English
The goals of the English department are two-fold: to ensure the development of students’ critical reading, thinking, and writing skills and to foster a love of reading and writing. Whatever a student’s career goals may be, competence in language serves a variety of purposes: accomplishing the business of everyday life, communicating ideas and perspectives, expanding thought, and challenging the imagination. The combination of the core thematic courses, the literature electives, and the skills electives allows for all students to immerse themselves in the four domains of the English language as well as to create a solid foundation for future learning.
All students must take full-year English courses in grades 9, 10, and 11. Seniors may elect either a full-year course or two semester courses. If seniors elect two semester courses, one literature course and one skills course must be taken that year. Seniors are expected to remain in their selected course for the duration of the semester. Changes will not be considered based on dissatisfaction with course materials, teacher, or amount of work assigned. In the case that a student takes English electives in their junior year, one elective may be applied towards the 4.0 credit English graduation requirement. Students will still have to take and pass at least one English Literature course during their senior year.
Reading Program
Students who need continued support in reading skills are required to take reading. This decision will be based on class performance, assessment results, and English grades.
10100 ENGLISH I - Honors (1 credit)
This intensive course takes a thematic approach to the study of literature to prepare students for college success. Students will develop independent strategic reading and writing skills while exploring relevant and dynamic universal themes. Students will be exposed to expository and analytical writing, research, as well as classical and contemporary literature. Students will also receive skill-based instruction preparing them for the PSAT, MCAS and other standardized testing.
Students in this level should be reading and writing above grade level, and must be prepared to accept more responsibility, rigorous expectations, and increased workload when it comes to independent reading, critical thinking, communication, and writing
Prerequisite: A 90% or better in Grade 8 English or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Full year course)
10101/26112 ENGLISH I - College Prep (1 credit)
This course takes a thematic approach to the study of literature to prepare students for college success. Students will develop independent strategic reading and writing skills while exploring relevant and dynamic universal themes. Students will be exposed to expository and analytical writing, research, as well as classical and contemporary literature. Students will also receive skill-based instruction preparing them for the PSAT, MCAS and other standardized testing. (Full year course)
10162 TECHNIQUES OF READING I - Un-leveled (.5 credit)
The objective of this course is to aid students whose reading ability is below grade level in making the transition to the level of reading tasks and study skills required in high school. Emphasis is on structural word analysis, vocabulary and comprehension development, and listening skills. Organization and reference skills are stressed. This course is required for incoming ninth graders who are reading below grade level. This course does not fulfill English graduation requirements. (Semester course)
10182 Writing Instructional Lab - Un-leveled (.5 credit)
This course is designed to assist students with writing across the curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on the writing process with attention to each student’s specific needs and current assignments in other classes. Students in this class are given skills and strategies to help them develop competency in writing as outlined in the Massachusetts English Language Arts Frameworks. Students may be assigned to the Writing Lab by teacher recommendation. Individualized and small group instruction in a classroom or workshop setting. (Full year course, meeting three or four times in a seven day cycle)
10200 ENGLISH II - Honors (1 credit)
This intensive course provides an integrated model of literacy using a variety of readings that explore what it means to be an active and productive citizen in the United States. Writing instruction includes personal, analytical, and expository essays with emphasis on persuasion. Students will receive direct instruction in the research process through completion of projects and papers. Students will also receive instruction to prepare them for the MCAS exam and the PSAT. Although the format of English II honors is the same as English II college prep, students at this level should be reading and writing above grade level and must be prepared to engage in more independent learning, more outside reading, the reading of more complex texts and more in-depth writing assignments.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English I CP, 75% or higher in English I Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval.(Full year course)
10201/26122 ENGLISH II - College Prep (1 credit)
This course provides an integrated model of literacy using a variety of readings that explore what it means to be an active and productive citizen in the United States. Writing instruction includes personal, analytical, and expository essays with emphasis on persuasion. Students will receive direct instruction in the research process through completion of projects and papers. Students will also receive instruction to prepare them for the MCAS exam and the PSAT.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in English I, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Full year course)
10170 ENGLISH II ACCELERATED AMERICAN LITERATURE - Honors (1 credit)
