The ability to communicate well with others is one of man’s most important assets.  In the Communication Arts Department, we strive to develop communication through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Without the ability to communicate well verbally and on paper, a student’s success in other classes and in the working world may be reduced.

The School Board has required that students must earn (4) credits in English in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

4 YEAR BASIC PROGRAM

*4 YEAR COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM

COURSE

NUMBER                COURSE NAME                                    GRADE LEVEL                       CREDIT                  PREREQUISITE

1023    ENGLISH 9                                        9                                  1.0             Grad. Requirement

Through the integration of critical reading, writing, and thinking, the students will study various literary forms including short stories, poetry, drama, and the novel.  Composition and speaking assignments will be varied and will stress organization and proper grammar.

1033    ADVANCED ENGLISH 9                  9                                  1.0            Must take entrance exam to qualify

In this honors level class, students will complete all of the standard requirements of the ninth grade curriculum but will add several additional pieces of literature and writing opportunities.  Students move at a faster pace and should have a strong work ethic as well as strong comprehension skill in reading and excellent writing ability to take this class.

1053    ENGLISH 10                                      10                                 1.0             Grad. Requirement

Using a thematic approach, students will study major American authors and literary movements.  Several novels will be taught, along with short stories, poetry, and nonfiction.  An important focus will be activities to enhance student writing abilities.  Another emphasis will be fostering student growth in language usage and vocabulary.

1073    ADVANCED

ENGLISH 10                                                  10                                 1.0               Must take entrance exam to qualify

The same literary piece studied in English 10 are covered in this advanced class.  The difference is the accelerated pace at which a larger amount of material is covered.  The course is designed to challenge the best students of English and prepare them for Advanced English 11.

1113    ENGLISH  11                                     11                                 1.0             Grad. Requirement

The class of 2010 will be the last SCHS students to study American literature in their junior year.  Students will study major selections of American literature emphasizing iconic authors of the American culture.  In preparation for the March ACT experience, vocabulary, language usage, and composition skills will be stressed.

 1123    ADVANCED                                                                                           

ENGLISH 11                                                  11                                 1.0     3.5 GPA or Departmental Approval                                                                                                                                                                 

In this honors-level class, students will complete all of the literature required in the English 11 class, but they will add several additional pieces of literature and longer compositions.  These students are expected to be college bound, and all will need a strong work ethic.  The year’s goal is proficiency in writing and reading at a level which exceeds the regular English 11 class.                                                                                                           

 1133    ENGLISH 12                                     12                                 1.0             Grad. Requirement

In this required class, students will read a variety of selections from world literature, with an emphasis on the literature of Great Britain.  In composition, a variety of skills including narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive writing will be taught.  Other areas of study will be a variety of speaking activities, mythology, and several research projects. 

1170    READING

LABORATORY                                             9,10,11,12                      0.5                   

The laboratory is designed for all students who wish to increase their reading rate and comprehension, increase their vocabulary, and expand their study skills.  The students work individually or in small groups using various reading machines.

COURSE

NUMBER                COURSE NAME                                    GRADE LEVEL                       CREDIT                  PREREQUISITE

1210    ACTING AND DRAMA                   9,10,11,12                      0.5 

In this semester course we will deal with Improvisation, Pantomime & Mime, Theatre History, The Structure of a Play, The Varieties of Drama, and the Voice.  The students of this course must understand there will be some performing required which will be done in front of the class.  It is further understood that among the projects required one of the choices will be participation on some aspect of the school play.  THIS COURSE WILL NOT FULFILL THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION.

1220    ADVANCED ACTING                       9,10,11,12                      0.5                    Acting/Drama

AND DRAMA

This semester course will take an in depth look at performance aspects of theatre.  Chapters in the Voice, Movement and Acting will be focused upon.  Students will be required to memorize and perform monologues and scenes throughout the course.  Other topics include how to audition, stage combat, what to include on a performance resume and what to typically prepare for auditions outside of high school.  It is further understood that among the projects required one of the choices will be participation on some aspect of the school play.  THIS COURSE WILL NOT FULFILL THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION.

1410    CREATIVE WRITING                      11,12                            0.5                           10^th Grade Department  Approval

This creative writing course provides an opportunity for students to explore different fields of writing and to share efforts with the group.  The students independently set goals and schedules for their particular interests and needs.  THIS COURSE WILL NOT FULFILL THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION.

1453    YEARBOOK                                      11,12                            1.0             Instructor Approval

Students learn through photography and writing to record the history of the school with the publication of the yearbook.  This course will not fulfill the English requirements for graduation.    STUDENTS MUST APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THIS CLASS WITH THE YEARBOOK ADVISOR.

1463    ADVANCED PLACEMENT                                                                    

ENGLISH (Literature)                                   12                                 1.0        3.5 GPA or Department Approval

This one-year course, open to  seniors, emphasizes the development of skills in critical reading of imaginative and discursive literature and in writing about literature and related ideas.  It is for students capable of doing college-level work in English while they are in secondary school.  Authors studied will mainly be American and British though a few selections will come from the classical tradition.  A student survey of reading and writing strengths will be completed early in the semester.  Based on the outcome of the survey, students will prepare for either the Advanced Placement English literature or language exam. An important goal of the class is to strive to prepare students for successfully writing an advanced placement examination in order to achieve college credit.  This course will fulfill the English 12 requirement.