Composition units focus on writing the personal narrative, expository essay, summary of a factual article, and the letter. Students learn to apply correct language conventions in their writing. A study by genre introduces the students to literature. Students are taught to read closely and analyze poetry and the short story for literary elements. In addition to these subjects, high school study skills, oral presentation skills, and test taking skills are taught, and an introduction to the use of the media center is included.
Composition units focus on writing the persuasive essay, research report, and workplace documents. Students are taught to apply correct language conventions in their writing. A study by genre introduces the students to literature. Students are taught to read closely and analyze poetry and the short story for literary elements. Other literary forms, including novels and drama, are also read and analyzed. A media center research unit is included, as well as a unit on oral presentation skills.
Prerequisite : Teacher recommendation
An intensified program of study, this course introduces the skills needed for critical reading and written analysis of literature. Specific literary types such as the short story, non-fiction, the novel, drama, and poetry are studied. Composition instruction stresses mastery of expository essay forms. Emphasis is also placed on intensive review of usage and mechanics, vocabulary development, oral presentation skills, and the use of research skills.
Composition units focus on the comparison-contrast essay and process essay. A research unit is included with instruction on the research process and documentation of sources. Students are taught to use the processes of revision and editing to apply correct language conventions in their writing. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of essays, biographies, poems, short stories, plays, and novels primarily from American literature. Students are also expected to improve their oral presentation skills.
An intensified program of study, this accelerated course emphasizes the development of skills in critical reading, writing, and thinking in preparation for Advanced Placement English. The course focuses on a variety of contemporary and classical literary forms such as the essay, biography, short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. The writing process is applied in the writing of formal essays, literary criticisms and documented research papers. Oral presentation skills are emphasized.
Composition units focus on a literary analysis essay, evaluation essay, and workplace documents. A research unit is included with instruction on the research process and documentation of sources. Students are taught to use the processes of revision and editing to apply correct language conventions in their writing. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of essays, biographies, poems, short stories, plays, and novels primarily from English literature.
Advanced Placement English provides the accelerated college-bound English student with three unique advantages: The student studies challenging college level works of recognized literary merit, develops power and precision in organizing and expressing ideas in college-level essay writing, and takes the Advanced Placement examination in English. The student who scores well on the examination can receive up to a full year of English credit from most colleges.
Communication Arts 1-2 is designed to develop the proficiency and confidence of the student in formal and informal communication situations. Small and large group discussions, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and oral interpretation are some of the units covered. Effective methods of preparation and presentation are among the skills that the student learns. Students considering careers in law, education, politics, fine arts, sales, broadcasting, or public relations will find the course valuable.
Students learn newspaper production with special emphasis on the following areas: news, feature, editorial and sports writing, headline writing and typography, editing and copy reading, page makeup and design, advertising, press law and responsibility. Optional units of study include history of journalism and broadcasting. This course is designed to prepare students for successful publication of the school newspaper.
Prerequisite : Journalism 1-2 or teacher recommendation
Journalism 3-4 students produce the school newspaper as a laboratory instrument. This class includes practical application of newspaper production skills such as planning, editing, financing and distributing the paper, writing headlines and stories, and designing pages. Other units of study include research techniques and analysis of current events and the professional communications media. Maturity, responsibility and willingness to work and meet deadlines are required personal attributes. At some schools students also publish newsletters, write for the local newspapers, produce a literary magazine and a 5-minute video newscast, and write and print a school calendar.
Prerequisites : Journalism 3-4 and teacher recommendation
Journalism 5-6, with emphasis on advanced newspaper production, is offered to students who wish to explore the field of journalism for a third year, generally in management or editorial-level positions. Students learn procedures for submitting articles and photographs for professional publication and investigate career opportunities in the professional media or in journalism education.
Designed to introduce the student to the basic elements of theatrical arts. This course includes units on acting, technical theatre, history directing, and drama as literature. Activities for the class include pantomime, voice, dialect study, set construction, painting, lights, sound, and play analysis through in-class performance and written work.
Prerequisite : Theatre Arts 1-2 or teacher recommendation
This course emphasizes practical application of the basic skills of the theatre arts introduced in 1-2. Additional units in advanced acting techniques, mime, improvisation, make-up, lights, sound, and set design are included. Individual growth in all areas relating to theatre arts in the school and the community is encouraged through performance, written work, outside reading and attendance of outside productions. As in all theatre classes, emphasis will be on demonstration and practical experience in a workshop atmosphere.
Prerequisites : Theatre Arts 3-4 and/or teacher recommendation
This advanced course for career minded theatre students is a performance-oriented course in which the skills and knowledge acquired in Theatre Arts 1-2 and 3-4 are used. Advanced work in acting, directing, make-up, and other stage crafts is included. Students will be active in production work throughout the year by working on scenes, plays, and audition monologues.
Prerequisites : Theatre Arts 5-6 and/or teacher recommendation
Designed for seniors with a career interest in the theatre, this advanced theatre course emphasizes instruction and practice in production work--technical, acting, and directing. Emphasis is placed on the individual's major interest in the field of theatre. Careers in radio, television, and motion pictures will be explored in addition to careers in theatre.