English/Language Arts

Students learn the art of persuasive writing, backed by careful research, and presented in an effective manner that is free of logical fallacies. They distinguish persuasive writing from other types of compositionsand learn how to apply persuasive writing and common textual features. They apply understanding of the effects of audience and purpose on persuasive writing.

Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of British literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and socialscience. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent patterns and themes, structural features, and narrative literary elements and devices.

Film and television is an increasingly relevant way to experience storytelling and its lessons in modern culture.  Film and television communicate meaning differently than written text,  and their realm is a  world of rich visual language.

In this class, students apply the writing process to creative fiction writing. Prepare to investigate, evaluate and demonstrate your understanding of key elements of fiction including plot, theme, character development, dialogue, setting, tone, sensory language, and author's purpose.

In this class, students will learn about the primary elements of narrative. We’ll examine plot, character, and theme development. We’ll also learn about the ways a writer can use language to successfully create a fictional world with a specific tone & mood.

Grammar is the system and structure of a language, the governing force. It provides the users of that language with collective rules, patterns, and guidelines through which they communicate with each other. Elements of Grammar will survey the important aspects of English language grammar.

Join us in English I for a series of journeys. In each unit of the course, we embark on a new journey. Through the study of literature, nonfiction, and life, we will explore the unknown, search for identity and equality, and seek achievement, opportunity, and understanding.

English II uses the hero’s journey to explore world literature from ancient to modern times.  Students will practice literary analysis and composition and learn about essential grammar and literary elements concepts. Finally, students will learn narrative & research writing concepts.

“Extra, extra, read all about it!” It’s all right here in black and white, in the pages of The Virtual Times newspaper. Published at key periods in American history, The Virtual Times takes us right into the action. The writing is clear and concise. The stories and opinions give us perspective. The sports and entertainment sections give us the color and flavor of the times.

Come explore the world of big ideas in English IV, where you are able to choose which path you will travel first as you explore highly engaging, thematic units. Each path will guide you through a series of literary pieces that allow you to analyze the political, social, economic, and cultural messages of its time as well as its relevance to the world you live in today.

Students review the common mythologies of the world, as well as review more recent versions of these same stories. Exploring myths and legends throughout the world, students learn about the similarities that span time and culture in storytelling.

Provides essential skills for future English courses as well as for writing across the curriculum and in the workplace. Patterns of development include division/classification, compare/contrast, and persuasive, along with a selection of other types such as cause & effect, definition, and exemplification.

From vampires to ghosts, these frightening stories have influenced fiction writers since the 18th century. This course will focus on the major themes found in Gothic literature and demonstrate how the core writing drivers produce, for the reader, a thrilling psychological environment.

Using easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction, this course shows students how to approach and navigate complex texts. If you’re looking for extra opportunities to sharpen your reading skills and prepare for the state reading assessment, look no further!

Journalism I provides students with the fundamental basics of journalism. Students begin by exploring the history of American journalism, examining different media such as print, radio, television, and internet journalism.

Students are introduced to public speaking, build confidence, and utilize modern technology to create and present a variety of presentations for different purposes and audiences; these can include informative presentations, persuasive presentations, special occasion speeches, and others.

Hobbits, Orcs, wizards, dashing knights, and powerful elves are all part of the magic created in J.R.R. Tolkien’s famously epic tale, The Lord of the Rings.

Learn techniques from famous speakers throughout history while learning what it takes to make a great speech. Develop skills that will serve you well throughout your career and personal life. Bring your speeches to life by learning about body language, vocal, and other techniques.

Students learn key literary terms and concepts, and how to compose essays and articles in response to pieces of literature. They learn about certain character archetypes found in mythology that permeate modern stories of today, characterization, and types of characters (flat, round, static, dynamic).

Students investigate Shakespeare's history as a man, actor, poet and playwright. Then, they identify, analyze and discuss common elements of his comedies, including iambic pentameter, five act structure, supernatural occurrences, stock characters, and harmonious union.

Students review Shakespeare's history as a man, actor, poet and playwright. They identify, analyze and discuss the tragic hero archetype as addressed in Shakespeare's plays. Students compare and contrast the structural elements and themes present in the comedies and the tragedies and interact with Shakespeare's tragic texts by reading and discussing excerpts and summaries.

Students learn about types of poems, ranging from haiku to ballad, and the key concepts and devices of poetry, such as meter and rhyme scheme. They are exposed to a variety of poems and learn about several poets – both classic and contemporary. Students read and evaluate poems for the various concepts specific to poetry as well as more global literary elements (i.e. theme, imagery, irony).

Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of British literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. They conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent patterns and themes, structural features, and narrative literary elements and devices.