Departments
English classes at NSA expand a student’s ability to use and appreciate the English language. All our English courses stress sensitive reading, responsible thinking and precise expression of ideas. The writing that is practiced is the culmination of this process: an opportunity for them to develop voices of their own in response to the literature digested. In this way, the reading and writing are conjoined to help students hear and express an authentic articulate voice in writing – and thus, enriched and prepared for greater things to come.
All required English courses not only prepare students for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, but also require successful completion of an acceptable research paper as a condition for promotion. In addition, these courses have summer reading assignments.
9th and 10th Grade Courses and English Electives
ENGLISH 9
Grade 9
English 9 continues formal grammar study and its integration with composition
skills. Through composition instruction, students will be able to demonstrate
competence in the construction of five-paragraph expositions on various topics
and of literary essays involving reading comprehension and analysis. Literature
studies expose the student to a genre study of the epic, the play, the short
story, poetry and the novel. Students will take part in a Great Books project
encouraging reading of canon and popular works. Creative writing allows the
student to explore self-expression in poetry and prose, to participate in peer
sharing, and to submit their polished works to the school's literary magazine
and to contests and other publications. Vocabulary enhancement includes
independent study in a sequenced vocabulary workbook and examination of diction
in literary context. A major part of the year's study is the entire research
process from topic selection through citation with emphasis on the avoidance of
plagiarism as spelled out by NSA's Honor Code. Strategies for developing public speaking skills are interwoven throughout the course.
ENGLISH 10
Grade 10
The first trimester of English 10 stresses applied grammar and composition skills, reading comprehension and problem-solving/critical thinking skills for strategy applications on the SAT, and practice in writing various types of essays. The second and third trimesters focus on an international genre study of the major literary types: drama, the novel, the short story and poetry. Literary analysis and critical thinking skills are reinforced, and various short papers are assigned to provide exposure to sophisticated elements of style. Students continue to build public speaking skills through relevant activities. A formal research paper on a major figure of the millennium culminates the year.
HONORS ENGLISH 10
Grade 10
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on English 9 achievement, a writing
sample and a suggested ACT Reading or English score of 20 or higher.
This advanced literature and composition course complements the World History
and the AP European History courses. Using the core curriculum in Witt and
Brown’s The Humanities: Cultural Roots and Continuities, students will
experience an interdisciplinary study on three levels--historical, aesthetic
and philosophical. Literature selections cover the Renaissance period through
the late twentieth century. A selection of novels will supplement the text
reading. Students in this course should demonstrate: effective written
expression to write essays with a minimum of grammar and mechanics errors,
independent reading comprehension skills, research literacy skills and the
potential to develop advanced writing skills needed for the Advanced Placement course of study. They will engage in activities designed to build effective public speaking skills.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES
YEARBOOK PRODUCTION I
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Average yearly grade of 90 or higher in English with Yearbook teacher
recommendation based on a required writing sample.
This course offers an intensive study of yearbook production using
Josten’s web-based design program. The course offers instruction
in layout design, copy writing, ethical and legal guidelines and
beginning
photography, including digital camera use. Ad sales are mandatory,
requiring
students to become actual salesmen for the yearbook. Sports photography
is
required of all students, typically at games after school hours and on
weekends. In the third trimester, after the current year's book is sent
to
print, students will begin working on design, theme and content for the
next
year's book. Each yearbook is submitted to two national organizations
for critiquing and
judging. Therefore, quality work and the ability to self-manage and meet
deadlines are essential.
YEARBOOK PRODUCTION II
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Yearbook
Production I with teacher recommendation.
The class designs from cover to cover, edits and publishes the school yearbook, The Scroll. The students master yearbook design, layout and other fundamentals of publication using Josten’s web-based design program. The course offers instruction in advanced page design, writing and editing. Students may be chosen to be editors of each section of the yearbook, sharpening leadership skills. Most importantly, students learn to work successfully together under the pressure of deadlines. The third trimester will include a culminating project. Each yearbook is submitted to two national organizations for critiquing and judging. Therefore, quality work and the ability to self-manage and meet deadlines are essential.
YEARBOOK PRODUCTION III
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Yearbook Production II with teacher recommendation.
