Course Offerings:

Language Arts Department

Freshman English

This course is designed to be a basic survey course.  Written communication is emphasized using various modes of writing, from journals to literary analysis.  Oral communication skills are stressed through cooperative learning groups and a required speech.  The foundations for more extensive and deeper understanding of literature are stressed.

Sophomore English

This course provides a comprehensive study of literary types representing the finest traditional and contemporary literature:  short stories, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and the novel.  Grammar, writing, and speech are also stressed with a heavy emphasis placed on writing.

American Literature

This course is s survey of American Literature from the colonial through the modern period.  In addition to reading and responding to literature, an emphasis is placed on the improvement of writing skills.

British Literature

British Literature had been planned to develop the student in the areas of reading, speaking, and writing.  The student is made aware of cultural heritage in an examination of the literature of the Anglo Saxon through the literature of the twentieth century. 

A.P. English (Composition)

Advanced Placement English is a literature and composition course that requires a high degree of commitment from those students who elect to take it. The central focus of the course revolves around written analysis and discussion of the literary essay as it appears in a wide variety of disciplines and historical periods. In addition, students will be required to read approximately eight classic novels and at least one Shakespeare play. A major component of this course will be written work, requiring students to write in a variety of modes, both formal and informal, with a special emphasis on the expository, analytical and persuasive essay.

Speech

This course is designed primarily as an elective for college bound students. It will encompass the study and practice of effective public speaking. Students, both as individuals and in groups, will perform a series of speeches with an emphasis on informative, persuasive, interpretive, and impromptu speaking. Through the study and practice of critical listening techniques, students will, in addition, learn to analyze and critique the speeches of their classmates. Students will also be introduced to broadcasting by performing several television broadcasts to the student body and staff.

Composition

This course will be a one semester intensive overview of various modes of writing geared for the college bound student. Areas of focus will include narration and description, argumentation, creative, and technical writing. Mastery of such concepts as audience, form, editing, and revision will also be stressed.