English/Language Arts

  • English 9A  03020A
    Throughout the English 9 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts; developing analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres. Students will read a variety of fictional texts ranging from micro fiction, short stories, and novels to practice identifying story elements and their impact on the author’s purpose. Students will also read a range of advertisements across marketing sub-genres to analyze how advertisers market a product and persuade consumers. Students apply their knowledge of informational texts to read critically, making inferences and analyzing bias. Student’s knowledge of argument is extended through immersion and study of two related genres: personal narrative and personal essay culminating in their writing their own personal essay.  **Pathway:Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03020B - English 9B.
    English 9B  03020B
    Throughout the English 9 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts; developing analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres. Students will read a variety of fictional texts ranging from micro fiction, short stories, and novels to practice identifying story elements and their impact on the author’s purpose. Students will also read a range of advertisements across marketing sub-genres to analyze how advertisers market a product and persuade consumers. Students apply their knowledge of informational texts to read critically, making inferences and analyzing bias. Student’s knowledge of argument is extended through immersion and study of two related genres: personal narrative and personal essay, culminating in their writing their own personal essay. **Pathway: Arts & Communication
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03020A - English 9A.
    English 10A  03120A
    Throughout the English 10 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. Across the course, students continue to deepen their skills of argumentation with close study and development of claims, counterclaims, line of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    PREREQUISITE: 03020A/B - English 9 or 03030A/B - Honors English 9
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 10
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03120B - English 10B
    English 10B 03120B
    Throughout the English 10 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. Across the course, students continue to deepen their skills of argumentation with close study and development of claims, counterclaims, line of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments.  **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 10
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03120A - English 10A.
    English 11A 03420A
    Throughout the English 11 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. In preparation for English 12 Language/Literature, students continue to deepen their understanding of the skills of argumentation through close study and development of the rhetorical model, claims, counterclaims, line of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 11
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03420B - English 11B.
    English 11B 03420B
    Throughout the English 11 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex examples of literature. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literary genres to a variety of nonfiction genres, including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. In preparation for English 12 Language/Literature, students continue to deepen their skills of argumentation and literary analysis through close study of literary themes, analysis of literary techniques and devices while continuing to practice developing effective claims, counterclaims, lines of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 11
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03420A - English 11A.
    English 12A 03440A
    Throughout the English 12 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. In preparation for a student’s post-secondary education, students continue to deepen their understanding of the skills of argumentation through close study and development of the rhetorical model, claims, counterclaims, line of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 12
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03440B - English 12B.
    English 12B 03440B
    Throughout the English 12 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex examples of literature. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literary genres to a variety of nonfiction genres, including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. In preparation for English 12 Language/Literature, students continue to deepen their skills of argumentation and literary analysis through close study of literary themes, analysis of literary techniques and devices while continuing to practice developing effective claims, counterclaims, lines of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 12
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03440A - English 12A.
    American Studies - English   03139A
    This course is only available at North Farmington.  This is an interdisciplinary course combining Social Studies and English and is open to students of all ability levels.  The course aims to create a challenging learning environment in which students develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, thinking critically about historical and social issues, and analyzing factual data.
    COURSE NOTE:  This course is team taught in a two-hour block, which allows for in-depth study, research, and the development of major projects.  This course satisfies both the ELA 10 and U. S. History requirements. 
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 10
    COREQUISITES: Students must take 03139A/B - American Studies - English concurrently with 1122A/B - American Studies - History.
    American Studies - English   03139B
    This course is only available at North Farmington.  This is an interdisciplinary course combining Social Studies and English and is open to students of all ability levels.  The course aims to create a challenging learning environment in which students develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, thinking critically about historical and social issues, and analyzing factual data.
    COURSE NOTE:  This course is team taught in a two-hour block, which allows for in-depth study, research, and the development of major projects.  This course satisfies both the ELA 10 and U. S. History requirements. 
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 10
    COREQUISITES: Students must take 03139A/B - American Studies - English concurrently with 1122A/B - American Studies - History.
    Humanities 03450
    The appreciation of creativity and its importance to the individual and society throughout history is a major goal of this course. Humanities is an interdisciplinary class designed to integrate and explore, but is not limited to, the visual arts, performing arts, functional arts, literary arts, history, and philosophy. The course will involve students in projects, performances, presentations, and discussions, as well as in lectures and tests. Students will attend a variety of cultural events and be assigned readings outside of class. Humanities will cover the Paleolithic, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Roman, Greek, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. **Pathway: Arts & Communication
