English Language Arts
Fall 2024
Freshman Courses
Honors Freshman English: This class is designed for the accomplished, independent, college-bound student who desires a more challenging approach to reading and writing. Students are expected to possess a strong, independent work ethic, as well as above-average reading, writing and study skills. Students apply reading skills and strategies to a variety of quality literature and informational texts. This course will introduce you to not only important pieces of literature and skilled creative writing, but also familiarize you with the practice of a seminar style learning structure. There will be weekly reading and writing assignments that have the artist as a scholar in mind and much of the class will be based on small and large group discussion. Throughout the year there will also be several projects that challenge the artist in the class to tap into their talent and intellectual aptitude.
Sophomore Courses
Honors Sophomore English: Honors ELA 10 themes will focus on individuals and their relationships to society (community, region, country) and the world (global) using literature and artistic mediums. There will be elements of both rhetorical and literary analysis to this course in order to create a foundation for entry into upper level AP and Honors ELA courses.
Junior and Senior Courses (AP Strand)
AP Language & Composition: This course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of representative works from various genres and periods, students deepen their understanding of the way writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Course texts will concentrate on works of recognized literary merit that are read carefully, deliberately, and thoroughly. As they read, students will consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as smaller elements such as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. This course is equivalent to a college freshman English course. The writing done will focus on critical analysis of literature that includes expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. Students will also be expected to participate in discussion on the literature read, both in and out of class. This course also is designed to aid students in preparing for the AP English Literature and Composition exam in May.
Junior and Senior Courses (Honors Strand)
Honors World Literature: This class is designed for the college-bound, academically motivated student who wishes to expand reading, writing, discussion and interpretive skills through classics of world literature. There will be an emphasis on improving study and expository writing skills in preparation for college classes. The major focus is learning to comprehend world texts through a variety of reading skills and strategies. Students apply these skills and strategies in a variety of quality literature and informational text. Students will be provided with class syllabus and expectations, and must be prepared to do assigned reading and writing independently between classes. As a college prep class, many units will incorporate discussion on real life application of textual themes and ideas, as well as research & independent, creative thought.