Welcome to the Communication Arts Department. In English classes students will read a wide variety of literature from the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare to more contemporary authors from various genres including essays, plays, novels, and poetry. They will write for different audiences and purposes with a concentration on expository essays. Students will also study vocabulary, grammar, and literary techniques. Students will work individually and in groups as they develop their analytical abilities. Classes will focus on the necessary skills so that students are more able to think and read critically and can then effectively communicate. Our goal is to help our students develop the skills necessary to become better thinkers, readers, and writers which will ensure their success in the 21st Century. English Courses: English I This course is designed to strengthen language skills. Students learn the writing process to strengthen paragraph development and creative writing skills. Emphasis is placed on sentence structure, usage, mechanics, and originality. Literature studies focus on the short story, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and the corresponding literary terms. Additional units present vocabulary, critical-thinking, library reference, and various language arts skills. Prerequisite: None Credit: 1 Unit Semesters: 2 English II Designed to strengthen language skills by expanding the understanding of writing and literature. Paragraph development is reviewed and expanded into essay writing. Library, writing, and research skills are strengthened; students research and write a formal research paper. Students also continue to explore their creative writing abilities by writing poetry and short stories. Literature studies continue to focus on the short story, poetry, non-fiction, drama and the corresponding literary terms. Additional units present vocabulary skills, critical-thinking skills, and various language arts skills. Prerequisite: English I Credit: 1 Unit Semesters: 2 English III This course will develop skills needed for college preparation: improving skills by non-fiction writing (essay and report), interpreting literature and drama by the study of vocabulary and using library resources researching for reports on current and historic topics. Prerequisite: English II Credit: 1 Unit Semesters: 2 English IV This course will continue to develop skills needed for college: a survey of English literature from Beowulf to modern short stories and drama, non-fiction writing about this literature (essay and precise), and the study of vocabulary. The practical use of grammar and punctuation is applied on an individual basis. This class continues the study of library resources by researching for reports on current and historic topics. Prerequisite: English III Credit: 1 Unit Semesters: 2 |
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