English

English 8*

Prerequisites: None
Eighth graders practice various interviewing techniques. Students also practice the writing process (brainstorming, outlining, rough drafting, editing and proofreading, and final drafting) to create a variety of writings, including narrative, expository, and persuasive essays. Students will interpret mass media messages. Students will also discuss themes, main ideas, and show the cause and effect relationships in plot. Students will draw conclusions from a variety of literary selections.
SOL Course

English 9

Prerequisites: Must have passed the previous level of English
Ninth graders present and critique dramatic readings of literary selections and continue to develop proficiency in making planned oral presentations. Literary works will be covered with focus on theme, symbolism, and cultural and historical diversity. Types of literature read will include the genres of the short story, drama, poetry, nonfiction, and the novel. Nonfiction works will focus on works of values in everyday life. The research strand will include traditional reporting as well as the use of electronic databases.Writings will include narrative, expository, and technical essays.

English 10

Prerequisites: Must have passed the previous level of English
Tenth graders will become skilled communicators in small-group learning activities. Students will read and critique literary works from various cultures and eras using various critical approaches. Works will include at least one novel, both fiction and nonfiction short stories, poetry, and drama. Attention will be given to the analysis of printed consumer information. Students will critique the writing of peers and professionals, using analysis to improve their own writing skills.

Honors English 9, 10, and 11

Prerequisites: Must have passed the previous level of English with an A or B and have teacher recommendation
These courses cover the same content as their regular counterparts but the classes move at a more rigorous pace. In addition, summer reading is required, and will be assigned at the end of the previous school year. Since the purpose of the Honors track is to prepare students for the academic rigors of college, the Honors courses require a greater level of commitment and performance than do regular classes. In addtion to the regular course requirements in each grade level, students will read literature on level higher than grade level; students will write essays, reports, and research with a focus on a higher degree of analytical difficulty; also, students will meet grade level requirements for additional study elements such as nonfiction at a higher degree of difficulty, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Any student interested in enrolling in a Dual Credit English course should enroll in the Honors level classes each year in order to be fully prepared for the Dual Credit courses.

English 11

Prerequisites: Must have passed the previous level of English
Eleventh graders will make persuasive oral prsentations with attention to accuracy of evidence and effetiveness of delivery. The students' appreciation for literature will be enhanced by the study of contemporary and classic American literature. Prevalent themes and characterizations reflective of the culture and history of the country will be identified. The students will be able to write clear and accurate business and technical correspondence and reports for researching in all subjects. Students will carefully create an organized MLA formatted research paper in which they have evaluated, synthesized, and presented ideas with citations. Students must take two SOL tests one in Writing and one on Reading & Research.
SOL Course

English 12

Prerequisites: Must have passed the previous level of English
Twelfth graders will use organizational skills, audience awareness, appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and both verbal and nonverbal presentation skills to plan and deliver effective oral presentations. Students will create resumes and portfolios for furture career and educational reference. Students will analyze British literature and selections from other cultures. Selections often relate to government and society as a whole.Writing will include the production of technical and expository papers, which are organized logically and contain clear and accurate ideas. The students will produce a major MLA documented research paper. Students will experience letter writing for scholarship, employment, or college admission.