English 9 – Regents

Following the common core curriculum, students gain skills and knowledge in the areas of literature, reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Close analysis of both fiction and non-fiction writing and using textual based evidence in student work is a major focus. A research/term paper is assigned in the third quarter. This is a full year course.

1 credit/ NCAA approved

 

English 9 Honors

This enrichment course is for students who excel in English. It can be taken in place of English 9. Following the common core curriculum, students gain skills and knowledge in the areas of literature, reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Close analysis of both fiction and non-fiction writing and using textual based evidence in student work is a major focus. A poetry analysis paper is assigned. Teacher recommendation is required for participation. This is a full year course. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 10 – Regents

Following the common core curriculum, this course builds on skills and knowledge gained the previous year. There are increased expectations for students to closely read and analyze non-fiction and fiction writing, and use of textual based evidence. A synthesis research paper is assigned. This is a full year course.

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 10 Honors

This enrichment course is for students who excel in English. Following the common core curriculum, this course builds on skills and knowledge gained the previous year. There are increased expectations for students to closely read and analyze non-fiction and fiction writing, and use of textual based evidence. A synthesis research paper is assigned. Teacher recommendation is required for participation. This is a full year course. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 11 – Regents

The focus of this course is the breadth of American literature, including various genres from colonial times to the present. A formal research paper is assigned during the year. Students must take the New York State English Regents Exam at the end of the year. This course is a full year. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

AP Language and Composition – English 11

This Advanced Placement course in English enables eligible students to gain college credit by giving them command of language and composition skills taught in most first year college classes. This course will also feature the study of American Literature. There will be an in depth term paper assigned and students take the AP English Language exam. The fee for the exam must be paid at the beginning of the school year. Students must take the New York State English Regents Exam at the end of the year. This course is a full year. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

College English 101 

This basic college writing course emphasizes practice in expository writing and library skills. This course provides seniors with the opportunity to experience a college English course to prepare for the total college experience. It is the first requirement for the college freshman English sequence. Students must meet the SUNY Orange (OCCC) prerequisite, College requirements, pay the College fee, and buy a college textbook to participate. This course is offered in the fall semester.

Prerequisite: established by SUNY Orange 
3 SUNY Orange (OCCC) College credits 
½ credit / NCAA approved

 

College English 102 

This second course in the college freshman English sequence emphasizes continued practice in expository writing based on fiction, poetry, journalism, public speaking, and drama. Students must meet the SUNY Orange (OCCC) College prerequisite requirements, pay the college fee, and buy the college text book to participate. This course is offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisite: established by SUNY Orange  
3 SUNY Orange (OCCC) College Credits  
½ credit/NCAA approved

 

AP Literature and Composition – English 12

This advanced placement (AP) course in English enables eligible students to gain college credit by giving them command of material taught in most first year college English classes. An in-depth term paper is assigned and students take the AP English Exam. The fee for the exam must be paid at the beginning of the school year. This is a full year course. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 12

For the first semester, this course focuses on selected British literature. Students are required to complete a term paper. During the second semester, students study more contemporary literature that focuses on multiple subject areas. This course is a full year.

1 credit/NCAA approved

 

English Electives

Creative Writing

In this course students will explore a range of creative genres, including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, drama and multimedia writing. Students will study examples of classic and contemporary literature and apply what they learn through peer workshops. Priority will be given to upper-class students. This is a semester course and is offered during both semesters. 

½ credit/NCAA approved

Public Speaking 

In this course students learn the fine art of speaking in public and become confident communicators. Formal speech making, storytelling, persuasive advertising, and comedy applications are emphasized. Students are graded on demonstration and participation. This course is one semester and is offered both semesters

½ credit/NCAA approved

 

Multi-Ethnic American Literature 

Students will read, analyze, and discuss a variety of novels, short stories, poems, and nonfiction works written by African-Americans, Latino-Americans, and Asian-Americans. We will look at how history and current events have impacted the lives of minorities in America.

1/2 credit/NCAA approved

Screenwriting 101

Screenwriting 101 will provide high school students with a solid foundation in the art and craft of screenwriting, preparing them for further studies or careers in the TV and film industry. This course will cater to the growing interest in this field among our students and provide them with valuable skills that can be applied in various creative professions.

1/2 credit/ NCAA approved

 

Diversity and Inclusion in Education

This introductory course promotes diversity and inclusion by empowering the school community to open their eyes and minds to the differences around us. Students explore the sociocultural factors that impact teaching and learning, as well as learn both the methodology of teaching and the practical tools needed to teach in an increasingly diverse future classroom. Students will be led to a place where they can embrace diversity with the expectation that the students will become both school and community leaders. Topics to be explored: race and ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual identity, bullying and bias, and rights and activism.

Offered to students in grades 11 and 12.
1 credit/Full year course

 

Literary Aspects of Film 

Literary Aspects of Film is an ELA course that is being offered to help students improve their ability to work with elements of literature, by analyzing how those literary devices and techniques come to life in major motion pictures. Students will view pictures from multiple genres, and note how the medium of film allows audiences to immerse themselves in the storytelling process. We will read articles, excerpts from novels, and some graphic novels to help drive our discussions on the pieces we analyze. We will also take a look at the processes used in making some of the films we will be watching. Within the course there will be topics that stem across several core classes (STEM, ELA, social studies, art). In some cases, students will play an active role in selecting some of the films in our units.

This proposed course would be made available to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.

1/2 credit/NCAA approved

 

Myth, Magic, and Make Believe

This course studies mythology from past through present times with a focus on the hero’s journey. The course content will focus on mythology and legend throughout a variety of mythological texts, supplemented with research, articles, film, television shows, graphic novels, and more. Additionally, science fiction, legend, art, and poetry may be studied in connection to mythology. Students will read, discuss, and write about a wide variety of genres and literary forms. An emphasis will be placed on class discussion, technology, collaboration, and creative forms of assessment and presentation, in addition to various reading and writing activities.

1/2 credit/NCAA approved