English

English

 

English 8 (1120Y)—Year (Prerequisite: None)

This course will emphasize numerous writing forms with elaboration on sentence variety, usage, and mechanics. Literature study includes the short story, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and the novel. Other areas include the mass media, library skills, and vocabulary. Students are advised that there will be a Writing SOL test and a Reading SOL test for this course.

English 8—Semester (1120) (Prerequisite: None)

This course will emphasize numerous writing forms with elaboration on sentence variety, usage, and mechanics. Literature study includes the short story, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and the novel. Other areas include the mass media, library skills, and vocabulary. Students are advised that there will be a Writing SOL test and a Reading SOL test for this course.

English 8 (Advanced) (1120A) (Prerequisite: 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher Recommendation)

The student will develop an appreciation for literature through a study of literary elements including the reading of novels. Narrative, expository, and persuasive writing will be a part of the course. Interviewing techniques and oral projects/speeches may be included. Students are advised that there will be a Writing SOL test and a Reading SOL test for this course.

English 9 (1130) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)

Students will develop interpersonal communication skills as well as those skills required for more formal public speaking opportunities. They will present and critique dramatic readings or literary selections and will continue to develop proficiency in making planned oral presentations. Students will apply knowledge of literary terms and forms to their reading and writing. They will be introduced to literary works from a variety of cultures and eras. Students will continue to develop their reading comprehension skills through utilizing strategies to identify formats, text structures, and main ideas. Students will write narrative, literary, expository, and informational forms with an emphasis on analysis. They will develop as writers by participating in a process for writing, including prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, editing, and publishing. Students will edit writings for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing. Students will develop skills in using print, electronic databases, and on-line resources to access information. Students will also use a standard style method to credit sources of ideas used in research writing. Research using the MLA Style Guidelines will be expected.

English 9 (Advanced) (1130A) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 8 Teacher Recommendation)

This course emphasizes reading, presenting, and analyzing a variety of literature from different cultures, and time periods. In addition, the identification and close study of literary forms and varying elements of literature are emphasized. Writing consists of literary analysis, narrative, and expository essays. The student will study both modern and Shakespearean dramas, non-fiction, poetry, short stories and various novels. Diligent research using the MLA Style Guidelines will be expected. The final product will contain the research of topic of the student’s choosing and will adhere to specific rules concerning the crediting of paraphrased and/or quoted materials, as well as, comprehension of the concept and consequences of plagiarism.

English 10 (1140) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 9)

Since the end of course Writing SOL is administered in the 10th grade, writing is a major focal point. Students will become skilled communicators in small group learning activities. They will assume and evaluate individual roles in presenting oral reports. They will also examine and critique the overall effectiveness of the group process. Students will read, comprehend, critique, and analyze a variety of literary works. They will interpret a variety of informational materials, such as labels, manuals, warranties, directions, applications, technical descriptions, contracts, and forms to complete specific tasks. Students will develop their expository writing skills by analyzing and critiquing peer and professional writing. They will learn effective techniques of organization and development by analyzing, revising, and evaluating various written forms and ideas. They will demonstrate understanding by applying the writing process in developing written products. They will edit writing for correct use of language, sentence formation, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling as part of the writing process. Students will develop skills in accessing, evaluating, organizing, and presenting information in the research process. They will also credit sources for quoted and paraphrased information. research using the MLA Style Guidelines will be expected. Students will present writing in a format appropriate for audience and purpose.

English 10 (Advanced) (1140A) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 9 Teacher Recommendation)

Since the end of course Writing SOL is administered in the 10th grade, writing is a major focal point. The semester will be divided roughly in half between a focus on writing and an intensive study of literature. Writing consists of literary analysis, narrative, and expository essays, as well as a thorough study of grammar. The student will study Shakespearean drama, nonfiction, poetry, short stories, and various novels. Diligent research using the MLA Style Guidelines will be expected. The research paper will culminate with the student’s research on a particular position in regards to a controversial issue. It will adhere to specific rules concerning the crediting of paraphrased and/or quoted materials as well as, the careful study and proper documentation of reliable electronic sources.

English 11 (1150) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 10)

Since the end of course Reading SOL is administered in the 11th grade, reading comprehension is a major focal point. The study of American literature is the focus of the course. Composition assignments could include the following: documented research paper, critical review; persuasion papers, reflective essays, literary analysis; comparison and contrast; business letters. Composition conventions would include planning for audience and purpose; logical sequencing; clear and accurate elaboration of ideas; revision for depth of information and presentation; editing for usage, spelling, punctuation and capitalization; evaluate and cite sources, and use of available technology.

English 11 (Advanced) (1150A) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 10 Teacher Recommendation)

Since the end of course Reading SOL is administered in the 11th grade, reading comprehension is a major focal point. This is a study of American Literature, both classical and contemporary, and the identification of major themes, characterizations, periods, and writing styles of authors that are reflective of the history and culture. Students will develop expository and essay writing, comparison-contrast, literary analysis, and persuasive compositions by locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and citing applicable information with careful attention to organization and accuracy.

