English
Ms. Nadine Nichter, Dept. Chair
STUDY GUIDES AND SPRING AND SUMMER READING
ENGLISH – Four years required for graduation
*Freshman English One Year Course 9
English I is a course with emphasis on grammar, and usage, sentence structure and sentence types. The students also study poetry, figurative language, short story, drama, mythology and vocabulary. It also includes summer and independent reading.
*Sophomore English One Year Course 10
English II is a course designed to help students develop critical attitudes toward literature. The students consider short stories, drama, non-fiction, medieval tales and legends. The study of grammar and usage is continued as well as vocabulary study and summer and independent reading.
*Junior English One Year Course 11
English III is an overview of American literature from the earliest colonists to contemporary times. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama are included. The study of grammar and usage will be on an as-needed basis. Writing is emphasized. Vocabulary and summer and independent reading also continue.
*Senior English One Year Course 12
English IV is an overview of British literature from Anglo-Saxon to modern times. Grammar and usage, vocabulary, writing and research techniques are included in this course as well. Summer and independent reading are continued.
*Freshman Honors English One Year Course 9
Prerequisite: A "B” or higher in seventh and eighth grade English. Students must score at least one grade level higher than current grade level on reading and language portion of entrance exam, and attain the designated standard verbal, reading and language scores. Students who meet these requirements will be ranked and the top students will be invited to take this class. In addition to literature, grammar, and vocabulary covered in English I, this course will include novels and poetry in the area of world literature. Development of advanced writing skills is part of the course.
*Sophomore Honors English One Year Course 10
Prerequisite: 3.3 over all GPA and a B- or higher grade in English if you are continuing in honors or AP English, or a 93% or higher if you are applying to enter honors or AP for the first time here at Paraclete. This course will cover world literature , grammar, vocabulary, independent reading, and analytical writing. In addition to the summer reading, a number of novels will be read during the year.
*Junior AP English Language & Composition One Year Course 11
Prerequisite: 3.3 over all GPA and a B- or higher grade in English if you are continuing in honors or AP English, or a 93% or higher if you are applying to enter honors or AP for the first time here at Paraclete. This is a college-level English class focusing on the study of language and its persuasive power through the study of essays, non-fiction works, and selected novels from various time periods. Critical thinking through discussion and extensive writing is the foundation for this class. College credit may be earned for this class.
*Senior AP English Literature & Composition One Year Course 12
Prerequisite: 3.3 over all GPA and a B- or higher grade in English if you are continuing in honors or AP English, or a 93%
or higher if you are applying to enter honors or AP for the first time here at Paraclete. This is a college-level English class. Literature and poetry studies are based on world classics, from antiquity to modern times. An extensive writing practicum is an integral part of this class. College credit may be earned for this class.
+Writing for Communication Arts One Semester 9,10,11,12
Creative Writing is a class designed for students who enjoy writing, poetry, short stories, personal reflec- tions, etc. A literary magazine will be published at the end of the semester in conjunction with the art department and the computer resource room. (Meets U.C. admission requirements as an English elec- tive).
English Language Skills One Year Course 9
ELS is a course which provides additional reading skills, provides a tutorial approach to grammar skills and writing skills, and builds a broader base of usable vocabulary. Students will be instructed in methods for improving study skills, study habits, test taking strategies, and organizational skills. ELS is taken in conjunction with English I. A student who earns a grade lower than a "C" may jeopardize his/her continuation at Paraclete.
*Fantasy and Science Fiction One Semester 11,12
Open to juniors and seniors as an elective. This course is designed to enhance interest in the reading and discussion of this genre. Included will be short stories, novels, artwork, and videos. Modern works as well as classics will be considered.
*Beginning Journalism One year course 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Requires instructor approval
Introduction to newspaper journalism, stressing beginning reporting techniques, news writing and collecting information. The focus is on content, mechanics, and organization of news stories. Work may include planning news assignments, reporting and writing articles and editorials, photography, copyediting, proofreading, judging news, and exercising editorial leadership using the school newspaper as a laboratory. (Course will be offered at “0’ period daily.) Satisfies Paraclete’s Art Graduation Requirement. Does not satisfy Cal State Art Requirement. Meets U.C. admission requirements as an English elective.
+Advanced Journalism One year course 11, 12
Prerequisite: completion of Beginning Journalism and requires instructor approval
This course will allow students to demonstrate their skills in the art of newspaper writing and production: news, sports, feature, entertainment, editorial, captions, headline writing and review writing; proofreading, editing, reporting, interviewing, photography, typing in Microsoft Word and PageMaker, and layout design. Students will produce the school newspaper, Clete News. Work will include writing well under pressure, gathering information independently and organizing iteffectively, working within deadlines, collaborating with peers as a staff. Through extensive editing and rewriting, studentsexhibit mastery in all of these skills. (Course will be offered at “0’ period daily.) This course is pending U.C. approval.
