English Classes

Year-Long Courses
Freshmen will take either English 9 or English 9 Accelerated. 
Sophomores will take either English 10 or English 10 Accelerated.
Advanced Placement (AP) English is offered to juniors and seniors.
 

English 9:   In English 9, freshmen will refine and expand their reading, writing, and speaking skills.  Literature units include a study of novels, short stories, plays, and poems.  Students will also study and practice various forms of writing that will help them develop their creativity and unique writing voice.  To improve their public speaking skills, students will give presentations to the class and will be invited to participate in class discussion.  The class also includes instruction in vocabulary and grammar.   Instructor: Ms. Synnes

English 9 Accelerated:  English 9 Accelerated is similar to English 9 except that works will be analyzed in greater depth and writing assignments will be more rigorous.  Given that the pace of the course is accelerated, students will be exposed to a number of additional literary works.  In addition, students will write a research paper.  This course will offer a challenge to those freshmen working beyond the scope of a regular English 9 class.    Instructor: Ms. Scofield

English 10:    English 10, like most English courses, focuses on reading, literature, and writing; in addition, English 10 places special emphasis on public speaking and interpersonal communication.  Sophomores will spend seven weeks studying speech composition.  We will then transfer these speech-writing skills to essay writing.  Throughout the year, we will read various novels, short stories, poetry, and drama.  In addition, students will write a research paper.     Instructors: Ms. Holverson and Mrs. Miller

English 10 Accelerated:   Students taking English 10 Accelerated will be challenged to demonstrate improvement in their written and oral communication skills.  Emphasis will be on correct and creative essay writing, research writing, speech writing, and public speaking.  In addition, students will delve into several terrific novels and plays for critical analysis and interpretation, while refining their grammatical and literary skills.  This course will offer a challenge to those sophomores working beyond the scope of a regular English 10 class.     Instructor: Mrs. Miller

Advanced Placement (AP) English: Advanced Placement (AP) English is designed to prepare motivated juniors and seniors for the rigors of college reading and writing tasks.  Over the course of the year, students will read and analyze a wide variety of prose and poetry and write numerous essays.  Extensive reading and writing outside of class is required.  Upon successfully completing this course, students can take the Advanced Placement English/Language and Composition exam in May.  This exam provides high-scoring students with the opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced placement in English in college.    Instructor: Ms. Scofield

Semester Courses
Juniors and seniors need to be registered for one English class each semester.  
Juniors and seniors may take one year of Advanced Placement (AP) English (see above).

Advanced Speech:  Advanced Speech gives students the opportunity to refine public speaking abilities.  Students will present both from memory and extemporaneously; speeches will be both group and individual projects.  Various public speaking methods and occasions will be studied and performed.   Instructor: Ms. Holverson

American Literature:   American Literature focuses on the authors, events, genres, and literary elements from the time of the early colonists to the present day.  The important skills of interpretation and analysis will be emphasized.  Students will develop a literary timeline that will help them appreciate the depth and breadth of their American heritage.    Instructor: Mrs. Miller

Communication for Success (AS): Communication for Success is a class designed for students planning on entering a vocational college or technical school, or for someone going directly into the work world.  Students will develop communication skills that they will need not only for successful employment but also as students, citizens, and life-long learners.  Students may earn advanced standing credits in this course.  This means that if a student earns an A or B in the class, he or she will receive free credits that apply toward a technical college program.   Instructor: Ms. Synnes

Creative Writing: Creative Writing gives students the opportunity to stretch the imagination and improve writing skills.  Students will write poems, short stories, and a short play.  Students will also read and analyze contemporary short stories and poetry.   Instructor: Ms. Scofield

Drama/Theatre I : Drama/Theatre I is for students who enjoy the performing arts.  They will gain exposure to a variety of drama's components from the study of classic plays, musicals, costuming, and acting.   Instructor: Ms. Holverson

Mythology, Legend, and Folklore: In Mythology, Legend, and Folklore, students will study numerous myths, legends, and folktales while exploring how these ancient stories still influence cultures today.   The wonderful variety of literature will also provide opportunity for students to refine their writing and comprehension skills.  Several projects are involved in this course; most significant will be the storytelling project.  Instructor: Mrs. Miller

Shakespeare: The purpose of Shakespeare (the course) is to help students read, understand, and enjoy Shakespearean drama.  Students will study the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare's language, as well as Elizabethan concepts and dramatic conventions that helped shape the plays.  This class will also explore the universal themes that make these stories relevant to the 21st century.  Students will have the opportunity to attend a professional performance at American Players Theatre.   Instructor: Ms. Synnes

World Literature: Students in World Literature explore a range of literary works and cultures from ancient times through the present day.  An emphasis is placed on critical written and oral interpretation of the material.  This course is appropriate for students continuing their education after high school.  Instructor: Ms. Holverson

Course Desription: (from 09-10 Course Description book)