ENGLISH

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

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 grade level, the goal of the middle school language arts teachers is to give all students the skills needed to successfully complete the high school curriculum. The New York State assessment in Language Arts is given at the prescribed time.

161 - ENGLISH 6

Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam

English 6 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.

175 - ENGLISH 7

Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam

English 7 emphasizes both writing and reading instruction. Students will master the basics of grammar as well as begin an in-depth study of literature and writing.

185 - ENGLISH 8

Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Final examination: departmental exam

English 8 is the culmination of the middle school program, as well as a preparatory course for the high school curriculum. Upon completion of English 7 and English 8, the students will have read a minimum of eight novels including classics. Novels are chosen based on the reading level of the group.

THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

111 - ENGLISH 9
121 - ENGLISH 10

Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1 each
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 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.

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 chronological overview of American Literature. Students study a variety of American authors and investigate a number of literary movements. Vocabulary is researched and is derived from an 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.

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. Writing assignments are based on critical elements of the works studied. Research and composition are emphasized. Outside reading is required. ENGLISH THE HONORS PROGRAM

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 each
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 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 AP English 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.

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 successful completion of the NYS Regents Examination is offered. Summer reading of texts 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 British 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 AND teacher recommendation
Credit: 1 unit
Weight = 1.12
Grade level: 12
Final examination: Advanced Placement English Literature Examination

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.