Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 21

Composition Writing *
0.5 credit
English Composition is a college preparatory writing
course that teaches various forms of the essay and
composition to provide students with the tools
to think and write about texts, images and ideas.
The course will help students stretch as a writers
and bring more of their individual personalities
and thinking into their writing. Upon successful
completion of this course, students will be able to
express themselves more capably and confidently in
writing across the curriculum. Through the essay
assignments, students will gain experience writing
personal narratives, crafting persuasive arguments and
employing critical thinking. Grammar, vocabulary and
style will be addressed in several ways throughout the
semester.
Creative Writing
0.5 credit
Students will be inspired by discussions of famous
works to write their own fiction, poetry, creative
nonfiction, scripts, and songs. Each class session will
begin with a shared prompt designed to work towards
larger projects ranging from the performance of an
original poem in a class slam poetry contest to a series
of memoirs inspired by meaningful objects in each
writer’s life. After sampling an assortment of genres,
each student will choose a writer to emulate and work
to create a longer final project in their style. This class
is a wonderful opportunity for students looking to
take risks and push their writing to the next level.
Literature of American Sport
0.5 credit
This course will examine sports and sport issues
through short stories, poetry, fiction and nonfiction.
Students will also be exposed to the dramatic play
Fences by August Wilson and conduct an in depth
research paper or project. Various reading, writing
and oral assignments are also required for successful
completion of this college preparatory course.
Monsters and Misfits
0.5 credit
Monsters and misfits are pervasive in our culture
because they represent both individual and societal
fears and anxieties. In this course, students will
concentrate on examining the nature of our fears
and how monsters and misfits come to symbolize
cultural anxieties. Students will apply cultural theory
to examine and identify classical literary misfits and
monsters and their manifestations in the 21st century
through research, writing and critical cultural analysis
of film and literature. Works studied may include
Frankenstein, Salem’s Lot, The Mist, Carrie, Haunting
of Hill House and various short stories.
Senior English A
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by instructor and school
counselor
This course is designed for those students who
plan to enter the workforce, military, vocational or
community college directly after graduation. Students
will read a combination of fiction and nonfiction as
well as develop the writing and critical thinking skills
necessary for the adult world. Students’ individual
post graduation plans will be incorporated into the
classroom, so that they can cultivate and refine their
career goals. A focus on the skills represented on
standardized tests will also be a part of this course.
Senior English B
0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by instructor and school
counselor
This course is a continuation of Senior English A
for those students who plan to enter the workforce,
military, vocational or community college directly
after graduation. Students will read a combination of
fiction and nonfiction as well as develop the writing
and critical thinking skills necessary for the adult
world. Students’ individual post graduation plans will
be incorporated into the classroom, so that they can
cultivate and refine their career goals. A focus on the
skills represented on standardized tests will also be a
part of this course.
Foundations of Senior English
1 credit
Prerequisite: Placement by instructor and school
counselor
Students in this course will continue working to
develop their written and oral communication skills
and their appreciation of literature. Emphasis will
be on work-related learning and skills enhancement.
Community service projects will be developed.