English
Perhaps no other academic discipline possesses the responsibilities of English: to develop the communications skills necessary to the everyday life of any citizen; to ease the performance of academicians in other disciplines; to raise consciousness levels about the world... its problems, its ethics, its potentialities... and our responsibilities toward these areas. English should lead a student to discover that he has a great need for language to understand and appreciate and finally to have an impact upon his world. The aim of all English taught at CM is to interrelate the three major areas of the discipline: language, literature and composition.
Best practices: Forensics speech with Mrs. Eberly (grade 8 English)
Courses
Language Arts 7 (617)
This seventh grade course places strong emphasis on the strengthening and advancement of grammar and writing in order to promote correct usage. It also establishes a strong foundation that enables students to read, write and process curriculum for all disciplines through the study of literature appreciation and analysis, grammar, vocabulary and spelling, writing, pleasure reading and study skills. Students also receive instruction in Speech with the intended outcome that each student should be able to use public speaking techniques in order to read and perform in front of others comfortably.
Language Arts 8 (618)
This course daily requires students to read, think, and write critically, and to practice process skills leading to proficiencies in such communication areas as creative and critical thinking, literature appreciation and analysis, writing for various purposes and audiences, and appropriate use of on-line riches and interactive resources. Students also receive directed instruction in note taking, research and documentation. All participate in intra-school speech festivals while many compete at interscholastic speech league competitions.
English 9 (112)
Using “World Literature” as its theme, the ninth grade English program offers initial exposure to the areas essential to producing a literate graduate. A review of grammar and a firm foundation in language mechanics, usage, and sentence structure are part of the English core curriculum. A well-constructed paragraph and essay are the goals of the writing unit. Correlation between grammar exercises and writing assignments is stressed. Vocabulary development and usage are developed through "word attack" exercises and drills. A literary component emphasizes the genres of the short story, the play, and the novel. An introduction to the nature of poetry is also begun. A library orientation, acquainting students with the on-line resources available to them, completes this freshman course.
Language Skills 9 (150)
Recognizing the disparate academic backgrounds of some of our students, Language Skills offers a fundamental course in grammar and writing that complements the English 9 course. Language Skills is designed for the student who needs strengthening in grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, and overall study skills. Intensive grammar work provides drills and exercises to promote correct usage when writing. Proper paragraph structure and development are also emphasized. Vocabulary is drilled through workbook exercises. Study skills are stressed throughout the year in all assignments.
English 9 Honors (114)
This first year accelerated English program establishes a strong foundation in both effective composition and literary analysis. Students are exposed to the major literary genres: the short story, the novel, the poem, the play, and the essay. Written instruction focuses on the writing process, beginning with prewriting exercises and continuing through several revisions to produce a creative, well-constructed composition. Throughout the year, students build vocabulary by studying new words in context. The curriculum also includes a thorough review of the rules of grammar and word usage.
English 10 (122)
This course is a thematic study of European literature covering all genres: the short story, the poem, the play, and the novel. A traditional foundation in grammar and writing is essential to this course. Grammar begins with parts of speech and concludes with types of clauses and sentences. Solid essay structure formulates the basis of the writing unit. Vocabulary development continues to build upon the previous year’s work. In addition, each student must produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of six to eight pages in length.
English 10 Honors (124)
The second year English program continues the work of the English 9 Honors course at the most challenging level. The literature focus centers exclusively upon European authors with a chronological approach. Writing assignments include personal narratives and literature-inspired topics. Grammar lessons remediate problem areas evidenced in student writing samples. Vocabulary development continues in context. Each student must produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of six to eight pages in length in accordance with Modern Language Association guidelines.
Introduction To Public Speaking (126)
Offered to sophomores as an option in lieu of Health, this class meets twice a week and receives one half-credit. Introduction to Public Speaking will be an interactive course that emphasizes both writing and research skills while exposing students to important public speaking techniques. In this course, students learn to gather, cite, and outline information and communicate it persuasively in a public setting.
English 11 (132)
This course focuses on the thematic study of American literature. It provides a firm foundation in grammar and writing skills. Furthermore, the process and form of writing a research paper according to Modern Language Association format is a prime goal. Vocabulary development for the college-bound student is another objective. An intensive preparation for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are integral parts of the course content. In addition, each student must produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of ten or more pages in length in accordance with Modern Language Association guidelines.
English 11 Honors (134)
This course offers an advanced program in the study of American literature and composition while emphasizing the development of literary analysis techniques and writing skills. Grammar is studied in conjunction with writing assignments. For example, a Grammar Handbook is used which targets particular grammatical problem areas with each writing assignment. Vocabulary development is also an integral part of the course with PSAT review and SAT preparation as primary goals. In addition, each student must produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of ten or more pages in length following Modern Language Association guidelines.
College Writing (135)
This full year elective course offers alternate semesters focusing on analytical and creative writing. This elective course does not fulfill a student’s requirement in English. It is intended to supplement work done in previous English courses. The course is, therefore, writing intensive, focusing upon the writing process, particularly drafting, revising, peer editing, and analytical thinking designed to mimic the type of writing assignments a student would encounter in his first year of college. All students will be required to complete a research paper in order to receive full credit for the course. Students will also be required to submit a series of unified compositions that demonstrate proficiency in various styles and forms of writing.
English 12 (142)
This course completes a four-year program in the study of composition and literature. The focus of this course is literary analysis, writing skills, grammar, and further vocabulary development. Students are required to analyze major works in American and British literature. This literature forms the basis for writing assignments. Because the ultimate objective of the course is to prepare students for future college success, each student is required to produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of 15-20 pages in length following Modern Language Association guidelines.
English 12 Honors (143)
This course completes a four-year, accelerated program in the study of composition and literature. The focus of this accelerated course is on literary analysis and writing skills. Students are required to analyze major works in all genres of world literature. Writing assignments are designed to structure writing ability toward the objectives of an organized theme. In addition, students are required to produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of 15-20 pages in length following Modern Language Association guidelines.
Advanced Placement English (144)
This rigorous course is designed for the highly self-motivated student. Students in this course should have previously demonstrated a mastery of writing and literature. This course will focus on a critical analysis of all genres of world literature. Organized themes will be used to create writing assignments that thoroughly challenge student ability. To successfully complete this course, students must take the nationally administered Advanced Placement Literature and Composition examination. Students who perform well on this exam will receive college credit. Lastly, each student is required to produce a well-researched, typed, final paper of 15-20 pages in length following Modern Language Association guidelines.