9-12

This course provides students with a range of reading and writing experiences aimed at furthering their ability to analyze text and to use writing to achieve specific purposes.  Common texts include Of Mice and Men, selected portions of The Odyssey, and Romeo and Juliet.  Writing instruction is geared to move from the more familiar narrative writing genre to a range of argument writing to writing about findings of research.  Vocabulary will be heavily emphasized throughout the year, with words generated from the reading material.  In addition, students will focus on word structure as a tool for comprehension.  The foundations of grammar and punctuation will be reviewed, with special attention to how words function and how punctuation can be used to achieve specific effects.  World literature is the focus of this year.

In addition to the content of English 9 #, this course provides students with a range of reading and writing experiences aimed at furthering their ability to analyze text and to use writing to achieve specific purposes.  Writing instruction transitions from the more familiar narrative writing genre to exploration of argument and research writing.  The foundations of grammar and punctuation will be reviewed, with special attention to how words function.

In addition to the content of English 9, this course provides students with a wide range of reading and writing experiences aimed at furthering their ability to analyze text and to use writing to achieve specific purposes.  There is a heavy emphasis on writing, moving quickly from the more familiar narrative writing genre to a range of argument writing to writing about findings of research.  Grammar and punctuation instruction will focus on how language and punctuation can be used to achieve specific effects in writing.

This course builds upon the foundation established in Grade 9, with all students reading Lord of the Flies, another Shakespeare play – Julius Caesar, and a variety of historically significant speeches.  Students continue exploring narrative, argument and informational writing, with a focus on the compare and contrast format for informational writing.  A research project will be completed by all students.  Instruction will be provided in conventions and vocabulary throughout all units.

In addition to the content of English 10 #, this course builds on written, grammatical, reading, and vocabulary skills.  A survey of world literature that focuses on thematic analysis, character discussions, themes, and other literary elements makes up the majority of the course work.  This class focuses on developing analytic skills through writing.  In addition to the Grade 10 English texts, 1984 is also taught.  A major component of the year is a research-based project.

In addition to the content of English 10 #, this course provides students with a wide range of reading and writing experiences aimed at furthering student ability to analyze text and to use writing to achieve specific purposes.  There is a heavy emphasis on analytical, expository, argumentative, and research writing.  The study of grammar will focus on the analysis of complex sentence structure and how elements of language can be applied to the development of style.  Additional texts may include The Taming of the Shrew, A Tale of Two Cities, Les Miserables, Lord of the Flies, and selected portions of Gilgamesh and the Iliad.

This course focuses on American literature and related informational text.  All students will read To Kill a Mockingbird, The Crucible, and The Road.  Units are organized thematically, allowing integration of literature and informational text as they relate to three themes that lend themselves to the study of American literature:  American Life, Civil Rights and Conflict.  In addition to further practice with narrative, informative/explanatory and argument writing, students will develop a research paper and begin to gather information about college and career options.  SAT prep is another feature of the junior year English course.  As in previous years, in addition to reading and writing areas of focus, instruction related to vocabulary and conventions of grammar and punctuation occurs throughout the year.

In addition to the content of English 11, this course includes a review of vocabulary, grammar, composition, and comprehensive English skills with an emphasis on analytical writing.  A research paper centered on a major American novel is required as are writing assignments related to literature (short stories, novels, poetry, and nonfiction).  Students will read and analyze a wide range of American literature pieces and will prepare for the SAT, also. Additional texts include The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Great Gatsby.

In addition to the content of English 11, this course is designed for critical thinkers who excel in the areas of reading and writing.  Literary analysis and thesis-based writing are emphasized, so students will be expected to provide meaningful insight and interpretation in their papers and during class discussions.  Grammar and vocabulary units are also part of the course.  Texts include The Scarlet Letter, Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby, and a range of other American classics.

