Composition / Literature 9

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT- GRADE 9

This two-term course serves as an introduction to high school English instruction. In ninth grade, the learning of reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening, and researching focuses on the concept of perspectives and pursuits. Within this overarching theme, students will explore a variety of texts and genres through close reading and will write narrative, argumentative, and informative texts. Students will compare and contrast texts and media that connect cultural and world views while focusing on complex characters and parallel plots, manipulated time, and flashbacks. They will make connections between their own lives and the lives of those they read. They will continue to develop their understanding of rhetoric through their reading, writing, and dialoging. Students will develop speaking skills through effective preparation techniques and develop critical listening skills. Students will continue to research authentic questions so they can orally articulate a claim supported by evidence while differentiating between primary and secondary document sources. They will continue to develop and monitor their reading, writing, and thinking processes as they read self-chosen texts, write about self-chosen topics, and think about their thinking. 

PREREQUISITE - TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

This two-term course is designed for the student willing to exert extra effort in the mastery of literature, writing, discussion, and grammar skills. In addition to the core curriculum designed for Composition/Literature 9, students will engage in an intense vocabulary program based on SAT word pools and will study literature selections that are more difficult and abstract. Discussion of literature will emphasize the seminar approach and enhance critical thinking skills. The students will write in narrative, descriptive, comparative/contrasting, and persuasive modes. 

Honors STEM Composition / Literature 9

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT- GRADE 9

PREREQUISITE - ACCEPTANCE INTO STEM PROGRAM

Students in STEM Comp/Lit. 9 will experience English Language Arts (ELA) through the concept of Discovery through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) lens. Since this course leverages the CHS Problem Solving Process, students are expected to develop their curiosity and develop deep questioning skills. More of the texts that we read are nonfiction and incorporate science and social studies concepts. We start the year off with a unit titled STEM 101 Thinking which leverages how and why our course is designed the way it is and focuses on learning how the adolescent brain functions. We read Rocket Boys by Homer Hickham, Jr., develop deep revision strategies and practices for our academic and narrative writing, and end the course with an inquiry unit on the current space race. Independent reading, chosen by the student, is a requirement throughout the course. 

 

Composition / Literature 10

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT- GRADE 10

PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF COMP/LIT 9

This is a two-term course with a thematic approach to literature and writing for students who have completed core 9 requirements. In tenth grade, the learning of reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening, and researching focuses on the concept of The American Dream. Within this overarching theme, students will explore a variety of texts and genres through close reading and will write narrative, argumentative, and informative texts. Students will compare and contrast texts and media that connect traditional, classical, and contemporary themes while focusing on comparing the impact of artistic mediums, and thematic or historical contexts. They will make connections between their own lives and the lives of those they read. They will continue to develop their understanding of rhetoric through their reading, writing, and dialog. Students will develop speaking skills through continued rehearsal techniques and will perform a formal speech. Students will continue to research authentic questions so they can orally articulate a claim supported by evidence while differentiating between primary and secondary document sources. They will continue to develop and monitor their reading, writing, and thinking processes as they read self-chosen texts, write about self-chosen topics, and think about their thinking. 

PREREQUISITE - TEACHER RECOMMENDATION OR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF HONORS COMP/LIT 9

This two-term course is designed for the student willing to exert effort to master literature, writing, and discussion. It provides an excellent foundation for those who plan to take Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Literature courses and for those who desire to enhance their scores on college preparatory exams. The expectations for students taking this class exceed those for students in the standard 10th-grade classes. The literature covered is difficult, abstract, and comprehensive in nature. The writing expected in this class is extensive and includes a research paper. Concurrent enrollment in Forensics is highly recommended.  

