In order to move from the academic level
to honors, the student must display the degree of interest,
ability and motivation required at the honors level and have
earned an average in the "A" range at the academic level.
In order to lend a high degree of
expertise and consistency to class assignments, the department
chairperson will serve as the liaison for the students and the
parents/guardians who have a question about the class level
assignments, and he will make the final decision regarding
placement.
ENGLISH 9
This course is for those students who
require help in the basic skills of reading, writing, and
speaking. This class contains an introduction to the high
school literature experience that includes short works of
many genres and high interest novels. Students learn to
work in a step by step process from a sentence to a
paragraph to an essay. Instruction is given in the writing
process including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing,
and publishing. Another major emphasis is public speaking.
Speeches include, but are not limited to, speeches of
introduction, persuasion and demonstration. Effective
speaking and listening techniques are emphasized.
Vocabulary is studied throughout the year. Students are
expected to read a number of novels outside of class. There
is a summer reading assignment as part of the preparation
for this course.
Course Length: Year
Weight Value: 0
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 9
Diploma: Core 40
Prerequisites: Recommendation
ACADEMIC ENGLISH 9
This class contains an introduction to
the high school literature experience that includes short
works of many genres as well as the reading of a major
novel. There is also an emphasis on writing. Grammar
problems are addressed as they appear in compositions.
Students write for different audiences and purposes while
strengthening skills in paragraph and essay writing.
Composition provides opportunities in creating expository
essays and in beginning research. Instruction is given in
the writing process including prewriting, drafting,
revising, editing, and publishing. Another major emphasis
is public speaking. Effective speaking and listening
techniques are emphasized. Vocabulary is studied throughout
the year. Students are expected to read a number of novels
outside of class. There is a summer reading assignment as
part of the preparation for the course.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 0
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 9
Diploma: Core 40, Honors
HONORS
ENGLISH 9
This course contains an introduction to
the high school literature experience that includes short
works of many genres as well as the reading of a major
novel. There is an emphasis on writing. Grammar problems
are addressed as they appear in compositions. Students
write for different audiences and purposes while
strengthening skills in paragraph and essay writing.
Composition provides opportunities in creating expository
essays and in beginning research. Instruction is given in
the writing process including prewriting, drafting,
revising, editing, and publishing. Another emphasis is
public speaking. That includes speeches of introduction and
demonstration as well as dramatic interpretations.
Effective speaking and listening techniques are emphasized.
Vocabulary is studied through the year. Students are
expected to read at least 2 major novels per quarter outside
of class. There is a summer reading assignment as part of
the preparation for this course.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 1
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 9
Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: Recommendation from 8th
grade teacher and high standardized test scores
ENGLISH 10
This course continues the development
of basic skills outlined in English. There are oral,
written, vocabulary and reading exercises. The written
exercises focus on the development of practical writing
skills and essay writing. English 10 also incorporates the
development of research and library media skills in
conjunction with writing and speaking. The literature
course introduces the various types of literature and basic
literary terms.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 0
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 10
Diploma: Core 40
Prerequisites:
Recommendation
ACADEMIC ENGLISH 10
Approximately one quarter is dedicated
to a review of basic grammar and the essay composition,
continuing the skills outlined in English 9 - Academic.
The written exercises focus on the development of practical
writing skills and essay writing. English 10 - Academic
also incorporates the development of research and library
media skills in conjunction with writing and speaking. The
remainder of the year introduces students to major forms of
literature including poetry, short stories, and drama
(including a Shakespearean play). Class novels will be
assigned and discussed. Students improve speech skills in
presentations throughout each quarter. There is a summer
reading requirement as part of the preparation for this
course.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 0
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 10
Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: None
HONORS ENGLISH 10
This course continues to exploration
and understanding of literature, vocabulary, and
composition. Students will use literary elements and
critical thinking to analyze major forms of literature and
communication in their own lives. Students will read
daily. Vocabulary is taught throughout the year, with
special emphasis on words with Greek and Latin prefixes and
roots. Students will improve writing and public speaking
skills. Students are required to read at least 2 major
novels per quarter outside of class, as well as a summer
reading requirement.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 1
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 10
Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: “B” or better in Honors English 9
ACADEMIC
ENGLISH 11
This course is a study of American
literature in its historical setting. At least one novel
will be assigned each quarter in addition to the text. One
quarter will be devoted to writing a research paper.
