English

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a full-year course designed to build the advanced analytical reading and writing skills typically found in the first-year college literature and composition course. Students will explore the history, genres and literary movements associated with selected classical, world, American and British authors through novels, short fiction, poetry, drama and essays. Students will write a variety of analytical essays from multiple critical perspectives and will compose original poems and stories. Candidates for the course are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments. All AP English Literature and Composition students are required to take the AP exam in May.

AP Research is a full-year course designed to replicate a college-level, inquiry-based, student-centered undergraduate research experience. Students will choose their own topics for year-long research projects, which will culminate in formal academic essays, oral presentations, and oral thesis defenses. The course includes focused study of research strategies, the writing process, organization and development of arguments, oral and written style and delivery, and grammar and mechanics. Students in this course are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments. All AP Research students are required to complete all through-course performance tasks, which result in the students’ AP exam scores. Students who successfully complete AP Research will be candidates for the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Advanced Placement Seminar/Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is a full-year course designed to replicate the typical first-year college rhetoric and composition requirement through an exploration of real-world issues. Using a student-centered, inquiry-based framework, this course focuses on analyzing and composing personal, expository, descriptive, narrative, persuasive and academic texts. Students read and analyze a wide variety of non-fiction arguments ranging from historic speeches and essays to contemporary autobiographical, narrative, political and persuasive articles, essays, books, performances and visual compositions. The course includes focused study of research strategies, the writing process, organization and development of arguments, oral and written style and delivery, and grammar and mechanics. Students in this course are expected to complete summer reading and writing assignments. All AP Seminar/AP English Language and Composition students are required to take both AP exams in May.

In this course which explores the individual and society, students will examine language and multimedia, delving into the intersection of personal identity and the broader global context. Through a diverse range of texts and activities, students will hone essential communication skills, engage in multimedia presentations, and delve into professional communication, research methodologies, and creative expression. Through a thematic selection of texts which may include Frankenstein, and Lord of the Flies this course aims to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate both personal and academic spheres effectively. Through a combination of multimedia projects, research endeavors, and creative expression, students will emerge with a heightened understanding of self, the world, and the power of language to bridge the two.

English 6 is all about the power of stories. With each book, students read, discuss, weigh their understanding, and develop their own meaning. Reader response journals, directed essays, papers, tests and projects are used to demonstrate and measure student progress as analytical readers and thinkers. Book genres read include short stories, realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy/science fiction, non-fiction, plays and poetry. Language skills such as spelling, vocabulary and grammar are developed through a reading and writing workshop approach and an individualized program of vocabulary development.

English 7 focuses on literary appreciation and analysis, composition, grammar, and vocabulary. Examination and analysis of novels from the full range of literary genres—including non-fiction, autobiography, historical fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy/science fiction, adventure/survival fiction and graphic novels—are the center of classroom discussion, the focus of writing assignments, and the source for grammar instruction. The course also includes an individualized program of vocabulary development.

English 8 incorporates the study of reading, writing, language and vocabulary through the study of literature. Students explore many types of literature including plays, short stories, novels and poetry. Students are encouraged to make connections between literature and their own lives through class discussions, journals, essays, and a variety of interactive projects and learning activities, including an individualized program of vocabulary development.

In Journalism l students learn how to identify and report news; write news, features, sports, editorials and in-depth stories; use correct Associated Press style; and design and lay out the school newspaper, The Oak Leaf. Students are responsible for producing The Oak Leaf as they compile individual writing portfolios.

In Journalism II  students extend their study of journalism as they analyze media ethics and policy, assume managerial responsibilities, create print and on-line editions of The Oak Leaf, and expand their portfolios through a concentration in one or more story genres (e.g., news, features, sports, reviews or editorials). The students are responsible for producing The Oak Leaf for both print and on-line publication.