This course focuses on preparing students for the coursework and the accompanying exam in both Advanced Placement Language and Advanced Placement Literature and Composition. English AP Exam in Literature and Composition. Principal activities in reading and writing in the course are based on the recommendations of the College Board for Pre-AP English courses. Students will be exposed to the five integral skills of close reading, the writing process, analytical writing, sentence and paragraph structures, and collaborative communication. Emphasis will be placed on close reading of a variety of texts, evaluating and incorporating evidence, and attention to the use of language.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English I CP, 75% or higher in English I Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval.(Full year course, open to grade 10)
10262 TECHNIQUES OF READING II - Un-leveled (.5 credit)
This course presents a continued development of skills for students who need attention and direction in reading. There is further concentration on content area reading and the development of appropriate reading rates to help students cope with the material presented in subject areas. Students are exposed to a variety of reading materials, tasks, and evaluation approaches. Reading management skills are monitored and evaluated frequently. Students who need continued support in reading and are not enrolled in Strategies for Success (ELA) are required to take this course. This course does not fulfill English graduation requirements. (Semester course, open to grade 10)
10272 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS: ELA- Un-leveled (1credit)
This course focuses on improving students’ reading and writing skills while being exposed to a variety of reading materials, tasks, and evaluation approaches. Students practice analyzing and responding to open response questions and writing prompts similar to those on the MCAS Tests. Extensive work on topic development and the correct use of standard English conventions is required. All writing is assessed according to the MCAS rubric model. The focus is on both MCAS preparation and MCAS remediation with emphasis on test taking strategies and content specific weaknesses. This course is required for those students who are at risk for failing the MCAS English Test. This course does not meet the English requirement for graduation. (Full year course, meeting three times in a seven day cycle)
ENGLISH III
10359 AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION - Advanced Placement (1 credit)
Students study advanced composition and analysis of language at a level equivalent to that of a full-year introductory college course. Students will approach a variety of texts such as memoirs, essays, speeches, fiction and nonfiction as they explore how language is used to inspire, to persuade, and to argue.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 90% or higher in English 10 CP, 80% or higher in English 10 Honors or Accelerated Amer Lit, or teacher recommendation and department approval. This course may require summer work. In order to earn AP credit in this course, the student must take the AP Exam
10300 ENGLISH III - Honors (1 credit)
This intensive course develops critical thinking skills through the thematic study of informational and literary texts of the English speaking world from classic to contemporary pieces. Increased outside reading is required. Language arts study continues through an emphasis on informational and imaginative writing. Students will write a personal statement for college applications and receive instruction on the research process through completion of projects, papers and presentations. Additionally, standardized test preparation will include vocabulary development, and a review of grammar and usage as needed. Although the format of English III Honors is the same as English III College Prep, students at this level should be reading and writing above grade level and must be prepared to engage in more independent learning, extensive outside reading, updated SAT vocabulary study, and more rigorous writing analysis.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English II CP, 75% or higher in English II Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval.(Full year course)
10301/26132 ENGLISH III - College Prep (1 credit)
This course develops critical thinking skills through the thematic study of informational and literary texts of the English speaking world from classic to contemporary pieces. Increased outside reading is required. Instruction focuses on analytical, informative, and creative writing, which includes multiple phases of the writing process with focus on the revision and editing process. Students will write a personal statement for college applications and receive instruction on the research process through completion of projects, papers and presentations. Additionally, standardized test preparation will include vocabulary development, and a review of grammar and usage as needed.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 60% or higher in English II, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Full year course)
10372 ADVANCED LITERARY STRATEGIES I - Un-leveled (.5 credit)
This course is for juniors who need continued support in their reading skills in order to complete their high school experience successfully. The course reviews analytical and critical comprehension, higher level study skills, and appropriate reference sources - the skills needed to complete the more complex reading tasks assigned at this level. Students who need continued support in reading are required to take this course. This course does not fulfill English graduation requirements. (Semester course, open to grade 11)
ENGLISH IV
10459 AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION - Advanced Placement (1 credit)
This course focuses on preparing students for the English AP Exam in Literature and Composition.
