​COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 9

• Course: 101

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 9

• NCAA Accepted

• Required for Graduation

• This course teaches students to critically think, innovate, collaborate, and communicate through writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The focus of the course is to develop student writing in a variety of modes with an awareness of purpose and audience. Mentor texts used in the classroom will exemplify best writing practices as a model for student writing. Course objectives are based on Pennsylvania's Core Standards.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade English.
   

HONORS COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 9

• Course: 102 

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 9

• NCAA Accepted

• Required for Graduation

• This course is designed for self-motivated, independent learners who are advanced writers and readers. This course teaches students to critically think, innovate, collaborate, and communicate through writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The focus of the course is to refine student writing in a variety of modes with an awareness of purpose and audience. Mentor texts used in the classroom will exemplify best writing practices as a model for student writing. Course objectives are based on Pennsylvania's Core Standards.

• Prerequisites: Minimum final grade of 85% in Grade 8. Students who elect to pursue the Honors curriculum must complete a summer reading assignment.
   

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​COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 10

• Course: 108

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 10

• ​NCAA Accepted

• Required for Graduation

• This course teaches the college-bound student to engage in the careful reading and analysis of literature through the close reading of complex texts. Students will evaluate the ways writers use language to achieve their purposes. As they read, students will consider a work’s structure, a writer’s style, arguments, and themes. In addition to reading literature, students will further develop writing strategies they currently use and build upon those strategies to approach a variety of purposes and audiences. This course will enable students to effectively communicate using both written and verbal skills. Students will participate in interpersonal communication exercises which foster an understanding and appreciation of literary themes and concepts.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th grade English.

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HONORS COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 10

• Course: 109

• Credit: 1

• ​Grade: 10

• NCAA Accepted

• Required for Graduation

• This course is designed to prepare students to excel in Advanced Placement English courses during their junior and senior years. Engaging in the careful reading and analysis of literature through the close reading of complex texts, students will become aware of the rhetorical and archetypal strategies writers use to achieve their purposes. As they read, students will consider a work’s structure and a writer’s style, arguments, and themes. In addition to reading literature, students will further develop writing strategies they currently use and build upon those strategies to approach a variety of purposes and audiences. This course will enable students to effectively communicate using both written and verbal skills. Students will participate in interpersonal communication exercises which foster an understanding and appreciation of literary themes and concepts. 

• Prerequisites: Recommendation by 9th grade English teacher AND one of the following:

  • 90% minimum final grade average in CP English 9; OR

  • 80% minimum final grade average in Honors English 9 ​

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Note: Students who elect to pursue the Honors curriculum must complete a summer reading assignment.

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COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 11: DEFINING DIVERSITY THROUGH MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE

• Course: 117

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 11

• ​NCAA Accepted

• ​No longer can individuals isolate themselves from diverse interactions with others. Due to the increased availability of technology and cultural diversity in America, people must develop the essential life skill of understanding and appreciating those who differ from themselves. Fostering this appreciation of all people, this course is a study of literature written by, and expressing the perspectives of, writers from multicultural groups whose voices are often stifled and silenced by mainstream groups in the United States. Through texts that examine the historical and cultural context of American life, this course focuses on the experiences of groups from diverse backgrounds and the challenges these groups have faced in defining themselves as Americans.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 10th grade English.
   

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 11:  THE HERO’S JOURNEY 

• Course: 119

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 11

• NCAA Accepted

• Archetypal heroes are individuals born of extraordinary circumstances, but they do not know their potential. As they proceed on their journey, they overcome obstacles and realize their innate greatness. However, no two heroes follow the same path. The Hero's Journey is present not only in classic literature, but is also manifested in both contemporary literature and in the everyday lives of ordinary people, including students.  In this course, students will develop literary analysis through the close reading of novels, the examination of short stories and poetry, and the study of selected films.  These activities are designed to deepen understanding of The Hero's Journey archetype and build critical thinking essential for academic success.

• Prerequisites: Successful completion of 10th grade English.

