English Department

Course Name: English 7 Grade Level: 7th

Students will read and listen to short stories, novels, drama, non-fiction, and poetry to develop interpretive critical listening and reading skills. These skills will be combined with a basic knowledge of English grammar and structured vocabulary development. In the first semester, the students will learn to write a well-organized, unified, coherent paragraph. In the second semester, this writing skill will be expanded into the full-length essay. The students will, therefore, learn to use both oral and written communication for information, literary appreciation, self –expression, critical analysis, and social interaction. The New York State 7th Grade Assessment in English Language Arts is administered in the spring. It is the expectation of the Bishop Grimes administration and English Department faculty that all students participate in this test.

Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None Other Exam: NYS 7th Grade English Language Arts Assessment, iReady Assessments (x3)

Course Name: English 8 Grade Level: 8th

Students will build on their interpretive and critical listening and reading skills. They will read, listen, and respond to short stories, novels, drama, poetry, and nonfiction. Combined with an advanced study of English grammar and vocabulary, the students will produce full-length descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive essays. The New York State 8th Grade Assessment in English Language Arts is administered in the spring. It is the expectation of the Bishop Grimes administration and English Department faculty that all students participate in this test.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 7 Regents Exam: None Other Exam: NYS 8th Grade English Language Arts Assessment, iReady Assessments (x3)

Course Name: English 9, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 9th

Students will build upon the English skills that they have developed in seventh and eighth grade English class. Students will further develop their critical thinking skills by being able to express themselves through both the written and spoken word. Students will study the following genres: short stories, poetry, Greek literature, drama, and the novel. Students will augment the study of literature with a study of vocabulary and grammar. In addition, students will participate in appropriate projects to learn how to work cooperatively and independently. By the end of the course, students will have a firm grasp of the various genres of literature such as drama, non-fiction, and poetry as well as the skills needed to interpret them.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 8 Regents Exam: None

Course Name: English 10, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 10th

Students will continue to focus on the areas of literary genres, critical writing, discussion, speech, and the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Students will be expected to mature analytically in both written and verbal expression. They will begin a more intensive preparation for the English Regents exam, which students are required to pass in order to graduate.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9 Regents Exam: None

Course Name: English 11, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th

Students will study American Literature beginning with Early Colonial Literature to Modern American Literature. All students will be prepared for and be required to pass the New York State English Language Arts Regents exam in June of junior year.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10 Regents Exam: NYS English Language Arts Regents Exam

Course Name: Advanced Placement (AP®) English: Language and Composition, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th

This is a college freshman English course designed for those students who already excel and have a deep interest in this subject area. Additionally, all writing assignments require a demonstration of intensive analysis involving original thought and textual support. In May, students are required to take the AP® Exam. Students who successfully pass this course will receive high school credit. Students may also be eligible for potential college credit based on their AP® exam score and the specific requirements of the college(s) to which they are applying.

Fees: Please note that this AP® course may require the purchase of a college-level textbook, which is the responsibility of the student. In addition, the College Board requires an AP® Exam fee for this course. Summer Assignment: This AP® course has a required summer assignment that must be completed. Details are provided upon enrollment in the course by the teacher. Prerequisites: Ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) and a passing entrance essay assignment given by the AP® English course instructor. Regents Exam: NYS English Language Arts Regents Exam Other Exam: AP® English: Language and Composition Exam – Mandatory

Course Name: English 12, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 12th

Students will explore the many treasures of British Literature beginning with the development of the English language from Old English to contemporary usage. Students will investigate the classics from each of the ages in the development of this genre from the oral tradition, to Chaucer, to Shakespeare, and to contemporary works. Students will further develop their critical thinking skills through writing essays and reaction papers on the various themes that are presented in the literature being studied. Students will explore and discuss the impact of the various time periods on the development of British Literature. Students will be required to submit a ten-page research paper by the end of the course. This course is designed to help students transition smoothly into any college-level freshman English course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11 or AP English: Language and Composition Regents Exam: None

Course Name: Advanced Placement (AP®) English: Literature and Composition, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 12th

This is a college freshman English course designed for those students who already excel and have a deep interest in this subject area. Study centers on reading, critically analyzing, and writing about literary content and form. Genres, authors, and time periods covered range from c. 400 AD to the modern era. Additionally, all writing assignments require a demonstration of intensive analysis involving original thought and textual support. In May, students are required to take the AP® Exam. Students who successfully pass this course will receive high school credit. Students may also be eligible for potential college credit based on their AP® exam score and the specific requirements of the college(s) to which they are applying.

Fees: Please note that this AP® course may require the purchase of a college-level textbook, which is the responsibility of the student. In addition, the College Board requires an AP® Exam fee for this course. Summer Assignment: This AP® course has a required summer assignment that must be completed. Details are provided upon enrollment in the course by the teacher. Prerequisites: Ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) and a passing entrance essay assignment given by the AP® English course instructor. Regents Exam: None Other Exam: AP® English: Literature and Composition Exam – Mandatory

Course Name: Creative Writing, 1 semester, .5 credits Grade Level: 11th & 12th

Creative Writing is designed for students to create original forms of descriptive writing, poetry, drama and fiction. Vocabulary development, creative writing techniques, and skills are explored. ... Writings are presented orally and in written form. This course is paired with the Public Speaking Course to create a full year credit.

Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None

Course Name: Public Speaking, 1 semester, .5 credits Grade Level: 11th & 12th

Fundamentals of Public Speaking is designed to develop effective presentational skills, critical thinking and astute listening. Skill areas stressed are developing and organizing speech content, effective delivery of presentations, critical thinking, and active listening. This course is paired with the Creative Writing Course to create a full year credit.

Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None