English Courses
Requirements: All students are required to take four years of the English course sequence.
English I
This course is designed to develop the student's reading and writing skills through a study of literary genres (short story, the novel, the epic, drama, poetry). (1101) GRADE 9
English I – Honors
This honors course is designed to develop the student's reading and writing skills through an in-depth development of the literary genres of short story, essay, autobiography, novel, drama and poetry. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written work. Prerequisites: Minimum of 88% National Percentile on SSAT Exam (Verbal), and a “B+” Average in elementary school English courses. (1102) GRADE 9
English I - High Honors
This advanced course is designed to develop the student's reading and writing skills through an in-depth development of the literary genres of short story, essay, autobiography, novel, drama and poetry. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written work. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of ideas and themes as well as evaluation of style. The format of this course allows for the development of the unique responses of each student. Independent research and critical analysis are stressed. (1103) GRADE 9
Prerequisites: Minimum of 92% National Percentile on SSAT Exam (Verbal), and an “A” Average in elementary school English courses.
English II
This course continues to develop the student's reading and writing skills through a chronological survey of American literature. (1201) GRADE 10
English II – Honors
This honors course focuses on an in-depth study of American literature from colonial to modern times. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written work. (1202) GRADE 10
Prerequisites: College Preparatory Students – 92% Average. PSAT minimum score of 520 in ERW Honors Students - 90% Average 4
English II – High Honors
This advanced course focuses on an in-depth study of American literature from colonial to modern times. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written work. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of ideas and themes, and other literary elements, as well as evaluation of style. The format of this course allows for the development of the unique voice of each student. Independent research and critical analysis are stressed. (1203) GRADE 10
Prerequisites: College Preparatory Students - 95% , Average Honors Students - 92%, Average High Honors Students – 90% Average
English III
This course continues to develop the student's reading and writing skills through a survey of English literature. Instruction in writing a term paper is an integral part of this course. (1301) GRADE 11
English III – Honors
This advanced course focuses on an in-depth study of English literature from Anglo-Saxon to contemporary writers. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written work, including a term paper. (1302) GRADE 11
Prerequisites: College Preparatory Students – Minimum of a 530 ERW on PSAT and a 92% Average Honors Students – Minimum of a 530 ERW on PSAT and a 90% Average
English III – High Honors
This advanced course focuses on an in-depth study of English literature from Anglo-Saxon to contemporary writers. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of ideas and themes, and other literary elements, as well as evaluation of style. The format of this course allows for the development of the unique responses of each student. Independent research and critical written analysis are stressed. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written work, including a term paper. Students will have the option to take the Advanced Placement exam in English Language and Composition in May. (1303) GRADE 11
Prerequisites: College Preparatory Students – Minimum of a 590 ERW on PSAT and a 95% Average Honors Students – Minimum of a 590 ERW on PSAT and a 92% Average High Honors Students – Minimum of a 590 ERW on PSAT and a 90% Average
English IV
This course continues to develop the student's reading and writing skills through a survey of world literature. A literary term paper is also required. (1401) GRADE 12
English IV – Honors
This advanced course focuses on an in-depth study of world literature. Students must demonstrate a high level of competence in oral and written interpretation, including a literary term paper. Emphasis is placed on making critical and stylistic comparisons. A term paper is also required. (1402) GRADE 12
Prerequisites: College Preparatory Students – Minimum of a 530 ERW on PSAT and a 92% Average Honors Students – Minimum of a 530 ERW on PSAT and an 88% Average
English IV Literature & Composition – Advanced Placement
This college level course covers a variety of genres and periods. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of ideas and themes, and other literary elements, as well as evaluation of style. The format of this course allows for the development of the unique responses of each student. Independent research and critical written analysis are stressed. A term paper is also required. (1404) GRADE 12
Prerequisites: Honors Students – Minimum of a 620 ERW on PSAT and a 92% Average High Honors Students – Minimum of a 620 ERW on PSAT and an 88% Average Qualifying Exam Required for students in English III Honors.
Note: All students take the AP Exam in May.
Electives
Creative Writing
Students will learn to write a variety of forms of poetry and prose using select models and writing prompts. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and performing arts. (1701) GRADE 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER
East Asian Literature
In this elective with an international and literary focus, students will read and respond to notable works, ancient and modern, from China, Japan, and Korea. The course materials will cover various literary forms (poetry, short stories, drama, selections from epics, etc.) in addition to fundamental works of mythology, religion, and philosophy. Students will explore the history and beliefs that inform the works and build an understanding of the culture of the Asian continent as they read. Modern works covered in the course will challenge students with questions raised in postwar literature, and students with an interest in international affairs will have a chance to grapple with some issues taking place in Asia today—issues within individual countries, among Asian nations, and especially those that reach across the globe. (1801) Grade 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER
Communications
This course provides an introduction into the exciting and important field of modern communications and gives an overview of Interpersonal Communications and Mass Communications. Students also explore career opportunities in the media and advertising as well as in the field of Interpersonal Communication. An important feature is learning to write and perform persuasive speeches, along with learning to identify and use persuasive techniques and rhetorical strategies. (6801) GRADE 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER
Journalism
This course examines looks at the role of the journalist in today’s society. Students will also explore basic news writing, editing, design and layout using desktop publishing and digital imaging software. Students contribute to the production of AHA’s student newspaper, The AHA Voice. (6811) GRADE 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER
Film
This course is intended to increase the enjoyment of film by raising awareness of the ways a film communicates. Students will become more knowledgeable and critical viewers as we watch and discuss a series of films. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for fine and performing arts. (6701) GRADE 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER