English
Four credits of English are required of all students to fulfill graduation requirements (English 9, 10, 11, and 12). Our English courses focus on writing, proofreading, vocabulary, literature, and thinking skills. (Reading lists are available for each course). The English Department also offers several electives to further develop skills in writing, grammar/proofreading, poetry, speaking, journalism, and/or literary analysis.
1 Credit Grade 9
This is a challenging course designed for the student with a demonstrated interest and ability in language arts. Emphasis is placed on reading and writing skills, critical thinking skills, test taking skills, and building vocabulary at an accelerated pace. Students are expected to read and write independently. Students demonstrate the acquisition of these skills through oral presentations, in-class tests, writing and revisions, and projects. Students also refine grammar/proofreading skills.
English 9 (Std. A) 0104 (A-level NH Scholars eligible)
English 9 (Std. B) 0102
1 Credit Grade 9
Emphasis is placed on reading and writing skills, critical thinking skills, test taking skills, and building vocabulary. Students are expected to read and write independently. Students demonstrate the acquisition of these skills through oral presentations, in-class tests, writing and revisions, and projects. Students also refine grammar/proofreading skills.
1 Credit Grade 10
This is a challenging course designed for the student with a demonstrated interest and ability in language arts. Literary selections provide a challenge to the student’s reading and thinking ability, and writing will be assigned at an accelerated pace. The student should expect the exploration of literary themes, imagery, symbolism, grammar/proofreading, and advanced vocabulary. Students will write a research paper.
English 10 (Std. B) 0112
1 Credit Grade 10
Emphasis is placed on reading, speaking, and writing skills, as well as grammar/proofreading, and vocabulary. Students will demonstrate the acquisition of these skills through written and oral assignments as well as in-class projects. The writing focus is on developing thesis statements and multi-paragraph papers, stressing the proper and effective use of language for written communication. Students will complete a research paper.
English 11 (Honors) 0126
1 Credit Grade 11
This is a course designed for the student with a demonstrated interest and ability in the subject. Literary selections will provide a challenge to the student’s reading and thinking ability and writing will be assigned at an accelerated pace. The student should expect and enjoy a sophisticated analysis of great works in American literature. Persuasive techniques are presented in preparation for the Kaley Speaking Competition. Grammar and proofreading are emphasized.
English 11 (Std. B) 0122
1 Credit Grade 11
Emphasis is placed on writing, vocabulary, and speech in preparation for college. The development of a strong thesis statement and a multi-paragraph paper culminates in the writing of the research paper. Discussion and writing of assignments are driven by a study of American literature. Persuasive techniques are presented in preparation for the annual Kaley Speaking Competition. Grammar/proofreading are emphasized.
AP English Language & Composition (Honors /AP) 0137
1 Credit Grade 11
In preparation for the AP English Language and Composition exam, students read complex, rich prose in a variety of rhetorical contexts across a wide variety of disciplines and historical periods. They do this in order to develop their understanding of writing modes and strategies, genre conventions, audience expectations and writer’s purposes. From these experiences, students learn the connection between writing and interpretive skills in reading as they synthesize material into their own writing. Students write often as they move beyond formulaic responses such as the five-paragraph essay to develop their own rich, complex prose. Imitation exercises, journal keeping, collaborative writing, in–class response as well as formal essays provide the practice through which students become confident, effective writers in college and career. The majority of texts used in this course will come from American literature.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation required
AP English Literature and Composition (Honors/AP) * 0138
1 Credit Grade 12
In preparation for the AP English Literature and Composition exam, students engage in an intensive study of representative works of literary merit from various genres and periods by reading, annotating, and analyzing increasingly complex literature. They develop individual competency in literary analysis by writing frequently to understand, to explain, and to evaluate the selections. Compositions employ academic vocabulary, a variety of sentence structures, textual support, and effective style; in addition, presentations, projects and other assessments foster mastery of the material.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation required
English 12 (Honors) 0136
1 Credit Grade 12
Students engage in a study of representative works of literary merit from various genres and periods. At an accelerated pace, students read and analyze World and British literature as they develop competency in literary analysis. They accomplish this by writing to understand, to explain, and to evaluate the selections; they receive instruction in writing, grammar and proofreading skills. Compositions employ vocabulary, a variety of sentence structures, textual support, and effective style; in addition, tests, quizzes, presentations, projects and other assessments foster mastery of the material.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11 Honors or teacher recommendation
English 12 (Std. A) 0134 (A-level NH Scholars eligible)
English 12 (Std. B) 0132
1 Credit Grade 12
Students engage in a study of representative works of literary merit from various genres and periods. Students read and analyze World and British literature in preparation for post-secondary goals. They write to understand, to explain, and to evaluate the selections and receive instruction in grammar and proofreading skills. Compositions employ precise word choice, a variety of sentence structures, and correct use of grammatical conventions; in addition, tests, quizzes, presentations, projects and other assessments foster mastery of the material.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES
Electives may be taken in addition to courses required for graduation.
They may not be substituted for regular English courses.
College Composition (Std. A) 0188
1 Credit Grade 12
This course develops written communication skills. This course develops written communication skills by emphasizing both the writing process and the final product as students learn to write clearly and effectively for defined audiences. Students become aware of the variety of writing strategies, behaviors, habits and attitudes and choose those that help them improve. Students also read and examine a wide variety of writers and writing styles. Students develop portfolios that each include a final long form essay and demonstrate the integration of critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
Creative Writing (Std.) 0164
1 Credit Grades 10-12
Students stretch their imaginations as they learn techniques for a variety of genres. In an interactive class, based on a writers’ workshop model, students write poetry, prose, comics, podcasts, drama and self-designed multi-genre works. Class includes direct instruction, reading and reviewing models, practice imitating mentor texts, keeping a journal and more. Students produce a portfolio as they create original work on significant themes and topics. They have opportunities to combine writing with media skills such as video and graphics. Class time includes technique building exercises, work on projects and sharing. Material prepares students for post-secondary programs or careers that require creative writing.
Modern Literature (Std.) 0190
1 Credit Grades 11-12
Modern Literature focuses on the post World War II era. We will explore such topics as escapism, the use and abuse of power, and differing voices on war. Students will consider works and viewpoints of often overlooked minority and women authors. Texts may include the following: 1984, Slaughterhouse 5, Catch-22, The Color Purple, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, and Things Fall Apart.
Mythology 0167
1 Credit Grades 11-12
With Edith Hamilton's Greek Mythology as the primary text, students will read Greek, Roman, and Norse myths, making connections among these ancient cultures and our own. Moreover, students will research common myths not included in Hamilton's text, exploring a number of Native American myths, Egyptian myths, and myths from cultures that reflect their own personal interests. Students will seek origins, patterns, and similarities among the myths all of the various cultures explored within the context of the course. Students will analyze myths through class discussions, projects, and written assignments. Throughout the course students will examine how myths are a part of our cultural literacy through art, literature, and various forms of media.
Young Adult Literature (Std.) 0168
1 Credit Grades: 11-12
This course will be a review of contemporary Young Adult literature with units focusing on particular genres and/or themes. The genres or themes studied and texts will change each time the course is run. Studies will focus on analyzing the elements of a particular genre and how authors work within or bend the rules of the genre to tell their stories, and how themes work to give us a better understanding of the world around us/help us to be understanding of the diversity in our world. The course will be a standard level and open to all with an interest in reading, discussing, and writing about young adult literature.
Contracts for Honors level credit are available and will require students to pursue an independent research project.
Qualifies for NH Scholars 
Awards College Credit