Except for ninth-grade courses and the Interdisciplinary Honors English courses in grades 9 and 10, English courses are one semester in length. All courses involve the student in reading, writing, vocabulary development, speaking, and listening. Students who enroll in senior year AP/SUPA level classes may be required to complete a summer reading and writing assignment. All students are encouraged to read throughout the summer.
Requirements
The New York State Education Department requires four credits in English for graduation. Every student must also pass the English Language Arts Regents assessment in order to graduate. At F-M, each student’s program must include:
- American Literature 1/2 credit. Courses fulfilling this requirement are 7740, 7755, 7765.
- One writing course in grades 10, 11, and 12.
Such courses are designated as writing within their titles. One of these must be a course in essay writing. - A student must earn passing grades in their 9th and 10th grade courses as a prerequisite for the Essay Writing course in 11th grade.
The English Honors curriculum emphasizes critical literacy processes and practices. As such, it assumes increased intellectual rigor and intensity as students progress through the grade levels. Students who meet the minimum criteria and wish to continue in the honors program regularly exhibit the following traits:
- Intellectual curiosity, as demonstrated by consistent engagement with a wide variety of challenging texts, by self-initiative during the reader response process and by consistent, insightful contributions during class discussions.
- Intellectual maturity, as demonstrated by comfort with less structure and more ambiguity during class discussions and activities, as well as sustained attention to detail during the critical reading and writing process. (Note: most critical reading and formalized drafting take place independently, out of class, in honors courses.)
- A strong work ethic, as demonstrated by willingness to read the equivalent of 25-30 pages of rigorous course material each night, by sustained, independent attention to writing process and refinement during drafting and revision, and by willingness to offer and to utilize constructive criticism throughout the writing process.
Grade 9 English Courses
Required: One credit.
- 7705 English 9
- 7710 English 9 Regents
- 7719 English 9 Honors
- 8888 English 9 Interdisciplinary Honors (full year)
GRADE 10 ENGLISH COURSES
Required: One credit. Choose one from each semester.
First Semester 1/2 credit
- 7720 Writing & Speech
- 7730 Writing & Speech R
- 7739 Writing & Speech H
- 8889 English 10 Interdisciplinary H (full year)
Second Semester 1/2 credit
- 8723 Perspectives in Literature
- 8733 Perspectives in Literature R
- 8740 Perspectives in Literature H
Grade 11 English Courses
Required: One credit. Choose one from each semester.
First Semester 1/2 credit
- 7740 American Literature
- 7755 American Literature R
- 7765 American Literature H
Second Semester 1/2 credit
- 8745 Essay Writing
- 8759 Essay Writing R
- 8769 Essay Writing H
Grade 12 English Courses
Required: One credit. Choose Writing and Discourse or Senior Writing (1/2 credit) and one other 1/2 credit course.
One Semester (1/2 credit)
- 7775 Senior Writing
- 7790 Writing and Discourse
- 8770 Textual Studies
- 8790 Textual Studies: Film
- 8780 Textual Studies: Drama
- 8794 Contemporary Literature
Full Year (1/2 credit per semester)
- 7798 Advanced Language and Composition SUPA/AP
- 7799 Advanced Literature and Composition AP
Elective Courses
The English Department offers electives in literature, language, creative writing, journalism, and acting, as well as courses to improve writing and reading. Although these courses are not counted toward the four required credits in English, they do carry elective credit toward the diploma.
One Semester Courses
- 7701/8701 Writing Lab; 1/4 credit (alternate days)
- 8771 Acting Workshop; 1/2 credit
- 7780 History & Structure of English Language; 1/2 credit
- 7727 Advanced Broadcast Journalism; 1/2 credit
- 7735 The Rhetoric of Race in American Culture; 1/2 credit
- 8787 SUPA Writing Culture; 1/2 credit
All Year
- 7770 Theater; 1 credit
- 8725 Journalism Workshop; 1/2 credit
- 8726 Broadcast Journalism Workshop; 1/2 credit (alternate days)
- 8895 Creative Writing; 1/2 credit
Index
Grade 9 Courses
In ninth grade, the English courses on all levels involve students with reading, writing, listening, and speaking in each semester. Because these skills are so interrelated, what a student learns in one area reinforces his/her learning in all the others. Vocabulary study is also included in each semester’s work.