 

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 11:  GREAT BOOKS

• Course: 139

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 11

• NCAA Accepted

• What makes a written work a classic? In this course students will read literature that has "stood the test of time."  Although these stories take place in various settings, cultures, and time periods, they are still as relevant to human beings today as they were when they were first published. Students will participate in numerous class discussions and projects in which universal themes and literary techniques are examined and explored.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 10th grade English.
   

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 11:  EPICS, MYTHS AND LEGENDS IN LITERATURE

• Course: 166

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 11

• ​NCAA Accepted​

• Humans tell stories to make sense of the world, for they are an attempt to find meaning in the patterns of information we receive and things that happen to us. Stories exist in every known culture, and many of the same stories – origin stories, for example – have been told across time, location, and cultures. In this course, students will study seminal works such as epic poems like The Odyssey and Sundiata (Old Mali), global creation stories from numerous cultures (e.g. Judeo-Christian, Native American, Norse, Japanese, Sumerian, Mayan, etc.), classical Greek and other cultures’ mythology, as well as  legends (the Arthurian Legend, the Legend of El Dorado, or the Chinese Zodiac Legend). The texts examined in this course will further prepare students to make connections to other works, while providing them with both a classical and a global foundation of the genres and works studied.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 10th grade English.
   

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH:  LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

• Course: 162

• Credit: 1

• ​Grade: 11

• Weight: .05

• ​NCAA Accepted

• According to  the College Board’s AP English Language and Composition course description, the focus of this course will be on rhetoric: the art of constructing and presenting arguments in speech or writing. The readings will include nonfiction texts by a diverse group of authors who are writing for varied purposes and audiences. Additionally, students will analyze visual texts. In reading and analyzing all of these types of texts, the focus will be on identifying both the "what" and the "how" – both what arguments the authors are making in the texts and how they use rhetorical strategies effectively to construct these arguments for their intended purposes and audiences. Additionally, students will learn how to analyze and craft well-developed, well-supported arguments in their own writing. Writing assignments and projects will be varied and will enable students to develop proficiency in various modes of writing.

• Prerequisites: Recommendation by 10th grade English teacher AND one of the following:

  • 95% final grade average in CP English 10; OR

  • 80% final grade average in Honors English 10

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Note: Students at the AP level must complete an assigned work of summer reading.

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COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 12:  WHEN CULTURE GOES POP: AN EXPLORATION THROUGH LITERATURE AND WRITING

• Course: 120

• Credit: 1

• ​Grade: 12

• NCAA Accepted

• While many factors contribute to shaping a society, perhaps one of the major influences that is rarely focused upon is that of popular culture. Now, more than ever, having an awareness of popular works of literature, art, music, television, and yes, even memes, can impact our understanding of the world around us. In this class, we will dive into what makes something popular, what popular culture does to people, and what people do with popular culture.  Using our own expertise as consumers of popular culture, students will explore the influence of popular culture in society today.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 11th grade English.

 

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

• Course: 132

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 12

• ​NCAA Accepted

• Contemporary Literature is a course for students who may need continued practice in building strong reading, writing, and analysis skills.  This course features several contemporary novels of varying genres. Requirements of the course include reading comprehension quizzes and class discussion. The goal of Contemporary Literature is to encourage students to develop a lifelong interest in reading literature by acquainting them with various authors and styles, while enriching students’ critical analyses of literature. 

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 11th grade English.
   

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 12:  WORDS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD

• Course: 136

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 12

• NCAA Accepted

• This course explores literature, films, speeches, and other forms of media that have created change in society. In this discussion-based class, students will explore topics such as discrimination, gender roles, and social justice. Students will also practice their own persuasive writing and speaking skills in order to improve their abilities to promote change.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 11th grade English.

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COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 12: CREATIVE NONFICTION 

• Course: 137

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 12

• NCAA Accepted

• Have you ever read a great story and then been shocked that it was actually true? Do the words “based on a true story” make a movie that much better for you? When people tell true stories using fiction techniques to make them engaging, a new genre of literature is born: creative nonfiction. Memoirs, true-life stories, feature news stories, magazine articles, and biographies are all part of this genre. In this course students will learn how to incorporate fictional techniques into their own writing to make it more compelling.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 11th grade English.
   

COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH 12: SCIENCE FICTION​ 

• Course: 138

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 12

• NCAA Accepted

• How do writers envision the future by examining the present? What is science fiction and how does it differ from fantasy writing? How do futuristic settings reveal and comment on the social trends of an era? To what extent are humans users or a product of technology? This course traces the theme of technology’s impact on humanity by using multi-genre/multi-media texts.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of 11th grade English.
   

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH:  LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

• Course: 161

• Credit: 1 / Weight: .05

• ​Grade: 12 

• NCAA Accepted

• This course will be based on a combination of composition and literature in accordance with the College Board’s AP English Literature and Composition  course description. Students will read works of literary stature, including fiction, poetry, and drama, and will write in response to ideas formulated from these works. Writing assignments and projects will be varied and will enable students to develop their analytical reading and writing skills. Participation in class discussions will be expected. The skills addressed in this course will prepare students for the AP English Literature exam, as well as college-level English classes. 

• Prerequisites:  95% final grade average in CP English 11 OR 80% final grade average in AP English Language and Composition.

 

Note: Students at the AP level must complete an assigned work of summer reading.

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​ESSENTIALS OF READING

• Course: 111

• Credit: .5

• ​Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

• In this course, students will learn and apply critical literacy skills to enrich their reading practice. Students will read a variety of sources, learn to ask questions, and build their vocabulary skills. Reading activities will incorporate both fiction and nonfiction, and students may have opportunities to self-select works to read. Instruction will include guided reading with focused word study and comprehension strategies, as well as analyzing, summarizing, and inferencing skills.​

• ​Note: This course cannot be taken for English credit; elective credit will be awarded.

• Prerequisites: PVAAS/PSSA scores and/or Teacher Placement

 

SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS AND INTRODUCTION TO DEBATE

• Course: 114

• Credit: .5

• Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

• ​NCAA Accepted

• In the 21st century, effective speaking skills are more important than ever. A thorough understanding of spoken communication can help to ensure the success of today’s students in the classroom and beyond. Speech Communications & Introduction to Debate is a semester-long elective course that provides students with the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to communicate effectively by studying and practicing the model of communication. Students will apply that model to tasks which will require effective oral speaking strategies, including an awareness of body language, vocal variety, pace, eye contact, and poise. In addition, the course will challenge students to communicate not only with precision of oral delivery, but also with clarity and conciseness of their written content. This course enables students to master speaking skills by engaging participants in a variety of presentations and verbal exercises, along with practice in stylistic writing for the spoken word form. Students will prepare and present a variety of formal speeches, informal conversational drills, and researched persuasive exercises to recognize and experience the art of debate. The ultimate goal of this semester course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully engage in all modes of communication in social and professional settings.

• Prerequisites: None

 

CREATIVE WRITING 

• Course: 133

• Credit: .5

• Grade: 10, 11, 12

• NCAA Accepted

• This semester course provides students with an interest in creative writing opportunities to express these skills both collaboratively and independently in an exercise-based, workshop setting. Students will create metrical and free style poetry, descriptive short stories, a children's book, TV/video script, and other similar projects. Students will also perform 5-10 minute writing warm-ups in a daily journal, critique each other's work, and perform various exercises designed to stimulate the imagination and hone writing skills. Opportunities for publication are provided through various writing contests and the student literary magazine.

 

THEATRE ARTS

• Course: 135

• Credit: .5

• Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

• This semester-long elective course offers students an introduction to the world of the performing arts. Theatre Arts is an introductory course which highlights all components of the concept of storytelling through the lens of “From Page to Stage.” This workshop-style course is activity based, allowing students to experience all aspects of the production process from creating an original character to acting techniques to technical theatre. Students will engage in units of study that support the entire production process in school and community theater. Every student must contribute – either in front of the curtain or behind-the-scenes - in one of the school productions during the semester in which the student is enrolled in the course.
   