Honors STEM Composition / Literature 10

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT- GRADE 10

PREREQUISITE - ACCEPTANCE INTO STEM PROGRAM AND SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COMP/LIT 9 OR HONORS COMP/LIT 9

Students in STEM Comp/Lit 10 will experience English Language Arts (ELA) through the concept of Perception through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) lens. Since this course leverages the CHS Problem Solving Process, students have a direct impact on the direction of the course through concept exploration, curiosity, and specific expected outcomes. More of the texts that we read are nonfiction and incorporate science and social studies concepts. The course begins by reading The Wave and corresponding texts to develop an understanding of group thinking and peer pressure. We develop deep revision strategies and practices for our academic and narrative writing outcomes. Our major text for the course is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer. Students research key concepts before, during, and after reading the text. Independent reading, chosen by the student, is a requirement throughout the course. 

 

COMPOSITION LITERATURE 11

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT - GRADE 11

PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF COMP/LIT 9 AND COMP/LIT 10

In eleventh grade, the learning of reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening, and researching focuses on the concept of Freedom and Responsibility. Within this overarching theme, students will explore a variety of historical texts and genres through close reading and will write narrative, argumentative, and informative texts. Students will compare and contrast two or more complex characters with different motivations while focusing on comparing the historical contexts. They will make connections between their own lives and the lives of those they read. They will continue to develop their understanding of rhetoric through their reading, writing, and dialoging. Students will research, write, and explore their interests in their chosen career path to meet ICAP requirements. They will develop speaking skills through continued rehearsal techniques and will deliver at least one multimedia presentation. Students will continue to research authentic questions so they can orally articulate a claim supported by evidence while differentiating between primary and secondary document sources. They will continue to develop and monitor their own reading, writing, and thinking processes as they read self-chosen texts, write about self-chosen topics, write on demand, and think about their thinking. 

In eleventh grade, the learning of reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening, and researching focuses on the concept of Freedom and Responsibility. Within this overarching theme, students will explore a variety of historical texts and genres through close reading and will write narrative, argumentative, and informative texts. Students will compare and contrast two or more complex characters with different motivations while focusing on comparing the historical contexts. They will make connections between their own lives and the lives of those they read. They will continue to develop their understanding of rhetoric through their reading, writing, and dialoging. Students will research, write, and explore their interests in their chosen career path to meet ICAP requirements. They will develop speaking skills through continued rehearsal techniques and will deliver at least one multimedia presentation. Students will continue to research authentic questions so they can orally articulate a claim supported by evidence while differentiating between primary and secondary document sources. They will continue to develop and monitor their own reading, writing, and thinking processes as they read self-chosen texts, write about self-chosen topics, write on demand, and think about their thinking.

Honors STEM Composition/Literature 11

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT -GRADE 11

PREREQUISITE - ACCEPTANCE INTO STEM PROGRAM AND SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COMP/LIT 10 OR HONORS COMP/LIT 10

Students in STEM Comp/Lit. 11 will experience English Language Arts (ELA) through the concept of Innovation through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) lens. Students will learn how to ask out-of-the box questions that generate new ideas and discoveries. In addition, they will develop research skills and use the problem-solving process to create and evaluate those ideas. More of the texts that we read are nonfiction and incorporate science and social studies concepts. We start off with a deep dive on primary source documents which includes authors Aristotle, Locke, Paine and George Washington while reading the “Declaration of the United States” and “The Constitution.” Students will read Ashfall by Mike Mullin. Students will complete an ICAP project researching their next steps after high school and our final textset leverages Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE 11

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT - GRADE 11

PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF COMP/LIT 9 AND COMP/LIT 10

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts-including images as forms of texts-from a range of disciplines and historical periods. 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE 11

1.0 ENGLISH CREDIT - GRADE 11

PREREQUISITE - COMPLETION OF COMP/LIT 9 AND COMP/LIT 10

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts-including images as forms of texts-from a range of disciplines and historical periods. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 11 - 12

PREREQUISITES - COMPLETION OF LEVEL 9 AND 10 ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

This class is for the advanced, disciplined writer who wants to improve his or her skills and explore new genres. Students will create individual portfolios reflecting mastery of his/her writing goals. Each student will contract with the teacher to write an agreed number of pieces per term. Production of a literary magazine could live naturally in this course. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12

Forensics is a debate-focused speech class that will allow students to develop strategies and knowledge related to logical reasoning and argumentation. Students will learn to verbalize thoughts clearly and dynamically; organize ideas clearly and appropriately; generate speeches for a variety of occasions; develop self-confidence to express ideas fluently; debate successfully using individual, team, and group skills; research effectively; defend positions using evidence.

