Junior
Registration
Additional Course Information for Teachers
Elective Offerings by
Semester:
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
ELECTIVES
English 4
This course is designed for students who need to strengthen their reading and writing skills before leaving the high school. The course accommodates students with reading problems by listening to much of the required texts on tape in class. Homework assignments consist of answering questions and reflecting on the text read.
Students have an opportunity to choose from a variety of projects to demonstrate their knowledge of the textual material. They will also write journals, freewrites, and structured essays that reflect the ideas and themes of the texts. There are also quizzes and tests for the required reading. Oftentimes, students may use review materials and/or texts for their tests.
These classes are usually smaller than the CP classes to afford more one on one work with individual students. There is a reading workshop component to this course.
If you would like additional information, contact Mrs. Forst at mforst@d115.org
English 4: Composition/Personal Writing
This semester course is structured so that students can improve their writing skills with tutorial help. The class operates as a Writing Workshop: students respond to writing prompts and activities to generate writing topics and confer with the teacher and peers to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the written work, formulate goals, and check progress.
The class operates on a two week cycle which begins with brainstorming for topics. Then, students work in the lab to complete 2-3 papers over the two week period. They choose one of these papers for a more formal evaluation.
Students are also required to submit a mini-quarter portfolio that assesses and reflects on their progress during the third quarter. A final portfolio is required at the end of the semester. Grades are determined by the students’ efforts, consistency, and improvement.
If you would like additional information, contact Mrs. Forst at mforst@d115.org
COMPOSITION
Comp classes typically include a mix of academic abilities (honors students, cp, etc.). You’ll write quite a bit - it is a writing class! Please be aware that it is much more than a class to take simply because you want help writing a college essay. While the college essay is one paper you’ll work on in the first quarter, you’ll do a lot more. In general, the writing is more formal than creative. This is expository writing, not fiction. You will produce a portfolio, have teacher and peer conferences, etc. - similar to what you may have experienced in Writing Workshop before. You’ll have a fair amount of time to write during class; however, you’ll have writing homework as well. You might do a bit of grammar, vocabulary, and spelling work. Undoubtedly you’ll do some reading and writing about that reading.
If you’d like further information, check with your English teacher. If s/he can’t answer your question s/he can tell you where to go to get help.
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE: Readers and Writers in Today's World
The main components of this course include the
following:
§
reading (both in and
outside of class)
§
active group
discussions
§
journal writing
§
projects
This class is a good choice for a student whose
favorite part of English is Reading Workshop. This class is NOT a good choice
for students who do not enjoy reading in their free time or have trouble
reading for a sustained period of at least 50 minutes both in class and at
home.
A unique feature of this course is that much of it is set up like an adult book club. Students are encouraged to seek out faculty members or other adults to join their book groups.
Students who sign up for this course should enjoy reading for pleasure and also have enough time to read in their free time. Typical assignments include reading, journal responses, and projects. Active participation is a major component of this class, and much of your participation grade is based on attendance.
Grammar and Grammar and Composition Honors:
The single-semester elective called Grammar focuses primarily on learning the “rules” and conventions of English grammar with a limited focus on writing essays as part of the class. The full-year course called Grammar and Composition Honors covers all of the material that the single-semester course covers, but it does so, as you would expect, in the context of writing. The first semester of Grammar and Composition Honors concentrates on grammar lessons, while the second semester concentrates more on applying the principles of grammar and punctuation to the student’s own writing. This student writing will culminate in a student writing portfolio at the end of the second semester. Grammar and Composition Honors also involves analyzing published essays so that students can see effective writing in a wide range of topics, styles, and structures. Since Grammar and Composition Honors is an honors course, it requires a high level of motivation on the part of the students; however, non-honors students may enroll if they are committed to doing the work.
Additional note: Teachers of these courses have received frequent feedback from graduates who say that each of these courses has helped tremendously in college and beyond.
