English Department

The English program aims in its four-year sequence to cultivate interest and competence in, as well as respect for, language and literature. The program is intended to assure steady growth in the student’s ability to write and speak well; to read and listen with understanding, and insight; and to think effectively; it aims toward intellectual and emotional maturity. Courses address the New York State English Language Arts Standards:
Standard 1 – Students will read, write, listen and speak for information and understanding.
Standard 2 – Students will read, write, listen and speak for literary response and expression.
Standard 3 – Students will read, write, listen and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.
Standard 4 – Students will read, write, listen and speak for social interaction.

English 9, 10, and 11
The English Department provides in the first three years a common program for all students in courses that include frequent practice in writing and speaking, attentive study of selected books, wide collateral reading and close attention to the workings of language. This program culminates with the Regents examination in English, required of all students, which they take at the end of their junior year.

Grouping
During the first three years students are grouped by ability in Regents Preparatory, Honors or Mastery sections. Grouping is based on the recommendation of the student’s English teacher and the student’s choice.

The work of the Honors section is organized in much the same way as that of the English Regents Preparatory sections, but aims at greater proficiency in skills, wider range in reading and greater depth in understanding.

Students deficient in basic skills may be assigned to a Mastery section whose aim is to correct such deficiencies and to develop the students’ confidence in their use of language. Instruction is tailored closely to individual needs, interests and abilities, with more than usual time devoted to essentials, including practice in oral and silent reading, short compositions, discussions and other speech activities.

Courses
0122 ENGLISH 9: The Individual in Society
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 9
The course includes 1) reading and study of literature centering on certain broad areas of subject matter and theme, exploring the role of the individual in society; 2) collateral reading intended to encourage wide reading and the ability to recognize similarities and differences in books; 3) writing, focusing on narration, exposition, and persuasion and aiming at precision and accuracy of observation and language; 4) study of grammar and usage directed toward greater effectiveness and precision in writing and speaking; 5) practice in formal and informal speech situations; and 6) practice of skills in the research process.

0115 ENGLISH 9 Mastery
0125 ENGLISH 9 Honors
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 9
This course is focused around the curricular areas of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, but does so at a more advanced level. Students who are considering this course should have strong language skills and a genuine interest in exploring readings to greater depth. Reading assignments are lengthier, require advanced vocabulary and are generally more demanding in depth and scope. Writings are more frequent and require advanced language use. Full participation in daily class discussions as well as formal presentations is expected.

0123 ENGLISH 9: Exploring the World
1 year, 1 credit English and 1 credit social studies, Grade 9, meets daily
This is an interdisciplinary, Regents level course.
This is an interactive course that takes a comprehensive look at world culture from the ancient world to the first global age. It combines and builds on the content of the English 9: The Individual in Society course and the Social Studies 9: Global History course. Students will study historical periods through the characters in fictional accounts as well as through the portrayals in non-fiction documents. Students, in small and large group activities, will step into the lives of ancient peoples and experiences their culture while enjoying the literary practices of close reading, writing process, research skills and public speaking. Skills needed for success on the English and social studies Regents exams will be reinforced.

0222 ENGLISH 10: The Individual Quest
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 10
This course extends the work of the previous year. In writing and speaking, and in the study of literature and language, evidence of maturing skills is expected. The course includes 1) reading and study of literature centering on broad areas of subject matter and theme emphasizing the quest for identity and individuality; 2) collateral reading to encourage diversity of reading and the ability to compare and contrast differing literary interpretations of similar subjects; 3) frequent writing in narration, exposition and persuasion, drawing on literature and the student’s experience as sources for subject and method; 4) emphasis in grammar on sentence structure and word order, particularly complex sentences and phrase and clause modifiers; 5) practice and training in a variety of speaking situations; and 6) practice of advanced skills used in writing research papers.

Special Note on English 10 Honors
In 10th grade, students in the Honors program may choose between the traditional English 10 Honors course and English 10 Honors: World Connections, an interdisciplinary course taught in conjunction with the Social Studies Department. Students wishing to take the AP World History course to meet the social studies requirement should select English 10 Honors rather than English 10 Honors: World Connections.

