Warren Hills Regional School District

Warren Hills Regional High School

Course of Study 2008-2009

Department of Language Arts

All English courses at Warren Hills High School are designed to prepare students for a variety of post-secondary paths - two or four year college, technical school, work, military enlistment. Students must register for at least one full year core English course each year (to include levels I, II, III, & IV).

A student who fails any required English course for any reason must retake and pass that course before he or she may enroll in the next English course in sequence. For example a student failing English I must retake and pass English I before enrolling in English II. No underclassman may take more than one required English course per year for credit at the same time. Senior students may request enrollment in more than one English course.

The Language Arts Department does not condone or permit the use of commercial study guides, nor the use of Internet sources without the specific permission of the teacher. Students found guilty of plagiarism will be dealt with severely (zero on assignment, meeting with principal, parent notification).

Courses which are under-subscribed may not run.

Students may elect courses at the following levels:

CP Level 1 - a level one course is a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for life after high school. Level 1 courses may utilize enhanced instructional resources when appropriate (smaller class sizes, additional teaching staff, supplementary curricular materials, e.g. study guides, books on tape).

CP Level 2 - a level 2 course is a rigorous curriculum with greater emphasis on independent learning. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility for their own academic progress and are expected to keep pace with outside reading expectations.

Level 3 - a level 3 course requires students to meet the standards of the most academically demanding program. Level 3 courses represent Honors (PreAP) and AP level courses. Work is fast paced, outside reading is extensive, and writing assignments are sophisticated and challenging. A student electing a level 3 course is expected to have an average of 90% or above in the previous English course and have the recommendation of the previous English teacher.

Students who elect a course for which they have not been recommended are required to return to the guidance counselor a Course Preference Request form signed by the parent or guardian. No request will be considered after April 1, of the current school year.

i. Recommended High School Language Arts Sequence

See the printed coursebook or the PDF version for this table.

ii. Course Descriptions

101, 102 CP English I (5 credits grade 9) Levels 1 and 2

English I is a comprehensive full-year study of literature, writing, and related skill areas such as vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening, with a genre approach in the study of literature. This course will emphasize the writing process approach to composition instruction. Revising and editing skills will be stressed, and usage, grammar, and sentence construction will be reviewed. Certain sections of this course may be designated and taught so that skills instruction and preparation for the High School Proficiency Assessment are directly articulated within the curriculum. Students will be assigned to such sections based on their performance on standardized tests such as the NJ ASK8 and the Terra Nova Multiple Assessment.

103 Honors (Pre-AP) English I (5 credits grade 9) Level 3

This course parallels English I, but will add readings at various points in the course. More sophisticated writing will be demanded of the student more often. Outside readings are routinely assigned. Grading standards are rigorous. Admission to this course occurs only after the student passes a departmental screening procedure.

111, 112 CP English II (5 credits grade 10) Levels 1 and 2

English II is a required, comprehensive full-year course that builds upon English I skills with emphasis on American literature. This course expects and will demand that the student exhibit more sophisticated reading and writing skills. Certain sections of this course may be designated and taught so that skills instruction and preparation for the High School Proficiency Assessment are directly articulated within the curriculum. Students will be assigned to such sections based on their performance on standardized tests such as the NJ ASK8 and the Terra Nova Multiple Assessment.

113 Honors (Pre-AP) English II (5 credits grade 10) Level 3

This course parallels English II, but will add readings at various points in the course. More sophisticated writing will be demanded of the student more often. Outside readings are routinely assigned. Grading standards are rigorous. Admission to this course occurs only after the student passes a departmental screening procedure.

121, 122 CP English III (5 credits grade 11) Levels 1 & 2

English III is a year long comprehensive study of all aspects of the English language, with emphasis on British literature. Areas of study also include SAT preparation and HSPA preparation. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing skills are emphasized.

123 Honors English III (5 credits grade 11) Level 3

This course parallels English III, but will add readings at various points in the course. More sophisticated writing will be demanded of the student more often. Outside readings are routinely assigned. Grading standards are rigorous. Admission to this course occurs only after the student passes a departmental screening procedure.

127 AP English: Language and Composition (5 credits grade 11 or 12) Level 3

An Advanced Placement English course in language and composition is primarily a course in both effective writing and critical reading. The writing skills that students come to appreciate through attentive and continued analysis of a variety of prose texts can serve them in their own writing as they become increasingly aware of these skills and their pertinent uses. An AP Language and Composition course, will, therefore, emphasize study of a variety of texts and variety of writing tasks. Students also will acquire some knowledge of the evolution of English prose style since the Middle Ages, and they will develop an awareness of the expressive potential of language along with an ability to use this potential. This is a most rigorous course in language. Students are expected to take the AP examination in language and composition after completing this course. Students enroll in this course after meeting a variety of screening procedures that can include consultation with their guidance counselors, the instructor of the course, and the department supervisor.