If you have further questions, contact Mr. Hawkins at dhawkin@d115.org
Poetry
This semester course is a study in the close-reading approach to poetry analysis and a workshop in which students learn poetic techniques by writing various types of poetry. Prior experience in such writing is not required. No text book is required, but each student must have a 3-ring binder to keep the many handouts and assignments that will make up the basis of the class. In-class projects such as visual displays, Haikus, lyrics, oral readings, and poetry writing will enrich class activities and discussions. Students should be prepared to share their ideas and their work.
Speech (CP)
Speech is a public speaking course. Students are expected to prepare and deliver approximately eight presentations throughout the course of the semester, as well as a final speech. The course will empower timid speakers and refine the skills of those already comfortable speaking in front of others. Confidence is reinforced through community building activities, such role playing, games, and impromptu exercises. Terminology and theory involving communication is also examined. Be aware that Speech is only offered second semester.
email Mrs. Van Skyock or Mr. DelFava for further information:
Writing/American Literature (CP)
American Literature is appropriate for the student who enjoys the shared literature portion of his/her current English class. We examine four texts, as well as their film adaptations, throughout the course of the semester: The Great Gatsby, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, A Thousand Acres, and The Joy Luck Club. Daily discussions function like a “book club” where students are encouraged to share their interpretations and personal connections to the novels. Typically, students are responsible for reading about twenty pages per night. A wide range of assessments are incorporated, such as reader response, debate, creative projects, thematic illustrations, vocabulary study, and analysis writing. A large portion of our analysis includes discussion of the historical time period that each novel represents. Please be aware that Writing/American Literature is only offered first semester.
email Mrs. Van Skyock for further information: jVanSky@d115.org
WRITING/BRITISH LITERATURE — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
This class is ideal for students who enjoy the shared literature aspect of their current English class.
Many students may choose this as a second English course – taken alongside Composition or Grammar, for example.
Class discussion is a critical aspect of this course. Students will be asked to write about and discuss the books at length. We will also learn about the aspects of British history and society which influenced each writer. The course will help them build their critical thinking and analytical writing skills as they explore the texts and themes in each book. Participation, preparation and attendance are very important for students to maintain.
Class activities will include group projects and presentations, journal writing, and creative responses to the literature. At home, students should be willing and able to read up to 20 pages a night.
For further information, please contact Mrs. Swann at mswann@d115.org
Writing / Critical Analysis of Film focuses on the study of movies in ways similar to the study of literature. Through essay-writing and discussion, this class studies devices such as story, characterization, visual symbolism, and a variety of other filmmaking techniques. The class has a textbook which is used in many college-level film courses. The films studied represent different genres, time periods, and directorial styles.
Students view the films in class, with time taken to discuss themes and techniques. In addition, students complete study guides and take quizzes/tests as they read the textbook. Other homework may include personal journal responses and formal essays, projects such as storyboards and soundtracks, and analysis of the techniques of specific directors. On average, students should expect between 30 and 45 minutes of homework per night.
Students might find this class especially interesting if:
Students should note the importance of consistent attendance in this class. Absences and tardies cause students to fall quickly behind, and films are not available through the school for make-up viewing.
If you’d like further information, please contact Mr. Ferges in Room 34 or by e-mail at lferges@d115.org.
WRITING/MASS
COMMUNICATIONS
This course teaches students media literacy, which seeks to understand the media’s role in shaping society. We study “new media” Internet and other delivery systems. Individual and small group oral presentations and projects are a major part of the course. Writing and journaling are also major components. Students are required to follow current events via the Internet and other media sources. Students can expect quizzes and essays every one to two weeks. Mass Comm. (this year) is doing a big interdisciplinary project with Telecom.
Because the content of this course evolves with emerging trends in media, students must maintain a rigorous work pace; attendance is critical and make up work is often difficult.
This course is a good choice for students who are interested in news, advertising, or communications. There is no “typical” day in Mass Comm. Most sections take various field trips to observe the “truth in advertising” behind the media.
If you have questions or wish further information, contact Dr. Birtman, abirtma@d115.org.
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BRITISH LITERATURE H — 1/2 Unit of credit or 1 Unit of credit Junior,
This is a rigorous class, best suited to students who are already strong readers and writers and wish to push themselves further with college-level reading materials.
