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ENGLISH

Department Head: Nicole Blazek
 

DEPARTMENT GOALS

 
The English Department has two primary focuses: literature and composition. Students explore both fiction and nonfiction that spans time and cultures. The goal is to expose students to a variety of ideas and experiences and to foster an appreciation for the written word. In addition to the study of literature, students are expected to write technically sound essays. They should become proficient in rhetoric and composition. They will be able to communicate in both academic and “real-world” settings.

***Please note that every student is required to turn in a Research Paper in each of their English Courses.  Students who fail to turn the paper in will receive an incomplete in English until this assignment is fulfilled. ***

 

COURSE OFFERINGS

 
ENGLISH I
English I is an in-depth study of classical works in literature (i.e., medieval legends, Shakespearean drama, mythology, etc.). The course comprises drama, novels, poetry, composition, vocabulary, and grammar. Composition is intertwined with literature and vocabulary. The student will develop accuracy in the areas of proper usage, exactness, proper diction, unity, and coherence. Students will concentrate their writing in areas of narration, description, and expository forms. Students will develop their writing skills from the three-point essay, using the funnel approach, to the research paper. In the process, the students will become acclimated in the use of the library and the MLA Form and Style sheet.
 
ENGLISH I (HONORS)
English Honors I is an intensive study of literature, grammar, and composition. This course encompasses the areas of medieval legends, Shakespearean drama, mythology, and poetry. Special emphasis is placed on supplementary reading and in-depth composition development. This course will concentrate on perfecting the student’s writing skills, as well as exposing them to more study in the areas of analytical thinking and expression. Focus will also be placed on the student’s ability to apply various literary techniques to genres relevant to this grade level. A comprehensive research paper will reflect the development of the student’s skills in the gathering and application of appropriate material. Applicants must meet honors program standards.
 
ENGLISH II
English II is an in-depth study of classical and contemporary literature including: the short story, drama, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and the novel with emphasis on critical thinking and reading skills. Further emphasis will be placed on skills such as: grammar, mechanics, and the writing process (including paragraphs, essays, poetry, and creative writing). Consistent vocabulary development is considered to be a critical part of English II. Research skills will again be reviewed as a method of reinforcing the research process throughout the high school years. Macbeth is used as a base in learning the elements of the Shakespearean tragedy and prose fiction.
*Prerequisite: English I
 
ENGLISH II (HONORS)
English II Honors is an in-depth study of classical and contemporary literature including: the short story, drama, fiction, nonfiction, poetry and the novel with emphasis on critical thinking and reading skills. Further emphasis will be placed on skills such as: grammar, mechanics, and the writing process (including paragraphs, essays, poetry, and creative writing). Consistent vocabulary development is considered to be a critical part of English II. Research skills will again be reviewed as a method of reinforcing the research process throughout the high school years. Macbeth is used as a base in learning the elements of Shakespearean tragedy and prose fiction. Creative projects involving these readings will be assigned in addition to in-depth essay assignments employing such skills as: drawing conclusions, making inferences, and critical analysis. A research project will be assigned in the fall. Applicants must meet honors program standards.
*Prerequisite: English I
 
ENGLISH III
English III involves student exposure to a survey of the literature of the United States as well as in-depth investigation of selected pieces representative of that literary tradition. Students will, in conjunction with their studies of this literature, develop writing skills, particularly in the areas of comparison/contrast, explanation, and description. In addition, students will study and practice techniques of sentence structure, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
*Prerequisite: English II
 
ENGLISH III (DUAL ENROLLMENT)
English III Dual Enrollment students will engage in rigorous course work that may provide freshman level college English credit through The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The student will read on an independent basis and investigate in depth major selections of American literature for the purpose of critical and comparative analysis. Students will have access to the UL Lafayette library while researching literary topics. Extensive outside reading and several independent projects will be required. NOTE: Students in the course receive high school credit as well as college credit through UL Lafayette. The actual credit students receive depends on the English and composite scores on the ACT. Applicants must have an ACT composite of 20 with a sub score of 22 in English and a 19 in Math. Additionally, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Tuition for the course is set by UL Lafayette and is subject to change but will be approximately $150 per semester.  *Prerequisite: English II
 
ENGLISH IV
English IV is a course aimed at preparing the student for the tasks which shall be required in freshman level college English courses. This goal shall be attained through careful study and interpretation of a survey of British literature from its origins to contemporary times, a review of the usage and mechanics of written English, and the development of a variety of writing strategies. This course will also address research techniques and some modes of creative writing.
*Prerequisite: English III
 
ENGLISH IV (DUAL ENROLLMENT)
English IV Dual Enrollment students will engage in rigorous course work that may provide freshman/sophomore level college English credit through The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The student will read on an independent basis and investigate in depth major selections of British literature for the purpose of critical and comparative analysis. Students will have access to the UL Lafayette library while researching literary topics. Extensive outside reading and several independent projects will be required. NOTE: Students in the course receive high school credit as well as college credit through UL Lafayette. The actual credit students receive depends on the English and composite scores on the ACT.  Applicants must have an ACT composite of 20 with a sub score of 22 in English and a 19 in Math. Additionally, students must have at least a 2.75 GPA. Tuition for the course is set by UL Lafayette and is subject to change but will be approximately $150 per semester.
*Prerequisite: English III
 
PUBLICATIONS I: (YEARBOOK)
Publications I introduces the student to the fundamentals of journalistic procedures as they apply to yearbook production. Included are photography, writing, editing, layout and design, finance, advertising, sales, and public relations.  Prerequisite: Admission into the Publications class is through teacher approval. 
 
PUBLICATIONS II/III: (YEARBOOK)
Publications II/III refines the skills learned in Publications I. Returning students take on leadership roles and accept greater responsibilities while furthering their knowledge of and experience with journalistic procedures. Prerequisite: Admission into the Publications class is through teacher approval.  
*Prerequisite: Publications I
ANNUAL FUND