Research skills are again used when students give oral
presentations. Vocabulary development will be incorporated
throughout the year. There is a summer reading requirement
as part of the preparation for this course.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 0
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 11
Diploma: Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites:
None
HONORS
ENGLISH 11
This course is an in-depth study of
American Literature in its historical setting. There is a
significant amount of outside reading in addition to the
text. One quarter is devoted to writing a research paper.
Students also present their findings orally. Research
skills are again stressed when students give oral
presentations, which detail the lives and works of famous
American writers. Vocabulary development is incorporated
throughout the year. There is a summer reading requirement
as part of the preparation for this course.
Course Length: Year
Weight Value: 1
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 11
Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: “B” or better in Honors English 10
ACADEMIC ENGLISH 12
This year surveys British Literature as
it relates to the history in each particular time period.
The writing includes major literary papers over the novel,
drama, and the short story as well as a final term paper.
Students continue to improve speech skills through
presentations during each quarter. There is a summer
reading requirement as part of the preparation for this
course.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 0
Credits:
2
Grade Level: 12
Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: None
HONORS
ENGLISH 12
The first quarter is an advanced
writing course of several literary papers and their
re-writes. This includes papers on short stories and
novels. Three quarters are devoted to the study of British
literature. Students continue to improve speech skills
through presentations during each quarter. There is also
extensive outside reading including a summer reading
requirement as part of the preparation for this course.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 1
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 12 Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: “B” or better in Honors English 11 or
recommendation of teacher
AP
ENGLISH
English Literature and Composition,
Advanced Placement, is an advanced course based on Indiana’s
Academic Standards for English/Language arts in grade 12.
The course is based on content established by the College
Board. The College Board course description says: An AP
English course in Literature and Composition engages
students in the careful reading and critical analysis of
imaginative literature. Through the close reading of
selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the
ways writers use language to provide both meaning and
pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider
a work’s structure, style and themes as well as such
smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language,
imagery, symbolism and tone. English 12 is incorporated
into this course.
Course Length:
Year Weight Value:
1 Credits: 2
Grade Level:
12 Diploma:
Core 40, Honors
COMPOSITION/ADVANCED COMPOSITION
Composition, a course based on
Indiana’s Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and
emphasizing the High School Composition Standards, is a
study and application of the rhetorical (effective) writing
strategies of narration, description, exposition, and
persuasion. Using the writing process, students demonstrate
a command of vocabulary, English Language convention,
research and organizational skills, an awareness of the
audience, the purpose for writing and style. Peer
critiquing is emphasized and rewrites are required.
Students have the opportunity to publish their writing in
student publications. Advanced composition continues to
build upon the skills developed in composition.
Course Length: Year Weight
Value: 1
Credits:
.5
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Diploma: Core 40, AHD
ADVANCED SPEECH AND COMMUNICATIONS
This course continues the speech
practices presented in the regular English courses. Major
emphasis is given to the production of formal speeches. The
course focuses on leadership development, listening skills,
research methods, and oral debate or parliamentary
procedure. Special attention is given to the creating of a
complete outline and support, using two or more sources, as
well as individual presentation skills. Students
concentrate on producing speeches which: (1) inform; (2)
entertain; and (3) persuade through the use of
extemporaneous, memorized, and manuscript delivery. A study
of audio and video communications will be included.
Course Length: Semester Weight
Value: 0
Credits: 1
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Diploma: Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: None
CREATIVE WRITING
Students will practice the techniques
of writing poetry and prose. Major assignments will include
a short story, dialogue, a children’s story with
illustrations, journal writing, and interviews. References
to various forms of literature, poetry and prose, will be
used as samples during this course. Since the course
requires daily in-class writing assignments, an attendance
commitment is essential. Students will continue to work on
improving speech skills by presenting their work to the
class.
Course
Length: Semes
Weight Value: 0
Credits:
1
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Diploma: Core 40, Honors
Prerequisites: None
