English

The English Department believes that an educated, compassionate and just world requires literate citizens and lifelong learners. In a four year sequence, the department challenges students to read and think with a critical eye, write with clarity and purpose, and speak with reason and logic. Students learn to understand and appreciate literature, communicate both orally and through the written word, and to think creatively and analytically.

English 1 (College Prep)

English 1 (College Prep)

Grade: 9

Credit: 1.0

Course Description: In this course, students develop the foundational reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills necessary for a college preparatory education. Students learn to read informational texts and literary texts (fiction and poetry). Students also learn the foundational skills and practices necessary in academic argument writing, research writing, and narrative writing. To complement writing instruction, students learn the basic language and principles of English grammar, which will build each year. Students also learn the basic skills necessary for academic discussion and engage in student-led discussions regularly throughout the year.

English 1 (Honors)

English 1 (Honors)

Grade: 9
Credit: 1.0

Course Description: This course focuses on the introduction and development of sophisticated thinking, writing and reading skills, Greek and Latin STEM study specific to freshman year, and understanding of English conventions. Literature instruction is based on discussion of mythology, fiction, Shakespeare, non-fiction, and selected poetry. The Honors English program emphasizes the mastery of grammar, usage, expository and argumentative writing, vocabulary, literary terms, and close reading of all literary genres. The course expects independent inquiry of students who regularly perform in-class work and homework with resourceful, critical and creative thinking. Students are expected to exhibit strong writing skills throughout the year. The teacher may assign a supplemental literary selection in addition to the English 1 reading list.

English 2

English 2 (College Prep)
English 2 (Honors)

English 2 (College Prep)

English 2 (College Prep)

Grade: 10

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 1 or equivalent is required for enrollment in all levels of English 2

Course Description: In English 2, students will build on their learning from English 1 in preparation for college level reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Students engage in more advanced work with both literary and informational texts, and they continue building foundational skills in academic argument, research, and narrative writing. Students are also introduced to basic rhetorical argument techniques this year.

English 2 (Honors)

English 2 (Honors)

Grade: 10

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite:

From Honors English 1: Earning a “B” in Honors English 1 for both semesters,
From English 1: Earning an “A” in English 1 for both semesters, earning an “A” in the Writing grade category for both semesters

Course Description: The honors level course for English 2 is meant to prepare students for AP or IB English coursework. While honors students learn the same core skills as in the CP level of English 2 (see course description above), they are expected to demonstrate more advanced skills in academic writing and higher engagement in class material. Students in English 2 Honors should thoroughly enjoy reading and writing as a personal interest, not just as a class requirement. Other expectations include: regular spoken participation in class, the desire to go above and beyond the minimum requirements, and a willingness to regularly revise and improve written work.

English 3

English 3 (College Prep)

Grade: 11

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 2 (CP) or Honors English 2.

Course Description: In this course, students engage in the reading and writing skills that closely mirror those required in college courses. Students learn to write more in-depth literary analysis, a full research paper using APA style, and other forms of argument writing. Students also read a mix of classical fiction and drama, contemporary fiction and poetry, and informational text. Literary texts in this course focus on American authors. Throughout the year, the language skills taught in this course help students prepare for the ACT and SAT.

English 4

English 4 (College Prep)

Grade: 12

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 3 or equivalent is required for enrollment in all levels of English 4

Course Description: In English 4, students learn reading, writing, and presentation skills designed for a smooth transition into the first year of college. Students read contemporary international works of fiction, classical drama, and informational text, all with a focus on college level reading. Students learn how to conduct academic, collegiate level research, completing an extensive research paper and digital media presentations in different research units. During the fall, students in this course spend time on personal narrative writing geared toward the college application essay.

AP Language & Composition

English: AP Language & Composition

Grade: 11

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisites:

Student’s “AP Potential” score on the PSAT 10 (taken during all-school testing) is either “Potential” or “Some Potential” for AP Language & Composition
Student has at least a “B+” in Honors English II for both semesters
Student loves reading, writing, and speaking
Student is ready to handle an average of 45 minutes of college-level work per night for this class
Student is self-directed, organized, and proactive in seeking help

Course Description: AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course, suited especially for students who enjoy reading nonfiction and writing arguments. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. This course is very reading and writing heavy and requires participation in discussion several times a week, if not daily. This course also requires a significant amount of writing. Students are expected to devote 45 minutes of work per night on work for this class in order to perform successfully.

Testing Requisite: All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May of the academic year. Parents are responsible for the AP exam fee.

AP Literature and Composition

English: AP Literature and Composition

Grade: 12

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisites:

Student’s Reading and English scores on the ACT (taken during all-school testing) average to at least a 20.
Student has at least a “B” in AP Language & Composition (AP Eng 3) for both semesters OR student has an “A” in CP Eng 3 for both semesters
Student loves reading, writing, and speaking
Student is ready to handle an average of 45 minutes of college-level work per night for this class
Student is self-directed, organized, and proactive in seeking help

Course Description: AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course, suited especially for students who might study English in college or who are very personally interested in intensive study of literature. In this course, students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works. Students read short fiction, poetry, novels, and plays. Students also develop literary analysis essay writing skills, focusing especially on timed essays. This course is very reading and writing heavy and requires participation in discussion several times a week, if not daily. Students are expected to devote 45 minutes of work per night on work for this class in order to perform successfully. Because of the nature of the work, many students find this class more challenging than AP Language & Composition.

Testing Requisite: All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May of the academic year. Parents are responsible for the AP exam fee.

IB Literature

IB Literature (Year 1)

Grade: 11
Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Recommendation and Acceptance into the IB Diploma Programme or the Individual Course Candidate Programme.

Course Description: *Two-year Course*

The language and literature course aims to develop skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can relate to culturally determined reading practices. The course also encourages students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a text is combined with an exploration of how that meaning is affected by reading practices that are culturally defined and by the circumstances of production and reception. The study of literature in translation from other cultures is especially important to IB DP students because it contributes to a global perspective. Texts are chosen from a variety of sources, genres and media.

IB Literature (Year 2)

Grade: 12
Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Passing grade of “B” or better in IB Literature Year 1.

Course Description: *Two-year Course* See description from Year 1 for details.