Grade 9
Prerequisite: Placement test score or grade school recommendation
English 9 is a review of grammar and literature skills. Students will work to improve existing reading comprehension and retention, writing skills, and general knowledge of grammar usage. Vocabulary building and writing for preciseness are also emphasized.

Grade 9
Prerequisite: Psychometric evaluation & special servicecommittee recommendation
Dual Enrollment with Applied Writing
This course will follow the same curriculum as English 9, Academic. However, the pace at which these classes move through the curriculum will be slightly different. This course will follow the Orton-Gillingham approach to language development.

Grade 9
Prerequisite: Placement test score or grade school recommendation
Academic English 9 places emphasis on five major areas: literature, composition, grammar, vocabulary, and oral communication. The literature component includes the study of a variety of genres and requires students to develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills. Students get an overview of drama, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The composition component requires students to write multi-paragraph papers for a variety of purposes and audiences. Within the composition component, students study a grammatical base from which they may learn to speak and write coherently. The last component is oral communication, which emphasizes effective listening and speaking techniques.

Grade 9
Prerequisite: Placement test score or grade school recommendation
Honors English 9 focuses on grammar, composition, literature, vocabulary (based on Greek and Latin derivatives), and oral communication. The literature component includes the study of a variety of genres and requires students to develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills. Students will be required to complete numerous in-depth writing assignments and participate in analytical literary discussions. The oral communication component emphasizes effective listening and speaking techniques.

Grade 10
Students enrolled in this course will work to improve their fundamental reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Students will be exposed to many literary genres, such as the modern novel, poetry, drama, Shakespeare, and non-fiction. Such a variety of genres offers ample opportunity to practice basic reading comprehension. Students will be expected to demonstrate their comprehension both orally, during in-class discussions and other oral exercises, and in writing through shorter paragraphs and formal essays. Grammar instruction will primarily focus on usage matters. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these techniques through their completion of textbook exercises and within the context of their writing. Vocabulary building places special emphasis upon developing an understanding of the meaning of words from context. Ultimately, students learn to combine these language arts skills into their verbal and written expression.

Grade 10
Prerequisite: Psychometric evaluation & special services committee recommendation
Dual Enrollment with Applied Writing
This course will follow the same curriculum as English 10, Academic. However, the pace at which these classes move through the curriculum will be slightly different. This course will follow the Orton-Gillingham approach to language development.

Grade 10
Students enrolled in this course will be required to do a moderate amount of writing. Essays of both a formal and informal nature will be assigned frequently to allow students to demonstrate their reading comprehension, grammar and basic writing skills. Students will perfect the five-paragraph composition within the first semester. Throughout the second semester, students will improve their analytical, creative, and research writing skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of literary genres such as the short story, the novel, poetry, drama, Shakespeare, and non-fiction. Such a variety of genres offers ample opportunity for students to demonstrate their comprehension of the subject matter through class discussions as well as other oral communication exercises. Students will study and express an understanding of basic grammar, such as correct usage and agreement, through textbook exercises and within the context of their writing. Vocabulary building places special emphasis upon developing an understanding of the meaning of words from context. Ultimately, students learn to combine these language arts skills into their verbal and written expression.

Grade 10
Prerequisite: English 9, Honors or teacher recommendation
Students enrolled in this course will be required to do extensive amounts of formal and informal writing. They will begin the year by perfecting the five paragraph composition and advance quickly to longer and more varied types of writing. Oral communication exercises will emphasize effective listening and speaking techniques. Literature studies will include the study of ancient drama, Shakespeare, the modern novel, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Students are required to complete a community-based English project each quarter by attending a play, a lecture, a poetry reading, or similar out-of-class performance. Honors English 10 students use a vocabulary text emphasizing Greek and Latin etymology. Grammar instruction focuses on higher order usage matters pertinent to excellence in formal writing. Students learn to integrate appropriate grammar and usage, precise vocabulary, and other language art skills into verbal and written expression.

Grade 11
English 11 emphasizes grammar basics, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, writing skills, and literary interpretation. Students will also acquire skills necessary for writing a research paper and oral communication skills with emphasis on effective listening and speaking techniques. The English 11 reading curriculum is a survey of American literature.

Grade 11
Prerequisite: Psychometric evaluation & special services committee recommendation
Dual Enrollment with Applied Writing
This course will follow the same curriculum as English 11, Academic. However, the pace at which these classes move through the curriculum will be slightly different. This course will follow the Orton-Gillingham approach to language development.

