Throughout their four years of English studies, students develop their reading, writing, oral communication and critical-thinking skills in each course. Students will study a variety of literary genres, gain insight into the experiences of people of different cultures and eras, and ponder critical questions of the human experience. Through researching, writing and speaking for a variety of purposes, students further their abilities to form and develop logical arguments in a clear, coherent manner. The English program develops students’ academic skills, which supports both independent and collaborative experiences to achieve holistic growth while simultaneously preparing for standardized assessments and post-secondary experiences.
Students must SUCCESSFULLY complete 9th grade English before taking 10th grade English; 10th grade English before Junior American Lit; Junior American Lit before 12th grade options. If students fail a course in the sequence, Summer School may be necessary in order for students to stay on track for graduation in four years.
American Literature
Prerequisites: Sophomore English
Grade Level: 11
Semester: 2
Credits: 1
Students will study American literature from a variety of authors, styles, and historical contexts. This course addresses the grade 11 benchmarks of the Common Core State English/Language Arts Standards. Students will further develop their ability to evaluate, critique, and compare philosophies, ideals, morals, and values as presented in this country’s literature.
American Studies
Prerequisite: Sophomore English & American Government
Grade Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Credits: 2 (1 English, 1 Social Studies)
Students will learn the American historical timeline, the significance of major movements and changes in society reflected in the literary and fine arts, and lessons that can be learned in our own time by examining key eras and movements in America’s political, social and artistic history. This United States history class will be taken in conjunction with American Literature.
AP Language and Composition
Prerequisites: Honors Sophomore English
Grade Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
AP Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of American Literature written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading will help students develop an understanding of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to the effectiveness of writing. This course is writing intensive; writing is an integral part of the AP Language and Composition course and exam. Students taking this course may be required to complete a summer reading assignment that utilizes skills in reading, writing and literature. Students may receive college credit by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Board.
AP Literature and Composition
Prerequisites: AP Language and Composition
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
AP Literature and Composition “engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways authors use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.” This course is writing intensive; writing is an integral part of the AP English Literature and Composition course and exam. Students may receive college credit by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Board.
Chicago Literature
Prerequisite: American Literature
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
This course will focus on Chicago authors and literature based in and about Chicago. Chicago Literature will synthesize the history of the city with the words that have described it. Project-based learning and hands-on experiences will be utilized
Choices in Literature
Prerequisite: American Literature
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed with student choice as its foundation. Students will have the opportunity to select works of literature to read and study independently. Students should expect to read extensively as well as write and present their understanding of literary constructs from their reading selections.
Classic and Modern Mythology
Prerequisite: American Literature
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
Students will read and discuss myths from both Western and non-Western cultures. Students will develop an understanding of archetypes and themes and how these themes are rooted in the mythology and folklore of the past. Students will also analyze how modern tales have been shaped by ancient myths.
Creative Writing
Prerequisite: American Literature
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5
This course will afford students the opportunity to read and write in a variety of styles and genres. These will include poetry, short fiction, screenplays, and personal narratives. The focus of this course is on improving, expanding, and understanding the application of techniques, conventions and theories of fiction and developing creative writing pieces.
Film as Literature
Prerequisite: American Literature
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5
Students will not only study the elements of film-making and analyze how these elements create a film’s theme(s), but students will also come to understand how social, historical, and cultural contexts have an impact on that film’s theme(s). Students will study film from early silent films to modern classics.
Freshman Academic English
Prerequisite: 8th grade placement process
Grade Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
This course addresses the grade 9 benchmarks of the Common Core State English/Language Arts Standards. Students will develop their skills through an integrated study of literature, nonfiction, writing, research, and speech.
Freshman Honors English
Prerequisite: 8th grade placement process
Grade Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
In this rigorous course, students will increase their reading, writing, speaking, listening, research and thinking skills through the integrated study of literature, composition, and speech. The honors sequence prepares students to perform at the Advanced Placement English skill level by their junior year of high school.
Graphic Novels
Prerequisite : None
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
The Graphic Novel course focuses on the analysis of multimodal texts and sequential art as its own distinctive form of storytelling and reading. Students will learn about the principles that graphic novels are based upon including visual iconography, timing, motion, framing, expressive anatomy, line styles, and color. Students will write analytical papers about the novels they read, and they will read non-fiction texts and articles related to the study of sequential art. Students will also study and research works in a variety of genres.
Introduction to Media Production
Prerequisites: None
Grade Levels: 9-12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
This semester-long course is centered around the fundamentals of journalism and media production. Students will learn about media literacy as well as the historical and ethical responsibility of journalists. In addition to learning how to write in a variety of article styles (including, but not limited to: news, editorials, features, entertainment, sports, etc.), for multiple prints and web-based media publications, students will also be introduced to photojournalism, broadcasting, video and audio production, as well as editing basics for all media platforms. Fine Arts elective courses do not count toward English graduation requirements.