JOURNALISM I 

• Course: 141

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 9, 10, 11,12

• NCAA Accepted

• This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of various facets of journalism. The student develops an understanding of different communications careers, becomes familiar with the operations of the mass media, learns to comprehend graphic design, develops a basic news writing style, and explores legal and ethical principles of journalism. The student will be expected to write extensively and to publish in the school media. A strong background in grammar and mechanics is essential. Keeping a news journal is required.

 

JOURNALISM II

• ​Course: 142

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 10, 11, 12

• This course is advanced work for students who have completed the first course in journalism and who wish to be on The Broadcaster Online staff. Students in this class will deepen their journalistic writing skills by learning to write for the web as staff members of The Broadcaster Online website. In addition to growing their writing skills, Journalism II students will learn the basics of web design, photojournalism, and managing the digital workflow of articles.

• Prerequisites: Completion of Journalism I; minimum 80% final grade average in Journalism I; and recommendation of Journalism teacher.

 

JOURNALISM III

• ​Course: 143

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 11, 12

• This course is advanced work for those students who have been selected for the leadership staff of The Broadcaster Online staff. These students are responsible for the completion of all writing, editing, production, advertising, and bookkeeping aspects involved in publishing The Broadcaster Online. Students also explore the legal and ethical issues that apply to journalism. 

• Prerequisites: Completion of Journalism I and II; minimum 80% final grade average in Journalism II; and recommendation of Journalism teacher.

 

JOURNALISM IV

• Course: 144

• Credit: 1

• Grade: 12

• Journalism IV is for the advanced journalism student. Students will work on long-term projects – magazine feature stories and documentaries, for example – in a workshop-style environment. Self-starters and driven, deadline conscious reporters wanted! Students interested in pursuing journalism as a career are highly encouraged to sign up for this course. However, the skills fostered in this course --  planning and organization, data interpretation, interview techniques, videography, longform writing – are applicable to many other career paths.

• Prerequisites: Completion of Journalism I, II and III; minimum 80% final grade average in Journalism III; and recommendation of Journalism teacher.

 

​ACADEMIC LITERACY

• Course: 145

• Credit: .5

• Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

• Students need to learn specific strategies to succeed in a competitive academic culture and in life in the 21st century. To support that critical developmental need, this course provides explicit instruction in communication, self-advocacy, and executive functioning skills. Through reflective thinking, students will develop an awareness of how they learn so that they can build upon their strengths to become lifelong learners.

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HUMANITIES I: ANCIENT GREECE THROUGH THE MIDDLE AGES 

• Course: 150

• Credit: .5

• ​Grade: 10, 11, 12

• Through the study of painting, philosophy, sculpture, architecture, music, literature, and dance, this semester-long elective course examines the ways that human beings express being human. Historical periods, such as the Golden Age of Greece, the Roman Republic and Empire, and both the Early and Late Medieval periods, provide a historical and cultural framework and a perspective for evaluating people's attitudes, values, and aesthetics through the ages.  In this course students will learn the language and skills needed to "read" multiple types of texts, including paintings, sculptures, and architecture. 

• This course may be taken independent of – or in conjunction with – Humanities II.

 

HUMANITIES II: RENAISSANCE THROUGH THE MODERNITY 

• Course: 151

• Credit: .5

• ​Grade: 10, 11, 12

• Through the study of painting, philosophy, sculpture, architecture, music, literature, and dance, this semester-long elective course deals with the study of the ways that human beings express being human. Historical periods such as the Renaissance, the Baroque, the Enlightenment, and the early Modern period provide a historical framework and a perspective for evaluating people's attitudes, values, and aesthetics through the ages. 

• This course may be taken independent of – or in conjunction with – Humanities I.

• *Humanities I and II are semester-long seminar courses with a college-level textbook. Traditionally, these courses have been reserved for upperclassmen due to some of the subject matter of the approved curriculum, such as (but not limited to) artworks that depict nudity and the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex. This content has been selected for its contribution to the development of different disciplines that have shaped Western Civilization. Students who take this course must be mature enough to handle both the content and the flexible approach to learning that this class offers. While we are excited to expand elective opportunities to underclassmen, our rising sophomores should understand the nature of the course for which they have registered. 

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