashion and carry their analytical and writing skills into other areas of their academic lives. In addition to the written work and essays, students will grow their vocabulary, improve their citation skills, and have opportunities to work in groups, utilize multimedia, and participate in class discussions. Skills that were acquired during English 9 will be improved and built upon so as to ready students for the next academic step beyond English 10 Honors, most often an AP language or literature course.

Prerequisite: English 9, plus a letter of recommendation from the English 9 teacher.

Reading List:

  • The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, Knopf Books for Young Readers, ISBN-13:‎ 978-0375842207
  • The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson; Penguin Classics; 1 Edition (November 28, 2006); ISBN-13: 978-0143039983
  • The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde; CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; ISBN-13: 978-1503331747
  • Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare; Simon and Schuster, June 2019 Edition; ISBN-13: 978-1982122492
  • Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots; Book Four by Elizabeth Osborne; Prestwick House; ISBN-13: 978-1580492065

English 11 focuses on American literature, the curriculum being aligned to the U.S. History curriculum, literary techniques, and the fundamentals of composition and language usage. Students explore the fundamental themes of American culture through literary and historical readings. The goals of this course are for students to develop critical reading and thinking skills; to improve their writing process techniques; to participate productively in class discussions and activities; to increase their vocabulary; and to improve their study skills. In addition to the all-school required book, students taking English 11 must read one novel from the summer reading list. The list is compiled of American novels, many of which have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for literature, and all of which have an historical significance. During the spring semester, students prepare a research project. Although there are many subject choices, the aim is to teach students how to find and evaluate information, and how to manage problems of organization and expression in a longer paper whose material has come from many sources. The projects are also presented orally. Course work starts with a study of American short stories, and continues with detailed analysis of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These major works are supplemented by the study of poetry and expository prose with emphasis on the works of Thoreau, Emerson, Whitman and many modern poets. Discussion often relates to the environmental issues presented in many of the literary works, especially Walden and several of the expository essays.

Prerequisites: English 10

Textbooks and Reading List:

  • The Crucible by Arthur Miller; Penguin Classics; ISBN: 014243733-6
  • *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain; W.W. Norton & Co.; ISBN: 9780393966404
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; Scribner; ISBN: 0743273567
  • Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass; Barnes and Noble Classics (also available from Dover Thrift); ISBN-13: 9781593080419; ISBN – 10: 04866284999 (Dover Thrift Edition)
  • 101 Great American Poems ; Dover Thrift Edition; ISBN: 9780486401584
  • Research Paper Procedure by Amy M. Kleppner & Cynthia Skelton; Teacher’s Discovery; ISBN: 978075601197

* Note: It is important for students to have the same editions for ease of discussion in class. There are classroom copies of Huckleberry Finn available. Dover Thrift Editions, when available, are the least expensive option for purchase.

The AP English Language and Composition class focuses on American literature, the curriculum being aligned to the U.S. History curriculum, literary techniques, and the fundamentals of composition and language usage. The class is designed to prepare students for the spring AP exam while exploring the fundamental themes in American literature through literary and historical readings. The goals of this course are for students to develop critical reading and thinking skills; to improve their writing process techniques; to participate productively in class discussions and activities; to increase their vocabulary; and to improve their study skills. In addition to the all-school required book, students taking this class must read two novels from the summer reading list. The list is compiled of American novels, many of which have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for literature, and all of which have an historical significance. Students prepare two research projects during the year, one each semester. Although there are many subject choices, the aim is to teach students how to find and evaluate information, and how to manage problems of organization and expression in a longer paper whose material has come from many sources. The projects are also presented orally. Following the spring AP exam, students focus on writing college essays. Course work starts with a study of American short stories, and continues with detailed analysis of a range of literary works, including The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These works are supplemented by the study of poetry and expository prose with emphasis on the works of Thoreau, Emerson, Whitman and many modern poets. Discussion often relates to the environmental issues presented in many of the literary works, especially Walden and several of the AP practice tests.

Prerequisites: English 10 Honors or English 10, plus a letter of recommendation from English 10 teacher. Acceptance based upon department approval.

Textbooks and Reading List:

  • The Crucible by Arthur Miller; Penguin Classics; ISBN: 014243733-6
  • *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain; W.W. Norton & Co.; ISBN: 9780393966404
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; Scribner; ISBN: 0743273567
  • Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass; Barnes and Noble Classics (also available from Dover Thrift); ISBN-13: 9781593080419; ISBN – 10: 04866284999 (Dover Thrift Edition)
  • 101 Great American Poems ; Dover Thrift Edition; ISBN: 9780486401584
  • Research Paper Procedure by Amy M. Kleppner & Cynthia Skelton; Teacher’s Discovery; ISBN: 978075601197

* Note: It is important for students to have the same editions for ease of discussion in class.

