ENGLISH
Mr. James MacArevey, Chair

The purpose of all middle school language arts courses is to instill confidence in the students’ ability to write and to appreciate, enjoy,  and interpret literature. Regardless of course selection, the goal of the middle school language arts teachers is that all students are given the skills needed to successfully complete the high school curriculum.  The New York State assessments in Language Arts are given at the prescribed times.

161 – ENGLISH 6                                                                     
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

Sixth grade English is a comprehensive literature-based course that focuses on grammar, writing, spelling, and vocabulary. Students read novels, use a literature anthology and a grammar book.  The focus of the sixth grade curriculum is to develop an appreciation for literature.   Students will develop their abilities to read for comprehension, to organize their thoughts, and to express themselves both orally and in writing. 

 

171 - WRITING  7 
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

The purpose of Writing 7 is to strengthen the students’ foundation of writing and grammar skills. This two-year course focuses on paragraph and essay writing as well as various types of creative writing. Students will receive a comprehensive study of language and how it works.  Considerable time is spent on the mechanics of language and vocabulary building in preparation for learning a language other than English.  At the conclusion, students who show mastery in language readiness will be given the opportunity to begin French or Spanish in Grade 8.

172 - READING 7
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

This course introduces students to various literary works. Students study examples of prose, poetry, and drama. Many modern and classic authors are studied. This course introduces students to plot, setting, characterization, conflict, point of view, theme, and other literary elements. Students will also analyze poems and identify poetic devices used by poets. They also will learn to write literary essays. An anthology is used as well as novels.

175 - ENGLISH 7 
Prerequisite:  90th percentile or above on placement test and A-level grades in English and History.
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

English 7 is a combination of both writing and reading courses. Students will master the basics as well as experiencing a more in-depth study of literature and writing.  Students in English 7 also take level 1 of a language other than English

173 – RESEARCH PAPER
(part of Study Skills Course # 674)   All 7th grade students take the introductory course in writing research papers.  The mini-course focuses on proper forms of research, documentation, and citation.  The topic of plagiarism is explored.  Students are expected to learn and use the research methodology in all of their courses while at La Salle.

181 - WRITING 8
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

The purpose of Writing 8 is to strengthen the students’ foundation of writing and grammar skills. This course continues the work begun in Writing 7. Students will receive a comprehensive study of the English language and how it works. All students will be instructed in the proper way to write a research paper. Various methods are used to ensure success including grammar text, daily notes, and outside resources.

182 – READING 8
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

Reading 8 introduces students to various literary works. Students study examples of prose, poetry, and drama. Many modern and classic authors are studied. This course introduces students to plot, setting, characterization, conflict, point of view, theme, and other literary elements. Students will also analyze poems and identify poetic devices.

185 - ENGLISH 8          
Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.04         
Final examination:    departmental exam

English 8 is a combination of the writing and reading courses. Students will master the basics as well as experiencing a more in-depth study of literature and writing.  During the course of two years the students will have read a minimum of eight novels including classics. Novels are chosen based on the reading level of the group. Students enrolled in English 8 also take a full year of either Spanish or French.

 

111 - ENGLISH 9                       121 - ENGLISH 10                                            
Prerequisite: none       
Credit:      1 unit                      
Weight = 1.00         
Final examination:    departmental exam

The English 9-10 program is a comprehensive study of all the genres of literature including novels, drama, the short story, poetry, and works of non-fiction. It is an introductory course which acts as a foundation in preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Exam administered in eleventh grade. The course also includes extensive grammar which deals with a review of the understanding and mastering the eight parts of speech, phrases, verbals, clauses and sentences.  Another focus of English 9-10 is the continued development of the students’ writing skills.