The final year of high school English incorporates some of the curricular features of the previous years, and offers some different opportunities to students.  In addition to short story and thematic literature units where students will read Hamlet, Beowulf and The Longest Winter, there is an emphasis on presenting information in a variety of ways.  The course includes a unit on speech and oral interpretation and one that provides students with a variety of multimedia options for presenting information.  As with previous years, students will conduct a research project, and instruction in conventions and vocabulary will be provided throughout the year.

In addition to the content of English 12, this course will provide students with a range of reading and writing opportunities which will prepare them for work at the next level of a college environment.  The course will explore many facets of writing, including argumentative, informative, analytical, and technical styles.  Students are expected to be fluent in basic writing mechanics, as we work towards becoming proficient in sentence style and writing organization.  Argumentative and research papers will be completed in this class. “Cultural literacy” in vocabulary will be explored.  Texts such as Hamlet, The Count of Monte Cristo, Beowulf, The Longest Winter, and a sampling of short stories will make up our texts.  Students are expected to read both in and out of class.

(Concurrent Enrollment THOMAS COLLEGE EH111/English Composition I - 3 credits)

In addition to the content of English 12 , this course will provide students with a rigorous survey of reading and writing experiences.  An emphasis on polished writing will be stressed, and students will be expected to apply rewriting and revision techniques as we employ “Focus Correction Areas” within their writing.  We will read and critically analyze texts such as Hamlet, The Count of Monte Cristo, Beowulf, The Longest Winter and a diverse collection of short stories which will be used to inspire several types of writing styles. Argumentative and research papers will make up a core part of our course.  An important focus will be oral speech analysis. Students are expected to orally participate in class and complete the in-depth reading assignments outside of class.

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is designed for seniors who wish to be challenged in their study of English. Summer reading is requested. This is a college-level literature course with a heavy emphasis on expository writing, in-depth analysis, and thoughtful discussion. The focus will be on British literature but will include some works by world authors. Continued emphasis on vocabulary and on the study of advanced literary devices and concepts is a class focus. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam offered in May. Strong performance on this exam may earn them college credits. AP Exams require a fee to be paid by the family. Families who meet financial eligibility guidelines will receive financial support. Any family concerned about paying for AP exam fees should consult with their student's counselor.

The overall objective of this course is to provide a variety of exploratory dramatic experiences designed to acquaint the student with the nature of the stage and to foster an appreciation of the dramatic art.  The course will contain the following: vocal expression and projection, stage movement, gestures, blocking, improvisation, plan study and analysis, and scene performance, script writing, character analysis, mime, an overview of stage terminology, and an introduction to the technical side of theater (lights, sound, and set design).  Students will be expected to write analytical pieces which explore dramatic works and themes.  

Beginning with an overview of aspects of theatre production, the course will culminate in the tech design and performance of a one-act play.  Students may choose either a technical or performance emphasis.  Units include:  script analysis, tech design, directing a play, character development, and production elements. Students will be expected to write analytical pieces which explore dramatic works and themes. 

Creative writing is a half-year elective that is designed for students who want to develop writing skills in poetry, short story, humor columns, and other forms of descriptive writing.  Much emphasis is placed on breaking out of the expository mode and really experimenting with language. 

This class is a full-year elective for students who would like an authentic publishing experience.  Using journalism, photography and graphic design, students will create a Winslow High School yearbook and newsletter.  They will also be actively involved in the business aspects of the process:  selling advertisements, yearbooks, and fundraising. 

American Sports Literature and media is a writing intensive, semester course that will give students the opportunity to explore various forms of contemporary and historical literature having to do with sports in America.  The focus will be on non-fiction writing in mediums such as books, magazines, newspapers, as well as several other electronic sources.  Students will analyze the role that literature plays in America’s favorite pastimes, and will be required to create and present several forms of their own unique forms of American Sports Literature and Media.

This semester course will focus on public speaking and the analysis of public speakers.  Students will participate in projects involving persuasive advertising, technical speaking, interviewing, debating, skill teaching, and more.  We will analyze speeches given by notable politicians, actors, etc.  There will be an emphasis on persuasive speech, as students study the roots of classic rhetoric, and deliver their own presentations.  A willingness to participate verbally is a MUST for this course.