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English

Requirements

  • English 9
  • English 10
  • English 11
  • English 12 (College Now)

Electives

  • AP English
  • Novel Adaptations 21st Century
  • Creative Writing

Course Offerings

English 9
1 Credit

The English 9 curriculum is a mix of contemporary and classical literature, short stories, poetry and various non-fiction pieces. Writing is emphasized, with instruction in reading comprehension strategies, language skills, vocabulary, literary techniques and rhetorical devices. Students are introduced to the research process, following MLA style formatting and procedures. Students will be competent in many styles of writing, various genres of reading, listening, as well as public speaking, as all units and instruction are aligned to the Next Generation State Standards. Skills developed in this course are foundational for subsequent English classes as well as the English 11 Regents. English 9 course work is also designed to create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing literature and flash fiction, peer reviewing with one another, and promoting life-long literacy through a student-driven curriculum.
 

English 10
1 Credit

English 10 focuses on the development of students’ character and academic skills through literature and non-fiction texts. Major literature units are comprised of a mixed text coming of age unit, literature circles featuring a blend of contemporary and classic novels centered around a common essential question and a choice independent reading novel unit. Students will also complete an argumentative unit that culminates in a formal, persuasive presentation based upon research of a topic of their choice. All research is completed using our database systems to support their reasoning and the counterclaim as well. Units are enriched with creative and critical thinking activities along with various opportunities to write, collaborate, and reflect. This course is digitally based as all materials, even those provided on paper, are posted daily to Google Classroom. Lessons, notes, and assignments are delivered via Google for easy completion when students are absent.
 

English 11
1 Credit

The English 11 curriculum is a study of both fiction and nonfiction texts including novels, short stories, poetry and documents. Building on previous years, students will utilize their knowledge of literary techniques, rhetorical devices, and reading comprehension strategies in order to write Regents level argument essays and text analysis responses. All assignments and assessments are structured to increase reading comprehension, writing ability, vocabulary and confidence in their ability to understand and discuss literature based in analysis as it relates to theme, symbolism and characterization. All units of instruction adhere to the NYS Common Core Standards. The course will culminate with the NYS English Language Arts Regents Exam.
 

English 12 (College Now)
1 Credit

Partnering with Herkimer College, students are able to earn credit for English 111: Introduction to Literature, and English 112: College Writing. The year will start with a full unit dedicated to student memoir writing leading into writing their college application essays as well. However, this year-long course will focus on formal, informal, and expository writing, writing for communication, research, note-taking and study skills, as well as college academia. Emphasis will be on crafting thesis statements, source incorporation and citations, as well as in-depth analysis through supporting examples and evidence for clarification. Reading selections will be short fiction for analysis and non-fiction to serve as material for written assignments. This course is digitally based as all materials, even those provided on paper, are posted daily to Google Classroom. Lessons, notes, and assignments are delivered via Google for easy completion when students are absent. * College Now credit available.
 

AP English
1 Credit

AP English is designed according to the College Board standards in order for students to meet the requirements for the AP exam in May. Course selections include short stories, poetry, drama, and novels by major authors, both traditional and contemporary. The course emphasizes critical and analytical reading and writing similar to what is expected of students in college freshman English. Students may enroll in this course just for a better preparation for college but must take the exam, which could provide exemption from freshman English. This course is highly recommended for those pursuing study at a four-year college.
 

Novel Adaptations 21st Century
1/2 Credit

This elective course will focus on film adaptations of mostly contemporary works of various genres. Genres in focus include, but are not limited to: historical fiction, young adult literature, memoir, and horror. Students are expected to read the texts more quickly than a traditional English class pace and discuss their thoughts on their reading weekly. After the novel is read, the class views the film with intent to discuss the interpretations and implications of the adaptation. While the course is run like an organized book club, students’ grades are heavily based on their contribution to discussion. Lastly, the heart of this course is intended to instill an enjoyment of reading for leisure within students.
 

Creative Writing
1/2 Credit

Provides an introduction to the basics of creative writing—both fiction and creative nonfiction. With a hands-on, completely accessible approach, you will be guided through each stage of the creative process, from the initial triggering idea to the revision of the final manuscript. This course combines the three main aspects of creative writing instruction: process (finding inspiration and getting ideas on the page), craft (specific techniques like characterization), and anthology (learning by reading masters of the form). Succinct, clear definitions of basic terms of fiction will be accompanied by examples, including excerpts from masterpieces of short fiction and essays as well as contemporary novels.