ENGLISH Department

ENGLISH I: The Fundamentals of English (p)
Grade Level: 9
English I, designed to meet the needs of all ninth grade students, provides a foundation in reading, writing, grammar and usage, listening, speaking, and thinking that is basic to later English classes and to all other academic areas.  This course will challenge all students to engage with language not only as a means of effective communication, but also a source of enjoyment.  Students will be introduced to writing as a process, with special attention to the early stages of drafting and revising.  All students will write descriptive, narrative, and expository prose, with emphasis on the structure of the paragraph during the first semester and emphasis on the structure of the complete essay during the second semester.  Substantial outside reading is required for all ninth graders.  English I  meet all university requirements.

ENGLISH II: The Wider World (p)
Grade Level: 10
Expanding on skills developed in English I, this course will integrate the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening as students increase their awareness of the worldís diverse cultures.  Reading selections will recognize European, British, African, Asian, and Latin American contributions to world literature; discussion and writing assignments will challenge students to think critically about similarities and differences between these cultures and the ways they have influenced American culture.  While continuing to develop their expressive writing skills, students will be challenged to bring their writing through the entire writing process in order to produce formal pieces which effectively argue a meaningful thesis and make use of secondary source material.  Substantial outside reading is required of all sophomores.  English II meets all university requirements.

ENGLISH II: The Wider World Honors (p)... more info at our website!
This honors course, designed for those who already exhibit outstanding skills in reading comprehension and written expression, is the first step in Westmontís three-year honors English program.  Students will explore diverse cultures and ideas through written analytical evaluation of honors level literature.  Outside reading, usage, sentence patterns, advanced expository writing techniques, SAT vocabulary and practice SAT test taking augment the curriculum.  This course will require strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills as well as disciplined, conscientious commitment to work on honors skills.  Enrollment in this program is by contract, signed by student, parent and teacher.

ENGLISH III: The American Literary Heritage (p)
Grade Level 11th
In the third year of English, students will study literature, which reflects American traditions and values, from early Native American poetry to contemporary classics.  The course will encourage students to make connections between literature and history.  Students will continue to refine their creative, technical and analytical writing, while developing more sophisticated methods of research and documentation.  Class assignments and activities in this course will integrate other significant aspects of communication such as vocabulary development, speaking skills and, of course, critical thinking.

ENGLISH III HONORS: The American Literary Heritage (p)
Grade Level 11th
In the third year of honors English, students will study literature that reflects American traditions and values, with an emphasis on understanding the works within a historical context.  This rigorous course will offer students and intensive study of challenging literature and provide the opportunity to compare American and British literary traditions.  Students will continue to refine their writing skills with an emphasis on literary analysis in preparation for Advanced Placement English.  Class assignments and activities will integrate other significant aspects of communication such as vocabulary development, speaking skills and, of course, critical thinking (Enrollment
In this program is by contract, signed by student, parent and teacher.)

ENGLISH III: The American Experience (p)
Grade Level: 11
Experience America as it is brought to life through the interdisciplinary study of United States History and American literary masterpieces.  The purpose of this course is to link the study of Americaís rich historical past with an exploration of the soul of the nation through its great literary influences.  Beginning with the founding of the American nation through modern America, the periods will be explored via critical and interpretive writing and historical analysis.
Classroom activities and assignments based on the readings will require daily classroom attendance and participation.  Among the skills you will develop during the year are: note taking, presentation of work, fact finding, research, group assignments, team building, critical thinking, analysis, edition, and various styles of writing.  The American experience fulfills graduation requirements in both English and Social Science.

English IV: Contemporary Literature and Communication
Grade Level 12
This course offers literary selections from the twentieth century, including multicultural works.  The literature presents themes and issues relevant to modern experiences and to the world in which students will compete and live.  The course also focuses on oral and written communication skills needed for success in college, in vocational programs, and in the workplace.  The curriculum offers a variety of activities such as research, discussion, simulations, individual and group work, and projects.  Significant outside reading writing assignments is part of the course requirements.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH(p)
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite:  Application, writing sample, teacher approval
This course in literary analysis is for highly motivated seniors who are able to pursue college level English while still in high school.  The demands in reading and writing require sophisticated skills and maturity.
College credit may be earned through the national AP examination

ENGLISH (SDAIE)
Students who score 529 and above on the CELDT and/or complete level 4 course exit standards study at this level. This level parallels English 1 and prepares the English Language Learner (ELL) student for the transition to regular English using SDAIE strategies. Students engage in research reports, classic literature and oral presentations.

PUBLIC SPEAKING (p)
(Elective onlyómust be taken concurrently with a literature-based English course)
Grade Level: 10,11,12
This course develops effective, persuasive writing and speaking skills.  Students will write, deliver, and critique a variety of speeches.  This activity course offers many opportunities for research, debate, student congress, mock trials, and oral interpretation while building self-confidence.  The course meets the U.C. requirements as an elective.

JOURNALISM (p)
(Elective onlyómust be taken concurrently with a literature-based English course)
Grade Level: 10,11,12
This activity course offers a variety of experiences that teach students how to produce the school newspaper.  It develops skills in news and feature writing, editing, layout, and desktop publishing.  Journalism meets the U.C. requirements as an elective.