Program of Studies Program of Studies 2018-19 | Page 18
Courses in order that they appear
in this section
(*) fulfills requirement, 4 credits
are needed for graduation
Honors Freshman English *
Freshman English *
Foundations of Freshman English *
Honors Sophomore English *
Sophomore English *
Foundations of Sophomore
English *
AP Language and Composition *
Honors Junior English *
Junior English *
Foundations of Junior English *
AP Literature and Composition *
Honors Senior English *
Foundations of Senior English *
Composition Writing *
Creative Writing *
Dark Days, Dystopian Fiction *
Journeys in Short Fiction *
Literature of American Sport*
Memoir and the Personal
Narrative*
Monsters and Misfits*
Senior English A*
Senior English B*
FRESHMEN
Ninth grade English is an
introduction to composition and
literature. There will be heavy
emphasis on grammar and
developing writing skills, with
special emphasis on paragraph
structure, topic sentences, writing
an introduction and conclusion,
thesis, and transitions; facility
with the five-paragraph essay
format is a goal. An important
component of ninth grade English
is the short stories unit, which
develops students’ comprehension
and analysis of literature. All ninth
grade students will study Romeo
and Juliet and read a variety
of novels. All freshman English
classes receive direct vocabulary
and grammar instruction through
online programs.
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Honors Freshman English (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Placement by
department and school counselor
Students will be introduced to
the critical analysis paper and to
major genres of literature with
extensive reading and writing
required. Students will read at
least three novels, poetry, and
nonfiction, in addition to the short
stories and common text listed
above. Grammar and vocabulary
will be taught in conjunction with
the writing process in preparation
for the new SAT. Students should
have demonstrated above-average
competency in the interpretation
and analysis of literature and an
above-average competency in
all areas of writing, including the
formal essay.
NOTE: A summer reading
assignment is mandatory; see
details in the introduction to this
section.
Freshman English (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Placement by
department and school counselor
This course provides the pace
and content expected of students
preparing to further their education
after high school at two- and four-
year colleges and universities, with
the goal of introducing students to
new ideas and perspectives while
developing their appreciation of
literature. Short stories, poetry,
nonfiction and novels will be
sampled and studied to develop
comprehension and analysis
of literature. The principles of
composition and presentation,
close reading, and effective
original writing will be introduced
and developed. Grammar and
vocabulary will be stressed and
taught in preparation for the new
SAT.
www.thorntonacademy.org
Foundations of Freshman English
(1 credit)
Prerequisite: Placement by
department and school counselor
This course is for those students
who plan to go straight into
the workforce or further their
education after high school in
technical or vocational experience
and/or coursework. Students
will concentrate on improving
their skills of reading, decoding
and comprehension by reading
from high-interest fiction and
supplementary reading materials.
Writing assignments will stress
learning to write correct and
complete sentences and to
structure those sentences into
paragraphs. Finally, students
will continue to develop their
mastery of grammar, usage,
and vocabulary. Students will be
assisted in developing the skills,
knowledge and habits of mind
that will foster effective written
and oral communication and an
appreciation of literature.
SOPHOMORES
Tenth grade English is designed
to help students understand
literature in the context of its
culture. All tenth grade English
classes will read William Golding’s
Lord of the Flies, a world literature
play, and complete a major unit
on poetry. Themes discussed
include assumptions about class
and gender, and the tensions
between an individual and society.
Substantial emphasis will be
placed on grammar; writing
instruction will extend the skills
developed in freshman year to
include exposure to a wide range
of writing experiences, including
literary analysis. Tenth grade
classes will continue working
toward mastery of the literary
analysis essay, but will study and
experience expository, persuasive,
and creative writing. A research