English Department

All students need four credits in English—one of which must be Patterns of Literature & Learning and one of which much be Perspectives of Literature—in order to graduate. Generally these are taken in the 9th and 10th grade years. Students may select from a variety of electives in their 11th and 12th grade years to complete their requirements. All English courses for grades 9 through 11 will be heterogeneous with an embedded advanced credit opportunity determined by the body of student work as it relates to the course objectives and targets.

English Courses

The following course is considered an elective English class and, therefore, does not fulfill one of the four English graduation requirements.

• 0092 Public Speaking & Debate 2

The following English classes do grant a credit toward the four credit graduation requirement:

• 0035 American Literature
• 0070 Creative Writing
• 0041 English & Composition (Advanced)
• 0042 English Literature & Composition (Advanced Placement)
• 0071 Film Study
• 0099 Hands on the Land: Building Hartford's Farm
• 0073 Media Literacy: Overcoming Information Overload
• 0015 Patterns of Literature & Learning
• 0025 Perspectives in Literature
• 0045 Professional Communication & Composition
• 0091 Public Speaking & Debate 1

Patterns of Literature and Learning - 1 credit

Course number: 0015
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

All students must enroll in and pass Patterns of Literature & Learning. All freshmen students, unless otherwise recommended by staff, must enroll in this course. This is a heterogeneously grouped survey course that will expose students to the power of story: from ancient mythology to modern day literature, students will explore the art of storytelling through the lens of Focus, Form, Voice, Depth, and Audience.
All teachers will support the development of executive functioning skills such as organization and time management.

Public Speaking & Debate 1 - 1 credit

Course number: 0091
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

Public speaking and debate are highly valued skills at the collegiate level and in the workplace. This course gives students an opportunity to practice and develop communication skills that can be used in a variety of speaking situations. Students will become more effective speakers by working on voice, organization and posture. We will practice various debate formats including Public Forum, World’s, and Model UN with a
focus on research, argumentation, logic, analysis, and teamwork. Public forum has pairs of debaters arguing pro or con on a current social or political issue. World’s Debate introduces students to logical argumentation without the use of evidence. Model UN introduces students to issues like world hunger, human rights, climate change and how different countries come together to resolve these issues. The basic purpose in this class is to empower students to become more comfortable with public speaking and present themselves with confidence.

Public Speaking & Debate 2 - 1 credit

Course number: 0092
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Public Speaking & Debate 1
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course is designed for students who want continued growth in public speaking and debate. Whereas, level 1 students are introduced to public speaking, research, organization and argumentation, level 2 students are expected to improve on these foundational skills and work toward greater proficiency. Level 2 students are also expected to be mentors to level 1 students and assist in debate instruction and rounds.
Debate 2 is considered an elective class and, therefore, does not fulfill one of the four English graduation requirements.

Perspectives in Literature - 1 credit

Course number: 0025
Open to: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Patterns of Literature & Learning
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

Perspectives in Literature will emphasize the reading and analysis of complex texts spanning a range of time periods and geographic locations to explore the perspectives of others. This course will utilize excerpts and larger works, as well as independently chosen material to explore a range of cultures.

Creative Writing - 1 credit

Course number: 0070
Open to: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

In this course, students will explore the major literary genres of creative writing: fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Short readings in each genre will be paired with writing assignments addressing various elements of the forms. Students will also complete a long term project in the genre of their choice.

Hands on the Land: Building Hartford's Farm - 1 credit

Course number: 0099
Open to: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Patterns of Lit & Learning
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This class provides a hands on, minds on, outdoor learning opportunity for students that utilizes a place-based and deep learning/inquiry model to pull English and possibly other content areas outside of the classroom and on to the land. The long term goal is to start a farm and would entail creating an outdoor place that promotes the values and vision of the district through which students can demonstrate a complex
and deep mastery of content performance indicators and learning outcomes. Students will read, write, speak and listen in an authentic setting, interact with the public, conduct research, and make proposals to get this project going.

Film Study - 1 credit

Course number: 0071
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

In this course, students will be introduced to major film terms, techniques, and narrative structures in order to understand how films are constructed to make meaning. Major films, both classic and contemporary, will be examined for these elements. Students will also complete a long term project in either the creation of a film or the study of a particular genre or auteur.

Media Literacy: Overcoming Information Overload - 1 credit

Course number: 0073
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course we will examine the many ways in which the media influences everyone and everything. The first half of the course will focus on the basics of micro messaging, bias, advertising, and types of media. The second half of the course will be spent applying that knowledge to popular movies, shows, news outlets, books, artwork, and more.

American Literature and Composition - 1 credit

Course number: 0035
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature (A) or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course explores themes central to American culture and identity through both modern and classic texts. Students will use novels, poetry, film, historical documents, and nonfiction writing to enhance their critical thinking and analysis skills. Themes and concepts such as freedom, the realities of the American Dream, society’s influence on the individual, and others will be explored. The course is designed to be responsive to student need and interest. Through creative and personal writing, analytical responses, presentations, and projects, students will strive towards goals in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Professional Communication & Composition - 1 credit

Course number: 0045
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature and one additional English credit
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course focuses on the necessary skills and tools needed to be successful and to adapt to the college and business worlds. Students will develop communication and composition skills and will work collaboratively to develop their ability to analyze and interpret information, write professional documents, and speak effectively. Students will pursue independent research on a question or problem of their choice and produce a paper that reflects a deep understanding of a topic. This course is meant for those students who want to work on the skills that college professors look for in their classrooms and business leaders seek in their employees, and is intended to bridge the gap between high school and college or career entry. Students may dual enroll and receive college credit through CCV for this course.

English & Composition (Advanced) - 1 credit

Course number: 0041
Open to: Grades 12
Prerequisite: American Literature (A) and teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

Advanced English & Composition emphasizes the power of clear and articulate language. Here students will implement their knowledge of literary conventions and how they serve to create communicative art forms. There is a heavy emphasis in writing conventions (grammar, usage and mechanics) and their application toward the critical writing of both texts and film: poetic, dramatic, fictional, informational and persuasive. Students will also be required to deliver several oral presentations both of academic and personal content. The instructor assumes that all students enrolled will exhibit the motivation and interest of those who are seeking post-secondary education. *There is a pre-reading and writing component to this course that MUST be completed before the course begins--NO EXCEPTIONS.

English Literature & Composition (Advanced Placement) - 1 credit

Course number: 0042
Open to: Grades 12
Prerequisite: Advanced English & Composition and teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Spring

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is for students who wish to take the AP Literature Exam through The College Board. Poetry, drama and fictional works are the core topics of study and serve as the tools for literary criticism through precise analyses of literature. In order to best prepare students for the AP exam, they will read extensively, become familiar with literary terminology and classifications, and write numerous critical essays. This course is for students who exhibit college level motivation and interest in literature.

Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP exam in the spring as part of the course requirements. *Exam expectation: A student enrolling in this course will take the AP exam in May. The exam fee is approximately $89--funding this exam should not be a deterrent for enrollment. See the English Department Coordinator for financial assistance.