To see course descriptions, choose one of the options below.

Junior Year Courses

Note: In the junior year, students may select English 11 as a year-long course, Creative Writing/American Literature as semester courses or American Literature - Honors as a year-long course. Selection is made with the consultation and approval of the sophomore year instructor.

ENGLISH 11 (3302-3303)
Elective – 11
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – English
PREREQUISITE: English 10

Through the integrated study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, English 11 students further develop their use of language as a tool for learning and thinking and as a source of pleasure. In English 11, students move from predominantly analyzing and using the elements of written language to making judgments based on those analyses. English 11also incorporates a literary canon, much of which is from a culture or time period different from that of the students – usually a survey of British Literature or American Literature from different periods. Literature instruction focuses on opportunities to:

Develop criteria for judging and analyzing literary works, speeches, essays, and poetry; Select appropriate reading skills and strategies to: (1) distinguish elements in literature that make it a reflection of the social, economic, political thinking, or condition of the times; (2) analyze literature as it reflects divergent points of view; and (3) identify how contemporary writing reflects past tradition and movements;
Read works of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Modern period, which includes essays, short stories, poetry, novels and dramatic works; Respond critically, reflectively, and imaginatively to American Literature, including major authors from the Puritan Era, Age of Reason, the Romantic Period, the Civil War Era, the Twenties, Modern Black Literature, the Forties, the Fifties, and Modern Drama, and recognize the relevance of this literature in today’s world; and
Develop vocabulary through: (1) decoding, (2) the use of Greek and Latin roots, (3) literary terms and the use of glossaries, (4) contextual clues, (5) recognizing analogies, and (6) independent reading.

The Composition component of language arts provides students with opportunities to produce a variety of forms including persuasive writing, synthesis and analysis of information from a variety of sources, completing complex forms, describing procedures, giving directions, and using graphic forms to support a thesis.

Thus, composition in Grade 11 continues to refine students’ abilities to articulate sophisticated ideas in an organized manner. Increased sensitivity to context-audiences, purposes, and other environmental considerations-helps students better communicate their thoughts. In addition, students develop greater facility with the back-and-forth movement between analysis and synthesis. That is, students analyze sources with increasing attention to detail while they synthesize or compose written texts, using these analyses in accordance with a given purpose such as persuasion, exposition, descriptions, and so forth.

The formal study of grammar, usage, spelling, and language mechanics is integrated into the study of writing. Using technology, students receive instruction and practice in the writing process including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Students are encouraged to use one of the manuals of style such as Modern Language Association [MLA].

Oral Communication (speech) continues to emphasize effective listening and speaking techniques. This includes providing opportunities for students to integrate other reading and language arts skills as they incorporate correct, grammar, usage, vocabulary, reading, and composition skills while learning to express ideas verbally.

Grade 11 increasingly calls attention to the contexts in which oral communication takes place. Student expectations include: (1) communicating in academic and non-academic language environments; (2) communicating responsibly, critically, and confidently on specialized topics when speaking in public; (3) analyzing speech in terms of socio-cultural values, attitudes, and assumptions; (4) enhancing speaking with appropriate nonverbal cues; (5) adapting to physical, professional, and student speeches on content and delivery; and (7) demonstrating a basic knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

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CREATIVE WRITING (3216)
Elective - 11
Credit 1 – Semester
*AHD – English
PREREQUISITE: English 10 or Honors English 10
NOTE: While this is a semester course, students take it along with American Literature.

Creative Writing provides students with ample opportunities to combine literary creativity with the discipline of written discourse. The concept of the manipulation of language to convey ideas, feelings, moods and visual images should be the basis of the course. Students become familiar with standard literary elements through the reading and study of published prose and poetry and are taught to use those elements in their own writing. Additionally, students learn strategies for evaluating and responding to their own writing and the writing of others in a peer sharing component. In this peer sharing component, students receive specific training in providing constructive, substantive feedback, while role playing as likely readers of each creative work. Representative models of literary excellence may also be studied.

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AMERICAN LITERATURE (3937)
Elective - 11
Credit 1 - Semester
*AHD – English
PREREQUISITE: English10 or Honors English 10
NOTE: While this is a semester course, students take it along with Creative Writing.

American Literature provides a survey of the literature produced in the United States from pre-Revolutionary times to the present. This course includes a study of the representative works of various literary genres which reflect the American culture. Students are also provided with the study of a variety of literary genres, such as drama, poetry, and prose, as well as Native American folk legends. Influences of classical literature can be experienced in the historical, literary, and cultural contexts. Quality works of various ethnic and cultural minorities, such as African-American writers, women writers, and Native American writers are included, as are the works of the contemporary writers. Written and oral exercises require students to analyze and explain how their readings of literature, history, and culture are interconnected and distinctly American.

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AMERICAN LITERATURE-HONORS (3942-3943)
Elective – 11
Credit 2 – Year
*AHD – English
PREREQUISITE: Superior work in previous English courses; teacher recommendation

Utilizing a humanities approach, this course combines a study of U.S. history, literature, art, and writing; concentrating on the significant events in our country’s history and the resulting impact on its authors and artists. This course offers experience with advanced critical thinking and reading strategies along with guidance and practice in both analytical and creative writing activities. The class will seek meaningful study from the following units: Modern 20th century American literature; early American roots and resources; the Romantics; the Westerns; the rise of Realism and Naturalism; the Modernists. The study and application of the writing process will include practice in developing different types of papers for different purposes and audiences. Activities will include independent study projects, class discussions, collaborative learning, and oral expression.

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Last updated Wednesday, January 31, 2007