Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 18

Freshman English
1 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by instructor 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. Shakespeare’s Romeo &
Juliet, 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.
Foundations of Freshman English
1 credit
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 component will also be introduced
with writing. All sophomore English classes receive
direct grammar instruction through an online
program.
Honors Sophomore English
1 credit
Prerequisite: A in Freshman English or successful
completion of Honors Freshman English, and
placement by instructor
How does literature reflect the values of a specific
culture and how is it a tool for understanding cultural
practices and beliefs? In this rigorous world literature
course students will read texts that reflect various
cultural perspectives around the world, with an
emphasis on exploring worldviews. Required reading
will include at least five novels, Shakespeare’s Much
Ado About Nothing, nonfiction essays, a play and
short stories in addition to the common novel listed
above. A poetry unit will introduce students to poetic
terminology, various poetry forms and traditions,
and writing poetry. Grammar and vocabulary will be
stressed and taught in a continuing effort to prepare
students for the SAT. Above average competency in
the interpretation and analysis of literature and an
above-average competency in all areas of writing,
including the formal essay, are expected in this course.
NOTE: A summer reading assignment is mandatory;
see details in the introduction to this section.
Sophomore English
1 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by instructor 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. How is literature a tool for
understanding society and culture? While building
on work established in Freshman English, students
will examine what it means to be human by reading
at least three novels in addition to the common novel,
short stories, nonfiction, poems from various cultural
perspectives, and a play. The principles of good
writing, clear presentation, close reading, and research
will be expanded and developed. Grammar and
vocabulary will be stressed and taught in a continuing
effort to prepare students for the SAT.
Foundations of Sophomore English
1 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by instructor 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 comprehension skills by reading
high-interest literature written from various cultural
perspectives. Novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and
poetry will be used to explore other cultures and to