English Department

For an Advanced Regents Diploma:
4 credits of English | Exams: ELA 11 Regents

For a Regents Diploma:
4 credits of English | Exams: ELA 11 Regents

English Course Offerings

English 7

The focus of this course is on listening skills, reading comprehension, critical thinking and writing (both formal and informal). The course includes study of a variety of literary genres, such as novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry and plays. A required research project will familiarize students with research methods, note-taking skills and MLA (Modern Language Association) documentation.

English 8

Students will continue to develop the skills learned in English 7. Such skills include listening and annotating, reading comprehension (as demonstrated through responses to short and paragraph-length reading questions), using inferences in reading, critical thinking, and writing. Course readings include study of various genres including short stories, novels, plays, and poetry. In addition, non-fiction readings will be included in all major units of study. A required research project, done in collaboration with the social studies department, will aim to develop further research methods and MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting.

English 9 – 1 Credit

This course offers study in literary analysis through independent and whole class readings of classic and contemporary works of literature. Literature includes, for instance, the study of epic poetry, drama, and realistic fiction as well as others such as ; poetry, short stories, and non-fiction pieces. Attention is also given to the development of coherence and command of conventions within writing pieces. An MLA (Modern Language Association) research paper is also required for promotion to English 10.

English 10 – 1 Credit

This course is a continuation of the work of English 9, further developing the mastery of communication skills and preparing for the ELA Regents. Literature includes works such as: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, Night, and A Separate Peace. An MLA research paper is required.

English 11 – 1 Credit

This course offers the study of vocabulary, grammar, composition, listening and literature. Short stories, plays, and novels written by American authors are the main focus of the course. The Common Core ELA 11 Regents assessment is given at this level in January and June. An MLA (Modern Language Association) research paper is required as well.

English 12 – 1 Credit

This course is designed to engage seniors in an analysis of a wide variety of literature, using literary theory and criticism. Students will also write for various purposes. Students are required to complete a major MLA (Modern Language Association) research paper consisting of both primary and secondary research.

AP English Language & Composition – 1 Credit

Prerequisites: An average of 85% or better in English 10 and teacher recommendation.

This AP course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Frequent writing in various modes is required as well as increased mastery of English syntax, style and vocabulary. Completion of a substantial research paper is also a course requirement. This course is designed predominantly for the Junior Student, as ELA Regents prep will be worked on throughout the year, especially after the AP exam in May.

AP English Literature & Composition – 1 Credit

Prerequisites:

• 90% or higher in previous English course (English 10, English 11, AP Language and Composition, which includes American Literature study)
• 90% or higher on the ELA Common Core Regents exam and/or a 3 or higher on the AP Language and Composition exam
• Summer work completion (possible boost camps)
• Teacher recommendation
• Administration approval

This AP course emphasizes the close reading of novels, plays, poems, short stories and writing of critical and analytical commentary on them. The aim is to increase students’ ability to perceive and understand structure and meaning in a literary work. They will also be introduced to various literary theories and era characteristics in order to learn how to analyze literature using these particular lenses. This experience is designed to make the student a more sensitive and perceptive reader that will enable him or her to become responsive, through writing and discussion, to the work studied. Students will be required to complete a substantial literary analysis paper as well. Some works that will be studied include: The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, and of course Mr. William Shakespeare.

Academic Intervention Services (AIS) in ELA

Based on the outcome of the New York State Assessments in English Language Arts, i-Ready Reading Diagnostic, Reading Plus Insight Assessment, or teacher recommendation, students may receive additional ELA support. This class is designed to not only remediate students’ deficiencies, but also give students time to work on individualized reading programs to help improve fluency and comprehension. AIS services are provided in a small group setting, allowing the teacher to more closely tailor instruction to an individual’s unique learning styles and needs.