English

 

HONORS ENGLISH 9 (ENG1500)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 8 with at least an 87% each quarter, or permission of the department.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Freshmen

Other:  Grades weighted 110% for G.P.A. and class rank

 

Honors English 9 is a more thorough and rigorous study of the topics included in Academic English 9.  Topics include:  reading for literature and informational text; writing; speaking and listening; and language. The units of literature include short story, novel, poetry, drama, and non-fiction.  Students improve research and analysis skills.  Students write argumentative and explanatory pieces, sharpen a command of standard English grammar and usage, and study vocabulary weekly.

 

ACADEMIC ENGLISH 9 (ENG1300)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 8

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Freshmen

 

Academic English 9 addresses the topics of reading for literature and informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language.  The units of literature include short story, novel, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Students improve research and analysis skills.  Students write argumentative and explanatory pieces, sharpen a command of standard English grammar and usage, and study vocabulary weekly.

 

HONORS ENGLISH 10*  (ENG2500)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 9 Honors or English 9 Academic with at least an 87% final average for that course, or permission of the department.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Sophomores

Other:  Grades weighted 110% for G.P.A. and class rank

 

This course provides an in-depth study of the five basic forms of literature from classic to contemporary. Study is organized according to the genre method with stress on critical thinking and analysis.  Grammatical rules and structures are reviewed, and vocabulary units are administered weekly. Oral presentations and seminar discussions develop verbal skills. Emphasis in writing is placed on the development of the essay.

ACADEMIC ENGLISH 10 (ENG2300)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 9

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Sophomores

 

This sophomore English offers students the opportunity to study the five forms of literature: novel, short story, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. Grammar studies include parts of speech, sentence structure, phrases and clauses. Weekly vocabulary units are assigned.  Emphasis in writing is placed on the four purposes for expression:  persuasive, narrative, descriptive, and expository.

 

ENGLISH 10 (ENG2100)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 9 and Teacher/English Dept. recommendation

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Sophomores

 

This sophomore English course is designed for the student who needs remediation to develop a mastery of basic English skills. Course work focuses on reading, writing, and effective communication skills.  Content includes a study of the five forms of literature, composition of the four basic paragraph types, analysis of language structure, and a study of content-related vocabulary.

 

AP ENGLISH* (LANGUAGE)   (ENG3700)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  Honors English 10 or English 10 Academic with at least an 87% final average for that course, or permission of the department.

Meeting:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Juniors

Other:  Grades weighted 110% for G.P.A. and class rank

 

This course in Advanced Placement English provides highly motivated students with an opportunity to pursue college-level study in language and composition.  All facets of the program prepare the student for Advanced Placement Examination in English Language administered in May.  Students in this course are expected to take the AP Examination.

 

HONORS ENGLISH 11*  (ENG3500)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  Honors English 10 or English 10 Academic with at least an 87% final average for that course, or permission of the department.

Meeting:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Juniors

Other:  Grades weighted 110% for G.P.A. and class rank

 

The eleventh grade honors program offers an intensive chronological survey of American literature from Puritan to contemporary writers with emphasis upon the themes and styles of different literary periods.  The course acquaints students with the works and lives of foremost American poets, dramatists, novelists, and short story writers.  A great variety of literature will be read in class, and the reading demand is heavy.  In addition, the study of communication will focus on the use of all punctuation marks.  Vocabulary and writing (literary analysis) are also major components of the course. 

 

ACADEMIC ENGLISH 11 (ENG3300)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 10

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Juniors

 

The eleventh grade program offers a chronological survey of American literature from Puritan to contemporary writers with emphasis upon the themes and styles of the different literary periods. The class reads several novels. The course acquaints students with the works and lives of the foremost American poets, dramatists, novelists, and short story writers. In addition, the study of communications will focus on the use of all punctuation marks. Vocabulary and writing (literary analysis) are also major components of the course.

 

ENGLISH 11  (ENG3100)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 10, Teacher/English Dept. recommendation

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Juniors

 

This junior English course is designed for the student who needs remediation to improve English skills for effective communication and problem solving. Content includes American literature, selected American novels, as well as self-selected outside reading, and vocabulary study. Students will write a business letter to post-secondary schools, as well as applied communication assignments.

