English Department

Chair: Ms. Pruett

English I

1 credit  Open to 9,10,11,12

This course includes the study of grammar, vocabulary, and literature.  Paragraph writing is stressed and a 200-300 word research paper is required.  Short stories, poetry, and three classics are read and analyzed.

English II

Pre-requisite: English 1    1 credit    Open to 10, 11, 12     

This course includes the study the study of grammar, vocabulary, and literature.  A 300-600 word research paper is required in this class. In addition, a novel and a Shakespearean drama are read and analyzed.

English III

Pre-requisite: English II       1 credit    Open to 11, 12

This course consists of the study of grammar skills, writing, and American literature.  A 600-800 word research paper and researched speech are required in this class.  The American literature includes the study of  American writers and two outside reading assignments.

English IV

Pre-requisite: English III       1 credit      Open to 12

This course includes the study of grammar, vocabulary, English  literature and composition.  An English novel and a Shakespearean drama are studied.  Writing is emphasized throughout the course through various formal and informal essays.  A 800-1000 word research paper is required.

* Students desiring to take an advanced level of English I, II, III, IV must obtain current year English teacher's approval.

Creative Writing

1 credit            Open to 10

This course teaches writing skills needed for college and the workplace and is required of all Sophomores.

Studies in Shakespeare I

¹/₂ - 1 credit       Open to 10, 11, 12

This elective course will cover the comedies, histories, and tragedies of William Shakespeare.  Emphasis will be placed on plays not traditionally read in high school.  Students will participate in many activities such as acting, writing, evaluating, interpreting, etc. Students must purchase their own texts.

Studies in Shakespeare II

Pre-requisite: Shakespeare I and teacher recommendation    1 credit               Open to 10, 11,12

Studies in Shakespeare II focuses on the drama of Shakespeare.  The class will perform at least 2 Shakespearean plays for live performance in front of an audience. Students must purchase their own texts.

Speech

¹/₂ - 1 credit        Open to 9, 10, 11,12

Students in this elective course will learn the fundamentals of speech presentations, both informal and formal; research and debate selected topics as part of a team and as individual projects; learn interview techniques, present memorized speeches with and without visual aids and work on individual projects. This is a class that depends upon students energetically becoming involved in the various opportunities that are presented in order to fulfill the grade expectations and to receive personal satisfaction and future benefits.

Journalism

¹/₂ - 1 credit        Open to selected 9, 10

This introductory journalism course teaches fundamental mass communication skills such as graphic arts and photography.

Advanced Journalism/Yearbook II

¹/₂ - 1 credit        Open to select  10, 11, 12

Pre-requisite: By invitation only, this course produces the school yearbook and is designed for students who have had previous experience in journalism.  You must have a signature recommendation from Ms. Pruett to enroll.

Journalism I & II (School Paper)

¹/₂ - 1 credit          Open to 9, 10, 11, 12

Pre-requisite:  By invitation only, this class produces the school newspaper.  You must have signature recommendation from your English teacher to enroll.