    COURSE NOTE: This course also fulfills the Fine Arts requirement. This course will receive an elective English credit but will not meet the state requirement for the fourth credit in English.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: 03120A/B - English 10A/B or 03130A/B - Honors English 10A/B
    Diverse Perspectives in Literature 03452
    Diverse Perspectives in Literature is a one-semester course exploring the experience of minorities in America. In our study of this experience, the class will engage in challenging discussions of race, ethnicity, gender and other diverse facets of American identity. This exploration will be conducted through informational and narrative texts, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. The class will help students discover common bonds and unique features among cultures, while also improving students’ skills as fluent, literate and effective communicators. It is open to mature 10th – 12th graders. This course will receive an elective English credit but will not meet the state requirement for the fourth credit in English.  **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 10-12
    Journalism 03481
    This course is designed to offer a general introduction to the writing of news, editorials, features, reviews, and sports stories. Students will learn and practice clear, concise, and accurate writing. Students will also be introduced to desktop publishing and various styles of makeup. Students will be prepared to take Advanced Journalism and Yearbook. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9-12
    Yearbook A 03490A
    Yearbook production is a challenging experience of photo journalism that requires involvement beyond the regular school day. Students will learn journalistic copy writing, magazine style layout, photographic and artistic design and financial responsibility. Students will also plan content; design, gather and organize information; meet deadlines, and work cooperatively with each other. As a result, this class requires motivated and responsible students. The end product of this ambitious project is a pictorial history of the year. **Career Pathway: Arts and Communications
    COURSE NOTE: This class does not fulfill the graduation requirements for English, and it may not fulfill a college/university's entrance requirement of four credits of English. This course is available for repeat credit. (This course will receive an elective English credit but will not meet the state requirement for the fourth credit in English.)
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9-12
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03490B - Yearbook B.
    Yearbook B 03490B
    Yearbook production is a challenging experience of photojournalism that requires involvement beyond the regular school day. Students will learn journalistic copy writing, magazine style layout, photographic and artistic design and financial responsibility. Students will also plan content; design, gather and organize information; meet deadlines, and work cooperatively with each other. As a result, this class requires motivated and responsible students. The end product of this ambitious project is a pictorial history of the year. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: Available for repeat credit.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9-12
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03490A - Yearbook A.
    Acting 03510
    This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the tools and techniques of acting.  Students will learn about blocking plays and technical theatre terminology.  They will also learn improvisation and memorization techniques as well as theater terminology. Students will be expected to read plays, act out scenes, and do script writing. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: This course could also fulfill the Fine Arts requirement. This course may not fulfill a college/university's requirement of four credits in English.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9-12
    Creative Writing 03520
    This elective course is designed for students who are interested in learning to develop their skills in writing poetry, short stories and/or plays. Extensive writing is assigned. Students will examine the work of professional authors and of fellow students as examples. Students will also learn and apply literary terminology and techniques. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9-12
    Public Speaking 03550
    This elective course is designed to help students make oral presentations knowledgeably and confidently. Students will learn how to select a topic, organize the appropriate information, appeal to a specific audience, deliver material effectively, and think critically. Students will also learn how to listen to and evaluate speeches given by others. Speech experiences will include informative speeches, debates, extemporaneous speeches, sales speeches and panel discussions among activities. This course will receive an elective English credit. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 9-12
    Readings and Writings in Philanthropy 03576
    This class is a blended learning course designed for mature high school juniors and seniors. During this class, students will examine philanthropy and service through academic reading, writing, and research. Students will also experience real world participation in the community and its resources through placement in a service opportunity with a community organization. Success depends on good attendance. Service Learning hours in excess of the normal school day may be applied as Service Learning credit. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: This course is accepted by universities as an elective credit. Success depends on good attendance and students must arrange for transportation to volunteer agencies. District permission slips/forms are required to be completed before students begin their volunteer experience.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 11-12
    PREREQUISITE: 03120A/B - English 10A/Be or 03130A/B - Honors English 10A/B
    Honors English 9A 03030A
    Summer reading is required for Honors English 9. This is a challenging course designed for students who read avidly, write fluently, and have the ability to interrelate ideas and concepts. Students will be expected to read, compose, and think at a complex and sophisticated level. Throughout the Honors English 9 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts; developing analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres. Students will read a variety of fictional texts ranging from micro fiction, short stories, and novels to practice identifying story elements and their impact on the author’s purpose. Students will also read a range of advertisements across marketing sub-genres to analyze how advertisers market a product and persuade consumers. Students apply their knowledge of informational texts to reading critically, making inferences and analyzing bias. Student’s knowledge of argument is extended through immersion and study of two related genres: personal narrative and personal essay culminating in their writing their own personal essay. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: Teacher recommendation or individual requests with consideration of test scores required. Summer reading assignments required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Honors GRADE: 9
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03030B - Honors English 9B.
    Honors English 9B 03030B
