ENGLISH I

Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 9th grade standing

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
English I concentrates on reaching the California standards in reading writing, speaking, and listening. Literature study covers plot, conflict, characterization, point of view, setting, and theme. Writing units feature organization, focus, research, evaluation, and revision. Written and oral language study covers grammar and the mechanics of writing, vocabulary, and appropriate manuscript form. Units of study include speaking and listening, short stories, novels, research projects, poetry, and drama.

ENGLISH I HONORS

Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 9th grade standing, reading above grade level, and a recommendation from the 8th grade English teacher

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In addition to the English I class work, students complete an intensive research project as well as read three classic novels and a play from the California recommended literature list. A written response to each piece of literature demonstrates comprehension, an understanding of stylistic devices, and an appreciation of the effects created.

ENGLISH II

Grade Level: 10
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 10th grade standing and satisfactory completion of English I or the equivalent

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In English II students meet the California standards by reading and discussing stories, essays, plays, poems, and novels from a multi-cultural perspective. Mythology will be studied in order to better understand the origin of English words and expressions. Units in writing further develop expository, technical, and persuasive composition. Students complete written response logs for literature and vocabulary assignments accompanying each unit.

ENGLISH II HONORS

Grade Level: 10
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 10th grade standing, successful completion of English I or the equivalent, reading above grade level, and a
recommendation from the 9th grade English teacher.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In addition to the California standards that are met in English II, students complete an intensive research project in comparative world literature that includes the analysis of works by two novelists or playwrights.

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Grade Level: 11
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 11th grade standing and satisfactory completion of English II or the equivalent, reading above grade level, and the recommendation of the 10th grade English teacher.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Through the reading of classic American novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays, students survey American literature from the Colonial period through the 20th Century. Discussion, journal writing, research papers, literary analysis, vocabulary study, creative writing, and oral presentations are designed to meet the California standards as they accompany thoughtful reading of the assigned literature.

AMERICAN LITERATURE HONORS

Grade Level: 11
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 11th grade standing and satisfactory completion of English II or the equivalent, reading above grade level, and the
recommendation of the 10th grade English teacher

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Through the reading of classic American novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays, students survey American literature from the Colonial period through the 20th Century. Discussion, journal writing, literary analysis, vocabulary study, creative writing, and oral presentations are designed to meet the California standards as they accompany thoughtful reading of the assigned literature. The student in Honors American Literature will complete an in depth study of the life and works of one American author. This study will culminate in the completion of a term paper.

ADVANCED COMPOSITION AND WORLD LITERATURE

Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 12th grade standing and satisfactory completion of American
Literature or the equivalent

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students practice writing organized essays, short stories, poetry, letters, and news articles. In addition, World Literature provides the opportunity to read, discuss, and critique literature from areas of the world including England, Africa, Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America. Students explore common themes throughout the different cultures including the roles of women, justice, war and peace, as well as change and revolution. Students read critically and write regularly, as well as prepare oral presentations and formal papers.

A.P. BRITISH LITERATURE

Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credits: 5 credits per semester
Prerequisite: 12th grade standing, satisfactory completion of American
Literature or the equivalent, recommendation of the
American Literature teacher, and a signed agreement that
the student will meet Advanced Placement course standards.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course studies literature by writers of British origin from the early medieval through the 20th Century. During the first semester students read plays, essays, poetry, prose, and novels from the 19th Century, including writers like Chaucer, Shakespeare, Swift, Austen, Bronte, and Dickens. The second term focuses on the cultural context of the works and their relationship to modern thought. Works under study include Conrad, Forster, Wilde, Joyce, Lawrence, Woolf, Murdoch, and Coetze. Major Century philosophical trends and ideas will be emphasized. Students read critically and write regularly. They prepare oral presentations and formal essays equivalent to first-year college standards. Students expand their understanding and appreciation of literature through reading, discussion, and writing.