Pre AP English I (Freshman English)
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre AP English I comprises a rigorous curriculum which prepares students for college level (AP) classes.

In this course students will

• read deliberately, thoughtfully, and critically a variety of literature from varying genres, periods and cultures.
• analyze the significance of  figurative language, theme, historical and social values in a literary work.
• study the various modes of composition: personal, expository, argumentative and analytical.
• use the writing process effectively with attention to inquiry and research, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing.
• produce a variety of short compositions as responses to personal, expository, and literary prompts.
• improve and strengthen vocabulary and use it effectively in both writing and speaking.
• improve oral communication skills in a variety of formats (class and group discussions and individual presentations).
• improve understanding of grammatical conventions and use appropriately in written and oral communications.
• research a topic and construct a detailed MLA essay with textual detail and parenthetical documentation

Pre AP English II (Sophomore English)
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre AP English II continues the preparation for AP classes begun in Pre AP English I.

In this course, students will

• read thoughtfully and critically literature from different genres, periods and cultures;
• analyze how various literary and rhetorical devices and techniques contribute to a literary work;
• analyze the significance of historical and social values in a literary work
• further practice the various modes of composition, with increased length and thesis sophistication;
• continue to use the steps in the writing process with attention to inquiry and research, pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and preparing the final coopy;
• further increase and strengthen reading, writing and speaking vocabularies;
• improve oral communication skills through class discussions and presentations;
• continue to hone mechanics and usage skills and apply them in their written and oral communication.
• research a topic and construct a detailed MLA essay with textual detail and parenthetical documentation

AP English Language/Composition (Junior English)
1 unit              2 semesters

AP English Language and Composition “engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes…."

In this course students will

• analyze and interpret samples of good writing, identifying and explaining an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques;
• apply effective strategies and techniques in their own writing;
• create and sustain arguments based on readings, research, and/or personal experience;
• demonstrate understanding and mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writings;
• write in a variety of genres and contexts, both formal and informal, employing appropriate conventions;
• produce expository and argumentative compositions that introduce a complex central idea and develop it with appropriate, specific evidence, cogent explanations, and clear transitions;
• move effectively through the stages of the writing process, with careful attention to inquiry and research, drafting, revising, editing and review.

(Source: apcentral.collegeboard.com)

AP English Literature & Composition (Senior English)
1 unit             2 semesters

AP Literature and Composition “engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature.” The works read are primarily works originally written in English, although not all from England. Some works will be translations from other languages.

In this course students will

• read literary works representative of various genres from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries
• analyze and evaluate the artistry and literary merit of the works read through close reading
• analyze the social and historical contexts of the works read
• write personal responses to the literature read
• compose expository, analytical and argumentative essays about the literature read
• research a specific topic and write a research paper on it.
• demonstrate stylistic maturity and sophistication in their writing
• increase their vocabulary through their reading of challenging texts and through direct vocabulary study
• demonstrate understanding and mastery of standard English

English/Language Arts Electives                                

Creative Writing
½ unit             1 semester

Creating Writing focuses on the creative process through a variety of written forms including short story and poetry. Style variations will be taught through self and peer examination. Individual project is required and daily journal is part of the course. Students will have an opportunity to submit their work to contests and for publication.

Writing About Film
½ unit     1 semester

Writing for Film focuses on the creative process and analytical study of films and how it impacts writing.  Student will have an opportunity to submit their work to contests and for publications.

For more information, contact Department Chair Cherith Ferguson.