English

In the English program, students learn to become critical readers and expressive writers. They learn to read literature for analysis and appreciation, acquiring sensitivity to the nuances and craftsmanship inherent in the text of any good work. In addition, students learn to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity, developing awareness of themselves as writers and of the techniques employed by the writers they read.

Balboa Academy Graduation Requirement: 4 English credits in grades 9-12. All courses may be used as elective credits after the minimum credits needed for graduation are obtained.

Understanding Literature 9 Grade (s) 9
Course #303 Level: Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English
Prerequisite (s): Successful completion of grade 8 English

This course is designed for native English speakers or for those students proficient in the English language.

The Understanding Literature course is designed to strengthen students skills in listening, speaking, writing, literature and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, preparing reports in various content areas; using the dictionary and the thesaurus to develop an increasing comprehensive and precise vocabulary; practicing the process of composition, including prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing; identifying with literary characters of the student's own age and understanding how the characters’ actions and emotions reflect the student's own actions and emotions; and reading self-selected books to develop personal reading as a useful and pleasurable activity.

Appreciating Literature 10 Grade (s) 10
Course # 305 Level: College Prep Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English
Prerequisite (s): Successful completion of ninth grade English

This course is designed for native English speakers or for those students proficient in the English language.

The Appreciating Literature course is designed to strengthen students' skills in listening, speaking, writing, literature, and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, outlining or mapping main ideas and details of information; using vocabulary and sentence structure appropriate to the listener and the situation; writing a paraphrase, summary, or precise writing compositions; understanding, and explaining the type of conflict in a given literary selection; experiencing a wide range of literary forms; using the media center research facilities; and reading self-selected books to develop personal reading as a useful and pleasurable activity.

English Literature & Composition Grade(s) 11 - 12
Course # 306 Level: College Prep Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English
Prerequisite (s): Successful completion of ninth grade English This course is designed for native English speakers or for those students proficient in the English Language

Major Obligations of Coursework: suecessfu1 completion of formal, literary-based research paper in conjunction with the graduation requirements; successful completion of parody as part of a literary study; cooperative learning project using poetry and library research

Course Description: The English Literature course is designed to strengthen students' skills in listening, speaking, writing, literature, and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, developing an increasingly comprehensive vocabulary; inferring conclusions; writing essays responding to social, political, and literary concepts; writing compositions of more than one paragraph using narration, exposition, and/or description; recognizing and understanding the use of literary and stylistic devices; experiencing a wide range of literary works written in Great Britain; and reading self-selected books to develop personal reading as a useful and pleasurable activity. The course consists of an analysis of British literature, including both historic and contemporary works of drama, novels, short stories, and poetry. Focus is not only on the characteristics of the individual genres and literary forms but also on the characteristics of the literary periods. Evaluations of student work include reading quizzes, major tests, and in- class (timed) essays. In addition, time is provided for preparation of SAT II. The major project is an in-depth research paper.

American Literature & Composition Grade (s)10 - 12
Course # 307 Level: College Prep Length:1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English
Prerequisite (s): Successful completion of ninth grade English

Major Obligations of Coursework: composition of six personal essays; short research paper; poetry analysis; memorization and original poetry writing; literary analysis paper; major examinations

Course Description: The American Literature course is designed to strengthen students’ skills in listening, speaking, writing, literature, and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, recognizing how continued development of communications skills can enhance one's future career and leisure activities; as an aid in writing compositions; writing in a clear and personal style; responding to literary masterpieces which are the common heritage of all people; engaging in perceptive reading and critical analysis of American literature; engaging in discussions of philosophical questions as revealed in literary works. The first semester of this course is focused on composition, both of personal essays, like college application essays, and of documented papers. The three stages of the writing process, various methods of organization, grammar, and style are all central to the class work. Some six essays are required including rough drafts for the majority of these. In addition, techniques of research involving the library, popular publications and the Internet are incorporated into several assignments. Two other subject areas are covered in the fall semester: poetry and vocabulary building. The poetry examined is generally the 20 century American poets. Such poetic devices as point of view, structure and set patterns, imagery, symbolism, various aspects of irony are reviewed and utilized in creating and discovering the theme or meaning of the poetry. The vocabulary element of the class is primarily built around vocabulary texts and their exercises with quizzes about every two weeks. The second semester’s focus is on three major works of American literature: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Crucible, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo‘s Nest. The elements of literary criticism are reviewed and reinforced by papers or tests on each work, including a character analysis, thematic analysis, and documented essays using both primary and secondary sources. In addition to these literary assignments, students also review the grammar and writing aspects of the SAT II writing test through several in-class assignments.