114 - ENGLISH 9/H                    124 – ENGLISH 10/H
Prerequisites:
9th: Placement test Reading and Language Arts scores at 90th percentile + AND A-level English grades
10th: 85+ in  English 9H and teacher recommendation OR 90+ in English 9 AND teacher recommendation

Duration:  full year                  
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.08         
Final examination:    departmental exam

Students in the honors program are expected to have a high level of self-motivation.  They must be able to read extensively on their own and to be able to work independently.   The Honors Program includes everything in the Regents Program and much more. The pace is faster and topics are covered in more depth. The English 9H course is used to help select candidates for the English AP Program.
In addition, English 9H is an introductory year to Advanced Placement preparation.  Students who maintain a high average in this class (90+) may be invited to take English 10H.  Others will be reassigned to 10R for the sophomore year.
English 10H is the first of the 3-years of preparation for the Advanced Placement exam in English Literature.  In addition to the regular course content, emphasis is on critical analysis of literature and the organizational skills needed to approach the vast anthology of literature.

131 - ENGLISH 11R                                                                                                                  
Prerequisite: successful completion of English 10R
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.00         
Grade level:  11      
Final examination:    NYS Comprehensive Regents Exam in English

English 11 involves a comprehensive and chronological overview of American Literature.  Students study a variety of American authors and investigate a number of literary genres.  Vocabulary is tested on a regular basis and is derived from the S.A.T. master list.  Composition, grammatical, and analytical skills are developed.  Preparation for the successful completion of the NYS Comprehensive Exam in English is emphasized.  Some outside readings are required.

134 - ENGLISH 11/H
Prerequisite:  successful completion of English 10/H AND teacher recommendation
Credit:      1             
Weight = 1.08         
Grade level:  11      
Final examination:    NYS Comprehensive Regents Exam in English

English 11/H is the second of three courses in the AP English program.  Admission to English 11/H presupposes that a student has a high degree of self-motivation and self-direction.  Independent study is required as well as the ability to move through literature at a rapid pace.  Students assume a greater responsibility for their own learning.  Many outside readings are required.  Students are often dealing with two pieces of literature at the same time: one inside the classroom and one at home.  The class is discussion-centered and the assumption is that the students have read the assigned material and are able to contribute in a meaningful manner.  Skilled analytical composition writing is emphasized.  A research paper is required and constitutes a major portion of the second semester grade.  Preparation for the PSAT and the SAT1 is also provided.  Preparation for successful completion of the NYS Regents Examination is offered.  Summer reading of texts selected by the teacher of the course is required.  Students take a qualifying test in March to determine who will go on to the final AP level and who will move on to English 12H.

141 - ENGLISH 12R                                                                                                                  
Prerequisite:   successful completion of English 11
Credit:      1 unit                      
Weight = 1.00         
Grade level:  12      
Final examination:    departmental exam

The English 12R course includes a survey of British literature from Anglo-Saxon to the modern period in various genres.  Several novels are studied.  Writing assignments are based on critical elements of the works studied.  A major literary research paper is required.

144 - ENGLISH 12/H
Prerequisite:   successful completion of English 11/H AND teacher recommendation
Credit: 1 unit                      
Weight = 1.08         
Grade level:  12      
Final examination:    teacher-developed exam

Students in English 12/H continue the high intensity reading level experienced in English 11H.  The selections are derived from the classics of World Literature with a particular emphasis on English Literature.  Many outside readings are required.  Students are expected to maintain the independent self-directed learning mode demanded in English 11/H.  The class is discussion-based and student-centered so it is imperative that the students read the assigned material in order to succeed.  Highly developed composition skills are assumed.  A research paper is required in the second semester.  Summer reading of texts selected by the teacher of the course is required.

145 - AP ENGLISH                    {AP exam required}                                        
Prerequisite: successful completion of English 11/H, teacher recommendation AND qualifying score on the AP Qualifying test in the junior year.
Credit:      1 unit                      
Weight = 1.12         
Grade level:  12      
Final examination:    teacher-developed exam

Students in this highly demanding English course are admitted after successful completion of a qualifying exam during their junior year in English 11/H.  The literature studied is derived from the classics of World and English literature and is culled from the Advanced Placement Reading List.  Immersion in literature is expected as well as highly developed analytical reading and composition skills.  Articulation in class discussion is assumed as well as the ability to think independently, creatively and critically, and write insightfully, concisely, and masterfully.  A research paper in the second semester is required.  Summer reading of texts selected by the teacher of the course is required.  Intense preparation for the Advanced Placement English Literature Examination is provided.