ENG 1500 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 9
Description: Tenth grade English is a comprehensive college preparatory literature program. It is chronologically organized and presents the literature of the United States in a historical context. Emphasis is placed on reading, appreciating, analyzing, and interpreting literature. This course reinforces grammar, usage, and mechanics skills thereby strengthening the connection between good literature and good grammar. Additionally, this course offers extensive writing practice with particular emphasis on the organization of thoughts and ideas in a logical and cohesive manner. Frequent group discussions of the literature topics and universal themes provide an opportunity for personal growth, intellectual development, and self-expression. A short, documented paper is a required project in the second semester.

ENG 1550 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.5 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 95 in English 9 or 90 in Honors English 9, and departmental approval.

Notes: Students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The goals and objectives of this AP course are aligned to the College Board Curriculum Standards. This course informs placement for British Literature and Advanced Placement Art History.
Description: Advanced Placement English Language & Composition explores the world of expository writing, rhetoric, and critical reading. The course follows the basic structure of a college freshman composition course. We will study the spectrum of rhetorical writing forms, the writing process itself, research and documentation. We will write, both in a journal and in longer, formal assignments, with a special emphasis on argumentation and persuasion. Most of the class readings will consist of essays from our primary textbooks. Readings in American literature will be treated as outside reading assignments. These great works will be discussed, but the emphasis will be on the writers' rhetorical techniques, rather than the critical/historical emphasis which prevails in most literature classes. The course also prepares students for the AP Exam with numerous practice sessions dealing with both the multiple choice and free response sections of the exam. In addition, the class includes a comprehensive vocabulary component.

ENG 1750 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.5 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 95 in British Literature or 90 in Honors British Literature, and departmental approval.

Notes: Students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The goals and objectives of this AP course are aligned to the College Board Curriculum Standards.
Description: This course provides an opportunity for secondary school students to pursue and receive credit for college-level course work completed at the secondary school level. Students read and discuss some of the finest poetry, plays, novels, and short stories written at various times in various cultures. They learn how to discover meaning in literature by being attentive to language, image, character, action, argument, and the various techniques and strategies authors use to evoke emotional responses from readers. Students are expected to justify their interpretations by reference to details and patterns found in the readings, to compare their interpretations with those proposed by classmates, teacher, and published literary works, and to be prepared to modify their own interpretations as they learn more and think more. Goals for writing include analytical essays about literature as well as creative assignments where the students experience the hard work and rewards of authorship. Exercises emulating the style of a particular writer will be included. Students will be required to write and document a research paper on a single work or several works by one or more authors. Advanced Placement English studentsare expected to develop a mature writing style characterized by good vocabulary, a variety of sentence structures, distinct subordination and coordination of ideas in structured paragraphs, and by rhetorical devices that reinforce meaning. Collaborative projects are a common feature of this course. Small groups of students are given an assignment requiring collecting and organizing information, making critical judgments, and presenting their work to the rest of the class. Students registered in this course are required to take the AP Exam in May.

ENG 1600 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of American Literature
Description: British Literature journeys from the very beginnings of literature in the English language through the era of narrative verse, into prose and to the modern period. It examines the literary forms, major authors, and stylistic trends that make up the common heritage of all English-speaking peoples. The history and culture of the British people is of course an indivisible part of the study of their literature. A wealth of great readings makes up the course content, and students must read actively and think critically. They will refine their skills at writing literary analysis in reaction to what they read. The course also includes a research paper on one aspect of British Literature, as well as an introduction to, and writing of, the college entrance essay. The skills required for successful standardized test performance - critical reading, identifying author purpose and contextual understanding of vocabulary - are embedded throughout the coursework.

ENG 1100 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 6th
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course aims to foster a love of reading. Through the close reading, discussion and analysis of a variety of stories and novels, the course is designed to result in growth in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition and responding to reading by analyzing the author's craft and structure. Class discussion and analysis is used as a model for students to compose expository texts in response to their readings, with instructional emphasis placed on developing main ideas. The plot structure of a fiction story will act as a model for the creation of the student’s narrative writing, with instructional emphasis on cohesive idea development. The grammar and writing portion of the class focuses on parts of speech, figurative language, sentence structure, paragraph structure, and essay structure.  