English 12 covers a wide range of literature that prepares students for the college reading and writing experience. The course tackles the serious issues of race, death, family, violence, social pressure, and politics. Students learn to express opinions clearly and back them up with facts, and they concentrate on improving structure and style and utilize the revision process for all written assignments. They also make oral presentations, keep reading journals, master literary terminology, and incorporate technology into the study of language. All students must dig beneath the surface to find not what the author does but how he does it. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks and to appreciate language. Reading portfolios are used to compile valuable details during the reading experience. Students must independently track their work and submit the materials on test days. This mimics the collegiate setting and helps foster independent management and meeting deadlines. Students also work together in teams to prepare for tests and keep Google docs so they can share information. Collaboration builds spirit and offers students who are not as vocal to share their opinions and information. Throughout the year students also study film and music to sharpen critical thinking skills and test visual literacy skills. Each student must come to class prepared to explore, explain and clarify their experience. We also have creative projects where students bring the literature to life through art and technology. Many discussions gravitate toward real world issues and solutions. It’s not about remembering the details of a novel when they turn 30, it’s more about learning empathy, compassion and awareness of the human condition.

Prerequisites: English 11

Reading List:

  • Othello by William Shakespeare; Simon & Schuster, ISBN-13: 978-0743477550
  • Old School by Tobias Wolff; Vintage, Reprint Edition; ISBN: 0375701494; ISBN-13: 9780375701498
  • Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett; Grove Press; ISBN: 080214442X; ISBN-13: 9780802144423
  • Sula by Toni Morrison; Vintage, Reprint Edition; ISBN: 1400033438; ISBN-13: 9781400033430
  • The Road by Cormac McCarthy; Vintage Books; ISBN-13: 978-0307387899
  • Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad; ISBN: 978-0140281637
  • The Ernest Hemingway Best Collection Independently Published; ISBN-13: 979-8416870010

AP English is a college-level, intensive study of literature, emphasizing the terminology and analytical strategies used on the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition test administered in May. Students are required to read deeply with an eye to understanding themes that arise in a work as well as how those themes are developed. Students prepare for multiple choice and essay sections of the Advanced Placement test. They also become adept at expressing their ideas quickly, thoroughly, and concretely in essays of varying lengths, develop confidence in reading and understanding complex texts, and gain competence and facility in placing literary works within their historical and philosophical contexts. The literature studied in the course covers a wide range of time periods, themes, thought-provoking topics, and styles, and includes works by authors of varying gender, ethnicity, and country origin in order to give students a multiple-perspective context for literature.

Prerequisites: English 11 Honors or English 11, plus a letter of recommendation from English 11 teacher. Acceptance based upon department approval.

Reading List:

  • Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe; Penguin ISBN-13: 978-0385474542
  • Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare; Simon & Schuster ISBN-13: 978-0743477567
  • Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare; Simon & Schuster ISBN-13: 978-1501146305
  • Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad; Warbler Classics ISBN-13: 978-1734452549

AP Seminar is a year-long course and is the first step in participating in the AP Capstone Program. This foundational course engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

Prerequisites: Department approval

Textbooks: None

Advanced ESL Reading drives students to grow and demonstrate their reading comprehension through speaking exercises such as formal and informal speeches, presentations, recitations, debates, and discussion. Readings will arise from traditional literature, current events, relevant non-fiction, and documentary videos and films.  The course will also draw on academic content from other subject areas, giving students experience with subject-specific vocabulary as well as reading and speaking strategies that are essential to the classroom.  Rounding out their preparation for continued study in mainstream classes, students will practice pronunciation, listening, and articulation as preparation to participate actively in classes and the English-speaking school community with confidence.

Textbooks and Reading List:

  • Engage with Literature and Content – Level A, by Vista Higher Learning, ISBN-13: 978166913344
  • Engage with Literature and Content: Workbook – Level A, by Vista Higher Learning, ISBN-13: 978-1-66991-342-9
  • Holes, by Louis Sachar, ISBN 978-0440414803
  • Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell; ISBN 978-0547328614
  • A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park; ISBN-13: 978-0547534268

Advanced ESL Writing promotes written fluency, precision, and correctness. Most assignments are composed in class and based on specific visual and conceptual prompts so students can get down to the business of writing without spending too much time wondering what to write about. As students write and edit, they work to improve grammatical trouble spots that are typical in ESL writers. Writing skills are directed at academic-themed papers that require students to learn and practice summary, paraphrase, direct quote, and documentation. Students learn the basics of building a thesis, review and practice the foundations of English grammar, and sharpen their research skills through the use of summary, paraphrase, direct quotation, in-text citations, and works cited documentation. No textbook required.