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 10 - 12

PREREQUISITES - COMPLETION OF FORENSICS 1 OR TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

(May be repeated for individual development and 0.5 elective credit) This is a class for students with above-average speaking skills. Students will choose competition events for independent study, but the primary focus of this class is debate. Debaters will continue to develop the skills learned in Forensics I and apply these to new debate topics. Competition outside of class will be required. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12

This journalism course focuses on current events as they relate to popular culture, particularly the mass media. The course will cover media law and ethics, determining news, gathering news, and writing basic news stories. This course is highly recommended for students who wish to participate in Newspaper and/or Yearbook. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 10

In this one semester class, students study the myths, legends, folklore, and adventures of many cultures with an emphasis on Greek and Roman mythology. Students read a variety of literary forms such as short stories, plays, poetry, and novels. Students then discuss and write about the literature, gaining greater insight by comparing modern interpretations to ancient mythological stories. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 11 - 12

In this one semester class, students study the myths, legends, folklore, and adventures of many world cultures and mythologies. Students read a variety of literary forms such as short stories, plays, poetry, and novels. Students then discuss and write about the literature, gaining greater insight by comparing modern interpretations to mythological stories. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9

PREREQUISITE - TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

The Comp. Lit 9A Literacy Lab is a teacher recommended intervention connected to the Comp. Lit. 9A course. The course is designed to provide extra support for students in Comp. Lit. 9A so they can achieve mastery. English department faculty assist students by helping them keep up in the current course and catch up on standards-based skills that may not have been previously mastered. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9

PREREQUISITE - TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

The Comp. Lit 9B Literacy Lab is a teacher recommended intervention connected to the Comp. Lit. 9B course. The course is designed to provide extra support for students in Comp. Lit. 10B so they can achieve mastery. English department faculty assist students by helping them keep up in the current course and catch up on standards-based skills that may not have been previously mastered. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 10 - 12

This course presents the roots and development of science fiction through short stories, novels, and films. Students explore major themes in the field to gain a greater understanding of the genre and how science fiction uses imaginary beings or events to comment on society. Class discussions, student writing, and projects focus on major science fiction authors’ works. Opportunities to write and experiment with original science fiction selections are encouraged. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12

In this course, students will develop technical, computer and communication skills necessary for effective studio production including, but not limited to, scripting, story-boarding, camera manipulation, audio production, lighting, editing, and final production for broadcast. Students will develop, shoot, edit, direct, and produce in various projects, which may include film, advertising, publication in online news magazines, podcasting or other means of broadcast and publishing. Students will experience various roles in the process and understand the basics of video productions.

1.0 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9-10

This course focuses on marketing and production of all of the student publications. Students will learn and practice journalism writing and production skills in order to publish newsmagazines, yearbook, and online media with regularly scheduled deadlines. Students will not only study principles of gathering, writing, reporting, and editing the news, but also learn about pay layout and design, photography, and business. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9- 12

Course Description: Students will develop conceptual understanding of curiosity, creativity, questioning, inquiry, design thinking and the problem solving process to solve real-world problems. Exploring current real-world problems will provide content and context for possible solutions. Students will select problems, research solutions, present findings to our class, and design and develop prototypes/models. Students will use reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to think through the processes of solving problems, designing solutions and preparing presentations. Students will deepen their understanding and application of research processes to design products while presenting to authentic audiences. Students will use mathematical reasoning when using qualitative and quantitative data and leverage all of the Engineering Design components from the Next Generation Science Standards. 

0.5 ENGLISH ELECTIVE CREDIT  - GRADE 10 - 12

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.