7705 ENGLISH 9
40 Weeks, 1 Credit, Grade 9
This course is designed for students whose reading and writing skills are developing. Students enrolled in this course are integrated into Regents English 9 with adjusted expectations. Students enrolled in English 9 are strongly encouraged to enroll in Writing Lab 7701 for extra academic support.
7710 ENGLISH 9 Regents
40 Weeks, 1 Credit, Grade 9
This course is designed for the student who has proficient to above average skills in reading and writing. During the course, students’ reading prompts ideas for writing and speaking. The students frequently work in pairs or groups to discuss their own as well as professional authors’ writings. For example, in one segment of the first semester, the students may consider issues related to justice and prejudice. They write, speak, and read books and poems on that theme including To Kill a Mockingbird. In another segment, they may be introduced to Greek mythology and read a version of Homer’s Odyssey. Students are also expected to read and keep records and journals of outside reading. Other works may include Ender’s Game, Of Mice and Men, Speak, Romeo and Juliet and a variety of poems, short stories, non-fiction texts, and visual media.
7719 ENGLISH 9 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 Credit, Grade 9
This course is designed for the student with exceptionally strong reading and writing skills who is capable of taking an idea from the concrete to the abstract. During the course, students’ reading prompts ideas for writing and mini-research projects, which in turn may become materials for oral presentations or group discussions. Students will explore the themes of community, family, justice, tolerance and prejudice in a variety of texts. The students often write in the computer lab and confer with peers about their writing. Students are introduced to Greek mythology and read Homer’s
Odyssey in order to form a strong foundation for understanding and appreciating more contemporary literature. Short stories, poems, non-fiction texts, visual media, and long works such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Speak, Romeo and Juliet and Things Fall Apart are used to prompt analysis and discussion. Students in honors level courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a strong work ethic.
8888 ENGLISH 9 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 Credit, Grade 9
Interdisciplinary, Full Year
In this year-long course, literature and composition instruction are integrated to facilitate some interdisciplinary units in Social Studies and English. Students recommended to take this course must also enroll in the honors Social Studies course in grade nine (0003). This course is designed for exceptional English and social studies students who display advanced reading, writing, and thinking skills, and who are creative and sophisticated in their work. Activities in the two courses are designed to encourage students to associate and apply the concepts and skills that are inherent to both disciplines in numerous cooperative learning activities. As a part of their course work, students study multicultural literature as related to the social studies curriculum, and participate in a variety of listening, speaking, writing and research activities. Texts may include To Kill a Mockingbird, Siddhartha, Romeo & Juliet, Granada, Ender’s Game, and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Students in honors level courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a strong work ethic.
Grade 10 First Semester Courses
7720 WRITING & SPEECH
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 10
This course is designed for the students who are continuing to develop their writing skills. Students will be guided through pre-writing and editing exercises as they develop writing pieces. Students will experience both personal and literary writing. Students’ confidence and effectiveness in speaking will be developed in speech units. Vocabulary development is an integral part of this course. Students enrolled in this course will be integrated into Writing & Speech Regents with adjusted expectations.
7730 WRITING & SPEECH Regents
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 10
This writing course is designed for the student whose writing abilities are considered proficient or skilled for a high school sophomore. The purpose of this course is to involve the student in understanding the use of rhetorical devices in carefully planned writing, including pieces that are expository, narrative, descriptive, and analytical. The subjects for writing are chosen from both the student’s world and the literary world. During units on speech, students participate in various listening and speaking activities. The units are intended to continue building the student’s poise, confidence, and effectiveness in speaking and reading aloud. Vocabulary development and understanding of rhetorical devices are also an integral part of this course.
7739 WRITING & SPEECH Honors
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 10
This writing course is intended for skilled students who write with correctness and clarity and are ready to concern themselves with refining the style and heightening the interest in their papers. A range of special writing effects are explored through student experimentation and the study of accomplished writers. Revising and rewriting are a crucial part of the process in this course as is vocabulary instruction. Students will complete synthesis and research projects, and participate in various listening and speaking activities. The speaking element of the course is intended to continue building the student’s poise, confidence, and effectiveness in speaking and reading aloud. Students are required to give several speeches throughout the semester. Students in honors courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity and a strong work ethic.
