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American Literature/Composition
This is a two-semester course required for juniors, which emphasizes a study
of United States literature. The course focuses on examining how
language helps us clarify our experiences as members of the United States
community and how language helps us contribute responsibly to our
multi-faceted society. Students will examine literature related to the
following concepts: Origins and First Encounters; Creating Community;
Developing an Individual Identity; The American Dream; and America's Growing
Pains. The junior year continues the expressive, literary, and
transactional writing strands used during the ninth and tenth grade years.
American Studies
What does it mean to be an American? This
is a two-semester, interdisciplinary team-taught course that traces the
development of major American literary movements and places them within the
context of United States history. The course is organized around
themes and essential questions, allowing students to gain a deeper
understanding of important literary and historical issues. Students
will examine the changing role of the individual while tracing the
development of American ideals and institutions. Individual and team
assignments will challenge students to address the course question.
Strong reading and writing skills are needed. The class will be taught
in a two-hour block and meets the requirements for American Literature
(Communication Arts) and United States History (Social Sciences).
Students will earn one grade for the class; however, it will count as two
credits.
Advanced Placement Language
This is a two-semester course for juniors
who have excellent skills in writing, reading, and analysis, and strong
enthusiasm for the communication arts. This course will emphasize all
areas of communication, including literary readings, both formal and
informal types of writings, and oral work. The course examines the
cultural heritage of the United States and the manner in which that heritage
continues to be reflected in contemporary American life, literature, and
values. Units of study for First Semester: Origins and First
Encounters, Creating Community, and Developing and Individual Identity.
Units of study for the Second Semester: The American Dream: Illusion/Reality and America's Growing Pains. Some attention will be
given to tasks and techniques related to the Advanced Placement Language and
Composition exam. Third quarter is pass/fail. There is required
summer reading. While we encourage students to stretch themselves,
students should consider their entire schedule (not just the single course)
when determining whether or not to take an enriched, AP, or other weighted
course.
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