English Prep

English I (General) is an examination of classical and contemporary non-fiction, poetry, short stories, drama, and novels, focusing on the integration of the three fundamental disciplines of language arts: literature, grammar, and composition. Students will read a variety of works, including fiction and nonfiction short stories, various types of poetry, plays, and famous speeches, including a specific focus on works written by authors such as Harper Lee, James Weldon Johnson, Frank Stockton, Homer's "The Odyssey", John Steinbeck, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Amy Tan, and O. Henry’s "The Gift of the Magi,” among others. English I (General) focuses on answering the "big questions" in response to literature; making inferences, predictions, and connections; comparing works; and identifying figurative language and themes in literature. Skills are developed through a series of writing assignments as well as multiple choice exams and a comprehensive final.

The thematic units in English 1, Part 1 CP take students through a variety of literature and informational texts to gain an understanding of the importance of feeling empathy for other and assuming the responsibilities of leadership. The thematic units in English 1, Part 2 CP take students through literature and informational texts to gain an understanding of the importance of pursuing dreams and of feeling the power of love. Skills are developed through a series of writing assignments and projects as well as multiple choice exams and a comprehensive final.

English II (General) focuses on reading and comprehending a variety of non-fiction writing. Themes and ideas covered in this course, focus on understanding and using many facets of speeches and essays, including writings by from Ralph Waldo Emerson, Astronaut Sally Ride, Malcolm X, Annie Dillard, Virginia Woolf, Lou Gehrig, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others. The course also includes an examination of the genres, writing techniques, themes, and styles associated with fictional literature. Students will be asked to analyze literature and think critically about idea development. Skills developed will be integrated to form a strong foundation in literature, grammar, and composition. Students will read a variety of works, including fiction short stories, various types of poetry, and a novel. Authors covered in the text include Jimmy Santiago Baca, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Frost, Alexander Pushkin, John Phillip Santos, Ray Bradbury, D.T. Niane, and The Grimm Brothers, among others. Students will learn to develop literary analysis with support from the text, identify and analyze elements of poetry, and reflect on and write about short story elements. Skills are developed through projects as well as multiple-choice exams.

English II (College Prep) is an examination of the genres, writing techniques, themes, and styles associated with fine literature. Students will be asked to analyze literature and think critically about idea development. Skills developed will be integrated to form a strong foundation in literature, grammar and composition. Students will read a variety of works, including fiction and non-fiction short stories, various types of poetry, novel excerpts, and plays. English II focuses on comprehending complex text, analyzing argument, reading and analyzing poetry, reading informational and expository text, learning about the oral interpretation of literary works, analyzing how diction and syntax establish a writer's style, determining central ideas, identifying elements of plot structure literary drama, and Greek theater and tragedy. Students will learn to develop literary analysis with support from the text, reflect on and write about short story elements, write an argumentative essay and a character analysis. Skills are developed through writing assignments as well as multiple-choice exams.

English III (General) is a chronological study of non-fiction and fiction short story. Students will analyze and evaluate informational and literary works in conjunction with American historical events beginning with the Native American oral tradition and continuing into the contemporary period of the present. Through reading and viewing media, students will explore major questions surrounding the American identity, literature as a reflection and shaper of society, and the relationship between literature and setting. In tandem with literary study, they will also sharpen vocabulary and grammar skills through interactive activities and writing assignments. Multiple choice quizzes and assignments will measure students' progress throughout their study of the content.

English III (College Prep) is a study of nonfiction and fiction. Students will analyze and evaluate literary works in conjunction with American historical events. Through reading and viewing media, students will explore major questions surrounding the American identity, literature as a reflection and shaper of society, and the relationship between literature and setting. In tandem with literary study, they will also sharpen vocabulary and grammar skills through interactive activities and writing assignments. Multiple choice quizzes and assignments will measure students' progress throughout their study of the content.

English IV (General) is a chronological study of the development of British literature through various genres including: non-fiction, poetry, short stories, and excerpts from various dramas, and novels. Students will analyze and evaluate informational and literary works in conjunction with British historical events beginning with the Old English and Medieval periods and continuing into the Post-modern period. Students will explore major questions surrounding the relationship between literature and setting, literature as a reflection and shaper of society, and the relationship of the writer to tradition. In tandem with literary study, they will also sharpen vocabulary and grammar skills through interactive activities and writing assignments. Multiple choice, open-response, and essay assessments will measure students' progress throughout their study of the content.

English 4 (College Prep) is a chronological study of the development of British literature through various genres including: non-fiction, poetry, short stories, drama, and novels. Students will analyze and evaluate informational and literary works in conjunction with British historical events beginning with the Old English and Medieval periods and continuing into the Postmodern period. Through reading prolific writers and a variety of engaging texts, students will explore major questions surrounding the relationship between literature and setting, literature as a reflection and shaper of society, and the relationship of the writer to tradition. In tandem with literary study, they will also sharpen vocabulary and grammar skills through interactive activities and writing assignments. Multiple-choice, open response, and essay assessments will measure students' progress throughout their study of the content.

Public Speaking is a comprehensive study of the fundamental principles and skills of public speaking. Students will read, analyze, and evaluate research-based writings in order to develop a working understanding of the relevance of public address. They will examine the purposes, methods, and steps in preparing speeches. Further, students will develop communication skills in listening, speech criticism, as well as audience analysis and writing. A discussion of effective delivery techniques for presentation of a variety of speeches will allow students to further their knowledge of public speaking. Students’ progress will be measured by multiple choice assessments as well as speech writing assignments.