0215 ENGLISH 10 Mastery
0225 ENGLISH 10 Honors
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 10
This course follows a curricular focus similar to that of a Regents class but moves students more quickly toward abstract interpretations in literature. In their own writings, students will work toward critical analysis as well as complexity in language construction. Students should be strong writers and enjoy the challenge of reading lengthier and more difficult texts. Through active participation in class discussion, students are expected to demonstrate their level of insight on a daily basis.

0230 ENGLISH 10 HONORS: World Connections
1 year, 1 credit English and 1 credit social studies, Grade 10, meets daily
This is an interdisciplinary Honors level course.
Through a thematic survey of world history from the 1700s to the present, student will explore various literary genres and gain a rich understanding of the historical connections. While studying the literary techniques of novels, poetry and short stories, students will gain a diverse perspective of each time period. The course includes extensive reading, research projects, small and large group activities, as well as independent work. As in other honors courses, students will work toward critical analysis and complexity in language construction.

0315 ENGLISH 11 MASTERY
0322 ENGLISH 11: The American Experience
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 11
The course is designed primarily as a preparation for college study and focuses on American works as reflections of life and thought in our country from the nineteenth century to the modern period. Composition work in a variety of expository, persuasive and imaginative modes along with frequent practice in formal and informal speaking situations develops clear and effective thought and expression. Language study includes regular vocabulary, grammar and usage work. Students will complete a major extended task and will sit for the English Regents examination at the end of the year.

0323 ENGLISH 11: American Studies — We the People
1 year, 1 credit English and 1 credit social studies, Grade 11, meets daily
This is an interdisciplinary Regents level course.
This course takes a comprehensive look at the American culture through an examination of links between American literature and history. It combines and builds on the content of the English 11: The American Experience course and the Social Studies 11: American History course. Students will do extensive readings of literature from a cultural/historical perspective while they do close analytical readings of documents, speeches, graphics, and political and literary works. They will also complete multiple writing tasks and a variety of active learning projects designed to emphasize the skills needed for success on both the English and social studies Regents examinations.

0325 AP ENGLISH 11 HONORS
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 11
A course for superior motivated students, English 11 Honors prepares students for the AP exam in English Language and Composition, and thus simulates a college-level course in demand and intensity. It offers a thematic study of major American writers from colonial to modern times. Concerned with both nonfiction and forms of imaginative literature, the course gives particular attention to various critical approaches to literature, to technique and structure, and to the works as reflections of American thought and culture. Frequent writing in diverse modes is required; increased mastery of English syntax, style and vocabulary is sought. Class activities include frequent oral work, reader-response writing, seminar discussions and collaborative projects. Students are required to take the English Regents examinations whether or not they take the AP exam.

English 12
Except for those students continuing in the Honors programs, the department offers seniors the opportunity to choose from a variety of semester-length electives that focus on a particular theme, genre, author or national literature and that provide significant experience in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Each of these courses is designed to accommodate particular ability levels. In counseling students about the course they might take, English teachers will recommend a variety of course selections that are most appropriate to the individual student based on the student's past achievement, in this way helping to plan a program that will satisfy the interests, meet the needs and challenge the capabilities of the student.

Students must successfully complete two semesters of senior courses to meet graduation requirements, taking one-half credit per semester. Requests to deviate from this pattern must be approved by the director of the English Department.

Sometimes students wish to enrich their basic program -- the one best suited to their needs and abilities -- by enrolling in additional English electives; consequently, during the counseling period with their English teachers, students will designate the courses selected as part of their basic program as CORE courses and identify any additional courses as ENRICHMENT courses.

Semester courses are offered in any one semester only if there is sufficient enrollment. Students are asked to indicate a number and order of preference because no guarantee can be given that they will be enrolled in courses of their first preference.

Students must complete English 9 and English 10 before enrolling in the elective program for the purpose of acceleration.

PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CALL THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT (382-2511, EXT. 4351) IF THEY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSES DESCRIBED BELOW.

FULL-YEAR COURSES

0415 AP ENGLISH 12 HONORS
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 12
English 12 Honors is college-level course for superior students. It involves critical study of selected major works of poetry, drama, fiction and nonfiction, tracing recurrent concerns of mankind as expressed in a variety of texts. The course is reading and writing intensive and asks students to study and apply critical theory and work with literary criticism. A high level of verbal competence and skill in writing is required, as well as the power of sustained independent inquiry. Students completing English 12H are prepared to take the AP examination in Literature and Composition.

0420 SUPA ENGLISH 12 HONORS
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 12
This course is affiliated with Syracuse University allowing students to earn six academic credits through an official college transcript. By paying the $594 tuition, students will be enrolled in Writing 105 and English and Textural Studies (ETS 141). With official Syracuse University student status, these students will work periodically with SU professors and have access to campus libraries, etc. It also involves critical study of selected major works of poetry, drama, fiction and nonfiction, but has an emphasis on analytical writing process strategies in the first semester and theoretical perspectives in the second semester. The course is reading and writing intensive and asks students to study and apply critical theory and work with literary criticism. A high level of verbal competence and skill in writing is required, as well as the power of sustained independent inquiry. Students completing SUPA English 12H are prepared to take the AP examination in Literature and Composition or the AP exam in Language and Composition.

0424 AP READING AND WRITING PROSE
(University in High School Program)
1 year, 1 credit, Grade 12
This college-level course emphasizes reading a wealth of world literature, learning how to write in a variety of genres, and engaging in college-level research. Students will also have an opportunity to read contemporary authors, study their work, and meet them to discuss their work through the University at Albany’s Visiting Writer’s Series. In addition, students in this course may elect to earn three university credits via cross registration through SUNY Albany. Fees for university credit may range between $100 and $150. This course also prepares students for the AP examination in Language and Composition.

SEMESTER-LENGTH ELECTIVES

0430 THE ART AND LITERATURE OF THE CINEMA
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
An inquiry into the nature, purposes, forms, methods, techniques, criticism and history of the cinema, the course is intended to develop in students a deeper understanding and appreciation of the movies. Some classic as well as contemporary examples of the cinema are shown and studied in class. These films will be explored through projects, class discussion and speeches, as well as through various modes of expository writing such as critical review, persuasive essay and critical commentary. After reviewing the proposed list of films, parents will need to sign a consent form.

0440 SHAKESPEARE
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
This is a performance-based class. Experience as an actor is not needed, but enthusiasm is. Much of the reading is assigned as homework so that class time can be spent on dramatization, creative projects, discussions and presentations.

0445 WOMEN, MEN, AND LITERATURE
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
The course begins with students writing and speaking about their experiences as young men and women and aims to enlarge individual understanding of gender through reading, analytical and creative writing, and student-led presentations. Reading and analysis spans children’s and young adult literature, poetry, film, plays, and works from the Victorian to contemporary times.

0455 CREATIVE WRITING
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
The course is intended for students who have mastered the skills of expository writing and who now wish the opportunity to create original poetry, non-fiction and fiction. Regular journal writing and research are required. In addition, there is assigned reading of models in poetry and selections from writers of fiction and non-fiction.

0460 FANTASY
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
This half-year senior elective offers students the opportunity to study the contemporary fantasy genre by reading representative novels like The Hobbit and Harry Potter. The course examines the theme of good vs. evil, the heroic archetype and the particular setting and characters expected in fantasy. Through excerpts and short stories, the course will look at the origins of the genre in Greek myth, Anglo-Saxon epic, English literature and American pulp fiction. Recent and exciting developments in the filming of fantasy will be compared to earlier, less-dignified attempts in animation and live action. As part of this course, students will be expected to read additional fantasy on their own, write papers and create projects.

