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Traditions in Communication
Traditions in Communication is a course that is framed around the study of
four traditions in literature and the arts. Two traditions will be studied
per semester. The first semester: The Epic tradition and the Comic
Tradition. The second semester: The Tragic tradition and the Lyric
Tradition. Each unit will include reading both classic and contemporary
literature, informal and/or formal writing, film study, and the study of
other art forms. This course can be taken for one semester, but it is
recommended that students choose to take it both semesters.
Essay Writing
Essay Writing is a course designed for college-bound students who need or desire a stronger foundation in writing
process, principle, and purpose. Emphasis will be on the various ways
writing can communicate self, meaning, and intent. Students will learn to
establish ownership of their writing through instruction in voice, audience,
and style. Students will also learn how to select the appropriate written
form for the given purpose, identify individual strengths and weaknesses as
a writer, and establish a writing philosophy that will be appropriate to
their future needs. First quarter is pass/fail.
Enriched Essay Writing
Enriched Essay Writing is an enriched course designed
for the highly motivated college-bound students who are looking to expand
their comfort with writing in anticipation of college expectations. Emphasis
will be on the philosophical concept of writing as a declaration. Students will be asked to maximize their talents as writers as they
discover the far-reaching applications of the writing process. Students will
create meaningful pieces that challenge their skills as writers and build
towards a competency that will enable them to be an effective written
communicator in any realm. First quarter is pass/fail. 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.
English Literature
English Literature is a study of representative English authors
designed to develop the student's ability to understand and appreciate the
major literary works of the following periods: the Anglo-Saxon Age, Medieval
England, the Elizabethan Age, the Romantic Revolt, the Victorian Age, and 20th
Century British Literature. In order to offer the students a historical as well as
a
literary perspective, the course follows both a chronological and a thematic
approach. Students who take this course are encouraged to take the AP
literature exam.
Humanities
Humanities is a weighted course recommended
for independent workers which includes a chronological survey of major
written works from Western civilization, both literary and philosophical. The analysis
of these writings is supplemented with the study of painting, sculpture,
architecture, and music. Written essays, themes, and research projects allow
students to understand the interrelationships of these complementary art
forms as a means to evaluate contemporary culture. 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.
Advanced Placement Literature/Composition
This is a full year course for students who have
demonstrated strong proficiency in communication arts skills. Additionally,
enthusiasm for reading literature, proficiency when discussing artistic and
philosophical questions related to literary studies, and practicing different
styles of writing are indicators that the student will enjoy this course and
its learning environment. Some attention will be given to expectations
for the Advanced Placement Literature examination. The course will provide a
study of world literature with a focus on the relevancy of literature to students' lives. Students will learn to enhance their
abilities to derive meaning from the text, to appreciate diverse literary
styles, and develop more sophisticated personal responses to literature.
First quarter is pass/fail. Summer reading is required. 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.
Click below for a PDF of the 2007 Summer Reading Assignment:
AP Literature and Composition summer reading
Enriched Print Communication
This course is designed for enriched
juniors/seniors who seek to challenge their intellectual abilities in the
field of media communications. Though this course parallels the objectives
of American Literature/Composition course offered during junior year, it
provides an alternative for those who wish to further their knowledge and
expertise in the area of print and broadcast journalism. Students will not
only write for publication but will also write and produce for cable
television. The skills required for the rigorous reading and writing
expectations will require a student to be committed to the learning process,
to be self-motivated, and to achieve at a degree of complexity consistent
with the enriched level. 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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