131, 132 CP English IV (5 credits grade 12) Levels 1 & 2

English IV is a year-long comprehensive study of all aspects of English language, with an emphasis on world literature. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing skills are emphasized. Some time is also devoted to SAT preparation. In addition, teachers assist students in preparing their college essays.

133 Honors English IV (5 credits grade 12) Level 3

This course parallels the world literature curriculum of English IV. Various readings will be added to the curriculum. Expertise in composition is expected. Grading standards are more rigorous than in the regular English IV curriculum. Some study of humanities is included.

137 AP English: Literature (5 credits grade 11 or 12) Level 3

The Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition course emphasizes the development of skills in careful reading and critical analysis of literature. It is for students capable of doing college level work in English while they are in secondary school, and who are willing to devote the energy necessary to complete a course more rigorous and demanding than other high school English courses. Reading will focus on works of recognized literary merit. This course is open to students willing to complete additional reading and writing during the summer. Students are expected to take the AP examination in literature and composition after completing this course.

135 SRA English IV (5 credits grade 12)

This course is required of any senior who did not pass or has not taken the HSPA. The first semester curriculum is proscribed by the state of New Jersey. The second semester curriculum will parallel the regular English IV curriculum.

140 Journalism I, II & III (5 credits grades 10-12)

These full year courses are intended for the student who wishes to learn all of the aspects of journalism. In addition to establishing a hands on working knowledge of computers and desktop publishing techniques, the journalism student will also learn interviewing and concise news writing. Also, the journalism student will be able to create and write for the school newspaper, The Streak. Students who enroll in this course should possess a strong work ethic and above-average writing ability. This course has rigorous writing requirements in addition to duties related to newspaper production. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

141 Shakespeare (2.5 credits grades 11-12)

In this elective course students will study intensively Shakespeare’s plays and the culture from which they came. The plays will be discussed with emphasis being placed on the universality of his themes. Students will read several of his major tragedies and at least one of his comedies or histories. This course is recommended for college bound students, and it has rigorous reading requirements. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

142 Introduction to Mythology (2.5 credits grades 9-12)

Introduction to Mythology is an analytical study of Greek myths and their influence on Western culture, especially literature. Students will read and react to these ancient stories and relate them to modern issues. Students will also use their creative writing skills to update some myths and will research a variety of mythological topics to further their understanding. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

143 Creative Writing (2.5 credits 9-12)

This course is for the student who wishes to increase his/her ability in the more artistic and creative modes of writing. Especially targeted by this course is the student who has already begun to write various forms of literature on his/her own. Students will be expected to write both prose and poetry. Selected readings are assigned and are part of the course requirements. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

144 Introduction to Debate (2.5 credits grades 10-12)

This course is based on the philosophy that debate teaches skills applicable to all walks of life. It helps develop critical thinking, courage, organization, leadership, and investigative skills. A study of debate principles helps a student to think through an idea and develop arguments for or against the idea while anticipating arguments someone else might make. This course will deal with the different elements of debate and debate formats. Research skills are stressed. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

145 Public Speaking (2.5 credits grades 9-12)

Public Speaking is intended for those students who are considering a vocation or avocation in which formal training in speech may be beneficial. The course will be based upon the organization and presentation of explanatory, informative, and persuasive material. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

150 Communication and Media (2.5 credits grades 10-12)

159 Communication and Media (2.5 credits grade 9)

This course is designed to familiarize students with the various forms of mass media (newspapers, television, motion pictures, the Internet, radio, recorded music) and their impact on the individual and on society as a whole. Students will learn how to become active viewers and listeners by studying how advertising persuades us, by watching various genres of television shows through the decades, and by analyzing techniques of film making, among other units. Students will create their own projects dealing with media and pop culture, and guest speakers from the field will enhance the experience. This course does not take the place of the core English courses.

iii. Summer Reading for the Language Arts Department

The Warren Hills Regional School District believes the development of critical reading skills is a crucial ingredient to future success. To encourage lifelong learning and to support academic skills, we have instituted summer reading requirements for all students.

Summer reading selections are reviewed annually and will be published Spring 2008. Lists will be distributed to students in Language Arts Literacy (middle school) and English (high school) classes. All lists and directions will be posted on the district website.