ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

4.0 credits required for graduation.
1.0 credit per year minimum of all students.
All courses are two semester courses unless otherwise noted.

Composition and Speech 1 and 2
9
This course teaches the student to accurately communicate thoughts in writing. From the topic sentence to use of details, from grammar and punctuation to use of the dictionary, the student is exposed to techniques necessary for successfully writing a multi-paragraph paper. In addition to writing skills, the student will also learn to improve his/her oral expression by learning basic public speaking techniques. The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet will provide the background for writing essays about literature.
COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 AND 2 OR HONORS COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 AND 2 IS REQUIRED FOR ALL FRESHMEN AND MUST BE TAKEN AT NOTRE DAME PREP.

Honors Composition and Speech 1 and 2
9
The Honors Composition class focuses on writing essays for academic studies. This class introduces a variety of methods for developing essays and emphasizes clarity and precision as students build on their knowledge of paragraph construction to create well-developed expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and a novel will provide the basis for literary analysis.  The goal of Honors Speech is to familiarize the students with formal public speaking techniques and provide opportunities for them to communicate effectively with their peers.
COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 AND 2 OR HONORS COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 AND 2 IS REQUIRED FOR ALL FRESHMEN AND MUST BE TAKEN AT NOTRE DAME PREP.
(REQUIRES A PLACEMENT EXAM)

American Literature 1 and 2
10
This course introduces students to American authors.  Students read and write about American classics.  They are introduced to literary terms and are required to apply those terms to the literature they read.  Works will be presented in chronological order, and the historical events they reflect will be discussed.  Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama are studied.  Students enhance their writing skills by composing analytical essays with each major work covered.

Honors American Literature 1 and 2
10
This course is an introduction to classic American works. Emphasis is placed on a close reading of the literature and on learning the meaning and application of literary terms.  Students enhance their writing skills through essays and major projects.  Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama are read and analyzed.  Works are presented in chronological order, and the historical events they reflect will be discussed.
(PREREQUISITE:  GRADE OF "A" IN COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 OR GRADE OF "B' IN  HONORS COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1)

British Literature 1 and 2
11 
This is a comprehensive two-semester course in which students study the major British writers and major forms of literature: essays, drama, short fiction, and novels. Emphasis is also placed on reading and understanding poetry. Students will write critical papers which investigate aspects of structure and meaning while keeping in mind literary techniques, concepts, and terms.  Students will also learn and master research techniques and be required to write a research paper, MLA style.

Honors British Literature 1 and 2
11
This course involves a comprehensive study of various forms of literature, poetry, and plays written by the more famous British authors. A critical analysis of the material will include an examination of literary techniques, concepts, and terms. The interpreted readings are related to written and verbal communication through essays and discussions.  Students will also master research techniques and be required to write a research paper, MLA style.
(PREREQUISITE:  HONORS COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 AND 2, HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE 1 AND 2, AND A 3.0 GPA IN ENGLISH)

World Literature I and 2
12
The purpose of this course is to foster within the students an appreciation and a critical eye for the study of literature through a variety of great writers from around the world. Students study the literary genres, including novels, dramas, short stories, and poetry. The class focuses on developing the ability to read and write carefully and critically.

Honors World Literature 1 and 2
12
Honors World Literature is a comprehensive study of various forms of literature, plays, and poetry written by authors from all over the world.   The material is studied through various literary techniques and concepts. Students critically analyze literary pieces through essays, discussions, and the study of similar works. Papers for the course will be written using the MLA format.
(PREREQUISITE:  HONORS COMPOSITION AND SPEECH 1 AND 2, HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE 1 AND 2, HONORS BRITISH AUTHORS 1 AND 2, AND A 3.0 GPA IN ENGLISH)

Yearbook
10 11 12 
This course is designed to explore various digital media tools necessary for the production of the school's yearbook, The Legend.  Students will work with computer based design and imaging software to adapt and create individual layouts for the yearbook.  Students will be responsible for taking pictures, interviewing students and staff, writing copy and editing their work.  Students will cover issues dealing with photography, writing and layout.  Attendance at after school events is required.  Strong writing skills and a commitment to meeting deadlines are imperative.
(ONE SEMESTER ONLY)

Public Speaking
10 11 12
This course strives to give students the opportunity to experience composing, delivering, and evaluating public address and interpretive speeches. Each student has the opportunity to perform in public speaking categories and interpretive categories. Students are evaluated on preparation, delivery, and student/teacher evaluations.
(ONE SEMESTER ONLY)

AP English Language and Composition 1 and 2
11 12
Advanced Placement Composition requires the study and practice of writing about literature with sensitivity and discrimination. Students are engaged in the critical reading and analysis of various prose pieces. They study the individual work: its structure, meaning, and value. They produce numerous and extensive structured compositions in response to their reading. In preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Composition, students intensively study a series of representative works from several genres and periods. These works are challenging and of recognized literary merit, worthy of careful scrutiny because they are complex and rich in thought and language. 
(OPEN TO SENIORS AND JUNIORS WITH AN "A" AVERAGE AND/OR BY PERMISSION OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED)

AP English Literature and Composition 1 and 2
11 12
Advanced Placement Literature investigates ways of reading/understanding poetry, novels, and drama of recognized literary merit. Students will write critical evaluative papers about the literature studied. The demands of the course, both in reading, writing, and interpretive skills will be at the freshman college level.  In preparation for the exam in May, students will be writing several timed essays.
(OPEN TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS WITH AN "A" AVERAGE AND/OR BY PERMISSION OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)
(AP COMPOSITION RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED)

IB English HL 1 and 2: Language in Culture and Media
11 
This is the first part of a two-year course designed to meet the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Centering on the study of language through the lenses of culture and media, this class incorporates analytical, rhetorical, and critical thinking skills. Effective communication, both written and oral, will be stressed. Throughout the course, students will examine the relationships between language and meaning and will develop an astute understanding of rhetorical strategies. Students in the class are required by the IB to perform both oral and written assessments in addition to completing all other internal assignments and assessments. 
(OPEN TO IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME CANDIDATES ONLY)

IB English HL 3 and 4
12
The second year of a two-year course, IB English HL is an extension of the first year IB English HL course.  Year two concentrates on preparation for the Individual Oral Commentary, an IB assessment which recognizes literary analysis as an oral activity.  The course literature includes a detailed study of Shakespeare texts, fiction and non-fiction prose, and poetry.  In the spring term, students will begin preparation for the written presentation of literary analysis found on the May IB exam.  The culmination of the two-year IB English HL course results in mature well-versed commentary in both an oral and written format.  Students in this class are required to take exams in addition to completing all other internal assignments and assessments.
(OPEN TO IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME STUDENTS ONLY)
(PREREQUISITE:  IB ENGLISH HL 1 AND 2)