This advanced course provides students with the opportunity to study a variety of types of literature in depth, as well as to develop their writing skills as they analyze a variety of major literary works. Students taking this class will also prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam by working on practice questions. The Advanced Placement Exam provides college credit to those who qualify. Dual Credit Option: 4 PCC Credits

Creative Writing is a semester elective designed to immerse students into reading and writing fiction and poetry. Students will look at how the craft of writing brings instinct and critical understanding into creative equilibrium. Emphasis will be on the craft of composing short fiction and poetry. Students will study established writers for technique, structure and style, and write their own sketches, stories, and poetry for class discussion, homework, workshops and a final project.

Freshman English provides an opportunity to read, understand, and appreciate various literary types: short story, novel, drama, poetry and graphic novels. Students will read both classic and contemporary literature and a Shakespearean play. Students will write full-length essays in all modes: descriptive, expository, persuasive, and personal narrative. An overview of basic writing fundamentals is also included. Students will analyze and explore literature for its power of imagination and how it relates to them today.

This literature-based course is designed for students who can read and write at the sophomore level. Students may read short stories, Greek drama, Shakespeare, and poetry in addition to a selection of novels and graphic novels. Special emphasis is placed on the writing of essays of various types, especially the writing of analytical essays in preparation for thesis writing. Vocabulary, grammar, and other writing exercises will be interspersed throughout the year.

With a focus on American literature, English III is a course that develops students’ ability to think and communicate. Through reading, discussion, and writing, students will learn to more skillfully extract ideas from literature, to develop their own responses, and to write in a clear and logical manner. An eight to twelve page research based thesis paper is required.

This is a full year study of classic and contemporary literature. Students will deepen their appreciation of literary elements and expand their awareness of the cultural themes raised by specific texts. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of analytical and writing skills transferable to other disciplines. Activities will include reading, writing, oral presentations, group discussions, tests, quizzes, creative projects, and critical thinking. Dual Credit Option: 4 PCC Credits

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated an above average ability in the area of language arts. While the curriculum is similar to that of the regular English I class, the workload is approximately one-third more. This curriculum may include a study of basic literary genre including short story, novel, autobiography, play, essay, poetry, and graphic novels. Emphasis is placed on advanced vocabulary study, writing skills, and challenging literary analysis. Students will write several three to five page essays.

This course is designed for the advanced student. This class provides enrichment through the study of literature and literary genre. The writing instruction places special emphasis on critical thinking through analysis papers, journals, and essay exams. Students are expected to read about one-third more than the regular English II class and to write extensively.

A class designed for the advanced student, Honors English III provides enrichment through the study of literature,writing, communication, grammar, and vocabulary. The reading consists of a wide range of American Literature from the colonial period through modern novels and plays. This honors course involves reading and homework assignments beyond the regular English III course. Emphasis is placed on collegiate level writing that includes a research-based thesis paper.

Experience in public speaking is an invaluable asset to any college bound student. This class offers in depth instruction in public speaking that will teach students how to deliver speeches for a variety of purposes. It will help students develop logical thinking and organizational skills, establish correct and effective voice habits, develop respect for listening as a medium of learning and help to eliminate fear of a speech situation. Students will develop skills in writing speeches for a variety of purposes: informative, persuasive, entertainment, special occasions, group communication, readers’ theatre, and debate.

This course presents the fundamentals of yearbook production and publication including layout design, copywriting, business management, photography, thematic design, and interview skills. Students will work to master these fundamentals with opportunities to specialize as interests develop. Students should expect to spend additional time outside class before deadlines.