0465 FORMS OF WRITING
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
This intermediate course is designed to prepare the already proficient writer for the rigors of college writing. Emphasis is on clarity and accuracy of language use, precision in the development of ideas, effectiveness of organization and logical argumentation. Units of study focus on narrative, expository and argumentative writing. Models are readings from literature and the social sciences.

0475 FORMS OF NONFICTION
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
This course focuses on the reading of nonfiction forms: biography, autobiography and works of true experience; science and nature writing; reportage; and informative and persuasive works from the fields of history, politics and government, sociology, criticism and contemporary issues. Students will write in these same forms and consider the ways in which nonfiction can offer insight into the human condition, contemporary society and the rewards and challenges of various careers.

0720 JOURNALISM AND MASS MEDIA
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
In this practical course, students collect specific, accurate information through interviews and library sources; practice selecting and ordering of details; and put together clear, interesting articles for the student newspaper, television and other real sources. Students select their own topics while following patterns for news, feature, arts, opinion and sports writing. The course includes reading and discussion of the often-controversial roles played by the mass media in modern society. Requirements include regular reading and viewing of news, a willingness to work collaboratively and under pressure, and active curiosity.
 
0745 SPORTS LITERATURE
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
Sports Literature offers an intense study of reading and writing. The reading opportunities include an exploration of fiction, nonfiction and public discourse (media) materials that represent the athletic community. Writing assignments will include literary analysis, personal reflection, critical research and sports reporting. Students will be expected to conduct critical analysis concerning the personal and professional influence of sports.

0470 CONFLICT AND CRISIS IN LITERATURE
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
This course is all about conflict — conflicts between individuals, groups, nations, beliefs, values and ideologies. The theme of conflict and crisis will be addressed through a variety of angles, texts and writings. Students will engage in large and small group discussions and write narrative, expository and persuasive essays. Language study includes vocabulary, grammar and usage work.
This course will not be offered in 2006-07.

0740 READING AND WRITING NATURE
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grade 12
This course explores the genre of environmental literature and its correlation to the various scientific, sociological and political questions that humans encounter in striving for balance with the natural world. Students will read various forms of literature including articles, essays, novels and poetry. Writing will be equally diverse and will allow students to write reflectively, creatively and technically. The course’s connection to nature and the outdoors will provide opportunities for field trips to local areas of ecological interest.
This course will not be offered in 2006-07.

Supplementary Courses in English
The following courses are intended to supplement the English program and may be elected in addition to grade-level courses but may not be elected in lieu of such courses. These courses do not satisfy the English requirement.

0810 DRAMA
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
Primarily directed toward performance, the course includes work in training the speaking voice, developing sensory awareness, analyzing character and moving on stage. Directing and technical aspects of theater will be studied briefly. Requirements include memorization of roles, reading of plays and evaluation of performances.
This course alternates with Speech. Drama will be offered in 2006-07.

0815 SPEECH
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
This course stresses practical experience in speaking and listening to help students enhance their oral communication. Class activities include listening techniques, voice training, discussion methods, oral interpretation of literature, public speaking and interviewing. The aim is to help students become informed, active, willing and effective participants in all speech situations.
This course alternates with Drama. Speech will not be offered in 2006-07.

0830 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
All students who come from a family in which a language other than English is spoken will be given an oral screening. Students who score below the “cut score” on The Language Assessment Battery exam will be enrolled in ESL and take another assessment in May to determine continued eligibility. The curricular emphasis, including listening and comprehension, oral expression, and writing for literary and technical purposes, enhances students’ ability to use English, allowing them to fully participate in an academic environment.

0834 READING IMPROVEMENT, INDIVIDUALIZED (FALL)
0836 READING IMPROVEMENT, INDIVIDUALIZED (SPRING)
1 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
Grading system - Pass or Fail
Students may be recommended for this course by school counselors, parents or teachers. A student may also elect to take this course. A post test is mandatory. An initial reading test will determine the focus of each student’s individual needs that will then be addressed. An individualized program will be organized for students to address their content area course needs and work toward improving their overall reading and writing skills. SAT and/or TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) content may also be covered.

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