ENG 1200 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 7th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 7
Description: English 7 students study literature, composition, grammar, and vocabulary as interrelated parts of a whole. Students are challenged to become careful readers of a variety of genres including short fiction, drama, poetry, novels and nonfiction. The modeling of specific reading and writing strategies by the teacher provides a framework for growth in the areas of reading comprehension, critical thinking and written and verbal expression. The writing curriculum focuses on the effective use of vocabulary, writing and mechanics in the development of expository forms, with special emphasis placed on the five paragraph essay. Students are challenged to become collaborative and self-directed learners through opportunities to collaborate with their peers, work independently and share their learning with their classmates.

ENG 1300 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 8th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 7
Description: English 8 is a comprehensive course covering literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. It attempts to prepare students for the upcoming freshman year, stressing analytical reading and writing. It also offers an opportunity for personal growth, intellectual development, and self-expression through written and oral interpretations, as well as through group discussions of literary topics and universal themes.

ENG 1400 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 8
Description: Ninth Grade English is a comprehensive course that explores the interconnected worlds of writing and literature. This course focuses on building a strong foundation in literary and rhetorical analysis, vocabulary, literary and academic writing in preparation for a rigorous course of study. In addition, this course emphasizes effective speaking, listening and language skills. An MLA style argumentative research paper is also included in the spring semester. 

COM 9606 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th - 12th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of History & Social Impact of Film and teacher recommendation.
Description: The Film Production I course is designed to teach students basic film making skills from step one, an idea, all the way to the final step, exhibition. The class will teach students practical skills in camera, lighting and editing. This is a hands‐on, procedural class. The key issue to the class is to see how well students grasp the information and put it to use. In other words, how well they can get their idea, in a clear manner, on to the screen. This class will allow students to be as creative as they want but have organized and well thought out ideas. This course does not require any experience in the field. Actually, the less you know the better, since this will allow students to have nothing that can hold them back from being able to think for greatness.

COM 9506 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th ‐ 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: History of Cinema and its Social Impact explores the historical development of the film industry. The course will examine the origin of the motion picture, narrative and non‐fiction genres in American and world cinemas from its inception to today. It investigates the relationships between economics, industrial history (Technology), social and political effect on society, ethics and the styles and techniques of specific films. In depth looks are given to the diversity of styles of presentation in motion pictures. The course will also look at the development of new technologies such as video and digital media. Finally, there will be in depth discussions of the social impact that cinematography has had on society throughout history, as well as the films that shaped and changed civilization.

ENG 1510 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in English 9 or 85 in Honors English 9, and departmental approval.
Description: This course is chronologically organized and presents an overview of American culture through its literary figures, movements and genres. Students will read and analyze foundational documents, nonfiction essays, poetry, dramatic works, and novels. Texts may include Of Mice and Men, A Catcher in the Rye, and Death of a Salesman.  The form and content of the readings offer great variety and combine the rhetorical strategies of narration and persuasion reflected in students’ written responses.  The course work at every level enables students to improve listening skills, enhance speaking skills, enrich vocabulary, analyze literature, develop writing skills, and expand higher-level thinking skills. A short documented paper is a required project in the second semester.

ENG 1610 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in American Literature or 85 in Honors American Literature or 80 in AP English Language & Composition, and departmental approval.

Notes: This course will be offered as dual enrollment with St. Thomas University. Students must commit to dual enrollment for both semesters.

Description: Honors British Literature journeys from the very beginnings of the English language, through the era of narrative verse, into prose, and thence to the modern period.  It examines the literary forms, major authors, and stylistic trends that make up the common heritage of all English-speaking peoples.  The history and culture of the British people is of course an indivisible part of the study of their literature.  A wealth of great readings makes up the course content, stimulating critical thinking and analytical writing to achieve new heights.  Students who enroll in 1610 must be prepared to read at least two more books and write at least two more papers than their counterparts in ENG 1600.  Their writing should also demonstrate a higher level of critical thinking, understanding, and literary skill.  The course also includes a library research project (print and Internet) on one aspect of British Literature;  a review of PSAT and SAT verbal and writing skills;  introduction to, and writing of, the college entrance essay;  and a yearlong vocabulary component.

Grade Level: 11th - 12th

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Broadcast Journalism, teacher recommendation and departmental approval.

Notes: Coursework will require additional studio, off-campus research and or filming time.