8889 ENGLISH 10 Honors
40 Weeks, 1 Credit, Grade 10
Interdisciplinary Full Year
This year-long course continues the aims of Interdisciplinary Honors English 9, and, as in Interdisciplinary 9, students recommended for this course must also enroll in Interdisciplinary Honors Social Studies in grade ten (0013). As this is a humanities program, students will be expected to successfully engage in cooperative learning activities. Interdisciplinary units and presentations are designed to challenge students who exhibit strength in both disciplines and to encourage them to associate and deepen the concepts and skills inherent in English and Global Studies. A jottings notebook may be required to help develop student thinking and writing. Literature studies may include 1984, Brave New World, Lord of the Flies, Night, and The Tempest, as well as a variety of short stories and poems. Since the course requires extensive writing and textual analysis, students choosing it should have achieved a B+ or above in English 9 Honors or 9 Interdisciplinary Honors. Students in honors level courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a strong work ethic.
GRADE 10 Second Semester Courses
8723 PERSPECTIVES IN LITERATURE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 10
This course is designed for the student who experiences some difficulty in both reading and writing about literature, which includes poetry, short stories, and either a play or a novel. Students enrolled in this course are integrated into Perspectives in Literature Regents with adjusted expectations.
8733 PERSPECTIVES IN LITERATURE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 10, Regents
This course is designed for students who are proficient to above average in English. Students will read and write about short stories, plays, novels, and poetry which focus on varying perspectives and ideas in literature. In their writing, students will create, develop and support controlling ideas based on literary texts. In addition, students will deliver presentations and group projects. Major works may include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Night, A Separate Peace, The Secret Life of Bees and The Lord of the Flies.
8740 PERSPECTIVES IN LITERATURE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 10, Honors
This course is designed for students who are strong readers and sophisticated writers. Students will be expected to create their own meanings from texts and support their positions with well-developed, text-based reasoning. Students will work in a variety of genres. Major works may include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1984, Color of Water, Night, Lord of the Flies and A Separate Peace. Students in honors level courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a strong work ethic.
Grade 11 First Semester Courses
7740 AMERICAN LITERATURE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 11
This course is intended for students who will benefit from a more deliberate instructional pace. The course approaches American literature from themes such as identity, freedom, and human relationships. Works studied may include The Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman, Fences, poems, and a variety of high interest short stories. Writing assignments will include practicing the writing tasks required on the English Language Arts assessment, in addition to other types of writing. All grade 11 students must take the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment. Students enrolled in this course are integrated into the American Literature Regents course with adjusted expectations.
7755 AMERICAN LITERATURE Regents
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 11
The literature in this course explores some of the rich variety of cultural identities that make up America as well as concerns reflected in the work of American authors. Writing assignments for this course focus on exploration and analysis of literature and include practice for the English Language Arts Common Core Regents Examination in June. Literature may include The Great Gatsby, Into the Wild, The Catcher in the Rye, Fences, other long fiction or drama, and a variety of poems and short stories. All grade 11 students must take the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment.
7765 AMERICAN LITERATURE Honors
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 11
This is a course designed for juniors with strong reading comprehension skills, who are stylistically sophisticated in writing. Honors American Literature delves into concerns reflected in the work of American authors. Students explore short stories, longer fiction, drama, and poetry. Texts may include The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, The Catcher in the Rye, Sula, and Fences along with shorter texts by Sherman Alexie, Langston Hughes, and Naomi Shihab Nye. Writing assignments for this course focus on literary analysis and include practice for the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment that all grade 11 students must take in June. Students in honors level courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a strong work ethic.
Grade 11 Second Semester Courses
8745 ESSAY WRITING
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 11
This course is designed for the junior whose writing still has some weakness in structure and mechanics. During the semester, students are given instruction in clarity of expression; they write essays of exposition and persuasion with the purpose of improving their topic development and logic. The logical process required in the pre-writing stage is explored in large and small group work. Special attention is given to writing which will support the students’ efforts on the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment which all grade 11 students must take. Students enrolled in this course will be integrated into Essay Writing Regents with adjusted expectations.
8759 Essay Writing Regents
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 11
In this course students focus on the writing process and writing essays responding to, analyzing, and utilizing outside texts, with a focus on peer and self-editing, including all types of literature. “Shorter” pieces such as poetry and short fiction, and the frequently ignored genre of non-fiction (such as essays, profiles, biographies) are the primary focus. Students work on improving the thesis statement of their essays, logical development, and style. Portfolio evaluation may be employed . Writing assignments include practice in answering the composition questions which appear on the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment that all grade 11 students must take in June.