This class is offered on as needed for those students who have completed Yearbook Production I and Yearbook Production II prior to the senior year. Students enrolled in the class will continue the work begun in the junior year of designing the yearbook and meeting the publishing deadlines. Following the completion of the yearbook in the third trimester, these students will begin working on the yearbook for the following year. The requirements for success in the course match those described for Yearbook Production II, although the students enrolled will have greater responsibility for the successful publication of the yearbook.
NEWSWRITING AND DESKTOP PUBLISHING
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Average
yearly grade of 90 or higher in English with Newswriting teacher
recommendation based on a required writing sample.
In this course, students apply knowledge to design and publish the school
newspaper, Blue and Gold Gazette, using Adobe InDesign software.
After building a strong sense of journalism ethics and learning
interviewing techniques, they will write news articles and edit for
conciseness using the Associated Press Style of Writing Guide.
Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on not only news writing
style but also electronic layout and design skills. Thus, student
assessment will be based on writing ability, news-reporting skills,
electronic layout and design skills, and meeting deadlines. This course
can be taken for three years and noted as Newswriting and Desktop
Publishing I, II, and III on the permanent record.
INDEPENDENT SURVEY OF LITERATURE
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This is a non-academic
course, which means that grades earned during the school year are
including when determining Academic Progress, Honors List and High
Honors List, but final averages are not included when calculating the
yearly grade point average.
The assignments in Independent Survey of Literature endeavor to stimulate individual interests and abilities in reading. Emphasis is placed on the pleasure and enjoyment of reading with the auxiliary benefits of expanding literary background, developing good reading habits, reinforcing communication skills, working toward competency in written expression and developing self-discipline. Students must read a minimum of five books each trimester, complete assignments based on each selection, contribute to the class blog and a class website, complete a final comprehensive project, and participate in individual or group book discussions with the librarian and students in the class.
CREATIVE WRITING: PROSE, POETRY, SCREEN WRITING AND CREATIVE NON-FICTIONGrades 10, 11, 12
This cross-genre, creative writing course will give students the opportunity to develop an authentic voice that reflects the individuality of the student's style through a process-centered course. Using a portfolio approach in a workshop environment, students will analyze model essays, poems and short stories, practice creative-thinking strategies, compose original stories, poems and plays, and practice peer editing and reflective revision strategies. The newest trends in fiction writing, such as hint and flash fiction, will also be analyzed and emulated. Writers-in-residence will work with students periodically to share their work and provide professional revision strategies. Students will have the opportunity to submit work to contests and literary journals. The final projects include creating an original short story, writing a memoir and compiling a theme-based poetry chapbook.
Grades 9 (with instructor's permission), 10, 11, 12
Class Size is limited and seniors have preference.
This course is open to students who have an interest in and a basic knowledge of software programs such as InDesign, iMovie and PowerPoint. They will learn the skills of live production work and the ethics involved in journalistic endeavors. They will assist with the four theatre presentations during the year by integrating technology/software programs where applicable, programming the sound and lighting plots, and setting up and running all technical equipment required for the production. This course will cover public speaking skills for camera, technical production, shooting, lighting, sound, and mixing for both studio work and live productions.
MYTHS & LEGENDS
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is open to students who wish to explore the adventures of gods, heroes, and monsters in myths and legends from around the world. The class will explore the nature of mythology and its significant impact upon various aspects of modern culture. After an investigation of the relationship between the creation mythology and human psychology, the students will study classical Greek and Roman mythology. Special attention will also be paid to Celtic and Norse mythology, as well as myths from Native Americans, Africa, and Asia. Legends studied will include the Arthurian legends, Robin Hood and Faust, among others. We will discover the lasting legacy and enduring power of ancient mythology and legends placing emphasis on their roles in shaping modern literature, art, film, music and psychological explanations of human behavior. In addition to discussing and writing about these dramatic tales, students will create and share their own stories and multimedia presentations.
