ENGLISH
The goal of the English department is to develop
students’ critical thinking, listening, speaking, reading, writing, and study
skills. Assignments and experiences
commensurate with their needs and abilities will challenge all students to develop
competency in their use of the English language and to understand both classic
and modern literature. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors must take a
required English course each year.
Students must take English I, II, III, and IV and pass the High School
Proficiency Assessment as graduation requirements.
ENGLISH I
In this
course emphasis is placed on reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking,
and study skills. Assignments include
narrative, descriptive, and expository paragraphs and essays developed through
the writing process - prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and
publishing. A unit on using the Media
Center is included in the course; research techniques are explored in
conjunction with the preparation of a research paper. Students will learn how to prepare and to deliver a
well-organized speech. The literature
includes fiction and nonfiction written by a variety of classic and
contemporary authors. All students will
be challenged to apply higher-level thinking skills. Materials, techniques and
pacing will be modified to address individual students’ needs and
abilities. Students will be placed in
one of the following levels based on standardized test scores, past
performance, and teacher recommendations.
ENGLISH I HONORS Grade 9 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Must achieve a grade of at least a 90 in A Language Arts/Reading.
This course
is available to students who are highly motivated and who have demonstrated
advanced reading and writing skills.
These skills will be reinforced through challenging reading and writing
assignments with emphasis placed on critical analysis. Students in this course
will be required to complete summer reading and writing assignments.
ENGLISH I A Grade
9 5
Credits
Students
will use their knowledge of basic communication skills as the foundation for
more challenging reading, writing, and speaking assignments. Emphasis will be placed on integrating and
applying these skills.
ENGLISH I B Grade
9 5
Credits
English IB
is for students who have satisfied minimum requirements on standardized tests
but who have difficulty grasping higher-level thinking and reading concepts and
expressing themselves in cohesive and correct written work. The course emphasizes establishment of solid
foundations in basic communication and study skills, and applying them to
various types of reading and writing assignments.
Students
who have not met the required level of competency in either reading or writing
on the ASK 8 will be placed in English IC.
This course emphasizes basic reading, writing, speaking, listening, and
study skills necessary for success in all subjects.
ENGLISH STRATEGIES
I
Grade 9 2 ˝ Credits
This
semester course is an extension of English IC with small group and
individualized instruction that focuses on the areas of weakness indicated by
individuals’ standardized test results.
The goals of the course are to improve basic skills and achieve a
satisfactory score on the HSPA. This
course is highly recommended for students who scored below state proficiency
levels on the ASK 8. Students in this
course will be evaluated on a pass fail basis.
ENGLISH II
Effectiveness
and style in writing and speaking as well as understanding of reading
assignments are the major goals of English II.
A variety of writing assignments will give students experience in
applying the rules of grammar and standard written English while practicing the
writing process. Students will continue to develop good speaking habits by
delivering an informative speech. Vocabulary development is also an integral
part of English II. The focus in
reading is on the historical development of American literature. Through exposure to a wide range of authors,
genres, literary styles, and periods, students will reinforce and improve their
reading skills along with enhancing their awareness of American culture.
While the goals
will be similar for all English II students, materials, techniques and pacing
will be modified to address individual students’ needs and abilities. Students will be placed in one of the
following levels based on standardized test scores, past performance, and
teacher recommendations.
ENGLISH II HONORS Grade 10 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Must achieve a grade of at least an 85 in
English I Honors or a 93 in English IA.
This course
is available to students who are highly motivated and who have demonstrated
advanced reading and writing skills.
Skills will be reinforced through challenging reading and writing
assignments with emphasis placed on critical analysis. Students in this course will be required to
complete summer reading and writing assignments.
ENGLISH IIA Grade
10 5
Credits
This course
is for students with above-average ability in reading and writing. Students will use these skills to develop
variety and style in their writing and to analyze literature from classic and
contemporary American authors.
English IIB
is designed for the average student. Emphasis will be placed on development of
reading and study skills, vocabulary development, and writing. Stories, poems, plays, essays, and novels
will be used to enhance reading and vocabulary skills and to increase student
awareness of our American heritage.
ENGLISH IIC Grade
10 5
Credits
Students
who have not met the required level of competency in either reading or writing
will be placed in English IIC. This
class emphasizes basic reading, writing, and study skills, especially those
covered on the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). Literature by American authors will make
students aware of our cultural heritage.
ENGLISH STRATEGIES II Grade 10
2 ˝ Credits
This
semester course will be an extension of English IIC with small group and
individualized instruction that focuses on the areas of weakness indicated by
individuals’ results. Students have not demonstrated proficiency in state core
curriculum content of standards. Students
in this course will be evaluated on a pass fail basis.
ENGLISH III
Understanding the
roots of our English language heritage through the study of British literature
is one of the goals of the English III curriculum. Students will also continue to develop their skills as readers,
writers, and speakers through class activities, homework, special projects, and
assessments. Emphasis is placed on
vocabulary development and the writing process in preparation for the new SAT
and the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). Through exposure to the wide variety of authors, styles, genres,
and historic and cultural influences found in British literature, students will
reinforce and improve their language arts skills and develop a greater
awareness of its influence on American culture and their own lives.
