ENGLISH DEPARTMENT REQUIRED COURSES
CHAIR: MRS. JUDY DAVIS
The Norfolk Collegiate Upper School English Department develops students' critical reading, writing, and thinking abilities through core courses in world, American, and British literature and a varied program of electives. Students build critical and analytical reading skills and develop their appreciation of literature through the study of representative works from a variety of time periods and cultures. In addition, they broaden their command of the language through the study of vocabulary; public speaking; creative, expository, and persuasive writing; research strategies; and grammar and mechanics.
English 9. World Literature. This course focuses on world literature—including oral traditions, poetry, short fiction, drama, and novels—from ancient texts to works by more contemporary authors. Students use readings from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe to build their critical thinking, reading, research, and writing skills as they complete a variety of projects, including creative, expository, persuasive, and research writing assignments. The course continues to build vocabulary through the study of literature, as well as through a sequenced program for vocabulary development.
English 10. British Literature. This course explores the historical route and genres of English literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the present. Students focus on the traditional British authors and their representative works from drama, romance, poetry, epics, short stories, essays, and the novel in order to hone their analytical and writing skills. Vocabulary enrichment is an integral part of the course that prepares students for college-level reading and writing assignments. Enhanced appreciation and enjoyment of time-honored literature are the predominant goals of the class.
English 11. American Literature.In this course students increase their ability to read, appreciate, and understand selected works of American authors in order to reveal the ideals and characteristics of American literature. Students write creative pieces and critical essays that reflect careful research, organization, and documentation. These essays analyze the ideas and principles of each literary unit studied and provide writing practice with creative, expository, persuasive, and research writing. In addition, the course continues to build student vocabulary mastery through the study of literature, as well as through a sequenced program for vocabulary development.
English Department Core Electives
THESE COURSES FULFILL THE SENIOR ENGLISH REQUIREMENT. All seniors are required to complete one full credit of English during the senior year.
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition. Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a full-year course designed to build the advanced analytical reading and writing skills typically found in the first year college literature and composition course. Students will explore the history, genres, and literary movements associated with selected classical, world, American and British authors through novels, short fiction, poetry, drama and essays. Students will write a variety of analytical essays from multiple critical perspectives and will compose original poems and stories. Candidates for the course are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments. All AP English Literature and Composition students are required to take the AP exam in May.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of 90 in English 11 and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition. Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is a full-year course designed to replicate the typical first year college writing requirement. The focus in this course is non-fiction writing, including analyzing and composing personal, expository, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and researched essays. Students read a wide variety of non-fiction prose ranging from historic speeches and essays to contemporary autobiographical, narrative, political, and persuasive articles, essays, and books. The course includes focused study of the writing process, organization, development, style, and grammar and mechanics. Candidates for the course are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments. All AP English Language and Composition students are required to take the AP exam in May. This course may be taken by seniors as an alternative to English 12 or by juniors for elective credit.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of 90 in English 11 and teacher recommendation. This course may also be taken for elective credit by Grade 11 students who have a minimum grade of 90 in English 10, a teacher recommendation, and permission of the instructor.
Introduction to Short Fiction. This one-semester course will introduce students to various aspects of the craft of writing short fiction, personal memoir and autobiography. Students will read the work of established writers as a frame for exploring different genres and understanding various critical approaches. Students will complete weekly reading and writing assignments, oral presentations, and a portfolio of creative work and will be encouraged to pursue publication possibilities.
Grade 12
The Mystery Genre in Literature and Film. This one-semester course will teach students differences within the mystery genre by studying contrasting characteristics among “detective whodunits,” crime and murder mystery, realistic and light mystery, and the “inverted detective” story, as well as the psychological thriller. A brief survey of authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler will contrast with the works of selected contemporary artists of the genre. Students will compare and contrast selected movie adaptations of these stories and will write analytical and critical papers.
Grade 12
Literature of the Beat Generation. This one-semester course will provide an overview of major texts and authors of the popular literary movement known as the “Beat Generation.” Students will come to understand not only this genre of literature—but also the historical and political constructs that formed the basis of this bohemian movement—through the works of authors who protested against social conformity and tainted the social norms of a young American generation. Students will read poetry, fiction, and non-fiction texts while completing a variety of formal and informal writing assignments. Come discover what made Allen Ginsberg “Howl” or why Jack Kerouac went On the Road.
Grade 12
Adventure and Exploration in Literature. Adventure, exploration and the great outdoors have been objects of fascination since the beginning of time. The literature recorded by adventure enthusiasts has given us a greater understanding of the relationship between humankind and the outdoors. In this one-semester course, a mix of classic and contemporary poetry, short stories, novels and films will be used to gain insight into this genre of literature full of exploration and journeys into the unknown. Students will complete informal and formal writing assignments to gain further understanding of this genre and its themes.
Grade 12
English Department Free Electives
These courses DO NOT fulfill the senior English requirement but are offered for additional elective English credit.
Journalism I. In this full-year course students learn how to identify and report news; write news, features, sports, editorials, and in-depth stories; use correct Associated Press style; and design and lay out the school newspaper, The Oak Leaf. Students are responsible for producing The Oak Leaf as they compile individual writing portfolios.
Grades 9-12
Journalism II. In this full-year course students extend their study of journalism as they analyze media ethics and policy, assume managerial responsibilities, create print and hypertext (on-line) editions of The Oak Leaf, and expand their portfolios through a concentration in one or more story genres (e.g., news, features, sports, reviews, or editorials). The students are responsible for producing The Oak Leaf for both print and on-line publication.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I.
Journalism III. This full-year course allows advanced journalism students to build their portfolios and editorial leadership skills in one or more specific genres or production areas. In addition, students develop their skills in electronic journalism, including writing and designing on-line publications, blogs, and other forms of new media. Students are responsible for all aspects of production of The Oak Leaf for both print and electronic publication.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I and II.
Journalism IV. This full-year course provides advanced journalism students the opportunity to build the portfolios and editorial leadership skills necessary for college-level publications work. In addition, students will develop advanced skills in in-depth reporting, editing and coaching, photojournalism, design, and convergence journalism, including writing and designing on-line publications, blogs, and other forms of new media. Students are responsible for all aspects of production of The Oak Leaf for both print and electronic publication.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I, II and II.
Fundamentals of Public Speaking. This one-semester course is designed to introduce students to the basic elements of communication, to provide practical experience in the preparation and presentation of speeches and classroom presentations, and to improve critical listening skills. Students will work together to improve their speaking, writing, and listening skills, in addition to developing confidence in public speaking.
Grades 10 - 12
Introduction to Film Analysis. In this one-semester course students will learn about important people and movements in film history and development as they explore a range of filmmakers and genres. The emphasis in this course will be on learning to speak and write about film with a critical eye and with a greater attention to style and theme. In addition to learning important terms related to filmmaking, students will complete a written assignment for each movie. These assignments will include critical essays, movie reviews, and creative stories inspired by films.
Grades 11 - 12