English

Level: CP

Students will read and study novels, plays and poems by English and world authors. Writing thesis papers on a literary theme and completing a research paper will be required. The research paper must be successfully completed to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisite: You need to successfully complete Freshman English.

Level: Honors

Students will read and analyze novels, poems, plays and short stories by English and world authors. Students must have the ability to think critically and interpret literature through close textual analysis. Writing thesis papers about literary themes will be emphasized. The research paper must be successfully completed to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisites: An 85% average over four quarters in Freshman English Honors, or a 95% average over four quarters in CP Freshman English, and approval of the English department is required.

Level: CP

Students will read and study novels, plays and poems by American authors. Preparation for the S.A.T. exam will continue. Writing thesis papers on literary themes and completing a research paper will be required. The research paper must be successfully completed to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Literature is required.

Level: Honors

Students will read and analyze novels, poems, plays and short stories by American authors. Students must have the ability to think critically and interpret literature through close textual analysis. Writing thesis papers about literary themes will be emphasized. The research paper must be successfully completed to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisites: An 85% average over four quarters in World Literature Honors, or a 95% average over four quarters in CP World Literature, and approval of the English department is required.

Level: AP

The AP English and Composition is the equivalent of a typical college composition course. “The purpose of the AP Language and Composition is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers.” Students will read a wide range of non-fiction texts across the disciplines. Writing will focus on expository, analytical and argumentative writing. This is a college-level class and students must expect an appropriate level of reading and writing. In addition to writing essays and papers, which analyze and respond to various forms of prose, the students will write a research paper. All students enrolled in this course MUST take the AP exam in May according to the schedule set by the College Board. In addition, all students must purchase the practice book.

Prerequisites: A 93% average over four quarters in Honors World Literature and approval of an English teacher is required.

Level: CP

This is a required class for any senior who is not enrolled in AP Literature and Composition. The objective of the course is to prepare students for college-level research and writing. Students will read non-fiction texts and evaluate them for their use of the principles of rhetoric and composition. Writing assignments are designed to reinforce and extend skills in critical reading, research, and expository writing which students develop in sophomore and junior years. Students will be guided through the stages of writing a college-level research paper with special emphasis on selecting and utilizing quality sources and the process of revision. Completion of the research paper for this class (or AP Literature and Composition) is a requirement for graduation.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of CP American Literature is required.

Level: Honors

This is a required class for any senior who is not enrolled in AP Literature and Composition. The objective of the course is to prepare students for college-level research and writing. Students will read non-fiction texts and evaluate them for their use of the principles of rhetoric and composition. Writing assignments are designed to reinforce and extend skills in critical reading, research, and expository writing which students develop in sophomore and junior years. Students will be guided through the stages of writing a college-level research paper with special emphasis on selecting and utilizing quality sources and the process of revision. Completion of the research paper for this class (or AP Literature and Composition) is a requirement for graduation.

Prerequisite: An 85% average over four quarters in Honors American Literature is required.

Prerequisites: An 85% over four quarters in AP English Language and Composition or a 93% average over four quarters in Honors World Literature I, and approval of the English department is required.

Level: CP

In this semester-long course, taught at both the Honors and CP levels, students will read, discuss, and respond to contemporary (20th and 21st Century) literature written from and about diverse perspectives—with special consideration to those who have been marginalized in American society. Teachers will draw from various short stories, novels, poetry, nonfiction, and film to shape the course. Students will be expected to purchase their own copies of one or two mass-market paperbacks. Annotations and class discussions, both face-to-face and online, will provide ways for students to interact with one another and the texts. Additionally, students will produce academic, informal, and creative writing pieces.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Sophomore English is required. (This course is only available to juniors and seniors.)

Level: Honors

In this semester-long course, taught at both the Honors and CP levels, students will read, discuss, and respond to contemporary (20th and 21st Century) literature written from and about diverse perspectives—with special consideration to those who have been marginalized in American society. Teachers will draw from various short stories, novels, poetry, nonfiction, and film to shape the course. Students will be expected to purchase their own copies of one or two mass- market paperbacks. Annotations and class discussions, both face-to-face and online, will provide ways for students to interact with one another and the texts. Additionally, students will produce academic, informal, and creative writing pieces.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Sophomore English is required. (This course is only available to juniors and seniors.)

Level: CE

Each student is expected to acquire the skill to analyze policy and value questions, to construct argumentative cases, and to argue these cases against her classmates. Students will discuss issues, which might be appropriate for argument, select topics, develop cases, and engage in a minimum of four oral presentations. The student, if she wishes, may earn three (3) credits from the University of Pittsburgh.

Prerequisite: An average of at least an 85% in English or Social Studies in the junior year must be achieved. (This course is only available to seniors.)

Level: CE

This semester long course is offered at a college equivalency level through the University of Pittsburgh. All students enrolled in this course must register with the College in High School program at the University of Pittsburgh. Students will examine the history and development of mass communication, “exploring the cultural, technological, and economic history of the media, the changing relationships between media industries, audiences, and cultures, and the theoretical underpinnings of mass communication research.” Using this information as a basis for investigation, students will analyze contemporary issues facing mass communication and how they, as producers and consumers of media, can engage in the critical process of healthy media consumption.

Prerequisite: An average of at least an 85% in English or Social Studies in the junior year must be achieved, or teacher referral is needed. (This course is only available to juniors and seniors.)

Level: CP

“A platform or a passion or two” is what Thornton Wilder considered essential for the theater. Likewise, a pen and a passion, plus paper and laptop, will help students become members of this class writing community. Focus will be on expanding and nurturing creativity through a variety of daily and long-term projects in the areas of poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

Prerequisite: A recommendation of current English teacher is required. (This course is only available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.)