English Curriculum

Instructors

Karin Law            Rex Morrison

Dan Spatzierath            Kelli Ullrich

7th Grade English
7th Grade English is an intensive study of the eight parts of speech, usage, and mechanics of the language. Writing activities include being able to identify by structure such formats as narrative texts, expository texts, persuasive texts, descriptive texts, and creative texts. Literary elements include figurative language, identifying theme, main ideas and details, and recognizing different types of text. Students will participate in group discussions and oral presentations and develop vocabulary and spelling skills. Expanding vocabulary skills will be addressed through such exercises as context work; Latin, Greek, and foreign language roots identification; and analogy recognition. Students will also compose weekly Reading/Viewing Journals in which the student will record reactions for material read/viewed outside of class assignments.

7th Grade Reading
Reading is intended to impart upon students the skills necessary to become better readers. By incorporating vocabulary skills, note-taking skills, and critical analysis of reading selections students will gain skills necessary to succeed in a vast array of professions. Skills will include: using available resources, identifying context clues, determining sequences, predicting outcomes, understanding connotation/denotation, and applying word usage.

8th Grade English
This class is devoted to descriptive writing in preparation for the Nebraska Writing Exam. Students review grammar; write numerous essays and other pieces of writing. The secondary focus is on research and oral presentations, a novel unit, a Greek/Roman mythology unit and a poetry unit.

8th Grade Reading
Eighth grade Reading is a study of various types of literature. Text studied will include fiction (i.e. short stories, myths, legends, science fiction), non-fiction (biographies, autobiographies, informational text), and poetry. Emphasis will be placed on developing vocabulary skills and on developing reading and studying strategies to help the student become more independent in gaining meaning from the works he or she reads.

English 9 - Grammar
In this class students learn the standard conventional usages of punctuation, capitalization, spelling, mechanics, and usage as they pertain to formal English. These skills will form the basic foundation of future classes and prepare students for a wide array of communication and technological fields.

English 9 - Novels
In this class students critically analyze a minimum of four novels (both modern & Classic) for setting, plot, character, and theme. Students then compare & contrast the novels with different aspects of real life. Through in-depth analysis, student will begin to guide themselves into various aspects of learning outside the realms of the novel. If time permits, students will also be introduced to literature in other formats including poetry, plays and short stories.

English 10 – Composition
Composition is a one-semester course that focuses on developing writing skills by identifying writing obstacles ad helping students to overcome these obstacles. The students will learn to recognize and correct common grammar errors and writing convention errors. They will also learn to logically organize thoughts and edit for clarity by completing multiple drafts of a descriptive personal narrative, a comparison/contrast essay, a persuasive essay, and various poetry genres. Expanding vocabulary skills will be addressed through such exercises as context work; Latin, Greek, and foreign language roots identification; and analogy recognition. Students will also compose weekly Reading/Viewing Journals in which the student will record reactions for material read/viewed outside of class assignments.

English 10 – World Literature
World Literature is a one-semester course designed to expose students to cultures, experiences, and traditions from around the world through the literature of those cultures. Various genres will be explored including short stories, nonfiction, poems, and plays. Emphasis will be placed on increasing reading proficiency, expanding the students' vocabulary, and finding common concerns and themes across cultural lines. Students will also compose weekly Reading/Viewing Journals in which the student will record reactions for material read/viewed outside of class assignments.

11th Grade English – Speech
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to communicate in formal and informal situations. Emphasis will be placed on organizational skills, research skills, writing skills, preparation, and presentation. Presentations will include informative speaking, persuasive speaking, oral interpretation, parliamentary procedure and debate.

11th Grade English – American Literature
The material will be approached chronologically beginning with the early colonists. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of the writing into an American art form. Important authors will be studied from each period of American writing. Literary terms pertinent to each unit will also be studied. Students will learn to recognize specific literary genre, construct essays of various types, and write and recognize types of poetry.

English 12 – Writing & Research
In this college prep class, students write research papers using MLA and CMS formats. Students revisit the research process and review how to analyze sources of information for relevance and reliability. Students are expected to be independent writers to enhance their knowledge of research and writing techniques.

English 12 – British Literature
British Literature is a one-semester course dedicated to the exploration of the development of the English language and the literature representative of that growth. The material will be approached chronologically and will cover the Anglo Saxons, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Restoration and the Eighteenth Century. Emphasis will be placed on the connections of classic literature to the modern world. Expanding vocabulary skills will be addressed through such exercises as context work, and analogy recognition. Students will also compose Reading/Viewing Journals in which the student will record reactions for material read/viewed outside of class assignments.

English 12
This year-long class focuses on literature and life skills vocabulary pertaining to career aspects of writing. The first semester is devoted to personal connections with the world view of literature. The second semester focuses on life-skills vocabulary in terms of career and daily life outside of high school. This includes how to fill out job and scholarship applications and how to effectively develop resumes.

Advanced Writing
This class is devoted to the development of the yearbook and journalistic writing. Students learn the basics of journalism and write articles for The Index newspaper. Students work with digital photography and computer programs and technology such as scanners and the on-line yearbook program.