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: This course focuses on the introduction and development of sophisticated thinking, writing, reading skills, Greek and Latin STEM study specific to freshman year, and understanding of English conventions. Instruction is based in mythology, fiction, Shakespeare, non-fiction and selected poetry. Throughout the year, students are introduced to a variety of literary devices and are taught to read both for meaning and appreciation. Students are expected to develop and exhibit strong writing skills throughout the year. The course expects that students regularly perform in-class work and homework that emphasizes drawing connections between texts, themes, and real-world applications.

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: World Literature

English 2: World Literature (College Prep)
English 2: World Literature (Honors)

English 2: World Literature (College Prep)

English 2: World Literature (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: Students will identify and analyze genres in World Literature from a variety of countries across continents and set in societies classical to contemporary. Students will demonstrate the ability to write in various forms, apply knowledge of literary devices, continue vocabulary development through STEM study specific to sophomore year and meet public speaking requirements set forth in the curriculum. All students will deliver no less than five formal speeches during the course of English 2 regardless of level. Speech topics are based in relevant unit material or novel analysis. Each student will complete a research paper on a literary topic. The course expects students to regularly perform in-class work and homework with resourceful, critical, and creative thinking. Assessments in this course require application, analysis, and synthesis of content and student insight as developed in-class and independently.

English 2: World Literature (Honors)

English 2: World Literature (Honors)

Grade: 10
Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors English 1 or successful completion of English 1 College Prep with instructors’ recommendation and standardized test score review.

Course Description: Students will identify and analyze genres in World Literature from a variety of countries across continents and set in societies classical to contemporary. Students will demonstrate the ability to write in various forms, understand grammatical concepts, apply knowledge of literary devices, continue vocabulary development through STEM study specific to sophomore year, and meet public speaking requirements set forth in the curriculum. All students will deliver no less than five formal speeches during the course of English 2 regardless of level. Speech topics are based in relevant unit material or novel analysis. Each student will complete a research paper on a literary topic. The course expects independent inquiry of students who regularly perform in-class work and homework that require application, analysis, and synthesis of content. The teacher may assign a supplemental literary selection in addition to the English 2 reading list.

English 3: American Literature

English 3: American Literature (College Prep)

Grade: 11
Credit: 1.0

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

Course Description: Students in this course will develop and synthesize a variety of critical reading skills and a familiarity with significant American authors. Writing, vocabulary, literary analysis and close reading are intended to help students develop an appreciation of canonical American literature. The course expects students to regularly perform in-class work and homework with resourceful, critical and creative thinking. Students will write an analytical research paper based in the novel at hand. The composition element of this class has critical, expository, and personal writing intents that are anchored by the central texts for the class. Awareness of thesis, adequacy of supportive evidence, and consideration of audience are emphasized. In preparation for this course, students must read a work of literature over the summer, to be announced in May.

English 4: British & Commonwealth Literature

English 4: British & Commonwealth Literature (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: This course offers writing, reading, and the study of all genres of the various periods of British Literature. Reading sections provide the basis for analytical and expository writing. The literature is chronologically divided into historical literary periods, beginning with the Anglo-Saxon Period and ending with Twentieth Century Period literature. Vocabulary skills, library and research skills, various forms of composition, as well as the use of technology are integrated into each semester’s study. Students improve grammar and usage skills through guided writing with current technology. A formal, documented research paper is required. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical and analytical thinking skills through discussion and frequent compositions. In order to prepare students for the college setting, knowledgeable discourse of the subject matter will be required.

AP Language & Composition

English 3: Language & Composition (Advanced Placement)

Grade: 11
Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Grade of “A” in Honors English 2 and approval from the previous English instructor. In preparation for this course, students must read a work of literature over the summer, to be announced by the AP teacher.

Course Description: Students who take this course have the ability and desire to work both independently and under direction. They are already proficient readers and writers who will be expected to analyze, discuss and write about various genres of literature. The course is organized according to the requirements and guidelines of the current College Board AP Literature Course Description. The student will develop ability in critical analysis of non-fiction writing; demonstrate his/her analytic ability in class, in discussion, and in critical writing. 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 4: Literature and Composition (Advanced Placement)

Grade: 12
Credit: 1.0

Prerequisites:

English 3 instructor approval.
Grade of “A” or “B” in Language and Composition, and/or approval from the previous English 3 instructor.
In preparation for this course, students must read a work of literature over the summer, to be announced by the AP teacher.

Course Description: Students who take this course have the ability and desire to work both independently and under direction. They are already proficient readers and writers who will be expected to analyze, discuss, and write about various genres of literature. College Board AP Literature Course Description. The student will develop ability in intensive critical analysis of all genres of literature; demonstrate his/her analytic ability in extensive class discussion and in literary critical writing. 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.

Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Grade: 10,11,12
Credit: 0.5

Course Description: This course emphasizes the practical skill of public speaking in personal, professional, and educational settings. In the course, students will learn strategies for writing informative and persuasive speeches, using visual aids, overcoming speech anxiety, developing confident body language, and using clear articulation, volume, and pacing. By the end of the semester, students should be able to write and deliver a well-researched, convincing, and compelling speech on a social issue affecting the Chicago community. Students will understand their social responsibility within their communities, and the importance on speaking on the behalf of others.

Journalism

Journalism

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5

Course Description: This course is designed to change the way you look at the information around you, the way you seek information online, and how you consume news in the 21st century. In addition to learning about how to consume news both in print and online, students will gain the skills to write news, sports, opinion, and feature articles for the online publication, The Avenue, and will also learn how to put together a broadcast news piece and podcast for digital publication.

(revised June 2019)