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ENGLISH I:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on integrating critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and viewing skills. Both required and self-selected readings provide students with opportunities to experience classic and modern literature representing various genres, cultures, and time periods. Students enhance skills in the following areas: vocabulary, grammar, writing specific works in MLA format (i.e. 5 paragraph essays), journal, library skills, etc. In addition, research, test taking, study skills, and organizational methods will be reinforced. The following forms of literature will be introduced to English I students: short story, drama, novel, essay, poetry, and non-fiction.

ENGLISH II:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: English I

Students will strengthen writing skills in paragraph writing, emphasizing correct grammar, word choice and organization. Literature focuses on types with at least one Shakespearean drama and two novels. Writing projects will center on reading selections. Vocabulary study will include verbal analogies.

HONORS ENGLISH II: (College Credit Avaliable)
Credit 1
Prerequisite: A Grade of B+ or Higher in English I & Teacher Recommendation

This course develops skills in critical reading of literature and the writing process. Students read seven novels: 2 in summer, 2 independently, 5 during the year. One or two plays will be read and studied in depth. Non-fiction, drama, short stories, and newspaper or magazine editorials comprise the remainder of the reading.
Students analyze literary works in detail, focusing on literary elements, rhetorical devices, audience and theme. Students will learn the dynamics of writing a thesis statement. Honors English II develops critical writers whose analysis and interpretation skills evolve in narrative, descriptive, and expository writing. Students take the Advanced Placement Examination in Language and Composition in early May. The course requires summer reading, attending the Shakespeare Festival, and writing a personal narrative. Students use a text anthology and write a 7-8 page research paper; vocabulary study comes with the reading assigned. Students will write 30+ essays. Class participation is an expectation. Entrance into the class requires an application, high grades in English I, an essay, and a teacher recommendation. There is only one section; class size is limited.

AP
Grade 10

ENGLISH III:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of English II

Students will study a variety of literary forms in American literature through assigned reading,
lectures, discussions, individual and group projects, writing assignments and cooperative learning activities. The course will develop interpretive reading, critical thinking skills, argumentative and expository essay writing. Review activities will cover reading comprehension, grammar, mechanics and usage exercises.

HONORS ENGLISH III: (College Credit Avaliable)
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of English II or Honors English II

This course emphasizes the development of critical reading and writing skills. Building upon study of American Literature, the course will include American minority authors. Compositions written for the course will be persuasive in form and emphasize a close reading of the literature. Students in this course take the AP examination in May for which they could receive college credit upon entrance into their college of choice. Students are expected to do summer reading and attend Shakespearean play(s).

ENGLISH IV:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of English III or Honors English III

This course combines the study of English literature with written composition. It provides the student with a broad overview of English literature. Writing is done in connection with the literature. Compositions are persuasive in form and emphasize a close reading of the literature with critical writing. In addition, the students complete a research project.

HONORS ENGLISH IV: (College Credit Avaliable)
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Grade of B+ or Higher in English III  or Completion of Honors English III
Course Fee: Based upon Rockhurst University course fee requirements

This course emphasizes the development of skills in critical reading of English literature primarily and in writing about literature and related ideas. It is for students capable of doing college level work and who are willing to devote the energy necessary to complete a more rigorous and demanding senior English course. Compositions written for the course are persuasive in form and emphasize a close reading of the literature. Students are expected to do summer reading and attend the Shakespearean plays. Other Shakespearean plays are also read. Students may elect to sign up for advanced college credit through Rockhurst University (ACCP).

SHAKESPEAREAN DRAMA:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of English II

This semester course is an intensive study of Shakespeare's works, encompassing histories, tragedies, and comedies. Extensive analysis of several plays will be undertaken. Elements of stage conditions and social-historical background are also considered. Critical essays from A.C. Bradley, Northrup Frye, Harold Bloom, and others will be read in addition to the plays. Film versions of plays will be analyzed to understand director's conceptualization of character and motivation. Writing, individual and group projects and class participation are expectations. This course is an elective course and does not fulfill the 4-credit core requirement for English.

CREATIVE WRITING:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

This semester course will be an intensive writing course that will focus on developing the student's creative expression. Students will be required to analyze as well as understand classical works of short fiction and poetry, with the intention of using this information to improve their own craft. The class expectations include the following: presenting, critiquing, extensive writing and attempts at publication.