Grade 11
Academic English 11 is a chronological study of American literature ranging from the colonial period to contemporary literature. Students will examine a variety of works and examine the relationships that exist among literature, history, and religion. Students enrolled in this course will be required to complete a research paper over a selected American author or poet and his or her contribution to society. Proper MLA steps and format will be used. Academic English 11 students will use a separate text to enhance vocabulary and an additional text to refine writing skills.

Grade 11
Prerequisite: Minimum 3.4 GPA, and teacher recommendation
Honors English 11 is a chronological study of American literature ranging from the colonial period to contemporary literature. Students will examine a variety of works and examine the relationships that exist among literature, history, and religion. Literary devices will be emphasized. Students in Honors English 11 are expected to exhibit superior writing skills. Students enrolled in this course will be required to complete a research paper over a selected American author or poet and his or her contribution to society. Proper MLA steps and format will be used. Additionally, students will show their own analyses of specific novels, short stories, poems, speeches, and essays using the five-paragraph essay format. Honors English 11 students will use a vocabulary text emphasizing Greek and Latin etymology. Grammar instruction is provided only as needed to improve writing.

Grade 12
This course is a study of world literature. It is a chronological survey of major works supplemented with short stories, poetry, and non-fiction in a thematic approach. Literature and writing are the primary focuses of this course, yet students will work on improving grammar and vocabulary. A research project is a requirement of this course. With this project students will work on written as well as oral communication skills. Overall, this class prepares students for college or the workplace by instilling responsibility and encouraging appropriate collaboration skills.

Grade 12
Prerequisite: Psychometric evaluation & special services committee recommendation
Dual Enrollment with Applied Writing
This course will follow the same curriculum as English 12, Academic. However, the pace at which these classes move through the curriculum will be slightly different. This course will follow the Orton-Gillingham approach to language development.

Grade 12
Academic English 12 focuses on world literature. It is a chronological survey of major works supplemented with short stories, poetry, and non-fiction in a thematic approach. Literature and writing are the primary focuses of this course, yet students will work toward mastery of grammar and an increased vocabulary. A research project is a requirement of this course. With this project students will work on written as well as oral communication skills. Overall, this class prepares students for college by instilling responsibility, encouraging appropriate collaboration skills, and developing critical thinking and analysis abilities. Oral communication assignments will prepare students to adapt content, presentation, and delivery to audiences in formal speaking situations. Organization of ideas, sensitivity to context, and careful research will be emphasized.

Grade 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 3.4 GPA, and teacher recommendation
The main thrust of this comparative literature course is a selective survey of world literature, beginning with the Greeks and concluding with the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on the significant cultures of the western world and how these cultures are revealed through all of the arts, especially literature. The course is presented in chronological order. A considerable part of the writing is expository or argumentative. Students are required to complete a major research paper. Oral communication assignments will prepare students to adapt content, presentation, and delivery to audiences in formal speaking situations. Organization of ideas, sensitivity to context, and careful research will be emphasized. A quarterly cultural field experience is undertaken by Honors English 12 students.

Grade 12
Prerequisite: Based on previous grades in English courses, GPA, PSAT Verbal and Writing Scores, ISTEP+ English/Language Arts Scores, and recommendation of current English teacher
This course follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines for advanced placement. Reading closely for detail, as well as for literary devices and structures, students in this course will discuss challenging works of recognized literary merit and respond to reading with thoughtful inquiry. In addition to assigned novels, students will read a minimum of seven novels independently. Students will regularly write intelligent, insightful, and sensitive analyses of literary works and passages, in both impromptu and prepared essays. Students will participate fully in class discussions and make presentations before the class individually and in groups. The course will also include mastery of terms and definitions relating to literary interpretation, experience with a wide range of literary types, and practice in multiple choice and essay testing. An oral research project, similar in nature to a traditional research paper, is required. This course prepares students to take the AP English Literature and Composition in May. All students must take the AP exam.

Grade 10 - 12, Semester
This introductory speech course presents students with the fundamentals of oral communication. The course is designed to examine the communication process, different public speaking situations, and the fundamentals of debate. Extensive research and a minimum of four speeches per quarter are required. The course includes instruction in adapting speech to different audiences and purposes. Students express subject matter knowledge through creative, analytical, and expository writing as well as reading a variety of literary genres related to course content. Students also practice critical thinking and listening skills

Grade 10 - 12, Semester
Students will be introduced to the process of formal debate. During this class, students will learn about and participate in the various types of debate. This course will focus on developing skills to become (1) in-depth researchers, (2) technical and persuasive writers, (3) effective communicators, and (4) perceptive listeners. Students gain an understanding of argumentation and persuasion theories and develop skills in logic and analysis. Students also research topics using a variety of literary and technical genres, organize research, write persuasive cases, and practice public speaking.

