Going Green!

Core English Courses

Freshman English I SCP

FRESHMAN ENGLISH 1
112
The Freshman English I course is an introduction to the comprehension and study of literature, which emphasizes fundamental concepts and terminology used in the examination of important works. The course is also concerned with the improvement of oral and written expression and the development of effective reading, vocabulary, and study skills. Instruction in reading, methods of study, and vocabulary is provided along with practice in classroom skills and library skills. A review of grammar, mechanics and usage is provided as related to written and oral expression. Emphasis is placed upon variety in writing experiences, including directed journal entries, paragraphing exercises, summaries, library reports, book reports and short essays. Speaking experiences include: class recitation, poetry interpretation, and role-playing drama. Course topics include works by American and world authors; introduction to basic literary analysis; exploration of novels, drama, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction; effective writing strategies; vocabulary development, and discussion of literature relevant to life experience.
Pre: None
Credit: 1 R/SCP Gr: 9

 

Freshman English I GEN

FRESHMAN ENGLISH 1
113

This Freshman English I course is concerned with the fundamental understanding and appreciation of literature, the  improvement of oral and written expression, and the development of effective reading, vocabulary,  and study skills. Reading instruction and directed class discussion assist students’ comprehension of high-interest  novels, short stories, plays and poetry. Emphasis is given to vocabulary enrichment, independent  study skills, classroom skills and library skills. Writing experiences include: outlining and note  taking; sentence construction and paragraphing; book reports; directed journal entries; summaries;  letters; and creative pieces. Speaking experiences include role-playing, oral interpretation, and  speeches. Course topics include works by selected American and world authors, current affairs as reported in  newspapers and news magazines, and language arts skills on an as-needed basis.
Pre: None
Credits: 1                         R/GEN                            Gr: 9

Sophomore English II ACP

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 2
121
Advanced College Preparatory Sophomore English (Sophomore Writing Workshop) is an extensive study of the art and techniques of writing. Advanced students are expected to demonstrate effective independent work habits, and a high level of
initiative in classroom activities and self-directed study. Utilizing a workshop model, students are required to complete 11 writing assignments. These experiences include the introduction, analysis, modeling and drafting of the following modes: description,
narration, exposition, persuasion, research, response to literature (short fiction), creative writing, response to literature (poetry), practical/technical, and two free choices. Increasingly complex writing techniques and styles will be introduced, discussed and
emulated. Every student will be encouraged to focus on the cultivation of individual voice. Each piece of writing must go through the writing process (prewriting, drafting, conferencing, editing) and will be revised by the student until it reaches the standards for acceptable quality for final drafts. Topics for each composition will be student selected. Individual and group grammar lessons will augment writing instruction. Writing labs and Language labs are available for additional interactive grammar exercises. Vocabulary (useful in the specific mode of writing) will be introduced, practiced, and assessed under the teacher’s discretion. CAPT test preparation will also be integrated into the writing exercises. In addition, each student will read four texts during the semester, two core selections and two self-selections, as a continuation of literature study. Teacher-directed activities provide students with the opportunity to practice basic literary analysis, critical interpretive skills, and review fundamental concepts and terminology.
Pre: English 1
Credit: 1 R/ACP Gr: 10

Sophomore English II SCP

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 2
122
Standard College Preparatory Sophomore English (Sophomore Writing Workshop) is an extensive study of the art and techniques of writing. Students will develop a fundamental understanding and appreciation of basic writing skills for each mode. Standard level students require more structure in classroom and homework activities. Routine reading and writing assignments are shorter in length to accommodate the variety of learning styles and the slower pace of instruction. Utilizing a workshop model, students are required to complete 11 writing assignments. These experiences include the introduction, analysis, modeling and drafting of the following modes: description, narration, exposition, persuasion, research, response to literature (short fiction), creative writing, response to literature (poetry), practical/technical, and two free choices. Each piece of writing must go through the writing process (prewriting, drafting, conferencing, editing) and will be revised by the student until it reaches the  standards for acceptable quality for final drafts. Topics for each composition will be student selected. Individual and group grammar lessons will augment writing instruction. Writing Labs and Language Labs are available for additional interactive grammar exercises. Vocabulary (useful in the specific mode of writing) will be introduced, practiced, and assessed under the teacher’s discretion. CAPT test preparation will also be integrated into the writing exercises. In addition, each student will read four texts during the semester, two core selections and two self-selections, as a continuation of literature study. Teacher-directed activities provide students with the opportunity to practice basic literacy analysis, critical interpretive skills, and review fundamental concepts and terminology.
Pre: English 1
Credit: 1 R/SCP Gr: 10

Sophomore English II GEN

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 2
123
The General Sophomore English (Sophomore Writing Workshop) is an extensive study of the art and techniques of writing. Students will develop a fundamental understanding and appreciation of basic writing skills for each mode. Improvement
of written expression, effective reading, vocabulary and study skills will be on an individual basis. Utilizing a workshop model, students are required to complete 11 writing assignments. These experiences include the introduction, analysis, modeling and
drafting of the following modes: description, narration, exposition, persuasion, research, response to literature (short function), creative writing, response to literature (poetry), practical/technical, and two free choices. Each piece of writing must go through the writing process (prewriting, drafting, conferencing, editing) and will be revised by the student until it reaches the standards for acceptable quality for final drafts. Topics for each composition will be student selected. Individual and group grammar lessons will augment writing instruction. Writing Labs and Language Labs are available for additional interactive grammar exercises. Vocabulary (useful in the specific mode of writing) will be introduced, practiced, and assessed under the teacher’s discretion. CAPT test preparation will also be integrated into the writing exercises. In addition, each student will read four texts during the semester, two core selections and two self-selections, as a continuation of literature study. Teacher-directed activities provide students with the opportunity to practice basic literacy analysis, critical interpretive skills, and review fundamental concepts and terminology.
Pre: English 1
Credit: 1 R/GEN Gr: 10

