The English curriculum should help students to discover, through the acquisition of writing, reading and oral communication skills, an understanding and appreciation of how literature and literary nonfiction reflect and influence the world in which they live. Critical thinking and writing skills, demonstrated by various tasks ranging from research papers and essays to creative writing and multi-media projects, support students in reaching the departmental goals of becoming fluent writers, speakers and critical thinkers, able to recognize the context in which literature and writing is situated. Students examine multiple genres of literature in order to deepen their understanding of themselves and their world.
The prescribed four-year sequence is as follows:
Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 | |
Required Courses |
English I |
English II |
English III or AP English Language & Composition Writing Portfolio 1&2 |
English IV or English IV ECE, AP English Literature/ Composition Writing Portfolio 1&2 |
Electives |
Drama I Drama II English Foundations I |
Creative Writing Journalism Mythology Media Literacy Drama I Drama II English Foundations II |
Creative Writing Contemporary Lit Journalism Mythology Media Literacy Drama I Drama II Vocab Development |
Creative Writing Contemporary Lit. Journalism Mythology Media Literacy Drama I Drama II Vocab Development |
What career options might I have with a background in English?
Business Sales and Marketing Manager Public Relations Office E-commerce Coordinator Technical Writer Training and Development Consultant |
Government Attorney Paralegal Assistant Public Administrator Grant Writer Speech Writer Communications Director |
Education English Teacher Theater Arts Teacher Journalism Teacher College Professor College Recruiter |
Print/Web Media and Publishing Editor Journalist News Writer Press Secretary Webmaster |
Theater, Television & Film Actor Author Screenwriter Producer Events Manager Creative Consultant |
English Courses
The aim of the English curriculum is to graduate students who have mastered the following competencies: (1) to communicate in an articulate, effective, and organized manner through speaking and writing, (2) to read, research, listen, and view actively and critically, (3) to read, evaluate, and respond to literature and literary nonfiction. Each student must select a minimum of one credit each year. A total of four credits are required for graduation.