Grade 10 - 12 Semester
Film Literature students examine the concepts of film as literary art. The course focuses on history and technique of film; directorial approaches; various genres of film; and critical analysis of all the aforementioned. Though film choices do vary year to year, the following have been frequent choices for the curriculum: Modern Times, Citizen Kane, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Rebel Without A Cause, and titles focusing on a specific director such as Alfred Hitchcock. Students have frequent written assignments and will need to participate articulately in classroom discussions. Quarterly movie theater visits and a semester project based on independent study are required.

Grade 10 - 12 Semester
This course is a study of literature shaped by the Holocaust and will engage the intellectual curiosity of the student in order to inspire critical thought and personal growth. The course will be a blend of literature and history, which will develop a deeper understanding of the Holocaust. This course will include intense classroom discussion, reading, numerous writing assignments, a semester research project, and student presentations.

Grade 12 (Dual Enrollment in Religion IV Social Justice Concentration)
Readings in Social Justice is an elective English credit that is taken consecutively with the Religion IV requirement with the Social Justice Concentration. This interdisciplinary course is designed to challenge students to examine, analyze, evaluate and experience the various aspects of Catholic social teaching in depth as well as the vocational call of the Church. Students will read a variety of texts, ranging from decrees, pastoral letters, and encyclicals as well as essays, poetry, drama, novels, and movies. Students will be expected to defend, challenge or qualify their positions through oral and written expression. Students will also experience Catholic social teaching and the implications through three mission trips that will be a requirement of the course.

Grade 9-10, Semester/Elective
This course will focus on helping students to find academic success in high school by improving study habits. Topics covered will include organizational strategies, time management, reading comprehension for both novels and textbooks, goal-setting, note-taking strategies, improving essay writing, test-taking strategies, and general methods to help improve grades. Students will also explore their own career interests and abilities and set goals for life after high school.

Grade: 11-12, Semester
Etymology is an intensive study of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes which provide clues to meanings of hundreds of unknown and misunderstood English words. The course stresses working on derivatives, increasing vocabulary, clarifying misconceptions of the meanings of words, and learning foreign phrases adapted to the English language. The course introduces students to tools and resources for the analytic study of word history.

Grade: 9-12, Semester
Prerequisite: Academic or Honors English with at least a 'B' average
This one semester course emphasizes journalistic writing and design skills. Students will write news, features, sports, editorials, press releases, broadcasts, columns, yearbook features and info captions. Journalism law, ethics, and news judgment are also addressed. Yearbook/newspaper design, graphics, staff management, time management and computer skills are also included in the class. It is highly recommended students take this course before applying for any of the journalism staffs. Students may be asked to move onto one of the staffs Semester II.

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Beginning Journalism is highly recommended, but students with strong English skills may have the Beginning Journalism requirement waived with permission of the publications adviser. A staff application is required.
This course is devoted to an advanced and continued study of journalistic writing and publications technique through the practical application of skills learned in beginning journalism. The members of this class are the staff members of the school newspaper, The Trojan Tribune. The newspaper will range in size from 8 - 16 pages and cover all aspects of school life including news, features, opinion, sports, and photography sections. Journalistic skills including writing, editing, interviewing, desktop publishing, digital and film photography, and digital imaging are all aspects of this hands-on course. Credit can be received for this class during the sophomore, junior, and senior years. Staff positions will be named each spring.

Grade 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Mass Media application and approval
Students enrolled in this course produce and present a daily news show including school announcements. Students will learn the fundamentals of news delivery, editing and writing scripts, broadcast practices, and studio equipment, use. They will study basic video production techniques, use digital editing equipment and practice electronic news-gathering applications.

Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Mass Media staff application and approval
Students will continue their work from the one-semester course, but more emphasis will be put on field reporting and in-depth feature reporting. Students will learn more advanced techniques with video editing systems and higher production levels for their projects.

Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and application
The members of this class are the staff members of The Citadel, the school yearbook. The staff produces the 240+ page yearbook for the school and community. The yearbook will cover all aspects of school life including student life, activities, clubs, sports, academics, advertising, and photography. Journalistic skills of writing, editing, interviewing, desktop publishing, digital and film photography, and computer graphics are all hands-on in the application course. Students will work on both individual and staff assignments. Credit can be received for class during the sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Grade 9-11
Prerequisites: Enrolled in English 9-11: Academic (LS) or English teacher/counselor recommendation
This course will focus on different elements of the writing process at different grade levels. Students in this course are also enrolled in an English course. The focus for ninth grade students will be composition and grammar. Tenth grade students will focus on the five-paragraph composition, grammar, analytical, creative, research writing skills. Eleventh grade students will work on the five-paragraph essays, grammar and the required research paper.