11th and 12th Grade Courses
ENGLISH 11
Grade 11
The goal of English 11 is to develop students’ analytical reading and
expository writing skills, using a number of important selections from American
literature. The course focuses on recognizing common errors, improving syntax
through effective transitions, honing SAT skills, and studying early American
writers. Vocabulary words gleaned from SAT preparation and literary readings
are reviewed throughout the year. Literary research is introduced in writing a
term paper. Analyzing a novel by an American author, students compose a
biographical or social/historical criticism of the author and his or her work.
The study of the survey of American literature continues second and third
trimesters emphasizing twentieth-century writers and poets. Throughout the year, students are assigned parallel readings and activities designed to build effective public speaking skills.
HONORS ENGLISH 11
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on Honors English 10 achievement, a writing
sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher.
This course is designed for the junior English student who has proven competency in reading, analytical thinking, and grammar and composition. Course content covers a survey of American literature from John Smith (Colonial America) to Tim O'Brien (late twentieth century). Students will develop composition skills to prepare them for advanced writing in either Honors English 12 or Advanced Placement English Literature: expository, descriptive, narrative, formal argument, and critical analysis. To develop effective communication skills, students will participate in group discussions and class presentations. Analyzing a novel by an American author, students will compose a literary criticism of the author and his or her work.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on Honors English 10 achievement, a
writing sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher.
This course emphasizes the analysis and writing of
rhetoric. Stylistic techniques, as well as critical reading strategies and development, will be the focus throughout the year. Expository, narrative and persuasive writings by American authors (but not exclusively) will be examined through various genres, including novels, essays and the print media. Students will develop effective modes of argumentation, both the Toulmin argument and the Rogerian argument, which will prepare them for Advanced Placement English Literature. To refine communication skills, students will participate in group discussions and give presentations. They will prepare for the AP exam by composing essays and answering objective questions from previous exams.
ENGLISH 12
Grade 12
The English 12 course attempts to polish and to develop the language skills
already acquired in the earlier grades by introducing the student to new and
increasingly challenging material. Emphasis is placed on the following areas of
study: SAT preparation, reinforcement of note-taking skills, reading and
comprehension, particularly of British literature from the text and parallel
assignments; vocabulary, generally the study of words taken from the reading
and from the SAT lists, and writing to include creative assignments but
concentrating on clear, correct, logical expository writing and personal
narratives. To build on oral communication skills, students will participate in group discussions and give presentations. An acceptable research paper is a requirement for graduation.
HONORS ENGLISH 12
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on English 11 achievement, a writing
sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 500 or higher.
This course is designed for the senior English student who has a proven
competency in reading, analytical thinking, and grammar and composition. The skills content of the course involves a comprehensive coverage of college writing requirements: the narrative, the report, the formal argument, the evaluation, the casual analysis, the proposal, the literary analysis, the rhetorical analysis, the essay examination, and the position paper (formal research paper). Students will develop and practice college-level critical reading skills using model readings and independent reading assignments. The literature content begins with the study of Foster's analysis on How to Read Literature Like a Professor. This book will help students improve the scholarly nature of their literary papers. The literature selections focus on British authors, poets and playwrights. The summer reading assignments of T. H. White's The Once and Future King offers the student a background in the Arthurian Legends (from which many literary allusions originate), an in-common reading to begin the study of the character and content of British literature, and a source for the generation of college-level writing and seminar work. This course requires the student to be an active participant in class discussions, seminars and group workshops. The student must demonstrate an independent sense and responsibility for submission of assignments. Students who struggle with deadlines should not take this honors level course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on English 11 achievement, a writing
sample and a suggested SAT/PSAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher.
This college-level course is offered to a selected group of advanced readers
and writers. The students will take a nationwide examination at the end of the course that may qualify them for as many as six hours of college credit. Through intensive reading, class study and discussion, students will develop analytical reading and writing skills while exploring a wide variety of important pieces of prose and poetry from British, American and world literature. Students will frequently write analytical and research-based essays both in and out of class, with an emphasis on advanced research. In addition, students will be required to read six additional books outside of assigned class reading with the goal of exposing students to a wide variety of literature, honing close reading skills, and sharpening discussion and presentation skills. Students will also compile a portfolio of original poetry and write an original short story. These creative writing skills will be further developed through their editing and compilation of the school's literary magazine, The Spectrum.
