LITERARY GENRES
(Ninth Grade, 2 terms, 1 credit, Required)
This course is an introduction to the high-school English program.  Content includes distinguishing literary genres, providing a sound basis in grammar and composition, expanding vocabulary, promoting correct spelling and the use of proper mechanics in writing.  The short story, the novel, poetry, and drama are the main topics of literature study.  Formal essay writing is the main goal of composition instruction, yet students practice creative writing skills as well. Each student presents a formal speech to the class.

AMERICAN LITERATURE
(Tenth Grade, 2 terms, 1 credit, Required)
 The focus in this course is to familiarize the student with representative American authors from the colonial times to the present.  Students will be called upon to utilize their knowledge of literary terms and literary genres in the framework of a chronological study of literature.  The student will continue to read literature analytically, to develop critical and expository writing, to expand knowledge of vocabulary, and to learn SAT attack skills. Each student will present a formal speech to the class.

RESEARCH & SAT/ACT SKILLS
(Eleventh Grade; one term, ½ credit, Required)
Prerequisite: Literary Genres and American Literature
Being able to write a competent research paper is an essential skill for any student preparing to enter college.  In this course the student will learn all the steps and skills necessary to write a research paper.  The MLA format will be used, and the student will present her paper to the class.  Additionally, the student will learn and practice college entrance test-taking skills.

BRITISH LITERATURE
(Eleventh Grade, 2 terms, 1 credit, Required)
This course focuses on British authors, asking the student to read critically and thoughtfully.  Students will write themes on topics of literary analysis and improve general reading and study habits.  They will read representative works of British authors from all major periods of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon times to the twentieth century.  Students will be required to use library skills in preparing presentations and projects and will expand their vocabulary skills.  Each student will present a formal speech to the class.

WORLD LITERATURE
(Twelfth Grade, 2 terms, 1 credit, Required)
The diverse literature that students read in this course provides an opportunity to explore the richness of other cultures and times.  Students will read, discuss, and respond to a variety of literary genres, techniques, themes and modes.  Students will build upon previously mastered skills as they write and revise college essays, read critically and thoughtfully, write themes on literary and personal topics, and present a formal speech to the class.

HONORS LITERARY GENRES
(Ninth Grade, 2 terms, 1 credit, Required)
Prerequisite:  Recommendation of the English Department based on test scores and writing sample
In this course, the students are required to read critically and thoughtfully, to develop a critical vocabulary and critical skills; to experiment with techniques, topics, skills, and various kinds of writing; and to participate in self-editing and peer response.

HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE
(Tenth grade, 2 terms, 1 credit, Required)
Prerequisite:  Recommendation of the English Department
 
This course is a chronological survey of American literature with representative readings from colonial times to the present.  Content also includes expanding vocabulary, independent reading journals, strengthening SAT attack skills, developing a critical and analytical reading of literature, and developing both breadth and depth in reading as background for the Advanced Placement course in English Literature and Composition.  Skills in writing the expository essay will be developed; as well as the introduction to the skills required in writing a research paper.

HONORS BRITISH LITERATURE
(Eleventh Grade, 3 terms, 1 credit, Required)
Prerequisite:  Recommendation of the English Department
This course is a chronological survey of British Literature.  Course content includes expanding vocabulary, development of skills in critical writing about literature, journal writing, and developing both breadth and depth in reading as background for the Advanced Placement course in English Literature and Composition.  (This course includes the required term of Research Paper and ACT/SAT Test Skills.)

HONORS ENGLISH ADVANCED PLACEMENT
(Twelfth Grade, 3 terms, 1.5 credits, Required)
Prerequisite:  Recommendation of The English Department
This course focuses on the development of the skills in critical reading and writing necessary to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition given by the College Board in mid-May.  Students are required to experiment with techniques, topics, skills, and kinds of writing; and to participate in self-editing and peer response.  The course incorporates the use of a college level literary anthology and requires a considerable amount of outside reading.

ELECTIVES
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
(Eleventh or Twelfth Grade, 1 term, ½ credit, Elective)
The purpose of this class is to read and discuss selected fiction by contemporary authors; to sharpen thinking, reading, and writing skills; to develop criteria for judging contemporary literature; to attend various local productions of contemporary theatre; to discover various periodical sources of contemporary literature; to view and critique film adaptations of contemporary literature.

CREATIVE WRITING--SHORT FICTION
(Eleventh or Twelfth Grade, 1 term, ½ credit, Elective)
The purpose of this class is to enable students to express in written form their unique experiences, ideas and, opinions.  Although the focus is on producing original works of prose, students will read selections of classical and contemporary literature in order to analyze the components of style that characterize good writing. The course culminates in a portfolio which demonstrates improvement upon revision.

 
CREATIVE WRITING--POETRY
(Eleventh or Twelfth Grade, 1 term, ½ credit, Elective)
The purpose of this class is to enable students to express in written form their unique experiences, ideas and, opinions.  Although the focus is on producing original works of poetry, students will read selections of classical and contemporary literature in order to analyze the components of style that characterize good writing. The course culminates in a portfolio which demonstrates improvement upon revision.

SHAKESPEARE:  Text & Theatre
(Eleventh or Twelfth Grade, 1 term, ½ credit, Elective)
Students conduct a close, textual analysis of one or two plays per term based on the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival's season. The class identifies the major interpretive problems of each play and proposes theatrical solutions to the problems.  To accomplish this students will be instructed to read the play not only for information and theme, or as 16th century poetry, but also as signals for actors, directors, and designers.  Students will theatrically re-imagine the plays and present their own solutions by writing, designing, and acting.  Students will be provided the opportunity to view live and videotaped versions of the plays studied, analyze the choices of those productions, as well as participate in question/answer sessions and acting workshops with The Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRANSITIONS
(Eleventh or Twelfth Grade, 1 term, 1/4 English credit and 1/4 Social Studies credit, Elective)
This interdisciplinary course taught by a social studies teacher and an English teacher traces the development of African-American culture in America.  In addition to reading the history and literature of African-Americans from the Middle Passage to the present, students are provided a variety of activities and experiences including videos, music, art, recreations, journaling, field trips, and guest speakers.  The course emphasizes an understanding and subsequent celebration of our similarities and differences.

WOMEN IN LITERATURE: Readers, Writers, Characters, & Critics.
(Eleventh or Twelfth Grade, 1 term, ½ credit, Elective)
This course is a multi-genre exploration of the contributions of women to the literary world.  Students will examine a number of classic and contemporary texts while exploring a variety of women’s issues prompted by those texts.  Topics covered might include the presence/absence of mothers and daughters in literature; the sexuality of women in literature; cultural differences in the portrayal of women; sexism in language; feminist literary criticism; historic and contemporary obstacles for the woman writer.