ENGLISH III HONORS Grade 11 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Must achieve a grade of at least an 85 in English II Honors or a 93 in
English IIA.
This course, which is a study of
British literature, demands a high degree of academic excellence and student
responsibility. It is available to
advanced students who have demonstrated exceptional reading, writing, and
critical thinking skills. Standardized
test scores, past performance, and teacher recommendation will be used in the
selection process. Writing proficiency
is emphasized, especially in the areas of critical analysis, expository essays,
and the research paper. The course
content emphasizes a humanities approach to British literature from the
Anglo-Saxon period to contemporary literature. Students in this course are
expected to complete assigned required summer reading and writing assignments.
ENGLISH IIIA Grade
11 5
Credits
The purpose
of this course is to prepare above-average students for the rigorous demands of
college-level study. Activities will be
directed toward developing study skills that are needed in college. In addition, the course is designed to
improve skills in writing, vocabulary, reading, and speech. Students will also be made aware of American
literary heritage through reading the literary works of Great Britain from
Anglo-Saxon times through the 20th century.
ENGLISH IIIB Grade
11 5
Credits
This course
is designed for the average student who is considering a college
education. The primary goal is to
improve skills in writing, vocabulary, reading, and speech through the study of
classic British literature and the historical and cultural developments that
shaped it.
ENGLISH IIIC Grade
11 5
Credits
This course
is designed for students who are at risk of failing the High School Proficiency
Assessment (HSPA) and who need to review the basic skills of the English
language: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary. Reading skills will be reinforced through
the study of short stories, plays, poems, essays, and novels.
ENGLISH STRATEGIES III Grade
11
2 ˝ Credits
This
semester course is for those students who have not met the required level of
competency in either reading or writing on the High School Proficiency
Assessment (HSPA). Small group and
individualized instruction will focus on the areas identified as weaknesses in
state core content standards. This
course is highly recommended for students enrolled in English IIIC. Students in
this course will be evaluated on a pass fail basis.
ENGLISH IV
Students in English
IV will continue to integrate all language arts skills gained through their
education. The course stresses reading,
writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills to prepare students
for college and the workplace. Students
will continue to explore expository, critical, and argumentative modes of
expression in essays and research papers.
English IV incorporates a variety of literary genres and utilizes a
humanities approach to world literature that reflects cultural diversity and a
broad spectrum of literary styles.
AP ENGLISH IV Grade 12 5
Credits
PREREQUISITE: Must achieve a grade of at least an 85 or higher in English III Honors
and teacher recommendation.
The purpose
of this college-level class is to offer exceptional students an opportunity for
post-secondary study while still in high school. The course content covers the general framework prescribed by the
Advanced Placement Program: language, composition, and literature. Word analysis, semantic change, diction, and
figurative language are emphasized as students strive to improve their
vocabulary and practice critical analysis through readings. Literature is taken
from an anthology of world literature in addition to supplementary novels and
plays. Particular attention is given in the area of composition to essay
examinations, critical essays, and the research paper. Standardized test scores, past performance,
a writing sample, and teacher recommendations are used in the selection process
for this course. Students in this
course are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments.
ENGLISH IVA Grade
12 5
Credits
This course is
designed for students with above-average ability. It emphasizes the relationship among academic writing, reading
comprehension, and analytical thinking.
While emphasis is placed on exposition, students will practice writing
in a variety of genres for a range of audiences. They will also critically
analyze various types of literature.
Clarity, completeness, quality of argument, and style are the goals of
writing. Students will be exposed to classic literature written by a wide
variety of authors from around the world, including the Greeks, the Middle
Ages, the Renaissance, the Age of Rationalism, Romanticism and Realism, and
Modern Europe and Africa.
ENGLISH IVB Grade
12 5
Credits
This course is designed for the average student
who is considering a college education.
Emphasis is placed on developing sophistication in writing skill and
style. Students will write paragraphs
and compositions based on varied patterns of organization and sources of
material. They will also develop a
research paper systematically from selection of topic through final draft. Through readings, students will be exposed
to significant historical, philosophical, religious, scientific, cultural, and
literary developments of major periods in world literature.
ENGLISH IVC Grade 12
5 Credits
This course
is designed for students who have failed the High School Proficiency Assessment
(HSPA) and who need to review the basic skills of the English language in the
areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary
development. The materials and
approaches used will continue to emphasize the practical aspects of these
skills.
ENGLISH STRATEGIES IV Grade 12 2 ˝ Credits
This semester course is required for those
students who have not met the required level of competency in either reading or
writing on the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). Small group and
individualized instruction will focus on the areas identified as individual
students’ weaknesses.
Students in this course will be evaluated on a pass fail
basis.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES
NOTE: These courses are scheduled in addition
to the required English course.