Principal activities in reading and writing in the course are based on the recommendations of the College Board for English AP courses. Students read, discuss, and study intensively a wide range of novels, short stories, poetry, and drama and write extensively on them in both timed in-class exercises and take-home papers. Study of painting, music, and other arts is incorporated for enrichment wherever appropriate. Summer work will be required for AP classes.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 80% or higher in AP Language and Composition, or teacher recommendation and department approval. In order to earn AP credit in this course, a student must take the AP exam. (Full year course)
10591 ENGLISH IV: PERSPECTIVES IN LITERATURE - Honors (1 credit)
This year-long course fulfills both the Literature component and the Skills component of half year Senior Electives. For the Literature portion, students explore the world from diverse, global perspectives, analyzing life lessons and advice from various authors on motifs like happiness, productive citizenship, life choices, and personal reflection. Students will journey into the world of art, music, and film through listening, viewing, and critiquing all forms of personal creative expression. Technology integration for assignments and assessments will be included. Writing tasks will focus on analytical, persuasive, and personal narrative writing, with a focus on advancing creative writing skills amongst a variety of genres including drama, poetry, movie reviews, and in-depth, critical literary analysis. Vocabulary work is also done in conjunction with the literature studied. Additional skill refinement will focus on voice, fluency, and sophistication in writing.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Full year course, open to grade 12)
10572 ENGLISH IV: PERSPECTIVES IN LITERATURE - College Prep (1 credit)
This year-long course fulfills both the Literature component and the Skills component of half year Senior Electives. For the Literature portion, students explore the world from diverse, global perspectives, analyzing life lessons and advice from various authors on motifs like happiness, productive citizenship, life choices, and personal reflection. Students will journey into the world of art, music, and film through listening, viewing, and critiquing all forms of personal creative expression. Technology integration for assignments and assessments will be included. Writing tasks will focus on analytical, persuasive, and personal narrative writing, with a focus on foundational creative writing skills, as well as development of the college entrance essay, and composing resumes for future employment. Additional skill refinement will focus on grammar and vocabulary development. (Full year course, open to grade 12)
10472 ADVANCED LITERARY STRATEGIES II - Un-leveled (.5 credit)
This course is designed for students who need support with their reading skills to raise reading levels in preparation for employment and continued education. Emphasis is on skills that prepare students for the reading materials they will encounter after graduation. Critical thinking skills are emphasized as students analyze text and evaluate ideas. Students who need continued support in reading are required to take this course. This course does not fulfill English graduation requirements. (Semester course, open to grade 12)
LITERATURE ELECTIVES
10500(H) / 10501(CP)ENGLISH IV: COMEDY AND HUMOR IN LITERATURE Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)
This course presents an extensive study of humor in life, literature, and other media from the middle ages to the current time. Students study various forms of humor including the humorous essay, comic drama, satire, parody, and comic relief. Special emphasis is given to the psychological aspects of humor and laughter. This course requires research, critical essays, and literature reviews. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11 and 12)
10511 MYTHOLOGY - College Prep (.5 credit)
In this semester course, students will establish and build a foundation of knowledge of mythology by learning the definition, purposes, and types of myths, and then analyzing how past cultures have used mythology to explain the world and human nature. In addition, students will explore why myths are relevant to humans today. Although emphasis is placed on Greek and Roman mythologies, Norse mythology will also be studied in depth. Students will also have an opportunity to conduct research on the mythology of a culture of interest. Other areas of study will include the pattern of the hero myth, with a focus on Joseph Campbell’s monomyth as it relates to modern day literature and film. This class requires frequent reading of assigned myths, regular writing assignments, and occasional essays, presentations, and projects. (Semester course, open to all grade levels for CP credit only)
10380/10381 ENGLISH IV:TRUE LIFE: READING AND WRITING MEMOIR Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)
This course is designed for students to explore and understand the genre of creative non-fiction as an outlet for self-study and self-reflection. By reading, analyzing, discussing and examining the non-fiction work of other writers for their style, structure, technique, and story-telling abilities, students will be able to apply and implement these skills to their own pieces of nonfiction writing. Not only will students write, share and discuss their own memoirs, they will read the memoirs of individuals to whom they can relate personally, culturally and professionally, as well as those from authors whose experience may differ in a significant and meaningful way.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11 and 12)
10530 ENGLISH IV: LITERATURE OF THE UTOPIAS - Honors (.5 credit)
Utopian literature is the study of ideal and futuristic societies. Principal works studied in the course include Plato’s Republic, More’s Utopia, Bellamy’s Looking Backward, Gilman’s Herland, Huxley’s Brave New World, and Orwell’s 1984. The primary focus of the course is on the distinct qualities of these utopian societies, the differences among these various societies, and the literary aspects of each work. Contemporary social and political issues are also addressed in class discussion and in weekly essays. Research skills are reviewed and reinforced in preparation for a required research paper.
Prerequisite:Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12)
10561 ENGLISH IV: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - College Prep (.5 credit)
Major emphasis is placed upon Mother Goose, picture books, and folk tales, although the course covers the worldwide scope of children’s literature from preschool through adolescence. Students write, illustrate, and bind a children’s book or do an analytical/critical project. Writing assignments, vocabulary study, research study, and book reviews are required. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12)
10280/10281 ENGLISH IV: STUDIES IN SHORT FICTION - Honors / College Prep (.5 Credit)
This course explores the short story and novella as unique literary forms, with emphasis on structure and technique. Through discussion and writing, students will develop and demonstrate their ability to comprehend, interpret, analyze, synthesize and evaluate literature. Students will explore the relationship between the literature and the historical and cultural contexts through the use of thematic units. Students will be exposed to the various schools of literary criticism by paired nonfiction articles and short stories.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11 and 12)
10430(H)/10431(CP) ENGLISH IV: WOMEN’S LITERATURE - Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)
This course provides an overview of the history, traditions, and forms of literature written in the English language and in translation by women across the globe. The course will examine the myriad ways in which women writers have articulated their experiences and how they have responded to attempts to silence that articulation. The course will use an intersectional lens in considering how gender converges with race, class, sexual orientation, and other factors in the formation of voice and identity. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit. Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11 and 12)
SKILLS ELECTIVES
10601 INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING - College Prep (.5 credit)
This course challenges those who wish to express themselves imaginatively in description, narration, exposition, and persuasion. Individual interests and talents determine the writer’s goals. Continued reading, as well as the keeping of a journal, is encouraged as the source of ideas for expression. This course does not fulfill English graduation requirements. (Semester course, open to grades 9, 10)
10610 ENGLISH IV: THE ART OF WRITING - Honors (.5 credit)
This course focuses on various forms of description, narration, exposition, drama and poetry. Students write about several topics including personal experience, music, art, and both cultural and topical issues. Study of traditional and contemporary works of prose, poetry and drama, as well as the keeping of a personal journal provide additional inspiration and guidance for student writing. While stylistic independence is a main focus of the course, students will also collaborate with peers and explore publishing opportunities in both online and print publications.
Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12)
10620(H) / 10621(CP) ENGLISH IV: SEMANTICS - Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)
The language we use and think we understand is a powerful force. Human beings talk. This gives us the unique ability to talk ourselves into trouble. Semantics is concerned with how to avoid doing so. The course examines the force of language in the shaping of human behavior and thought. Students explore the abuse of language in areas such as propaganda and sexism. This course is open to all students. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors or college prep credit.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12)
10630(H)/10631(CP)ENGLISH IV: THEORIES OF VIOLENCE IN AMERICAN CULTURE Honors/ College Prep (.5 credit)
What lies behind America’s simultaneous disgust and obsession with violence? What social and psychological effects are generated by living in a culture of fear? Is our culture truly built and maintained by violence or the threat of violence? Who has the “right” to use violence? Is violence an integral part of the American character? These questions gain more importance every day and need to be understood on a personal, communal and global level. By analyzing the words and images of our culture, we will attempt to address these issues in an interdisciplinary format using a variety of lenses: ethical, historical, psychological, sociological, semiotic, linguistic, musical and economic. Topics will include: violence in movies, on TV and in music; racial violence, mob mentality and group violence; domestic abuse; gangs; police brutality and social control; the portrayal of violence in the news; American foreign policy; violence in literature; problem solving and violence; gender and violence; violence, children and schools; anti-violence and de-escalation. This is a writing intensive course. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors or college prep credit.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grade grades 11, 12)
10640(H) / 10641(CP) ENGLISH IV: PUBLIC SPEAKING - Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)
Students enrolling in Public Speaking should be willing to participate daily since practice is more important than lectures. This course makes students aware of themselves as speakers in relation to their audiences and helps them recognize how to communicate with such awareness. Public speaking experiences include speeches, nonverbal communication, group discussion, oral interpretations, impromptu speaking, and debate. This course is open to all students. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors or college prep credit.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12)
10650(H) / 10651(CP) ENGLISH IV: FILM CRITICISM - Honors/ College Prep (.5 credit)
This course is designed to cultivate writing and analytical skills, provide an understanding of production, directorial and narrative technique, and present a chronological survey of film. Students will analyze, discuss and write about a variety of film genres and styles from a number of time periods and cultures. While class periods are discussion based, this is a writing intensive course. Daily journals are mandatory. In addition to a research project, a number of thematic analysis papers are required. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit.
Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12)
10661 ENGLISH IV: JOURNALISM - College Prep (.5 credit)
This course has three main goals: to improve students’ writing, to enhance their ability to analyze and interpret the products of the news media, and to introduce them to some of the central issues facing society and today’s rapidly evolving news media. Students learn to write “straight news” stories, features, and editorials. Individual errors in grammar, usage, and style are corrected; class time is devoted to developing editing techniques in order to eliminate errors. Vocabulary study is required. (Semester course, open to grades 10, 11, 12)
10702(H) / 10701(CP) ENGLISH IV: VOICES - Honors/College Prep (.5 credit)
This interdisciplinary course invites students to explore the kaleidoscopic history, literatures, and cultures of the American peoples through the many, varied, and oft-neglected or marginalized voices of those who inhabit this country. Looking at contemporary cultural issues and events, and providing historical perspectives as well as cultural and literary context, this course examines and challenges commonly accepted historical and cultural narratives. Students will choose contemporary issues of interest to study. Through self-selected readings, open class discussions, writing for authentic audiences and impactful field trips, they will encounter the rich and diverse nature of the American experience. Students will listen to, develop, and become empowered to use their own voices to speak out against issues of injustice as they engage in this course of study. Accelerated assignments and differentiated grading are given to those students requesting honors credit. Prerequisite: For Honors credit, Students must have a grade of 85% or higher in English III CP, 75% or higher in English III Honors, or teacher recommendation and department approval. (Semester course, open to grades 11, 12.)