Junior English III HON

JUNIOR ENGLISH 3
130

Honors Junior English III is a thematic and chronological exploration of American culture as expressed through  its literature. The course provides initial preparation for the CEEB Advanced Placement  examination. Students examine the philosophical antecedents of great literature and their relationship to prevalent themes in the American experience. A variety of genres and forms are analyzed, with emphasis upon the creative process and artistic choice. Writing experiences include: journal  entries, literary criticism, expository and argumentative prose, research writing and creative  pieces. Students give frequent oral presentations including daily recitation, student lectures, interpretative readings and debates. Course topics include: the great ideas of civilization; literary philosophy, traditions, and criticism; a comparative study of prose and poetry; the creative process; research methodology; the Scholastic Aptitude Test; and the comparative investigation of colleges.
Pre: English teacher recommendations, a high level of student achievement in previous English  courses, an advanced level of skill in oral and written discourse, and on reading rate and comprehension above grade level.
Pre: English 2
Credit: 1             R/HON                                 Gr: 11

Junior English III ACP

JUNIOR ENGLISH 3
131
The Junior English III ACP course is an exploration of literature which records and interprets American culture. Students engage in a variety of activities to develop and refine critical and interrelated language skills: thinking, listening, questioning, reading and writing. Readings address a variety of genres and forms, including the novel, short story, drama and poetry. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis and interpretation of poetry and drama. Writing experiences include: daily journal exercises, expository and argumentative prose, presentations, including daily recitation, interpretative readings, lectures, and debates and theater exercises. Course topics include: selected American authors; the sociocultural context of literature; regional traditions in literature; writing as process; research methodology; techniques in interpretative reading and debate; the Scholastic Aptitude Test; and cultivation of reading as a lifetime habit.
Pre: English 2
Credit: 1 R/ACP Gr: 11

Junior English III SCP

JUNIOR ENGLISH 3
132
The Junior English III SCP course is an exploration of literature which records and interprets American culture. Directed class discussion and vocabulary instruction assist student comprehension of novels, short stories, plays, poems, and journalism. Writing experiences include: descriptive, narrative, expository, and argumentative essays, creative pieces and a research paper. Exercises in oral expression include: class discussion, student lectures, speeches, and dramatic roleplaying. Course topics include: selected American authors approaches to writing, the social and historical context of selected works, practical applications of language skills, current affairs, and research methodology.
Pre: English 2
Credit: 1 R/SCP Gr: 11

Junior English III GEN

JUNIOR ENGLISH 3
133
The Junior English III GEN course is a continuation and reinforcement of the remediation provided in General Freshman and Sophomore English, with the objective of integrating students into the standard level English program by the senior year.
Reading instruction and practice emphasizes the functional literacy inherent in post-graduation demands. Reading for both pleasure and competency includes the examination of newspapers, magazines, American literature, short stories, plays and poetry. Continued instruction is provided for vocabulary enrichment, independent study skills, classroom skills, and library skills. Writing experiences include: personal and practical writing, business writing, and short compositions. A review of fundamental grammar, mechanics, and usage is applied to written and oral expression. Course topics include: works by selected traditional and contemporary American authors and the use of language in communicating and in interpreting current affairs.
Pre: English 2
Credit: 1 R/GEN Gr: 11

Senior English IV

SENIOR ENGLISH 4
140
Senior English IV course is an examination of the human condition through world literature, with a focus upon the principle concerns of literary criticism and the great ideas of civilization. The course provides preparation for the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination. The course provides a comparative study of selected works of world literature, emphasizing their philosophical, historical, and thematic aspects. Students write primarily in the literary-critical mode. Of primary concern is the student’s critical response to literature and its expression of the conduct of life. Course topics include: selected works by world authors; the sociocultural context of great works; the Scholastic Aptitude Test; the advanced Placement Examination in Literature and Composition and preparation for the collegiate experience.
Pre: English teacher recommendations, a high level of student achievement in previous English courses, an advanced level of skill in oral and written discourse, reading rate and comprehension above grade level, and demonstrated ability to work independently.
Pre: English 3
Credit: 1 A/E/AP/ECE Gr: 12

Senior English IV: Literature

Senior English 4: LITERATURE
144/141
English IV: Literature is a world literature survey that emphasizes critical reading and analytical writing. The course is designed to prepare students for college-level work with a focus on student discourse, reflective reading, and analytical and persuasive writing. Students will write thirty pages of polished prose including a college entrance essay. Finished writing should display mastery in interpretation, analysis, argumentation, and voice. Writing instruction will emphasize conferencing, revision, grammar, style, and vocabulary. The reading selections reflect a diversearray of cultures and literary movements. Through these works we will explore the connection between identity and culture and the way the past informs the present. A grade of C or higher will be recorded by the University of Connecticut on the student’s transcript. The final exam is mandatory for ECE credit.
Pre: English 3
Credit: 1 A/E//HON/ACP/ECE Gr: 12

Senior English IV: Language & Composition

Senior English 4: Language & Composition
145
English IV: Language and Composition course is designed to prepare students to be able to meet the demands of the typical college writing assignment, which necessitates research and synthesis of both primary and secondary sources as well as an evaluation of the reliability and worth of those sources. The course prepares students to enter a daily life barraged with ongoing, persuasive information, assess the persuasive purpose of that information, and accurately decide whether or not that information is credible. This course is also an additional opportunity for students to earn college credit through the Advanced Placement program if they complete the AP English Language and Composition exam each year in May.
Pre: English 3
Credit: 1 A/E/AP Gr. 11,12