World Literature & Composition Grade 10-12
Course # 309 Level: College Prep Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English
Prerequisite (s): Successful completion of freshman English. This course is designed for native English speakers or those students who are fluent in English.

Major Obligations of Coursework: creative writing project on Dante or Sir Gawain; documented paper on Macbeth.

Course Description: This course is designed to study the origin and evolution of world literature. The specific contents of the works studied will be used to develop grammatical, vocabulary and spelling skills. The course will focus on further developing the student's writing and oral communications skills, as well as exam writing skills, in order to adequately prepare them for the rigors of college and university. This course is challenging and requires students to be motivated and conscientious. This course traces the thematic continuity of literature from ancient times to the modern world, focusing for the most part on examples in translation from non-English sources. Students respond to the literature in more formally written essays using the standard format for documentation of both prose and poetry. Exercises in vocabulary, gram mar/usage, and reading/thinking skills help prepare students for PSAT and SAT I.

AP English Literature and Composition Grade (s) 11- 12
Course # 313 Level: Advanced Placement Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English
Prerequisite (s): : Minimum B average in English II Honors or B+ in English II; teacher recommendation; completion of summer reading; signed AP contract; above-average work ethic; an average of C- or better and regular attendance in the first semester is required in order to remain enrolled in the course for the second semester. Recommendation of English teachers.

Major Obligations of Coursework: timed writings, essay examinations; reflective essay project; multiple essays based on the nine modes of writing; children’s book; student-led seminars

Course Description: The AP English course in Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.

The course includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit. The works chosen invite and gratifies reading, and not, like ephemeral works in such popular genres as detective or romance fiction, yield all (or nearly all) of their pleasures of thought and feeling the first time through. Reading in an AP course is both wide and deep. This reading necessarily builds upon the reading done in previous English courses. These courses includes the in-depth reading of texts drawn from multiple genres, periods, and cultures. In their AP course, students will also read works from several genres and periods — from the sixteenth to the twentieth century—but, more importantly, they will get to know a few works well. They will read deliberately and thoroughly, taking time to understand a work’s complexity, to absorb its richness of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form. In addition to considering a work’s literary artistry, students should consider the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. Careful attention to both textual detail and historical context will provide a foundation for interpretation, whatever critical perspectives are brought to bear on the literary works studied.

The Advanced Placement English Literature course is designed to strengthen students’ skills to read poems and prose analytically and to write critical or analytical essays bases on poems, prose passages and complete novels or plays. listening, speaking, writing, literature, and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, writing in a clear and personal style; analyzing the reasoning of literary masterpieces which are the common heritage of all people; engaging in perceptive reading and critical analysis of literature; engaging in discussions of philosophical questions as revealed in literary works. The reading, writing and analysis requirements of this course are extensive

Major Obligations of Coursework: calendar, portfolio; multi paragraph essays; outside reading; oral presentations using technology

Course Description: This course focuses on teaching students how to study, read with understanding and write with style and sophistication. Students are introduced to study skills and will learn to keep a calendar and to take notes. Students begin by improving their ability to compose sentences and working up to effective paragraphing by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, students will compose a variety of essays using the various modes of narration, description, example, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, process analysis, classification and division, extended definition, and per suasion. Since the primary way to learn to write is to read models of excellent writing, students read many essays as well as some fiction throughout the course. This course is required of all Grade 9 students as well as any transfer student to the High School.