Students who have enjoyed reading Shakespeare and other similarly challenging texts will get the most out of this course. An enjoyment of history is a plus, since this is a large part of understanding the chronological approach to British literature. The most successful students are already confident analytical writers.
Typically, a week would include a mini Reading Workshop program in which students read contemporary British novels independently, reading assignments from the anthology, class discussions, group projects, and a reading quiz or two. There are at least four unit tests and various essays to write throughout the year; some creative, most analytical. Homework generally consists of reading and/or writing tasks, an average of 35-45 minutes a night (though this varies greatly). There is a final exam at the end of each semester.
This course will help students cope with more challenging reading materials and relate them to historical events of the time. Participation, preparation and attendance are a large portion of the grade – we rely heavily on class discussions to improve understanding.
For further information, please contact Mrs. Swann at mswann@d115.org
CWH examines the following questions and issues:
What
is
How
does the physical space of
What
is the relationship between the
What is the reciprocal relationship between people and urban space?
The
course also invites students to examine their own connection with the
city. They may have the opportunity to
explore personal/family history.
Students
who choose this elective are those who would like to learn more about
Drama
OK, then, what is this class?
Let’s
begin by discussing what it is not. Drama is not
a typical English class. There is no literature, no analytical essays, no
reading and writing workshop. There are no pop quizzes, no huge objective tests,
no final exam. You will not enter the room, sit neatly in rows
or in a circle, and listen to the teacher talk.
If
you feel that a class must have those things to work, then this is definitely not a class you should consider.
What
it is, though, is a unique
opportunity within LFHS to earn English credit (and Honors credit) while honing
vital life skills not explored elsewhere in the curriculum. In this class you will:
§
Questions? or ask these current Drama students: Emily
Barrett Chase
Brunjes Emma
England Monica
Grilli Julia
Hankins K
Lukas Johnny
Nelson Kristen
Radomski Maggie
Rappaport Kayleigh
Swarthout Ian
Swift Sarah
Wagener
work closely with classmates in
ways you never have before
§
learn more about
yourself and presenting yourself to others than you ever thought possible
§
hone (or
discover) your acting skills in monologues and scene work
§
play (a lot) in
improvisational theatre games designed to teach specific lessons or skills
§
become a whole
lot more comfortable in front of others
§
laugh a lot (this
may not be a vital life skill, but
it’s a vital part of life)
§
learn how to
approach a play from angles you never thought of in a lit class
§
learn how to
obtain objectives within groups using a variety of tactics
§
have oodles and
oodles of fun!
What kind of assignments are there?
You’ll
keep an online reflection journal based on class activities and other events in
your lives that pertain to theatre in some way.
You will have exercises and readings to do in one of the best acting
texts on the market, Acting Onstage and
Off by Robert Barton. You’ll have
several improvisational scenes to prepare and other scenes to work on. And honors students may have an additional
project of their choice. As to the lack
of a final…hey, it’s a drama class:
we’ll do monologues, scenes, or even a full play!
I’m not an actor; why should I take this class?
Why
not? First of all, everyone is an actor. We all play dozens of parts every day of
our lives: son/daughter, student, friend, teammate, congregant, club officer,
student leader…your performances vary depending upon the role you are
playing. But that’s not the main
reason. In every career, you’ll need to
be comfortable in front of others. Most
people are not. This class can help you
find much more confidence making presentations or speaking up in meetings or
interviews. It can help you understand
group dynamics better. And it can
improve your basic speaking skills.
Besides all of that, it’s a fun thing to do in the second semester of
senior year. What could be better?
Do you have more questions? Just ask!
Grammar and Grammar and Composition Honors:
The single-semester elective called Grammar focuses primarily on learning the “rules” and conventions of English grammar with a limited focus on writing essays as part of the class. The full-year course called Grammar and Composition Honors covers all of the material that the single-semester course covers, but it does so, as you would expect, in the context of writing. The first semester of Grammar and Composition Honors concentrates on grammar lessons, while the second semester concentrates more on applying the principles of grammar and punctuation to the student’s own writing. This student writing will culminate in a student writing portfolio at the end of the second semester. Grammar and Composition Honors also involves analyzing published essays so that students can see effective writing in a wide range of topics, styles, and structures. Since Grammar and Composition Honors is an honors course, it requires a high level of motivation on the part of the students; however, non-honors students may enroll if they are committed to doing the work.
