English
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Overview
FRESHMEN
- College & Career Exploration
- English 1-2
SOPHOMORES
- English 3-4
JUNIORS
- English 5-6: Dystopian Literature
- English 5-6: Global Perspectives in Literature
- AP English Language & Composition
- English 7-8: Creative Writing Workshop
- Women in Literature
SENIORS
- English 7-8: Contemporary Texts and Media
- English 7-8: Creative Writing Workshop
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP English Language and Composition
- Women in Literature
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Program Description: The English language arts program emphasizes the development of communication skills. All classes provide opportunities for students in reading, composition, speaking, language development, and critical thinking. Courses meet state, district, and school criteria and assessments are CCSS and PPS Guaranteed Viable Curriculum (GVC) aligned. Wilson English courses are designed in progression in order to prepare students for college and careers and to expose students to a rich variety of texts including fiction and nonfiction as well as nonlinguistic texts.
Graduation Requirements: Students are required to pass four (4) years (units/credits) of English for a regular diploma.
Honors Designation: Students may earn an Honors designation (“H”) in both English 1-2 and English 3-4 by consistently achieving high proficiency on a specific set of academic standards. Each course syllabus will include detailed guidelines and expectations.
Advanced Placement: AP English is an option beginning junior year. It is recommended that students earn ”B” or better in both semesters of the previous academic year. Both AP English Language and AP English Literature require summer work which will be available on the school website for the upcoming school year in June. AP English classes are intellectually rewarding, but academically rigorous. Students must commit themselves to the following expectations:
- The student is self–motivated and accepts responsibility for keeping pace with assignments and daily coursework.
- The student will turn in his/her work on time.
- The student works to exceed the standards set forth by the school, the district, and the state for their particular grade level.
- The student must be willing to accept the challenge of reading and carefully evaluating academically rigorous texts, essays, poems, and other works.
- It is an expectation of all classes that students’ behavior supports a positive and rewarding learning environment.
Course Descriptions
FRESHMEN and SOPHOMORES
In the first two years of English at Wilson, students experience communities where they share a common English, Social Studies and Science teacher. Year 1 and 2 English classes prepare students for advancement to upper level courses at Wilson as well as post–secondary study. In the 9th grade year, students explore texts that help them develop a sense of self and a relationship to the world around them. In 10th grade, students study American voices from multiple perspectives. 9th and 10th grade English courses meet state, district, and school criteria for standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as language and are CCSS and GVC aligned.
English 1–2: In Search of Self: Identity in Poetry and Prose Year 9 Prerequisite: None 1 unit, 1 period
Ninth-grade language arts students in English 1-2 examine the major genres through four themes related to personal identity and heroism making meaningful connections within and beyond texts. They read a balance of contemporary and classic works—short stories, essays, novels, poetry, dramas, and nonfiction—that encourages them to make inferences and to look at the world through archetypal patterns while building writing, reading, speaking, listening, viewing, and study skills. Students may earn an Honors designation in this course. The course syllabus contains detailed guidelines and expectations.English 3–4: American Literature/American Studies Year 10 Prerequisite: English 1–2. 1 unit, 1 period
English 3-4 is a full-year course designed to further student development in reading, writing, speaking and language conventions while building on skills and themes from English 1-2. Fiction texts which speak to democracy, oppression, equality, injustice, civil rights, poverty and prosperity will be read side by side with selected nonfiction speaking to topics and texts from US History. The English department in collaboration with the Social Studies department will utilize an interdisciplinary approach where historical chronology and thematic essential questions inform selections of American literature, seminal U.S. history documents, film and art. An emphasis will be placed on honing skills in the areas of argument, using evidence, rhetorical analysis, inquiry, discussion, written composition and close reading. Students may earn an Honors designation in this course. The course syllabus contains detailed guidelines and expectations.JUNIORS
Junior-year language arts students can choose from three options: Dystopian Literature, Global Perspectives in Literature or AP English Language and Composition. All junior-level English classes prepare students for both senior English classes as well as post–secondary study. Students explore what reading, writing and speaking means in the context of a multicultural society, studying canonical pieces as well as new and rediscovered voices. Students read (e.g., dramas, essays, novels, poetry, nonfiction, and short stories) and produce writing as vehicles to explore social, historical, economic, political, and artistic issues. All junior-level courses meet state, district, and school criteria for standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as language and are CCSS and GVC aligned.
Junior level English courses will provide opportunities for students to meet Essential Skills and complete a resume; both are graduation requirements.
Note that the English Department is adding the course: Women in Literature as an elective credit in 2019/20.