Introduction to Literature & Composition No Longer Offered Grade 9 - 12
Course # 315 Level: College Prep Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English

Prerequisite: Successful completion of eighth grade English (By tutor only as a Special Requirement) Approval of the Director

Major Obligations of Coursework: portfolio; multi paragraph essays; outside reading; oral presentations using technology

Course Description: This course focuses on teaching students how to write with style and sophistication. Students begin by improving their ability to compose sentences and working up to effective paragraphing by the end of the first semester. In the second semester, students will compose a variety of essays using the various modes of narration, description, example, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, process analysis, classification and division, extended definition, and per suasion. Since the primary way to learn to write is to read models of excellent writing, students read many essays as well as some fiction throughout the course. This course is designed for 9^th grade ESL students as well as any transfer ESL student to the High School.

Course Description: This course is designed to help students enhance their expressive abilities in several genres. Students will write poetry, essays, and short stories, with a focus on stylistics. Grades will be based on participation and attitude, rough drafts, and final drafts. A portfolio will be required at the end of the semester as a final exam grade.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Creative Writing, or a portfolio and teacher approval; dedication to teamwork on a school publication

Major Obligation of Coursework: publication of The Walrus, school literary magazine

Course Description: This course is a pass/fail class that will meet two days a week during eighth period of the second semester. A few meetings may occur during the second quarter of the first semester for planning purposes. During this time, the literary magazine will be planned, submissions will be selected, and the lay out will occur.

Course Description: In this class, students will learn the basics of journalistic ethics and codes and laws governing high school publications. Students will also learn how to conduct an interview, write an effective lead, create attention-grabbing headlines, and write clear concise copy. Students will also learn how to gather and take effective photos and write captions. Creating documents on the publishing software used by the yearbook and newspaper will also be taught. Grades will be based on quizzes, assignments, and projects. A final exam will consist of a two-page layout.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Journalism or teacher approval; strong commitment to work ethic and team work; strong background in writing and / or photography. If a student is transferring from another school and has already served on the yearbook, he or she may join the class after teacher approval. Students will also be required to apply in the spring for a position on the staff. The staff will ultimately be chosen by the teacher based on space limitations.

Major Obligations of Coursework: publication of the school yearbook; meetings outside of regular class time

Course Description: In this class, the yearbook staff will plan and put together the yearbook in order to document the events of the school year. They will plan the theme of the book, the layout and divisions, design and create layouts, generate and produce pictures, write captions, write stories and headlines, and conduct interviews. Students will be required to attend school functions in order to properly document their occurrences and to show that the yearbook supports school functions. Students will be graded on attendance, participation, layout design, meeting deadlines, rough drafts of copy, final draft of copy, and meeting deadlines. There may be meetings outside of regular class time.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Journalism or teacher approval; strong commitment to work ethic and team work; strong background in writing and / or photography. If a student is transferring from another school and has already served on the newspaper, he or she may join the class after teacher approval. Students will also be required to apply in the spring for a position on the staff. The staff will ultimately be chosen by the teacher based on space limitations.

Major Obligations of Coursework: publication of the school newspaper; contributions to the newspaper; meetings outside of regular class time.

Course Description: In this class, the newspaper staff will plan and put together the newspaper in order to accurately report the news and calendar events of the school. The paper will be used as a medium for students to express opinion, and a platform for students to make a stand. Staff members are expected to contribute a minimum of two articles to each issue, topics of their choosing. Student activities include, but are not limited to research, interviewing, writing copy and headlines, revising, gathering photos, writing captions, gathering calendar information, and collecting sports score boards. Students will be expected to attend school events in order to properly document their occurrences and to show that the newspaper supports school events. Students will be graded on attendance, participation, lay out design, rough drafts of copy, final draft of copy, and meeting deadlines. There may be meetings outside of regular class time.