COLLEGE WRITING Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
Students
who plan to attend college are encouraged to take this semester course, which
focuses on the relationship among academic writing, reading comprehension, and analytical
thinking. While emphasis is placed on
exposition and argument, students will practice writing in a variety of modes
for a range of audiences. Writing as a
process, including prewriting, drafting, revision, and proofreading, will be
practiced. Clarity, completeness,
quality of argument, and style are the goals of writing. Assignments will simulate the reading and
writing experiences that students are likely to encounter in college.
CREATIVE WRITING Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
This semester course
integrates literature and creative writing.
Students are encouraged to express themselves as individuals as well as
emulate the styles of selected authors and genres. Students will study the tools at an author’s disposal, such as
figurative language, sound effects, imagery, and satirical devices. They will use their knowledge of these tools
to analyze literature and to write both prose and poetry.
This course
acquaints students with the fundamentals of journalism, from writing news
articles to producing the school newspaper, Roxbury Review. Methods of
writing news stories, features, reviews, sports, and editorials are studied.
Students also learn about journalistic writing style and gain experience in
revising and editing their work as well as study the basics of newspaper design
and layout. Students also learn how to
evaluate the Internet and other sources for bias and engage in critical
thinking about the role the media plays in our lives.
JOURNALISM II Grades 10, 11, 12 5 Credits
PREREQUISITE: Journalism I
Journalism
II provides students who have completed the Journalism I course with the
opportunity to increase their knowledge of the field and further fulfill their
potential as writers/reporters.
Journalism II students are expected to assume leadership roles on Roxbury
Review staff, including participation in editorial decision-making and
production. As writers, they are
challenged to write in depth about complex issues. As editors, they enhance their knowledge of newspaper management,
design, layout, and production. They also act as mentors to Journalism I
students.
PUBLIC SPEAKING Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 2 ˝
Credits
The ability
to communicate effectively is the key to successful careers and personal
relationships. This semester course
offers students an opportunity to develop the necessary speaking and listening
skills to confidently meet the diverse challenges that are faced at all stages
of life. In this course students
learn to understand the importance and variety of speech communications and
come to appreciate the social and ethical responsibilities of communicators.
Practical techniques for improving, analyzing, and evaluating speaking skills
are emphasized; students also learn to become critical listeners.
SAT PREPARATION Grades 10, 11, 12 2 ˝ Credits
The purpose
of this semester course is to prepare college-oriented students for the SAT.
The class is team-taught by English and mathematics teachers in order to expose
students to all aspects of the test.
Skills and concepts tested are reviewed as students become familiar with
the format of the test and develop effective strategies for answering each type
of question.
TELEVISION PRODUCTION Grades 10, 11, 12 5
Credits
Television
Production I is an elective course designed to meet the needs of the student
who wants to be exposed tom the advanced study of writing for the media,
production theory, and production techniques. The course will concentrate on
critical and creative (script) writing, knowledge of television production
equipment and organizational skills.
Once a foundation is established in theory, the course will become
practical, and filming techniques previously learned will be utilized.
Students will film a variety of projects, from news broadcasts to commercials
to original short films. They will be writing scripts and drawing
storyboards, then making them a reality. Digital editing will be stressed
with an emphasis on continuity through montage editing. This course will
also delve into animation where students will be able to create short animated
projects.
YEARBOOK PRODUCTION Grades 10, 11, 12
5 Credits
Through the use of current
techniques in writing, editing, and design, students will assist in the
production of their yearbook, the Echo.
Students will also learn about writing in journalistic style to produce
yearbook stories and captions. Basic photography and the use of photographs and
art to enhance design will also be covered. Included in the course will be the
“business” side of publishing, from budgeting to advertising sales, as well as
general business practices. In addition to these areas, students will use the
fourth marking period to apply the skills acquired in producing the school
yearbook to create a 15- to 20-page personalized yearbook of their own. Most of
all they will have the satisfaction of helping to create the record of that
year in high school history.
English as a Second Language is for speakers of languages
other than English who have not mastered the English language in all stages of
language development: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be
placed in a class determined by their language proficiency. All instruction is in English.
BEGINNING ESL
PREREQUISITE: Less than one year of English or by
recommendation of the teacher.
This course is designed for the
foreign student (grades 9-12) with little or no English language
proficiency. The emphasis will be on
developing listening comprehension and speaking abilities. Reading and writing
will be introduced gradually and the instruction will be designed to meet
individual student needs.
INTERMEDIATE
ESL
PREREQUISITE:
A minimum of two years of formal English
instruction or by recommendation of the teacher.
The course continues to emphasize
developing the four language areas: listening, speaking, reading and
writing. Class discussions, projects
and activities are also a major part of the course.
ADVANCED ESL
PREREQUISITE:
Beginning and Intermediate ESL
courses, a minimum of 4 years of English or by recommendation of the teacher.
This course is designed for the
non-native English speaker who has completed prior ESL courses but requires
additional help in succeeding in mainstream classes. Focus is on reading comprehension and writing with continued work
in listening and speaking skills.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
PREREQUISITE:
Less than two years of formal English
instruction or by recommendation of the teacher.
The emphasis in this course will be on strengthening and developing basic language skills and cultural understanding. In addition to a study of communication skills, the course will provide intensive language practice in reading and writing activities.