Department of English

Introduction to Literature and Composition 8110
Prerequisite: 9th Grade Requirement
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course combines the basis of grammar and in introduction to literature. Knowledge of the mechanics of the English language is a necessity to basic communication.  The literature portion of the course acquaints the student with various genres of literature including short stories, novels, poetry, drama and biographies.  A sequential vocabulary program is taught in conjunction with writing skills.

Honors Introduction to Literature and Composition 8111H
Prerequisite: 9th Grade Placement Test
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course is designed for incoming freshmen who demonstrate high achievement on the English grammar and literature-composition test.  This course will emphasize a higher-level analysis of literature and advanced writing assignments to accommodate and challenge the honors student.  This student will continue in an honors English program culminating with the Advanced Placement English in senior year.

American Literature 8311
Prerequisite: 10th Grade Requirement
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course stresses the challenge and contributions of American authors and poets to the world of literature.  The SAT vocabulary skills program is developed both semesters and is often incorporated into writing assignments.  Grammar skills round out the program. A research paper is required.

Honors American Literature 8311H
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course will cover the major authors, periods, forms, and works of American Literature. It will take a chronological approach using the readings in the textbook, covering the major figures and periods in American literary history.  There will also be major novels and plays assigned as supplementary material. Vocabulary study both from the class readings and the separate vocabulary textbook will be assigned.  Writing formal essays of literary analysis is a major emphasis of the course. The writing process will be broken into specific steps with time allotted for personal and peer review.  Correct grammar, usage, and the mechanics of writing are stressed throughout the curriculum. The Honors component places great emphasis on close examination of texts and the construction of logical arguments about how language is used to create meaning.

British Literature 8411
Prerequisite: 11th Grade Requirement
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course presents a chronological survey of British Literature starting with Beowulf and ending with 20th century prose and poetry. Writing assignments challenge the students to think critically and analytically as well as creatively.  Vocabulary is studied in a sequential skill-building program to further prepare the student for the SAT test.

Honors British Literature 8411H
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course is an enriched chronological study of England’s vast literary heritage.  It begins with Anglo-Saxon readings and ends with 20th century prose and poetry. Writing assignments reflect the advanced students’ level of analysis and exposition.  A research paper is required.

World Literature  8421
Prerequisite: 12th Grade Requirement
Credit: 1.0                      

Description: This year-long course surveys, in English translation, the literature of the world from the Greeks to the modern period.  Students will be exposed to many of the great literary traditions of the world, including the French, Spanish and Russian, as well as others.  The expansive anthology for the course provides the student with an interdisciplinary focus on literature, art, religion, history and other aspects of human life.  The instructor will select one or more novels to supplement the anthology.  Students will write extensively on the novels and works from the anthology, zooming in on literary terminology, historical context, and authorial intent.  The vocabulary and culture pertinent to each literary tradition are vital components of the course. 

Honors World Literature 8421H
Prerequisite: B or better in previous English courses & Department Approval
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course surveys, in English translation, the literature of the world from the Greeks to the modern period.  Students will be exposed to many of the great literary traditions of the world, including the French, Spanish and Russian, as well as others.  The expansive anthology for the course provides the student with an interdisciplinary focus on literature, art, religion, history and other aspects of human life.  The instructor will select several novels and plays to supplement the anthology.  Students will write extensively on the novels and works from the anthology, zooming in on literary terminology, historical context, and authorial intent.  The vocabulary and culture pertinent to each literary tradition are vital components of the course.

Advanced Placement English 8501
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Credit: 1.0

Description: This year-long course continues the honors curriculum in English.  Advanced Placement English is composed of a study of four genres: short stories, poetry, novels and drama. The course covers an in-depth analysis of each genre by applying literary techniques. During the first semester students will have a concentrated SAT preparation module. Students will write critical reviews of the literary elements of each work. Students will write a thorough research paper on a literary topic in addition to regular essays. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement English Exam at the end of the course and are responsible for the fee charged by the College Board.

Advanced Placement English Language 8502
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Credit: 1.0

Description:  This year-long course continues the honors curriculum in English. It is composed of the study of literature of various genres, thus there will be in-depth discussion of a variety of literary topics. Students will also interpret a number of analytic and persuasive essays.  A key focus of the course is helping students to strengthen their interpretation skills so that they can improve their writing skills. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement English Exam at the end of the course and are responsible for the fee charged by the College Board.