Juniors who wish to take a second English course may forecast for Women in Literature or Creative Writing Workshop as long as they have fulfilled the prerequisites and are concurrently enrolled in either English 5-6 course or AP English Language and Composition. Students should select their first and second priorities when forecasting. We will make the best attempt possible to give students their first or second choice for their 11th grade English credit, and subsequent English elective choice.English 5–6: Dystopian Literature Year 11 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4 1 unit, 1 period
Dystopian fiction often imagines bleak, post-apocalyptic futures that are controlled by totalitarian regimes, influenced by technology, and characterized by environmental disaster. By focusing on and exaggerating contemporary problems, dystopian fiction has the potential to serve as a lens to better understand the world in which we live. Students will complete reflective, analytical, and creative writing assignments linked with a wide array of readings. Based on class discussion, critical reading, and examination of historical and social context, students will demonstrate their understanding of timeless themes and current lessons in this long-standing and popular genre through a variety of writing and speaking opportunities.English 5–6: Global Perspectives in Literature Year 11 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4 1 unit, 1 period
Students examine classic and contemporary works of fiction and nonfiction, developing awareness and respect for a variety of perspectives and experiences from around the world. In doing so, students will examine and
question how texts relate to literary ideas and socio/cultural structures, stereotypes and biases, and values and beliefs. Students will read and respond to works of world literature including: novels, plays, short stories, poems, essays, articles, art and other media.. They will conduct in-depth discussions, write essays, create projects and deliver presentations about the viewpoints and themes discovered in this exciting and relevant set of works.AP English Language and Composition Year 11 – 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4 1 unit 1 period
AP English Language and Composition prepares students for college-level reading and writing as well as the Advanced Placement exam. Students will become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and become skilled writers who can compose in a variety of practical and relevant written forms including rhetorical analysis, argument and synthesis (research-based argument). Through critical reading and discussion, students will be able to recognize and analyze interactions between purpose, audience and subject while developing a keen awareness of the way the modes of discourse and the resources of language contribute to effective communication.English 7–8: Creative Writing Workshop Year 11 – 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4, and concurrent enrollment in one junior-level English class. 1 unit, 1 period
This course offers students an opportunity to deepen their expressive writing skills through a variety of creative assignments meant for a general audience. In conjunction with reading a wide variety of professional authors as models, students will explore different literary forms and techniques through exercises in short fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and poetry. Along with opportunities to submit pieces to writing contests and magazines, this is a workshop for students interested in developing their own writing practice. Students may enroll in Writing 121 for dual credit with PCC.Women in Literature (Elective) Year 11 – 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4 1 unit 1 period
This course will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and film written by, for, and about women. Students will analyze and reflect on changing gender roles across the literary landscape using various critical lenses. Expect a variety of personal and formal essay responses and lively class discussion. Bring an enthusiasm for the subject and an open mind.SENIORS
Seniors can choose from four (4) options: Contemporary Text and Media, Creative Writing Workshop, AP Literature and Composition, or AP Language and Composition. All CCSS and GVC aligned senior courses meet state, district, and school criteria for standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening and language conventions. Each course includes extensive reading and writing opportunities. Dual credit (ENG 121) through PCC is now offered in either of two English 7-8 courses: Creative Writing Workshop OR Contemporary Texts and Media. AP Language and AP Literature satisfy criteria for the Wilson Scholars Program. Seniors may take more than one English course if there is space available.
Note that the English Department is adding the course: Women in Literature as an elective credit in 2019/20.
Senior level English courses will provide opportunities for students to meet Essential Skills and complete the My Plan Paragraphs; both are graduation requirements.
Seniors who wish to take a second English course may forecast for one as long as they have fulfilled the prerequisites and are concurrently enrolled in either English 7-8 course or AP English Literature and Composition. Students should select their first and second priorities when forecasting. We will
make the best attempt possible to give students their first or second choice for their 12th grade English credit, and subsequent English elective choice.English 7–8: Contemporary Texts and Media Year 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4, and one junior-level English class. 1 unit, 1 period
Senior language arts students study multiple genres including non-fiction, fiction, documentaries, film, and a podcast. The goal is that our young adults emerge as literate citizens and critical thinkers in their next steps beyond Wilson High School. Ethical issues, current events, and a book of choice form the backbone of the curriculum in addition to canonical works. Students further develop their creative and analytical writing skills by producing a personal/college essay, persuasive papers, a literary analysis, and a culminating research project. Reflective journals and classroom discussion of various types are a critical pieces of the course. Students may also enroll in Writing 121 for dual credit through PCC.English 7–8: Creative Writing Workshop Year 11 – 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4, and one junior-level English class. 1 unit, 1 period
This course offers students an opportunity to deepen their expressive writing skills through a variety of creative assignments meant for a general audience. In conjunction with reading a wide variety of professional authors as models, students will explore different literary forms and techniques through exercises in short fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and poetry. Along with opportunities to submit pieces to writing contests and magazines, this is a workshop for students interested in developing their own writing practice. Students may enroll in Writing 121 for dual credit with PCC.AP English Literature and Composition Year 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4, grade “A” or “B” in junior-level English class or teacher recommendation. 1 unit, 1 period
AP English Literature prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam and college–level reading and writing. Students study both classic and contemporary World, British and American literature. Students engage in close, detailed and critical examination of written text through discussions and critical analysis and on–demand essays. Themes include a study of the story patterns of tragedy, satire/irony, comedy and romance. Students learn to approach texts from a variety of critical perspectives. There is a focus is on developing personal and academic communication skills in formal, informal and creative writing dimensions.AP English Language and Composition Year 11 – 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4, and one junior-level English class. 1 unit, 1 period
AP English Language and Composition prepares students for college-level reading and writing as well as the Advanced Placement exam. Students will become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and become skilled writers who can compose in a variety of practical and relevant written forms including rhetorical analysis, argument and synthesis (research-based argument). Through critical reading and discussion, students will be able to recognize and analyze interactions between purpose, audience and subject while developing a keen awareness of the way the modes of discourse and the resources of language contribute to effective communication.Women in Literature (Elective) Year 11 – 12 Prerequisites: English 1–2, English 3–4 1 unit 1 period
This course will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and film written by, for, and about women. Students will analyze and reflect on changing gender roles across the literary landscape using various critical lenses. Expect a variety of personal and formal essay responses and lively class discussion. Bring an enthusiasm for the subject and an open mind.