 

AP ENGLISH* (LITERATURE)   (Dual credit course with MCCC)  (ENG4700)

Credit:   1

Prerequisites:  English 11 Honors, AP English 11, English 11 Academic with at least an 87% final average for that course, or permission of the department.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Seniors

Other:  Grades weighted 110% for G.P.A. and class rank

 

This course in AP English provides highly motivated seniors with an opportunity to pursue college-level study in critical, expository, and creative writing in conjunction with an intensive reading of classics from world literature. The course also emphasizes close analysis of literary modes and types. All facets of the program prepare the students for Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition administered in May of the senior year. 

 

ACADEMIC ENGLISH 12   (ENG4300)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 11

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Seniors

 

The senior English program provides a chronological survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the twentieth century.  Novels include various titles read both collectively and individually. The research process is taught and all students are required to produce a literature-based research paper. Other writing assignments emphasize stylistic experimentation and sharpen analytical skills.

 

ENGLISH 12  (Technical Writing)  (ENG4100)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  English 11, Students enrolled in a vocational-technical program or Teacher/English Dept. recommendation

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Seniors

 

This senior English course is designed for the student who needs remediation to sharpen and reinforce his/her English skills. Writing techniques, skills, and their application to career and life experiences will be stressed. Content includes English literature, selected contemporary novels, job preparation skills, and applied communication work. All students will complete a research paper that focuses on a career of their choice.

 

VOCABULARY SKILLS   (ENG3350)          

Credit: 1/2

Prerequisites:  English 10

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Juniors and Seniors

 

Taught in a light-hearted and fast-paced manner, this course focuses on prefixes and roots, the building blocks of words, to allow for maximum vocabulary development/improvement in a limited space of time.  Anecdotal discussion, group work, practice and drills, and a vast variety of word and review games reinforce the lessons taught in class.  Class members commented:  “My SAT score went up dramatically.  I thought it never was possible.”  “I really think this class is beneficial.  I enjoyed the games and the combination of work.  Those really did help me remember more.”

 

PUBLIC SPEAKING   (ENG3360)

Credit:  1/2

Prerequisites:  English 10

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Juniors and Seniors

 

This introductory speech course, students are exposed to a wide variety of speaking situations.  Types of speeches include informational, persuasive, demonstration, impromptu, sales, oral interpretation, symposium, and valedictory.  Since public speaking is the number one fear of most Americans, the class provides a supportive and low-key atmosphere to help students overcome their anxiety.  Some memorable preparation activities include mock trials and survival simulations.  Students have said: “Before this class, I never had the guts to speak in public.”  “This class taught me to be more self-confident, to talk slower, and to use humor.”  “It was one of the most helpful courses I ever took.”

 

FALCON   (ENG2370)

Credit:  1/2

Prerequisites:  None

Meetings: 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

 

This subject is available to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who have an interest in the field of journalism. The students must receive a recommendation from his/her English teacher. The subject includes formal instruction in the processes of publishing a school newspaper. The selected class is then responsible for publishing The Falcon, an Internet newspaper.

 

POTTSGROVIAN   (ENG2380)

Credit:  1/2

Prerequisites:  None

Meetings: 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

 

Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who possess creative abilities and want to express themselves in pictorial and written journalism will be considered for this offering. This selected class comprises the yearbook staff and publishes the school’s annual Pottsgrovian.  All applicants must receive a recommendation from his/her English teacher.  Interested students will be selected through an application process by the Pottsgrovian advisor. 

DRAMA   (ENG3390)

Credit:  1/2

Prerequisites:  English 10

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Juniors and seniors

 

This course combines the study of drama as literature with the application of various theatrical techniques. Students will learn and experience the history of drama from its roots in Ancient Greece to the absurdist and musical theater of today. Students will also interpret drama through improvisation, mime, voice and diction, and acting. This elective is designed for self-motivated students with a sincere interest in performance.