    Summer reading is required for Honors English 9. This is a challenging course designed for students who read avidly, write fluently, and have the ability to interrelate ideas and concepts. Students will be expected to read, compose, and think at a complex and sophisticated level. Throughout the Honors English 9 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts; developing analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres. Students will read a variety of fictional texts ranging from micro fiction, short stories, and novels to practice identifying story elements and their impact on the author’s purpose. Students will also read a range of advertisements across marketing sub-genres to analyze how advertisers market a product and persuade consumers. Students apply their knowledge of informational texts to read critically, making inferences and analyzing bias. Student’s knowledge of argument is extended through immersion and study of two related genres: personal narrative and personal essay culminating in their writing their own personal essay. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: Teacher recommendation or individual requests with consideration of test scores required. Summer reading is required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Honors GRADE: 9
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03030A - Honors English 9A.
    Honors English 10A 03130A
    Summer reading is required for Honors English 10. This course is designed for students with sophisticated language arts skills. Students will be expected to read and write extensively and at an advanced level. Throughout the Honors English 10 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. Across the course, students continue to deepen their skills of argumentation with close study and development of claims, counterclaims, line of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. Another focus of the class will be to help prepare students for Advanced Placement Courses in grade 11. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: Recommendation by teachers or individual requests with consideration of test scores is required. Summer reading may be required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Honors GRADE: 10
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03130B - Honors English 10B.
    Honors English 10B 03130B
    Summer reading is required for Honors English 10. This course is designed for students with sophisticated language arts skills. Students will be expected to read and write extensively and at an advanced level. Throughout the Honors English 10 Language and Literature courses, students develop their knowledge of textual elements and structures, enabling them to engage in close reading of increasingly complex texts. They also develop analytical skills and strategies while moving from a variety of literature genres to a variety of nonfiction genres including foundational documents from American history, multi-media, and visual texts. Students work with literary non-fiction, literature, and informational text types in both their reading and writing. Across the course, students continue to deepen their skills of argumentation with close study and development of claims, counterclaims, line of reasoning, and building evidence-based arguments. Another focus of the class will be to help prepare students for Advanced Placement Courses in grade 11. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: Recommendation from teachers, or individual requests with consideration of test scores is required. Summer reading required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Honors GRADE: 10
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03130A - Honors English 10A.
    Advanced Journalism 03482A
    This course involved planning, writing, designing, and producing the school newspaper online and emphasizing the development of a complete journalist who is able to accept responsibility, handle sensitive issues, abide by the canons of journalism ethics, and work in a business-like atmosphere. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: This course is available for repeat credit.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Advanced GRADE: 10-12
    PREREQUISITE: 03481 - Journalism
    Advanced Placement Language & Composition A 03230A
    This course is designed for students with special abilities and an interest in English. Students should be able to read rapidly and accurately and to write fluently with minimal mechanical difficulty. Students will read mature literature, discuss it analytically, and develop their own ideas through various kinds of writing experiences. A summer reading assignment will be required. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: A summer reading assignment will be required.  Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.  A writing sample may be required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Advanced Placement GRADE: 11 &12
    PREREQUISITE:  Demonstrated high achievement in English classes, by instructor approval or self-nomination. 
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03230B - Advanced Placement Language & Composition B.
    Advanced Placement Language & Composition B 03230B
    This course is designed for students with special abilities and an interest in English. Students should be able to read rapidly and accurately and to write fluently with minimal mechanical difficulty. Students will read mature literature, discuss it analytically, and develop their own ideas through various kinds of writing experiences. A summer reading assignment will be required. **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: A summer reading assignment will be required.  Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.  
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Advanced Placement GRADE: 11 & 12
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03230A - Advanced Placement Language & Composition A.
    Advanced Placement Literature & Composition A 03330A
    This AP course is designed to provide college-level experience in the critical analysis of literature. It is offered to those students who have demonstrated a strong interest in reading, discussion, and analysis of themes, genre, stylistic modes, and characterization. Considerable writing will be expected and summer reading will be required.  **Pathway: Arts & Communications
    COURSE NOTE: A summer reading assignment will be required.  Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.  A writing sample may be required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Advanced Placement GRADE: 11 & 12
    PREREQUISITE:  Demonstrated high achievement in English classes, by instructor approval or self-nomination.
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03330B - Advanced Placement Literature & Composition B.
    Advanced Placement Literature & Composition B 03330B
    This AP course is designed to provide college-level experience in the critical analysis of literature. It is offered to those students who have demonstrated a strong interest in reading, discussion, and analysis of themes, genre, stylistic modes, and characterization. Considerable writing will be expected and summer reading will be required. Students will
    COURSE NOTE: A summer reading assignment will be required.  Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.  A writing sample may be required.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Advanced Placement GRADE: 11 & 12
    COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 03330A - Advanced Placement Literature & Composition A.
    IBDP English A/B/C/D 19300A/B/C/D-IB

    This class is a two-year college-level course (four semesters), started in 11th grade.  This course can be taken as part of the IB Diploma Programme OR as an individual course separate from the Diploma Programme. 

    IB ENGLISH A/B (grade 11) Language A: Language and Literature course introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary and non-literary genres. The formal analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in respect to contexts of production and consumption.
    The course is organized into four parts, each focused on the study of either literary or non-literary texts. Together, the four parts of the course allow the student to explore the language in question through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim is the development of critical literacy.

    IB ENGLISH C/D (grade 12)Through the study of a wide range of literature, the Language A: Literature course encourages students to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range of critical approaches. In view of the international nature of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding, the Language A: Literature course does not limit the study of works to the products of one culture or the cultures covered by any one language. The study of works in translation is especially important in introducing students, through literature, to other cultural perspectives. The response to the study of literature is through oral and written communication, thus enabling students to develop and refine their command of language. Language A: Literature is a flexible course that allows teachers to choose works from prescribed lists of authors and to construct a course that suits the particular needs and interests of their students. 

    IB Language & Literature Curriculum

    COURSE NOTE: Honors English 9 and 10 are strongly recommended. This class is a two-year college-level course (four semesters), started in 11th grade. Each semester builds upon the previous semester in content and skills. This course can be taken as part of the IB Diploma Programme OR as an individual course separate from the Diploma Programme. 

    Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. The most important aims of assessment in the Diploma Programme are that it should support curricular goals and encourage appropriate student learning. Both external and internal assessments are used in the Diploma Programme. IB examiners mark work produced for external assessment, while work produced for internal assessment is marked by teachers and externally moderated by the IB.  An optional final exam is available for college credit in the spring of senior year.
    CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: International Baccalaureate GRADE: 11
    COREQUISITES: Grade 11 takes 19300A/B -IB - IB English. Grade 12 takes 19300C/D-IB - IBDP English.