ENGLISH 9 9                                  1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

English/Language Arts I (9^th Grade) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Typically, these courses introduce and define various genres of literature, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

STRATEGIC READING 9 9           1Year-.5 Unit Each Sem.

Strategic Reading courses are intended to improve a student’s vocabulary, critical-thinking and analysis skills, or reading rate and comprehension level.  Although these courses typically emphasize works of fiction, they may also include works of nonfiction (including textbooks).  Strategic Reading courses often have a time-management focus, offering strategies for note-taking or for understanding and evaluating the important points of a text.

ENGLISH 10 10                                 1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

English/Language Arts II (10^th Grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature.  Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions.  Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.

STRATEGIC READING 10 10            1Year-.5 Unit Each Sem.

Strategic Reading courses are intended to improve a student’s vocabulary, critical-thinking and analysis skills, or reading rate and comprehension level.  Although these courses typically emphasize works of fiction, they may also include works of nonfiction (including textbooks).  Strategic Reading courses often have a time-management focus, offering strategies for note-taking or for understanding and evaluating the important points of a text.

ENGLISH 11 11                      1Year-.5 Unit Each Sem.

English/Literature (juniors and seniors) courses are designed for juniors and/or seniors and emphasize comprehension, discernment, and critical-thinking skills in the reading of texts and literature.  These courses introduce and explore more advanced literary techniques (irony, satire, humor, connotation, tone, rhythm, symbolism, and so on) through two or more literary genres, with the aim of creating sophisticated readers.  Writing assignments are required as an additional method to develop and improve critical-thinking and analytic skills.

DRAMA 10-11-12                                   1 Semester – .5 Unit

Acting/Performance courses are intended to promote students’ experience and skill development in one or more aspects of theatrical production, but they concentrate on acting and performance skills.  Initial courses are usually introductory in nature, while the more advanced courses focus on improving technique, expanding students’ exposure to different types of theatrical techniques and traditions, and increasing their chances of participating in public productions.

SPEECH 10-11-12                                   1 Semester – .5 Unit

Speech courses enable students, through practice, to develop communication skills that can be used in a variety of speaking situations (such as small and large group discussions, delivery of lectures or speeches in front of audiences, and so on). Course topics may include (but are not limited to) research and organization, writing for verbal delivery, stylistic choices, visual and presentation skills, analysis and critique, and development of self-confidence.

PUBLIC SPEAKING 11-12                                        1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite:  COMPASS/ACT Placement Score                                CCC – 1 Sem. – 3 Credits

Introduction to the principles of public speaking with emphasis on performance and listening.  Experience in the basic process and principles of public speaking, audience analysis, selection and organization of speech material, style and delivery.  Practice in delivery and preparation of informative and persuasive extemporaneous speeches.

INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONS 11-12               1 Semester – .5 Unit

Introduction to Communication courses enable students to understand and critically evaluate the role of media in society.  Course content typically includes investigation of visual images, printed material, and audio segments as tools of information, entertainment, and propaganda; improvement of presentation and evaluative skills in relation to mass media; recognition of various techniques for delivery of a particular message; and, in some cases, creation of a media product.  The course may concentrate on a particular medium.

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE 11-12                           1 Semester – .5 Unit

Literature courses offer the opportunity for students to study and reflect upon the themes presented in the body of literature being presented.  Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and values within the reading selection as they understand how the work reflects society’s problems and culture.  Oral discussions an integral part of literature courses and written compositions are often required.  Literature courses may survey representative works, reflect a particular genre or a specific theme, or survey works of a particular time or people.

CREATIVE WRITING 11-12                            1 Semester – .5 Unit

Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose.  The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft.  Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or playwriting).

ELEMENTS OF WRITING 11-12                                        1 Semester – .5 Unit

Composition courses focus on students’ writing skills and develop their ability to compose different types of papers for a range of purposes and audiences.  These courses enable students to explore and practice descriptive, narrative, persuasive, or expositive styles as they write paragraphs, essays, letters, applications, formal documented papers, or technical reports.  Although composition courses may present some opportunities for creative writing, their focus usually remains on nonfiction, scholarly, or formal writing.

COMPOSITION I 11-12                                        1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite:  COMPASS/ACT Placement Score                        CCC – 1 Sem. – 3 Credits

A writing and reading course designed to prepare the student for the types of written communication and thought essential to the academic and working world.  The general goals of Composition I are to have students gain more confidence in their writing abilities and improve their proficiency in critical reading, exposition and persuasion.

COMPOSITION II 11-12                                          1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite:  COMPASS/ACT Placement Score                             CCC – 1 Sem. – 3 Credits

& Composition I

An advanced writing and reading course dealing with logic in thought and communication.  Emphasis is on reasoning and argument, research skills and sophistication of style in writing.