Journalism III  allows advanced journalism students to build their portfolios and editorial leadership skills in one or more specific genres or production areas. In addition, students develop their skills in electronic journalism, including writing and designing on-line publications, blogs and other forms of new media. Students are responsible for all aspects of production of The Oak Leaf for both print and electronic publication.

Journalism IV provides advanced journalism students the opportunity to build the portfolios and editorial leadership skills necessary for college-level publications work. In addition, students will develop advanced skills in in-depth reporting, editing and coaching, photojournalism, design and convergence journalism, including writing and designing on-line publications, blogs and other forms of new media. Students are responsible for all aspects of production of The Oak Leaf for both print and electronic publication.

Drama often thrives on conflict—within the narrative, in its staging or adaptation, or in its reception—creating or exacerbating discontent. In this course which explores classic and contemporary dramatic texts and their adaptations, students explore the historical and social dynamics of fiction, film, poetry and other genres. Through critical analysis, literary and performance theory, and research methodologies, students unravel the intricacies of the world of stage and its cultural significance. Using texts which include the works of William Shakespeare and Lorraine Hansberry as thematic touchstones, students refine their analytical and research skills and engage various critical lenses. This course prepares students to think critically about representation, authorship and adaptation.

In this course, students embark on an immersive exploration of change, growth and the dynamics of transformation as portrayed in fiction, film, poetry and other genres. Through critical analysis, literary theory and research methodologies, students unravel the complexities of these themes and their cultural significance. Cornerstone authors include H. G. Wells and Octavia Butler. Students refine their analytical and research skills and engage various critical lenses. This course empowers students to think reflexively as they navigate their own transformations from childhood to adulthood.

This course continues the exploration of yearbook production and the fundamentals of journalism. Students learn to create both the school yearbook, The Acorn, and the school newspaper, The Oak Leaf. The focus of this course includes more advanced journalism principles, including writing and editing various story types, crafting headlines and photo captions, interviewing and reporting; design principles, including print page layout and website design; and photography principles, including digital photography basics, photo composition, balance and visual storytelling. Additionally, focus is placed on leadership and exploring the responsibilities of an editor including assigning stories, managing a staff and ensuring overall content quality. Emphasis continues to be placed on theme development, writing, design creation, executing photo assignments and gaining practical experience in journalistic practices.

In Senior Seminar: Appalachian Literature students will immerse themselves in the rich literature and history of Appalachia. The course will examine the regional characteristics and personalities that gave rise to an Appalachian literary tradition that is viewed both as part of and distinct from Southern literature and the larger American literary landscape. Readings in this course will focus on contemporary Appalachian voices writing about Appalachia during the 20th and 21st centuries and will cover a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and vernacular literature. Students will complete creative and analytical writing assignments, oral presentations and a research project.

Great “classics-to-be”—the books, poems, plays, essays and speeches future generations will read and study—are recognized every year through honors like the Pulitzer Prize, the Man Booker Prize, the National Book Award and the Tony Awards. In this one-semester course, students will read and write about these contemporary works of literature that are likely to be tomorrow’s classics. Writing assignments will include expository, analytical, persuasive, and researched essays and short creative pieces. Students also will expand their vocabulary mastery through programmed instruction.

Throughout human history, writers have attempted to understand their world through poetry, fiction and non-fiction writing.  In this one-semester course, students will read and write about texts that seek to understand, interpret, celebrate and preserve our natural world.  Writing assignments will include expository, analytical, persuasive and researched essays and short creative pieces.  Students also will expand their vocabulary mastery through a programmed course of vocabulary development.

Since the ancient Greeks, humans' relationship with the sea has served as a powerful muse for writers.  This one-semester course explores that relationship in both classic and contemporary novels, short stories, poems and non-fiction essays.  Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, students in this class will read and write about how the sea has inspired, challenged and motivated humans throughout history. Writing assignments will include expository, analytical, persuasive and researched essays and short creative pieces. Students also will expand their vocabulary mastery through programmed vocabulary instruction.