Language Arts

9th Grade Literature and Composition (1 credit)

In this course our students focus on Literature and Composition which involves a survey of major literary genres, using a variety of texts. Built around the focus text will be a variety of other, shorter works that support and supplement students’ exploration of the course’s essential questions. The course is designed to ensure that all students are up to standards as outlined in the Georgia Performance Standards. Throughout the semester, the student will be required to participate in various activities and forms of assessments to ensure that content material is being transferred to the student through various strategies and lessons. This course includes and End of Course Test (EOCT). I have also created a “Who Am I” Speaker Series to further explore the over-arching essential question “Who Am I.” This core course satisfies 1 unit of English for graduation.

American Literature and Composition (1 credit)

American Literature and Composition is a course in which literature is surveyed, designed especially for eleventh grade students.  The course covers the study, analysis and scope of American Literature. In addition, this class will sharpen students’ reading and writing skills.  We will review and recall the necessary skills to pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test, the Georgia High School Writing Test, and the End of Course Test. Students will be provided with the opportunity to gain experience in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking while studying a range of literary works. This core course satisfies 1 unit of English for graduation.

World Literature (1 credit)

Through our exploration of literatures from the non-western world, 10th grade English students will be reading and reflecting on literature selections that compliment the cultures and themes studied in the 10th grade World Literature course.  In this class, we will make connections between culture and literature, develop our writing, research, reading and speaking skills, and strengthen our vocabulary.  We will be learning about basic literary theory and criticism and will apply our new knowledge to the critical analysis and interpretation of course texts.  Additionally, students will need to make connections between texts read in their English course and the cultures studied in their social studies classroom. This core course satisfies 1 unit of English for graduation.

Advanced Composition (1 credit)

Students will write coherent and focused texts that convey a well defined perspective and tightly reasoned arguments.  Their writing will also exhibit awareness of audience and purpose.  Students will reach these goals through the following stages of the writing process:  pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing (peer and teacher.) The course will culminate in a research paper, focusing on MLA citations and structure which are generally used at the college level.  This paper will be 25% of the final grade. This core course satisfies 1 unit of English for graduation.

Advanced Placement Literature (AP) (1 credit) (weighted grade)

The AP English Literature course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers.  As the students read, they will learn to consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as elements of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Writing instruction includes attention to developing and organizing ideas in clear, coherent, and persuasive language. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP test in May and to give them a head start on their college English courses. Passing the AP exam means the student will have the opportunity to enter college with credit in English.  The course includes intensive study of the short story, poetry, essays, and novels.  There will be emphasis put on in-class timed writing in order to prepare for the AP exam. The course is taught as a college class would be and demands many hours of out of class preparation in reading and writing. This core course satisfies 1 unit of English for graduation.

Journalism (1 credit)

Throughout modern history, people have relied on mass media to spread the word about events and people of interest to the general public. Journalism introduces students to engaging world print media. Law, ethics, and the history of journalism will complement the major units of study: reporting, writing, editing, management, teamwork, and advertising. As well, this course will provide insight into college and career choices.