English Department Core Courses
UNDER CONSTRUCTION --- REVISIONS IN PROCESS
Foundations of World Literature
(110-H, 111-J, 113-K, 118-L)
Grade: 9 Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Foundations of World Literature gives students an extensive opportunity to increase their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The course pairs contemporary world literature with canonical texts from an array of literary tradtitions. At the center of the year thematically is the hero's/heroine's journey. This journey or process is a fundamental way -- through critical thinking, through writing -- for students to learn how to construct ideas in order to make increasely more informed decisions about how to craft themselves a people in a complex world.
The curriculum is also comprised of several different areas: grammar, reading comprehension, literary terminology, the writing process, writing structure, library research, speaking, and listening. Each of these areas is an essential aspect of the course at every level, and a core reading list of four full length works will be taught to all freshman to create a shared vision for the students and teachers and to allow students to move from level to level with a common foundation on which teachers can build . However, specific subject matter will vary in the H, J, K, and L courses.
All learners, at every abilty level are individuals, and the department constantly reflects and revises its vision in an atempt to individuate the curriculum according to the needs of each student.
Foundations of Western Literature
(120-H, 121-J, 123-K, 128-L)
Grade: 10 Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Foundations of World Literature
Literature and Language continues the study of the various
genres in greater depth and detail, with particular emphasis on an
understanding of the variety and differences in literary forms.
In addition to studying literature, students will demonstrate
knowledge of the fundamentals of language structure and usage.
The rationale approached in the course is that in their continued
study of the genre, students will probe beneath surface appear-
ance, thus becoming more aware of the complexities of human
nature. Students in H, J, and K sections will express their
understanding of classical and contemporary literature through
written and oral analysis. Also, through the further study of the
mechanics of expression, students will write longer, more
involved, and more artistic prose. Reinforcement of the
techniques of paragraph development will assist them to logical-
ly, intellectually, and skillfully express their ideas. Students in L
sections will continue an individualized program to strengthen
communication skills such as reading, writing and vocabulary
building.
AMERICAN LITERATURE
(130-AP, 131-J, 133-K, 138-L)
Grade: 11 Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Literature and Language
American Literature continues the study of Literature and
Language. In reading whole works, students become aware of
the diversity and meaning of American culture. Through compar-
ative and thematic analysis of selected works, students learn
to appreciate structure and style. They study mass media and
propaganda techniques to learn discrimination in judgment and
precision in expression. Students confront the relevance and
importance of the literature to their lives. Multi-media
supplement and complement the literary core and offer students
creative outlets for individual expression.
Students in H, J and K courses write compositions that are longer
and more complex as they engage in more independent research,
employ varied writing techniques, and use a broader vocabulary.
Students apply their knowledge of the mechanics of language and
begin to evolve their personal writing style. Students in Lsec-
tions continue work in basic skills such as reading, writing and
vocabulary building. The course content is geared to practical
English skills essential in everyday life.
WORLD LITERATURE
(140-AP, 142-J, 146-K, 148-L)
Grade: 12 Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: American Literature
World Literature combines both Eastern and Western world
literature and masterpieces from British literature. This humani-
ties course entails a detailed study of international relationships
in moral and ethical values, enabling students to make value
judgments on the overall human condition. The rationale for the
course at the APand J levels is that through intensive study of
Eastern and Western cultures, students will be able to examine
the distinguishing traits of national culture and social mores
and yet recognize those similarities that run through disparate
cultures in view of the unity of human experience. The rationale
is also that through the study of British literature, students will be
able to develop a better understanding of the functions of the
English language and will be able to formulate comparative
judgments on the theories, philosophies, social mores and various
writing styles analyzed in the course.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
(114, 115, 129)
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12 Year Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
English as a Second Languageis designed to meet the needs of
non-native speakers of English in our community. The curricu-
lum and texts vary with the needs of the population served in any
given year. The course provides individualized instruction in
reading, writing and speaking American English. In addition, and
upon the recommendation of the teacher, students experiencing
greater difficulty are provided another full period of language
immersion daily.