English 11 (Honors) (1150H) (D-Squared)– 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 10 Teacher Recommendation, passing score on a placement test administered by Patrick Henry Community College. Students selecting this option will receive six college credits for English 111 and English 112 if they pass this course with a “C” or better. Students may be eligible to take the AP Exam upon successful completion of this course.) Since the end of course Reading SOL is administered in the 11th grade, reading comprehension is a major focal point. Honors English is designed for students who are serious about their intellectual growth, who think maturely and who are curious about the literature they read. This course will concentrate on a survey of American Literature emphasizing writers’ styles, contents and purposes according to the genre in which the authors work. The course will stress planning, writing and revising a variety of modes of discourse.

English 12 (1160) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 11)

At the 12th grade level, students will analyze British literature and informational and technical texts to better develop their own reading process skills. Students will write various types of papers including a research paper, which will require the use of the MLA format and a presentation. Students will also complete a number of activities to help prepare them for the world beyond high school.

English 12 (Advanced) (1160A) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: English 11 Teacher Recommendation)

The study of British literature is the focus of the course. Composition assignments could include the following: character sketch/ personality profile; documented research report; satire for persuasion, entertainment, or both; application essay suitable for college; subject analysis; proposal presenting a solution to a problem or need. Composition conventions would include planning for audience and purpose; logical sequencing; clear and accurate elaboration of ideas; revision for depth of information and presentation; and editing for usage, spelling punctuation, and capitalization.

English 12 (Honors) (1160H) (D-Squared) – 1 credit (Pre-requisite: English 11-H, passing score on a placement test administered by Patrick Henry Community College. Students selecting this option will receive six college credits for English 243 and English 244 if they pass the course with a “C” or better. Students may be eligible to take the AP Exam upon successful completion of this course.) This curriculum will cover the advanced English curriculum plus additional work in critical analysis of literature and writing. Students will study major works from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present, emphasizing ideas and characteristics of the British literary tradition. At times controversial materials may be discussed based on college level curriculum.

Developmental Reading (1181)—1 credit (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; Offered Grades 8- 12)

This course introduces students to literacy skills needed to succeed at the secondary level and beyond. Students learn how to read the text structure of fiction and non-fiction and how to demystify the reading process in order to grasp its content. Students will learn organizational, study and test-taking skills essential to higher education. Teacher directed instruction will focus on comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and text structure.

Creative Writing (1171) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; Offered Grades 9- 12)

This course will offer students the opportunity to learn to write short stories, poetry, and one-act plays. Attention will be given to ideas, structure, and style. Some class time will be devoted to actual writing and criticism of student work. Opportunities will be given for students to submit their best work to various creative writing competitions.

Journalism I (1200) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)

This course introduces students to all types of writing for the media, closely following formats established in the professional press. The class emphasizes writing, design, layout and web-based publishing.  

Journalism II (1210) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Journalism I )

This course cover all facets of a journalist’s craft: reporting, writing, design, graphics, photography, broadcast, and multimedia. Contact with professional area journalist accompanies instruction and provides career information. Students produce the school’s newspaper using various computer applications and graphic design strategies. Students read and critique metropolitan and high school newspapers and discuss related works.

Introduction to Publication Production/ Yearbook I & II (111041, 111042) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; Offered in grade 9)

These courses are introductory level courses to all concepts covered in Yearbooks III-VIII. Yearbook I and II cover introductory principles of media ethics, graphic design, page design and layout, photo cropping, reporting, copyrighting, copy-editing and advertising. It provides students with hands-on experience in planning and preparation of the school yearbook. Students are required to sell ads and/or contact businesses for the purpose of fund-
raising. This is a publications course.

Publication Production/Yearbook III & IV (111043, 111044) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; Offered in grade 10)

Yearbook III and IV cover the principles of media ethics, graphic design, page design and layout, photo cropping, reporting, copyrighting, copy-editing and advertising. It provides students with hands-on experience in planning and preparation of the school yearbook. Students are required to sell ads and/or contact businesses for the purpose of fund-raising. This is a publications course.

Publication Production/Yearbook V & VI (111045, 111046) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; Offered in grade 11)

Yearbook V and VI continues the study of journalistic principles and practices and adds a “hands-on” approach to photography. Students will take part in the concept development, headline writing, picture taking, article writing and editing of the school yearbook. This is a publications course.

Publication Production/Yearbook VII & VIII (111047, 111048) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; Offered in grade 12)

Yearbook VII and VIII continue the application of photojournalism principles and practices with the use of desktop publishing. Yearbook VII and VIII students will take on added responsibilities and assist in each phase of the production of the school yearbook. Editing pages and teaching fundamentals of yearbook design to new staff members will also be required. This is a publications course.
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