Video and Audio Production
Prerequisites: Introduction to Media Production or Division Chair/Instructor Approval
Grade Levels: 9-12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
In Video and Audio Production, students will continue to develop their video and audio production skills with an emphasis on the following (depending on project type):
- Pre Production – writing, studio preparation, set layout
- Production – equipment use, recording, lighting, camera, and microphone use
- Post-production – Digital editing, graphics, music, and sound design
Students will expand their knowledge of the above elements as they create original content in both video and audio mediums in the form of podcasts and short film productions. Emphasis is placed on creating and disseminating finished products, and best practices, and creating opportunities for student creativity and live broadcasts.
Fine Arts elective courses do not count toward English graduation requirements.
Introduction to Theater
| Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9-12 Semesters: 1 Credits: 0.5 Introduction to Theater is a multi-leveled course that explores the different aspects of theater as well as the process of staging a piece. Students will gain insight into the various theatrical roles of actor, audience, playwright, technician, designer, critic, director, and researcher. Central to this course is the idea of collaboration and participation, creating a safe space for artists to explore ideas and interpretations. Finally, students will understand that theater can serve not only as a mirror for culture but also as a catalyst for change. |
Journalism: Print / Web Production
Prerequisites: Introduction to Media Production or Division Chair/Instructor Approval
Grade Levels: 9-12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
Students will build on the skills they learned in the Introduction to Media Production course to produce stories in a variety of mediums. Students will identify topics and develop stories through the research writing copy before publication. The publication can include both print and online. In conjunction with the publication, students will learn the basics of graphic design and software for both print and web layouts. They will also branch out into photojournalism. Furthermore, students will explore how to properly use social media to promote their material. Emphasis is placed on creating and disseminating finished products, and best practices, and creating opportunities for student creativity and publication. Students can enroll in this course more than once for elective credit.
Fine Arts elective courses do not count toward English graduation requirements.
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Language, Power, and Social Justice
Prerequisite: none
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
This course examines the connections between language, power, and social justice. Using ideas and methods from linguistic anthropology, students will explore how current inequalities at the local, national, and global levels are perpetuated through language. Drawing on contemporary examples, students will learn how language can both produce and combat inequalities in many of these areas.
Modes of Rhetoric and Composition 1
Prerequisite: American Literature
Grade Level: 12
Semester 1
Credit: 0.5
This course will provide opportunities for students to study multiple modes/formats of writing with an emphasis on organization, clarity, and coherence. Students will use critical reading skills to research and clarify explanations and support arguments. This course has an option for dual credit with Moraine Valley Community College for qualified students. To qualify for dual credit, students must have an appropriate English placement test score (English AND Reading ACT Score of 19 or higher; OR English AND Reading SAT Score of 480 or higher or equivalent on the MVCC Accuplacer test) and pay a fee.
Modes of Rhetoric and Composition 2
Prerequisite: Modes of Rhetoric and Composition 1
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
In this second course in the sequence, students will study multiple modes of writing with an emphasis on research, editing, and revision. Students will use both primary and secondary sources, including literary criticism. There will be a focus on writing for a professional audience. This course has an option for dual credit with Moraine Valley Community College for qualified students. To qualify for dual credit, students must have an appropriate English placement test score (English AND Reading ACT Score of 19 or higher; OR English AND Reading SAT Score of 480 or higher or equivalent on the MVCC Accuplacer test) and pay a fee.
Sophomore Academic English
Prerequisite: Freshman English
Grade: 10
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
The course includes reading, oral presentations, and writing essays. The skills are derived from literature, everyday experience, and consideration for future goals. The development of thinking skills and problem-solving will be a priority. The students will be expected to participate in group activities, give speeches, edit and proofread written language, use the computer and complete all assignments in an acceptable manner.
Sophomore Honors English
Prerequisite: Honors Freshman English
Grade Level: 10
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
In this rigorous course, students develop their reading, thinking, research, writing, speaking, and listening skills derived from the analysis of literature and the discussion of readers’ responses to that literature. The honors sequence prepares students to perform at the Advanced Placement English skill level by their junior year of high school.
Sports Literature
Prerequisite: none
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
In this course, students will read, analyze, and write about sports literature, making connections between sports, culture, and life. Novels, biographies, short stories, essays, newspaper columns, magazine articles, TV and radio broadcasts, movies, the internet, and other mediums of communication will be studied
Theater Workshop 1
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theater or Division Chair/Instructor Approval
Grade Level: 9-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5
This course will provide an in-depth study of theater as it pertains to performance and production, essentially creating opportunities for students to develop communication and interpretive skills as actors, speakers, and technicians, and to demonstrate their artistic and personal growth through the performance of these skills. Some course goals include the development of techniques as both actors and as a part of the crew, the application of critical thinking skills through analysis of the theater and performance, the progression of self-confidence and poise, and the creation of an environment of community in which all students feel responsible to the group as a whole.