ENGLISH 9 (1 credit)
In English 9, students develop proficiency, confidence and fluency
in reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. The course
introduces students to literature and various ways of communicating
effectively. The study of literature is emphasized through
the genre of the short story. Students read and
respond to a variety of authors, texts and genres, and share
responses to extend understanding, create interpretations,
make connections, and develop appreciation. Students write
in a variety of formats, with an emphasis on paragraph structure
and writing to express ideas, to inform and to persuade. Students
develop communication skills through class discussions and
presentations. The course also integrates grammar, usage and
vocabulary development throughout all of its phases. English
9 prepares students to take the Connecticut Academic Performance
Test (CAPT) by teaching key skills throughout the curriculum.
As students progress through the year, they assemble a portfolio
reflective of their developing abilities and skills.
HONORS ENGLISH 9 (1 credit)
Honors English 9 is an accelerated course that focuses intensively
on writing and classical and young adult literature at advanced
levels. Course content exposes students to a greater variety
of non fiction, drama and poetry. Students are provided
multiple opportunities to read and respond to a wide variety
of authors, texts and genres, as well as to develop literary
interpretations and critical essays using primary literary
sources. This course requires a greater degree of independence
and competence in communicating and critical thinking. As students
progress through the year, they assemble a portfolio reflective
of their developing abilities and skills.
ENGLISH 10 (1 credit)
In English 10, students further develop the skills introduced
in English 9. This course expands the student’s ability
to think originally and from multiple perspectives. Students
grow as readers, communicators and writers by studying literature,
sharing ideas in small and large groups, and writing essays.
The study of literature is emphasized through the genre of
drama and the short story. There is continued emphasis
on the development of writing in a variety of formats, with
a particular focus on essay structure and writing to express
ideas, to inform and to persuade. Students read and respond
to a variety of authors, texts and genres, and share responses
to extend understanding, create interpretations, make connections
and develop appreciation. The course requires a greater fluency
in grammar, usage, syntax and diction throughout all its phases.
English 10 prepares students to take the Connecticut Academic
Performance Test (CAPT) by teaching key skills throughout the
curriculum. As a course requirement, students continue to build
their portfolios to reflect their developing abilities and
skills.
HONORS ENGLISH 10 (1 credit)
Honors English 10 is an accelerated course that focuses intensively
on expanding the student’s ability to think originally
and from multiple perspectives utilizing a wider variety of
texts and genre. Students develop literary interpretations
and critical essays using primary literary sources. This course
requires a greater degree of independence and competence in
communicating and critical thinking. Students in this class
are required to read and respond to a wider variety of authors
than is done in English 9. The course requires extensive
writing responses. Students continue to build their portfolios.
 ENGLISH
11 (1 credit) *
In English 11, students integrate the skills of reading and
writing with the interpretation of literature of various periods
and genres of the American literary tradition. The study of
literature is emphasized through the genres of the novel, poetry,
and drama. Students
write to express ideas, to describe, to inform and to persuade.
The course demands a greater proficiency in developing writing
skills in order to analyze fiction and nonfiction, including
text structures. Students examine how literary themes reflect
American culture and recognize the significant connections between
literature and culture. Themes emphasized in this course include “the
American dream” and “social justice.” This
course requires a greater degree of independence and competence
in communicating and critical thinking. The research paper or
research project is a course requirement. Students continue to
build their writing portfolios.
HONORS
ENGLISH 11 (1 credit)*
Honors English 11 is an accelerated course that focuses intensively
on writing and American literature at advanced levels. Students
develop literary interpretations and critical essays using primary
literary sources. This course requires a greater degree of independence
and competence in communicating and critical thinking. A research
paper is a course requirement. Students continue to build their
portfolios.
ENGLISH
12 (1 credit)*
In English 12, students refine the skills in reading, writing
and communicating that were acquired in the junior year. The
course extends and intensifies the students’ ranges of
analytical, critical and creative means of expression. The study
of literature is approached through a variety of genres. Students
examine how literary themes reflect world literature and historical
and cultural perspective of our world, and recognize the significant
connections between literature and culture. These emphasized
in this course include “world view” and “use
and abuse of power.” Seniors manage and direct their
own growth as writers, readers and communicators. Students work
toward completion of their writing portfolios.
HONORS
ENGLISH 12 (1 credit)*
Honors English 12 is an accelerated course that focuses intensively
on reading and writing at advanced levels. This course requires
a greater degree of independence and competence in communicating
and applying critical thinking skills. Students examine how literary
themes reflect world literature and culture perspectives of our
world and recognize the significant connections between literature
and culture. Students develop sophisticated literary interpretations
and critical essays using primary literary sources. As a course
requirement, students work toward completion of their portfolio.
AP
(Advanced Placement) ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION I and
II
(1 credit)*
These Advanced Placement courses follow a two-year sequence
fulfilling the English credit requirements for graduation.
The course is offered only in Grades 11 and 12, with one credit
each year – two
credits total. The prerequisite for taking the course sequence
includes successful completion of English II. AP English Literature
and Composition is a college-level English language, literature
and composition course. Course content builds on the use of the
pre-twelfth grade summer reading list. The course focuses on
careful reading and critical analysis of fiction and nonfiction
prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical
contexts. The
course teaches students to become skilled readers and writers
and features a strong emphasis on the techniques of revision.
Students write in a variety of forms, including narrative, exploratory,
expository and argumentative, on a variety of subjects. Writing
assignments, which focus on the critical analysis of literature,
may include expository, analytical and argumentative essays,
well-constructed creative writing assignments, as well as research-based
writing. Oral presentations and multidisciplinary projects are
also vital components of the course. Students may elect to take
the AP exam to qualify for college credit in May of their senior
year.
*College
Career Pathways – Students successfully
completing any combination of the aforementioned English
11 and 12 courses, or two years of AP English Literature
and Composition (I and II), can receive advanced college
credit. |