8769 Essay Writing Honors
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 11
Students in the honors sections are expected to be able to write sophisticated compositions that demonstrate logical development, an awareness of style and a clear voice. This section of Essay Writing is designed for students with exceptional writing ability, many of whom will be entering the Advanced Placement or Project Advance programs in their senior years. The course focuses on analyzing various genres of literature and writing various types of essays: personal writing, literary analysis of prose and poetry, the research essay, as well as preparation for the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment in June. Students work on improving the thesis statement of their essays, logical development, and style. Works read may include Macbeth or Othello, and “shorter” pieces such as poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction. All grade 11 students must take the English Language Arts Common Core Regents assessment. Students in honors level courses exhibit intellectual curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a strong work ethic.
Grade 12 Courses
7775 SENIOR WRITING
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 12
This course is designed for students who still need instruction in the conventions of standard English and in adapting their writing to different purposes and audiences. The course includes practical writing (e.g., personal statement, research paper, argumentative essay, letters of application, and literary/film critiques). Students enrolled in this course are integrated into College Prep Writing with adjusted expectations.
7790 WRITING AND DISCOURSE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 12
The primary aim of this course is to teach college-bound students how to write a variety of essays that may include the personal essay, the college personal statement, narrative essays, and analysis of literary texts (such as poetry, the novel or other texts), informational essays, research writing, and the argumentative essay. Much of the writing will take place in the computer lab where instruction can be individualized. The course may also be further augmented with outside reading of fiction and non-fiction prose. The course culminates with a writing portfolio that has been constructed throughout the semester and counts as 20 percent of the course grade.
8770 TEXTUAL STUDIES
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 12
This course is intended as a follow-up to Senior Writing. Students enrolled in this course are integrated into Textual Studies: Film with adjusted expectations.
8780 TEXTUAL STUDIES: Drama
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 12
This Regents level core course is designed for seniors interested in studying dramatic literature and participating in dramatic activities, improvisation, and theatre games. Students read and analyze plays, write essays and perform short scenes from the texts studied. The course is designed to build an awareness of the considerations involved in translating the written text of a dramatic work into a living production, to deepen students’ understanding of the art of the theatre, and to develop their acting talents. Students are asked to interpret scripts they have read and demonstrate this understanding through their own performances. Texts include Hamlet, A Doll’s House, The Bald Soprano, as well as contemporary texts such as The Laramie Project.
8790 TEXTUAL STUDIES: Film
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 12
This Regents level core course is designed to prepare seniors for the complex reading and analysis tasks related to the growing influence of film. Proficiency in visual literacy is an important element in preparing the 21st-century learner. By focusing on the cinematic techniques that directors use to shape a story, the course will teach students to explore the art of the film and the relationship between film and culture. Students will produce essays, give presentations, write scripts, develop story boards, keep response journals, and contribute to electronic discussions (e.g. blogs). Students view films that span several decades and a variety of themes. Films may include Apocalypse Now, Psycho, Shawshank Redemption, Spirited Away, The Usual Suspects, Memento, L.A. Confidential, and The Graduate.
*This course is not approved by the NCAA. Students considering playing D1 or D2 sports should choose Contemporary Literature instead of Film.
8794 Contemporary Literature
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grade 12
This Regents level core course is designed to prepare second semester seniors for the complex reading and analysis tasks related to contemporary literature. By focusing on the culture in which they were produced, students analyze a variety of contemporary fiction and non-fiction pieces published over the last 50 years. News programs, television, magazines, newspapers, performing and visual arts will also be analyzed to augment the concentration on the social, cultural, and historical issues related to the literature of this time frame. Authors may include Toni Morrison, Colum McCann, Alan Moore, David Lindsay-Abaire, Junot Diaz, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris and Jennifer Egan.
7798/8798 Advanced Language & Composition
40 Weeks, 1/2 Credit Each Semester, SUPA/AP, Grade 12
Prerequisite: English teacher’s recommendation.
Advanced Language and Composition is Syracuse University Project Advance English with an Advanced Placement option. It is a college level course that follows a curriculum sponsored and supervised by Syracuse University. Any student who enrolls in Advanced Language and Composition is strong enough in English to “skip” grade 12 English. Students who choose this course should already have had some experience in honors English courses. Since the course requires not only frequent writing but extensive textual analysis, students choosing it should have achieved a B+ or above in grade 11 honors English courses. A reading and writing assignment over the summer is part of the course requirement.
