English Department

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

All 9th graders must enroll in this course and pass. Patterns of Literature is a course designed to provide students with an initial exposure and engagement with the elements of story through the powerful lens of short story, epic, and drama. Learning to properly formulate and support arguments through writing will be a key focus, with lessons in grammar throughout to support those efforts.

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

This course will examine both nonfiction and fiction accounts of people from various places and backgrounds. The goal of the course will be to learn how our cultural and experiential differences can teach us more about the world that we live in and about ourselves. This course will utilize contemporary excerpts and larger works, as well as independently chosen material, to explore a range of cultures. Students will pick only one Perspectives offering.

• Course number: 0027
• Open to: Grades 10-12
• Prerequisite: Patterns of Literature
• Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course will examine both nonfiction and fiction accounts based in the World War 2 and post-World War 2 time period. The goal of the course will be to investigate what a global war taught us about humanity, acceptance, and the importance of valuing people of all backgrounds. This course will utilize excerpts and larger works, as well as independently chosen material to explore the war from a range of perspectives. Students will pick only one Perspectives offering.

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

This course gives students an opportunity to practice and develop public speaking skills through creating individual speeches, logical debate speeches and evidence-based debate speeches. Students will become more effective speakers by working on voice, presentation and organization. The skills that students will practice are research, argumentation, logic, analysis, organization, effective presentation, and teamwork. The purpose in this class is to empower students to become more comfortable with public speaking and present themselves with confidence.

• Course number: 0097
• Open to: Grades 10-12
• Prerequisite: Patterns of Literature
• Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course will explore a variety of poetic styles and themes employed by different writers. In addition to reading, listening to, and understanding poetry, this course will also provide students with an opportunity to write some of their own. All students will create an anthology, showcasing their work and other poetry that caught their attention. This course is perfect for the established poet or for the student who just wants to learn more about poetry.

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

In this course, students will explore the major literary elements of creative writing through exploration of short stories. Students will complete reading reviews, discussions, and writing practice to explore the different elements. Students will engage in the writing process and will produce an original short story for the final project.

• Course number: 0800
• Open to: Grades 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Scheduled: 2 Blocks Fall / Spring

In this course, students will be challenged to think critically about the place we live. Students will learn the story of our place in Vermont and the Upper Valley through community-based learning, as well as direct hands-on experiences with the land, people, businesses, and cultural elements of our region. Students will participate in an Exhibition of their learning at the end of the semester, and all students will receive an English and Social Studies credit. A great choice if you like to explore, question, be active, and get outside. Please note, this is a TWO-block course.

• 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.

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

This course explores themes central to American culture and identity through both classical texts and dystopian and post-apocalyptic literature. 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 also focuses on elevating voices often left out of the overarching American narrative. This course requires reading outside of class.

• Course number: 0028
• Open to: Grades 11-12
• Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
• Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course emphasizes developing higher-order reasoning and thinking skills through consideration of such issues as the nature of reality, mind and consciousness, free will, evil, truth, ethics, morality and values. We will read philosophical texts, explore, debate, discuss, and write about contemporary issues using the principles of philosophy as a cornerstone to developing opinions that are specific, complex and refined. There will be a strong emphasis on reading and composition. This course requires reading outside of class.

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

In this course 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 also pursue research on a question or problem of their choice and produce a paper that reflects a deep understanding of a topic. This course can be taken for college credit through dual enrollment with the Community College of Vermont.

• 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. 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.

• 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. There is an exam fee and this fee should not be a deterrent for enrollment. See the English Department Coordinator for financial assistance.

• 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.