 

ENG 1310 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 8th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in English 7 or 87 in Honors English 7, and departmental approval.
Description: Honors Eighth Grade English is a comprehensive course covering literature, composition, grammar and vocabulary. It attempts to prepare students for the upcoming freshman year and high school, stressing intensive reading and writing, both in and out of class. Important skills such as critical reading, academic writing, time management and individual expression are emphasized through a variety of reading, research and writing projects. Exploration of other cultures, places, values, and ethical questions will accompany literary study. Writing assignments will vary in length and increasingly focus on essays of literary analysis, but there will be many opportunities for creative expression and personal responses. This accelerated course requires students to complete the reading and writing process at a faster pace, thereby allowing for the study of additional texts and writing of additional essays.

ENG 1410 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in English 8 or 87 in Honors English 8, and departmental approval. 
Description: The Ninth Grade Honors English course is a comprehensive course that explores the interconnected worlds of writing and literature. This course focuses on refining a strong foundation in literary and rhetorical analysis, vocabulary, literary and academic writing in preparation for a rigorous course of study. In addition, this course emphasizes effective speaking, listening and language skills. The accelerated pace of reading and writing and the expected depth analysis allows for additional required essays and projects. In addition to an MLA style argumentative research paper included in the spring semester, students will have a variety of different writing opportunities to develop a sense of personal style and tone. 

ENG 1710 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in British Literature or 85 in Honors British Literature, and departmental approval.

Description: This course is an advanced introduction to World Literature, including works from authors whose diverse views reflect thought in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. This is a college level course, with a major independent study component similar to those offered at the college level. Students will read and critically analyze literature orally and in writing, exploring themes, genres, and literary techniques. In this course, there will be extensive discussion of the authors, styles, historical contexts, philosophical backgrounds and general aesthetic qualities of the various works covered. In addition, students will study the techniques and vocabulary required for competence in writing themes about the literature they read and discuss. A specific assignment will be made each semester to be completed autonomously (outside of normal class activities). The student will budget his time, complete extensive research and perform independent analysis of a piece of literature.

ENG 1710DE (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in British Literature or 85 in Honors British Literature, and departmental approval.

Notes: This is a dual enrollment course with St. Thomas University. Students must commit to dual enrollment for both semesters.
Description: This course is an advanced introduction to World Literature, including works from authors whose diverse views reflect thought in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. This is a college level course, with a major independent study component similar to those offered at the college level. Students will read and critically analyze literature orally and in writing, exploring themes, genres, and literary techniques. In this course, there will be extensive discussion of the authors, styles, historical contexts, philosophical backgrounds and general aesthetic qualities of the various works covered. In addition, students will study the techniques and vocabulary required for competence in writing themes about the literature they read and discuss. A specific assignment will be made each semester to be completed autonomously (outside of normal class activities). The student will budget his time, complete extensive research and perform independent analysis of a piece of literature.

Description: This course is designed to promote greater ease in effective oral expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Engaging in live presentations addressing small and large groups, the student will design and apply strategies to help overcome oral communication apprehension. The student will develop effective presentation strategies that enhance their presentations. A cooperative learning environment encourages peer review and response to diverse audience feedback. Students engage in the presentation of speeches to inform, persuade and entertain utilizing the process of writing, reading, speaking, listening and viewing. They will study diverse speeches and presentations and analyze and evaluate public discourses and explore speech writing as a possible career.

COM 9602 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: The student will explore the role of oral communications including public speaking, engaging in live presentations, speech and debate, and addressing small and large groups. The student will address issues of oral communication apprehension and design and apply strategies to help students overcome it. The student will develop effective strategies that enhance their presentations. Everyone will work in a cooperative learning environment to encourage peer review and respond to diverse audience feedback. The program includes a combination of the processes of writing, reading, speaking, listening, and viewing to achieve successful communication skills. Students will explore and attempt to effectively intonate, project, and grasp the attention of an audience. They will study diverse speeches and presentations and analyze and evaluate public discourses. This is a hands-on class where students will write and deliver speeches on a weekly basis and explore speech writing as a possible career.

ENG 1700 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th

Prerequisites: Successful completion of British Literature

Description: This course exposes students to the great works of Western literature in order to establish thematic patterns that show the continuity and development of Western literature. Students will write essays in-class and at-home in response to the literature studied, engage in group projects to synthesize their understanding, as well as write a research paper in the MLA style. This course will provide students with an opportunity to improve their ability to read critically and engage in literary analysis and discussion.