Advanced Language and Composition is divided into two parts. The fall semester, Syracuse University’s Writing 105, provides an intensive experience in academic writing. Students work on formal and informal writing with an emphasis on the invention portfolio. The focus on academic writing includes lengthy, dense readings and longer papers totaling 3,000 to 5,000 words. This half of the course also concentrates on analysis of rhetorical techniques employed by writers. The second section is Syracuse University’s ENG 192: Gender and Literary Texts. The course examines literature through the lens of gender and other cultural constructions. Students write frequent short analytic essays and two in-depth textual analysis papers totaling 3,000 to 5,000 words. This section of the course will also include exam-specific activities designed to help students prepare for the AP Language and Composition exam in May.
Advanced Language and Composition offers students the opportunity to gain up to six hours of college English credit, advanced standing, or both credit and standing at the college they attend. Those who register for college credit pay a non-refundable tuition fee for each semester to Syracuse University (certain enrollment limits must be met for Syracuse University to authorize the course). The fee is approximately $700 for the full-year and students will receive a grade report directly from Syracuse University in addition to their high school transcript. The amount of credit and level of standing may also be based on the student’s performance on the Advanced Placement Language and Composition exam in May.
7799/8799 Advanced Literature & Composition
40 Weeks Each, 1/2 Credit Each, AP, Grade 12
Prerequisite: English teacher’s recommendation.
This course is part of a national program administered by the College Entrance Examination Board that has been recognized by many prestigious colleges and universities. Advanced Literature and Composition assumes that the students have mastered the elements of composition and are prepared to use their writing skills to discuss literature. Advanced Literature and Composition is organized on a seminar model allowing students the experience of exploring and organizing their responses to literature. A wide variety of important literary works are read from old and emerging canons of world literature, such as the novels of Austen, Bronte, Conrad, Dickens, and Morrison, plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen or Tom Stoppard and other modern playwrights, and short stories and poetry, both traditional and modern.
Advanced Literature and Composition offers, for students who opt to take the AP exam, the opportunity to gain up to six hours of college English credit, advanced standing, or both credit and standing at the college they attend. Amount of credit and level of standing are based on the student’s performance on the Advanced Placement exam in May. Since the course requires not only frequent writing but extensive literary analysis, students choosing it should have achieved a B+ or above in eleventh grade honors English courses. A reading and writing assignment over the summer is part of the course requirement.
ELECTIVE COURSES
7701 WRITING LAB
20 Weeks, 1/4 Credit, Grades 9-12, Alternate O/E days
This writing lab is designed to meet the needs of students who need to strengthen their writing and who are enrolled in regular English classes. The purpose of the lab is to provide these students with a place to improve their skills in a laboratory setting. Students receive individualized instruction and may bring writing to the lab that they are working on in content areas. There are also some writing assignments generated within the lab itself. Students may elect to attend the writing lab in either the fall or spring semester or all year. This course is required for students who score at level one on the 8th grade ELA Assessment. Students who score at level two or low level three of the 8th grade English Language Arts assessment are strongly encouraged to take this course. Students may elect to take WRITING LAB for two years and earn up to one credit towards their high school diploma.
*Use course numbers 7701 and 8701 to take writing lab all year
8725 JOURNALISM WORKSHOP
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 9-12
Students in Journalism Workshop explore the variety of print media for which journalists write, while learning editing and polishing skills. They choose and produce their own journalism projects and will have the opportunity to learn layout and design as they work together to produce interviews, feature and sports articles, entertainment reviews, and more. This workshop may be taken more than once and is a prerequisite for Broadcast Journalism.
8726 BROADCAST JOURNALISM & TELEVISION PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
40 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 9-12, Alternate O/E days
Prerequisite: Journalism Workshop, Communication Systems or Senior Status.
Students in Broadcast Journalism and Television production Workshop explore a variety of non-print media for which journalists write. They write for film and television, create and produce news shows, commercials, and in-depth programs. Students are responsible for producing a daily program that includes school announcements, current school events, and features. Students will also learn editing and polishing skills, technical aspects of broadcast production, and speaking in a public forum.
7727 ADVANCED BROADCAST JOURNALISM & FILM PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism Workshop.
Advanced Broadcast Journalism is designed to supplement the experience of Broadcast Journalism and Television Production Workshop. Students are responsible for production, direction or technical production of the daily program, as well as for special broadcast projects and assignments. Students in Advanced Broadcast Journalism are fluent in all areas of broadcast production, write and edit scripts and proposals for projects and maintain a working broadcast studio. Students will become familiar with several forms of digital editing and a variety of editing/publishing software. Students will also become comfortable analyzing and creating diverse genre of television and film. This workshop may be taken more than once.
