English
ENGLISH
Four years of English are required for all students. Departmental offerings include a Regents program and enriched courses for students of exceptional ability in English Language Arts (ELA) who satisfy the entrance criteria. Courses integrate the New York State Learning Standards for English Language Arts.
Six college credits are offered through St. Joseph’s University in courses – The New York Scene in Literature and The Language of Film. Three college credits are offered through the College Board course - AP English Literature and Composition, upon the successful completion of the (AP) Advanced Placement exam.
ELA 9 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: None
Offered to Grade 9
This course is a study of the basic skills of reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, communication and grammar. This course is designed to develop abilities in the area of written language by inspiring thought and expression. The students will study various genres of literature (novel, short story, poetry, essay and drama). Mastery of the basic skills of communication will be developed through a unified approach to literature, grammar and vocabulary. Students will learn the necessary tools to improve reading skills including vocabulary and comprehension. This course will introduce students to a systematic approach to writing that emphasizes the writing process; including prewriting, revising, proof reading and editing. A well-structured, evidence-based approach to writing will ensure that students will be able to demonstrate effective writing across all subject areas. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to read and interpret literature with better insights and write essays that are more effective.
This course satisfies the Grade 9 English requirement.
ELA 9 HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: TACHS scores & departmental approval
Offered to Grade 9
This advanced program offers students the opportunity to read and analyze challenging literary works. The writing styles of narration, exposition argument and persuasion are introduced and developed. Self-confidence is fostered through both spoken and written expression. The course builds on the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the areas of study such as an introduction to literary genre, vocabulary, grammar and composition. Students will learn how to differentiate among the various genres of writing. A well-structured, evidence-based approach to writing will ensure that students are able to demonstrate effective writing across all subject areas. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to read and interpret literature with better insight and write essays that are more effective. Students enter this course based on their scores on the high school entrance examination and on their performance in their seventh and eighth grade Language Arts classes.
This course satisfies the Grade 9 English requirement.
ELA 10 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: ELA 9
Offered to Grade 10
This course presents a study in American literature from its very early development to the present times. Through a thematic and chronological approach, students study the literature of the major areas of American literature: Puritanism, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism and Modernism. Short stories, poetry, novels, plays and essays are read and analyzed. Students work on mastering their writing skills including a study of text analysis and evidence based writing in preparation for the NYS Regents in ELA. The study of language skills and vocabulary is continued. This course is required of all sophomores, except those approved for English 10H.
This course satisfies the Grade 10 English requirement.
09 ELA 10 HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 90% ELA 9H or 95% ELA 9
Offered to Grade 10
Departmental approval is required
This course is for students who have excelled in English 9. It requires the study of the core curriculum outlined for English 10, but at a more accelerated and intensive pace. This course presents a study of American Literature from its very early development to the present times. Through a thematic and chronological approach, students study the literature of the major areas of American literature: Puritanism, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism and Modernism. Short stories, poetry, novels, plays and essays are read and analyzed. Students work on mastering their writing skills including a study of text analysis and evidence based writing in preparation for the NYS Regents in ELA. The study of language skills and vocabulary is continued. Students will also practice and master the skills involved in narrative account writing in preparation of the college application process.
This course satisfies the Grade 10 English requirement.
10 ELA 11 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: ELA 10
Offered to Grade 11
English 11 is a literature and writing course based on British literature. Novels, plays. poetry, short stories and essays are read, discussed and analyzed in detail. Writing skills are further developed via the literature, enhancing the student’s ability to analyze and synthesize. The course will also familiarize students with the concepts and skills of literary analysis. Writing text analysis as well as evidence-based reading and writing analysis will be studied in preparation for the NYS Regents in ELA. The curriculum also includes grammar, vocabulary and PSAT/SAT preparation. The NYS Regents Exam in ELA is taken in January. This course is required for all juniors, except for those approved for English 11 Honors. This course satisfies the Grade 11 English requirement.
11 ELA 11 HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 90% ELA 10H or 95% ELA 10
Offered to Grade 11
Departmental Approval is required
This course includes the study of the core curriculum outlined in English 11, but at a more accelerated pace. English 11 Honors is a literature and writing course based on British literature. Novels, plays, poetry, short stories and essays are read, discussed and analyzed in detail. Writing skills are further developed via the literature, enhancing the student’s ability to analyze and synthesize. This course will also familiarize students with the concepts and skills of literary analysis. Writing text analysis as well as evidence-based reading and writing analysis will be studied in preparation for the NYS REGENTS IN ELA. The curriculum also includes grammar, vocabulary and PSAT/SAT preparation. The NYS REGENTS EXAM is taken in January.