AP English Language and Composition No Longer Offered Grade (s) 11- 12
Course # 325 Level: Advanced Placement Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English

Prerequisite (s): : Minimum B average in English II Honors or B+ in English II; teacher recommendation; completion of summer reading; signed AP contract; above-average work ethic; an average of C- or better and regular attendance in the first semester is required in order to remain enrolled in the course for the second semester. Recommendation of English teachers.

Major Obligations of Coursework: timed writings, essay examinations; reflective essay project; multiple essays based on the nine modes of writing; children’s book; student-led seminars

Course Description: The AP English Language and Composition course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.

This AP composition course is one of the most varied in the curriculum. The course allows students to write in a variety of forms— narrative, exploratory, expository, argumentative—and on a variety of subjects from personal experiences to public policies, from imaginative literature to popular culture. But the overarching purpose is to enable students to write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives. The courses will emphasize the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing facility in any context. The AP Language and Composition course follows this emphasis. Its purpose is also to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. The AP English Language and Composition course will help students move beyond such programmatic responses as the five-paragraph essay that provides an introduction with a thesis and three reasons, body paragraphs on each reason, and a conclusion that restates the thesis. Although such formulaic approaches may provide minimal organization, they often encourage unnecessary repetition and fail to engage the reader. Students will be encouraged to place their emphasis on content, purpose, and audience and to allow this focus to guide their organization.

I understand and agree to the following conditions in regard to my performance, grade and continued acceptance in AP English Literature:

1. I will be removed from the class immediately if the summer reading assignment has not been completed when I return for the fall semester, or if I fail to take the summer reading test on the assigned day. I also understand that I may not change my reading assignment without teacher approval.

2. Because this is a college-level course, NO late papers/tests will be accepted for any reason. Missed quizzes will not be made up although at least one quiz will be dropped (missed or low grade) per quarter. If the absence for the missed quiz is unexcused, the grade will be 0. However, I will receive one 24 hour extension per semester, no questions asked, but this extension may not apply to “group” activities - such as the second semester seminar.

b. For planned absences, e.g. college visits, my work must be turned in ahead of time.

c. After 5 absences per semester of ANY kind (except those that are SMH-related - not college related), one percentage point will be deducted from my aver age; after 4 tardies - 1/2 percentage point.

d. If I do not use my extension or exceed 5 absences, I will be given 5 points on the final exam.

5. 1 will be expected to communicate directly and promptly with the teacher if there is a problem.

English Language & Literature No Longer Offered Grade 10 - 12
Course # 328 Level: College Prep Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English

Major Obligations of Coursework: portfolio; multi paragraph essays; outside reading; oral presentations using technology

Course Description: This course focuses on teaching students how to write with style and sophistication. Students begin by improving their ability to compose sentences and working up to effective paragraphing by the end of the first semester. In the second semester, students will compose a variety of essays using the various modes of narration, description, example, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, process analysis, classification and division, extended definition, and per suasion. Since the primary way to learn to write is to read models of excellent literature, students read many essays as well as some fiction throughout the course.

Great works of Literature No Longer Offered Grade 10 - 12
Course # 329 Level: College Prep Length: 1 yr Credit (s): 1 in English

Major Obligations of Coursework: portfolio; multi paragraph essays; outside reading; oral presentations using technology

GRADE 9	GRADE 10	GRADE 11	GRADE 12
Understanding Literature 9	Appreciating Literature 10	English Literature	American Literature
	World Literature	World Literature	World Literature
	American Literature	American Literature	English Literature
	English Literature	AP English Lit & Comp	AP English Lit & Comp

SCIENCE	SOCIAL STUDIES	MATHEMATICS	ENGLISH	FINE ARTS

COMPUTER SCIENCE	SPANISH - FRENCH	PHYSICAL EDUCATION	ELECTIVES	COURSE LIST

	HS SCHEDULE FORM		4 YR HS PLAN

SCIENCE	SOCIAL STUDIES	MATHEMATICS	ENGLISH	FINE ARTS

COMPUTER SCIENCE	SPANISH - FRENCH	PHYSICAL EDUCATION	ELECTIVES	COURSE LIST

	HS SCHEDULE FORM		4 YR HS PLAN