Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 17

All English classes for underclassmen will include direct grammar instruction and SAT preparation. Writing
instruction in the junior year is focused on the mastery of the research paper, writing and analytical skills introduced
during freshman and sophomore years. A varied program of semester courses is offered to seniors which allow
students to choose a genre focus for both writing and literature.
NOTE: All AP and honors English classes require completion of a summer reading assignment. Students are
responsible for getting the summer reading assignment. The summer reading assignment will be available June 1
online, in the School Counseling Office, and from English teachers.
Courses in order that they appear in this section
(* fulfills requirement, 4 credits are needed for
graduation, all courses are NCAA-approved)
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 *
Senior English *
Nonfiction Literature/Journalism *
Composition Writing *
Creative Writing *
Literature of American Sport*
Monsters and Misfits*
Senior English A*
Senior English B*
Foundations of Senior English *
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 The Odyssey and
read a variety of novels. All freshman English classes
receive direct grammar instruction through an online
program.
Honors Freshman English
1 credit
Students will be introduced to the critical analysis
paper and to major genres of literature with extensive
reading and writing required. Students will read
Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, 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.