This course satisfies the grade 11 English requirement.
14 ENGLISH 12 COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE OF THE AMERICAN IMMIGRANT
Prerequisite: ELA 11 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
Offered to Grade 12
The first semester of this course emphasizes the writing of clear effective essays. The students will explore various techniques of writing and types of rhetoric as a means to develop their own individual style. Students will plan, write, and revise expository and persuasive essays. Students will also practice and master the skills involved in narrative account writing in preparation for the college application process. Time is spent improving writing style and accuracy, and in developing tools for research. The skills of writing a research paper are introduced. An assigned research paper, following Modern Language Association (MLA) format, is a course requirement. The curriculum also includes grammar, vocabulary and SAT preparation.
The second semester will act as a complement to the Composition course and is designed to further develop the reading comprehension skills needed in college. It is often said that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants, whose various cultural backgrounds have helped shape what America is. Students will explore the ways in which acclaimed authors have used literature to express what it means to be an immigrant, or a child of immigrants, in America. Students will read narratives now considered classics in the literature of immigration, as well as contemporary pieces, portraying immigrant experiences from China, Japan, Italy, Ireland, Africa and Latin America. Through these texts students will investigate the ways that immigrant identity influences both the lives of those who made the journey and the lives of their descendants. The course includes all literary genres: poetry, novels, short stories, and drama.
This course satisfies the grade 12 English requirement.
THE NY SCENE IN LITERATURE / THE LANGUAGE OF FILM 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT
ENGLISH 12 – College Courses (St. Joseph’s University)
Offered to Grade 12
Prerequisite: 85% ELA 11H, 88% ELA 11 and the Maturity and Study Skills Necessary to Succeed in an Introductory College Level Course/Departmental Approval and 85% NYS ELA Regents
This course is an opportunity for students to earn college credit through St. Joseph’s University. For a nominal fee, students who meet the St. Joseph’s University requirements and who register with St. Joseph’s University will earn 6 college credits, which are transferable to other colleges and universities. Students completing a course(s) with qualifying grades will receive a transcript from St. Joseph’s University noting the two courses, the grade for each semester course and the credit granted.
The New York Scene in Literature
A study of the extraordinarily diverse New York “scene,” from the 19th century to now, as reported and reflected in texts set in and around the environs of New York City. Works of authors like O. Henry, Arthur Miller, Mario Puzo, Pete Hammill, Henry James, Washington Irving, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edith Wharton, Ralph Ellison, Truman Capote, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Caleb Carr, E L Doctrow and Cristina Garcia are included. 3 credits from St. Joseph’s University.
AND
The Language of Film
A study of what is probably the most current and most popular form of communication. Film lectures will center on the history and development of film as an art form; class sessions will also include the viewing of selected short and feature films as well as discussion and written evaluation. 3 credits from St. Joseph’s University.
An assigned research paper, following Modern Language Association (MLA) format, is a course requirement. The curriculum also includes grammar, vocabulary and SAT preparation. This course satisfies the grade 12 English requirement.
STUDENTS IN THIS COURSE MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SIX COLLEGE CREDITS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
1 YEAR – 1 CREDIT
Prerequisite: 95% English 11H
Offered to Grade 12
90% English Regents and Departmental Approval
The Advanced Placement course is designed to afford students the opportunity to pursue college level studies while still in high school. This course will, in the first half-year, involve students in both the study and practice of writing. Techniques of clear and effective written expression will be studied and practiced through reading selections from a variety of disciplines. Students will also practice and master the skills involved in narrative account writing in preparation for the college application process. Research techniques will be studied. An assigned research paper, following Modern Language Association (MLA) format, is a course requirement. The curriculum also includes grammar, vocabulary and SAT preparation.
In the second semester, the study of major English authors will aim at reinforcing and enhancing the students’ understanding and appreciation of the development of English literature.
Summer reading and writing assignments are required. All students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination, for which there is a fee. This course will include a study of research and writing skills needed for the success on the college level including bibliography formats, citing works, outlining, and note taking and revising. This course satisfies the Grade 12 English requirement.