Additional note: Teachers of these courses have received frequent feedback from graduates who say that each of these courses has helped tremendously in college and beyond.
If you have further questions, contact Mr. Hawkins at dhawkin@d115.org
Creative Writing H
This course is for the student who looks forward to writing and to having writing workshop each week—students who love to write, love to craft their writing, and love to help others do the same. It is, basically, a whole semester of intense writing workshop focused on writing poetry, short stories, and plays.
Minilessons will include common paper-starters as well as less conventional prompts, like taking a nature walk or writing about a color chip. Students who love writing will enjoy taking this course. It also attracts students who are adventurous, enjoy thinking outside the box, and take a few risks.
Students should expect to write in journals outside of class on a regular basis. They should also expect to submit a piece that has been through the writing process at least every two weeks. In addition, students must submit a final portfolio.
Students who have taken this course have flourished with the opportunity to spend an entire semester focused on writing. They have enjoyed the crazy activities and learned to see their class as a supportive writing community.
Prerequisite: a minimum grade of B in the first semester of English 3CP or English 3H and/or teacher recommendation
submission of a creative piece (500) words. Prompt may be found on the Edline English page. Submissions due to Ms. Forst.
Please see Ms. Forst for further details.
Writing/Humanities and Literature H – Semester 1 and 2
Prerequisite: English 3 Honors or a grade of “A” in both first and
second semester of English 3CP and/or teacher recommendation
Expectations
In both semesters students will:
Ideal Humanities
Students
Humanities students enjoy engaging in philosophical discussions. They are risk takers who stretch themselves to explore what many great philosophers and thinkers have thought to be profound, perplexing, and ultimately unanswerable questions. They are creative, intellectual and inquisitive with a penchant for abstract thinking. They must be prepared for the rigors of reading thought-provoking, challenging, college-level texts. They will come into the class with strong writing skills, and a desire to test those skills by developing logically sound philosophical arguments. They should also feel comfortable leading and participating in oral presentations. Finally, the ideal Humanities student is a student who is looking for an alternative experience to the normal literature-based English class; an experience that will lead to self-reflection and new perspectives about ourselves and our world.
If you’d like further information, please contact Mr. Finley at cfinley@d115.org
Literary Analysis and Criticism AP
This course is a good choice for a student whose favorite part of English class is :
Literature and its close analysis
In depth discussion and exploration
of meaning
Writing that explores the text and
extends classroom discussion
Unique features of this class include:
Reading assignments that are challenging in length and density
Frequent, challenging writing assignments
College-level study of literature
A tightly knit community of learners
Preparation for the AP test
A typical day in class looks like this:
On discussion days, students and teachers share responsibility for the
conversation. We cite quotations, take
notes, reference annotations, make connections to other pieces of literature,
and do in-class response writing. Some
days take quizzes or tests, some days students present research, and others are
a combination of activities. And most
days we laugh a lot.
Students entering this course should already show strength
in:
Structure in writing, grammar and usage, understanding of literary
device, annotation skills, close reading skills. Self-motivation, good time-management,
responsibility and preparedness, willingness to work collaboratively with
classmates to construct meaning.
*Students must have had an A or A- in both semesters of 3H.
Students who have taken this course have often experienced growth in:
Achieving voice and focus in writing-- both in and out of class
Expanding their level of understanding of important texts, further
honing the skills listed above
Preparing for further study of literature in college
An increased ability to work closely with others in a non-competitive
way
A typical homework assignment consists of:
Formal paper or response, reading and close annotation, studying for
quizzes and tests
Expect to spend about an hour or so on homework nightly.
Students should expect the following kinds of assessments:
reading quizzes, tests, essays, projects (to a lesser extent)
If you’d like further information, contact Ms. Eccleston jeccles@d115.org or Mrs. Clark dckarj@d115.org.