English

The ninth grade English curriculum concentrates particularly on the language skills of writing and reading through the study of literature. Listening and speaking skills are also addressed. All coursework is aligned with New York State Standards in English Language Arts for ninth and tenth graders. The course makes use of a variety of texts to develop these skills including major works, short stories, non-fiction texts, and poetry. All of these are utilized to improve reading skills, develop understanding of literary techniques, and also as a basis for many of the writing tasks required of students. The study of grammar is also addressed in the writing program, while vocabulary skills are also developed through the reading curriculum. Research and documentation skills are presented in accordance with MLA Documentation Style.

The ninth grade Honors program emphasizes many of the same skills stressed in the regular ninth grade curriculum, but they are addressed at a greater depth and with a higher level of expectation. Just as in the regular ninth grade curriculum, all coursework is aligned with New York State Standards in English Language Arts for ninth and tenth graders. Therefore, the ninth grade Honors English curriculum has as its focus the development of language skills with a primary emphasis on writing and reading through the study of literature. Listening and speaking skills are also addressed. The course makes use of a variety of texts to develop these skills including major works, short stories, non-fiction texts, and poetry. These texts are utilized to increase reading skills, develop understanding of literary techniques, improve vocabulary, and also as a basis for many of the writing tasks required of students. The study of grammar is also addressed in the writing program. Research and documentation skills are presented in accordance with MLA Documentation Style. The Honors course may also include the study of a separate novel and/or an independent reading requirement. Writing requirements are increased at the Honors level both with regard to the amount of writing expected and the level of depth pursued.

English 10 asks students to react and connect personally to several classics. Coursework includes creative, expository, and research-based writing in MLA format. Students also complete a major literature-based project and presentation designed around world literature. The Library Media Specialist will assist in the project. Written assessments throughout the course emulate those found on the Regents Comprehensive Exam in English as well as the Global History Regents.

English 10H asks students to react and connect personally to several different texts. Study includes frequent writing pieces to analyze the literature at hand, often focusing on literary elements and devices that are tracked through the course of a text. In addition, students will be writing several argumentative essays in MLA format, writing reflections, composing creative writing responses, participating in group work, small and large class discussions, and giving presentations to the class. Written assessments throughout the course correspond with different reading strategies and writing tasks that will later be found on the Regents Comprehensive Exam in English, which all students will take at the end of the course.

The course consists of the study of a variety of literature including classic and contemporary American literature. Students engage in daily tasks to sharpen their reading and writing skills and work together to analyze literary elements and the author’s purpose behind a piece of writing. Study includes writing several argumentative essays, a researched persuasive essay in MLA format, writing reflections, composing creative writing responses, group work, small and large class discussions, giving presentations to the class, and taking the Regents Comprehensive Exam in English in January.

The course provides students with a learning experience similar to that of an undergraduate- level argumentative writing course. Through close reading of nonfiction texts, students will come to understand how writers hone their craft and create compelling arguments. Students will determine the qualities of great writing as well as recognize how to become great writers themselves. Mastery of argumentative writing and analysis is essential. In addition to writing a variety of essays, students will periodically be asked to engage in thinking about their writing and to analyze their progress as they strive to achieve mastery of form and an authoritative voice. The course offers an in-depth study of the author’s voice, rhetorical strategies, persuasive writing, and nonfiction writing. Works explored in this class will be of strong merit. Students will also conduct a research-based term paper. Students electing to enroll in AP English must read and write avidly. They must be willing to take on extra reading and writing assignments.

Students in English 12 strive to develop competency and proficiency in the skills involving reading, composition, oral competency, and proficiency in the skills involving reading, composition, oral communication, linguistics, and literature appreciation. Therefore, principal objectives are not only to assist the student in reading strong literature with discrimination and awareness that problems and interests of mankind are timeless and universal, but also to increase writing experience in a variety of modes, with additional emphasis given to expository/analytical and persuasive expressions. Another objective is to increase the students’ understanding of the English language arts history, semantics, and usage. This course includes a senior project that focuses on writing a developed paper and delivering an engaging speech about their family history.

AP English Literature and Composition provides students with a learning experience similar to that of an undergraduate-level introduction to literature course. Through close reading of literary texts, students will come to understand how writers use language to provide meaning and to answer the difficult questions in life. Students will determine both the qualities of great literature, and the roles these works play in history and society. Literary analysis in this course will look through the lenses of structure and style, rhetorical devices, diction choices, figurative language, imagery, symbolism, tone and theme as students experience, interpret and evaluate various works of literature. Mastery of literary terms is essential. Writing well about literature is another key component of this class. In addition to writing a variety of essays, students will periodically be asked to engage in thinking about their writing and to analyze their progress as they strive to achieve mastery of form and an authoritative voice. The course offers an in-depth study of the major literary genres, including poetry, the short story, the essay, the novel and drama. Works explored in this class will be of strong merit. Students will complete a thorough study of Shakespeare with a focus on Hamlet. American literature may include novels, short stories, and novels. Students will also conduct a research-based term paper, which will provide them the opportunity to use people as sources. Students electing to enroll in AP English must read and write avidly. They must be willing to take on extra reading and writing assignments. The course begins with extensive summer reading and will continue with a demanding course load of reading and writing assignments. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Examination. This course is also a dual-credit course through MVCC.