8771 ACTING WORKSHOP
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theater or Drama course or by permission of instructor.
This course is for advanced drama students who wish to rehearse and perform challenging roles for various types of productions. Activities may include performing plays for primary grade or middle school students, scenes for drama festivals, or plays for options assemblies. Students opting to take this course must be available occasionally for a ninth period rehearsal or an after school performance. This workshop may be taken more than once.
8895 CREATIVE WRITING
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 9-12
Creative Writing is for serious students of writing who are enthusiastic about generating, reworking and polishing prose or poetry. Students may then seek out interested publishers and submit typed copies for consideration. While narrative fiction and poetry are the primary focus of the course, other writing such as magazine articles, short subjects, or technical writing may be undertaken. Success in this course hinges on regular conferences with the teacher, original works begun and completed, and participation in peer evaluation of manuscripts. This course may be taken more than once.
7770 THEATER
40 Weeks, 1 Credit, Grades 9-12
Very few actors spend their days sitting at a desk, so for most of this course we push our desks aside and get on our feet. Theater is a full-year survey course that explores many different aspects of theatre. While many of the activities focus on acting, there is also time devoted to set, lighting, sound and costume design, playwriting, theater history, script analysis, and directing, and other activities. This course fulfills the Regents requirement for Art or Music and serves as a prerequisite to Acting Workshop.
7780 THE HISTORY & STRUCTURE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 10-12
Our perceptions of the world, our thoughts, and our behaviors are all shaped by the language we use. Through hands-on activities, this course explores how language works, the social, political, and economic power of language, the nuances of how language can be utilized and other language-related issues. History and Structure of the English Language considers the origins and development of the English language, but also spends a great deal of time gaining an understanding and appreciation of how language operates. This course examines English grammar and usage and concentrates on how our implicit understandings about language can be illuminated and analyzed. Other possible topics include non-verbal communication, language and the brain, dialects of American English, gender and language, and how the design features of language help us learn about how we think. This course is especially helpful for students preparing for the SAT/ACT exams and other standardized testing.
7735 THE RHETORIC OF RACE IN AMERICAN CULTURE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 10-12
What is in a name? The course begins with an exploration into this question, as it relates to ethnic and racial identity. It then progresses from an inquiry into language as defining personal and social identity, to language, within it historical context, to language within its political context. Throughout the semester, students will explore the ways in which racial and ethnic issues are framed in our culture’s ongoing, collective conversations. Texts such as memoirs, essays, historic documents, documentaries, news articles, poetry, drama, advertisements, political cartoons, published speeches, cinematic texts, and fine art, will inform students’ considerations of the role language plays in shaping attitudes toward race and ethnicity. Students will have an opportunity to extend the dialogue across geographic boundaries through related field trips, when scheduling permits.
8787 SUPA: WRITING CULTURE
20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Creative writing or English teacher’s recommendation.
SUPA Writing Culture is the equivalent to Syracuse University’s WRT 114. It is open to students who are interested in developing their writing skills and broadening their writing experiences beyond the academic essay. The course will focus on the reading and crafting of creative nonfiction pieces, which explore the truths within nonfiction stories, people, places, experiences and events while using techniques of creative writing. Students write texts experimenting with style, genre, and subject. This is the perfect course for students interested in writing who also want to have a college course experience. Those who choose to register for college credit pay a tuition fee and will have the opportunity to earn three college credits from Syracuse University.
8785 POETRY
20 weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 10-12
Alongside cave drawings, poetry is one of the oldest and most vital living art forms. Our earliest ancestors may not have written on paper, but they still made poetry, recited it, and used rhyme and meter to remember it. Now, poetry services a slightly different function. Poet Octavio Paz wrote, “The poem is a shell that echoes the music of the world.” He also wrote that poetry is “knowledge,” “salvation,” “liberation,” and “revolutionary” – in short, “poetry reveals the world.” This class will explore poetry from contemporary American writers and from writers around the globe and throughout history. Emphasis will be on reading and thinking about poetry, on discussing the lives and literary techniques of individual poets, on identifying and understanding work from various “schools” of poetry, and on individual interpretation of poetry text based on both personal experience and understanding of literary devices. Students may also ask for help with their own experiments in writing poetry.