SENIORS
attention to each writer ’ s method and message , and will read and analyze the rhetorical devices used in each piece . Students will be required to write research papers each semester , and it is mandatory for all students to take the AP exam in May .
NOTE : A summer reading assignment is mandatory ; see details in the introduction to this section .
Honors Junior English ( 1 credit ) Prerequisite : An A in Sophomore English or successful completion of Honors Sophomore English and placement by instructor
How is American thought and identity both reflected and shaped by its literature ? This rigorous course offers a critical understanding of American literature . Students will be expected to express their understanding in a clear , organized manner through class discussion and written assignments . In addition to the common texts listed above , students will read at least four additional novels , short stories , essays and poetry . A research project will culminate in a major research paper . This course will challenge students who have demonstrated above average competency in English to develop skills more intensively in the areas of reading , public speaking and writing .
NOTE : A summer reading assignment is mandatory ; see details in the introduction to this section .
Junior 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 fouryear colleges and universities . This course continues to build on work established in Sophomore English , with special attention paid to SAT preparation , literary analysis , research , personal narrative , and writing an effective college essay . What does it mean to be an American ? Juniors taking this course will explore American identity and culture through its literature , and will develop an understanding of their relationship to that body of work . Students will come to understand both the Puritan heritage and the conflict of the McCarthy era through The Crucible , to question the definition of the American dream through The Great Gatsby , and to question truth through The Things They Carried . In addition to these works , students will read at least two more novels , nonfiction , various short stories , essays , and poems .
Foundations of Junior 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 . Juniors taking this course will explore America ’ s role in the world and their place in American society and culture through literature , the news , and media . This course will continue the skill building of Foundations of Sophomore English and will ensure that students planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation will develop the reading and writing skills necessary for success in today ’ s world . In addition to reading selected works in American literature , there will be a focus on interview techniques , time management , resume and application writing .
SENIORS
While continuing their experience of literature , all seniors will be working on their upcoming transition to life after high school . Seniors will be taught skills necessary for various next steps and encouraged to develop the habits of mind that lead to lifelong resilience and learning .
AP Literature and Composition
( 1 credit )
Prerequisite : A ’ s and B ’ s in Honors English and placement by instructor , or successful completion of AP Language and Composition
This demanding course will give the student the opportunity to study literature at the college level , possibly to earn college credit . The student must be a committed reader in order to manage the extensive reading within the genres of short fiction and poetry from The Norton Reader , three novels , analytical essays of texts , and three plays . All students are required to take the AP exam in May .
NOTE : A summer reading assignment is mandatory ; see details in the introduction to this section .
Honors Senior English ( 1 credit ) Prerequisite : Successful completion of previous Honors English classes and placement by instructor
How do we use literature to shape our own values ? This course will use the study of both fiction and nonfiction to help students establish a set of core values going forth from high school . Students will be asked to read demanding and diverse texts representing varied cultural perspectives and assert their values through persuasive essays and class discussions . A research project will culminate in a major research paper . This course will challenge students who have demonstrated
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