English I

This introductory English course combines the study of literary genre with a focus on composition skills. Students will learn effective communication skills by focusing on the 6+1 Traits of writing developed by the Northwest Regional Education Laboratories. Oral communication and research skills are included. Students select from a choice of novels in the first semester, and in the second semester they will read The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, by Jerome and Robert E. Lee, IBN# 055327838X Syllabus

English II

This intermediate English course combines the study of world literature along with a continued focus on composition skills. Students will read, reflect, synthesize, and respond to several different types of world literature. A research paper is a requirement. No text required-various novels will be read. Syllabus

English III

This course explores American literature and the pursuit of the American Dream. Students will examine the roots of American literature in religion and faith, relive a revolution of rebellion and conformity, redefine truth and human potential, and develop a deeper sense of self. Through an exploration of classic American themes and ideals, students will deepen their awareness of political and social influences that have shaped American culture as it is known today. Selections of literature range from poetry and fiction (short stories, novellas, drama) to nonfiction (speeches, sermons, letters, journals, news articles). Not only will students think about literature and its connection to their lives--they will also learn to question the beliefs and ideas that have informed American literature throughout the country’s sometimes harmonious, sometimes volatile history. Syllabus

REQUIRED TEXT - Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

REQUIRED MATERIALS - To meet objectives of the course and high school Language Arts standards of speaking and listening, students participating in this course should have access to Youtube. In addition, students must be able to listen to and watch streaming video and audio; and will need access to a microphone and/or digital video and software to record mp3 or .avi files.:

English IV

This is a class that will prepare students for the skills they will need to be successful in college and in life. When they have completed the class, students will have acquired the reading and critical thinking skills necessary for understanding challenging new material, analyzing that material to deduce meaning, and applying what they have learned to our world. They will have the composition skills needed to communicate their understanding effectively to a variety of audiences. Students will read and analyze classic works of literature because these works contain literary qualities that merit study and provoke thinking, not because of a requirement to know a particular work or author. They will also look at modern and contemporary works as they examine all genres: plays, short stories, poetry, essays, and novels.

Students will learn to apply critical literary terms as tools for learning, understanding, and communication. Learning activities include close reading, paraphrasing, discussions, essays, short answer exams, research papers, reflective journals, web quests, oral presentations, and others. The unit structure below identifies the main headings of the units only. Most units will include a combination of genres and activities. The structure to the class is not based upon a sequence of chronology, national origin, or genres. It is instead based upon the sequence that best supports the learning needs of the student. Syllabus

REQUIRED READINGS: King Lear; There Will Come Soft Rains; The Kite Runner

Grammer and Composition

This course is designed for the student who needs extra help in mastering communication skills and fundamental principles of grammar and usage. The course focuses on teaching the composition concepts in the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing pioneered by the NorthWest Regional Education Laboratories. Grammar is taught as a tool for improving communication rather than as a pure focus of study. Oral Communication and research skills are included. Although there is some literature study in the course, it is not the focus. The course emphasizes diagnosis of student writing needs and targeting individualized needs for improvement. No required text. Syllabus 

Creative Writing

In this course, students will explore a range of creative writing genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama, and multimedia writing. Students will study examples of writing through classic and contemporary selections and will apply that knowledge and understanding to their writing. In addition, students will develop an intimate understanding of the writing process and its application to various projects. As students move through the course, they will understand and evaluate the writings of others, and be able to apply the evaluation criteria to their own writing. By the end of the course, students will have created a well-developed portfolio of finished written works. Learning activities include reading; listening; discussing; writing; multiple choice games; self-check activities; and reflective journals. The unit structure includes the broader idea of the unit as defined by the main heading. Units will include a combination of activities and will culminate in a submittal of the finished unit project. Unit projects will be developed in phases throughout each section of the unit. Unit lessons and performance tasks have been scaffolded carefully to help students achieve deeper levels of understanding. Syllabus