English

English Graduation Requirements:  4.0 Credits 


The West Shore School District Secondary English Program is designed to provide students with the instruction and opportunities necessary for developing a foundation of fundamental literacy and communication skills vital to success in the secondary and post-secondary environments. Additionally, the program is designed to serve the varying needs of students as they pursue their postsecondary goals, and courses are intended to serve as stepping-stones toward achieving those goals. Therefore, the Department offers leveled courses geared toward ensuring fundamental skills as well as courses geared toward preparing students to achieve desired career and/or postsecondary education goals.   


SAMPLE ENGLISH PATHS


Grade 9

Grade 10

Grades 11

Grades 12

 

 

 

College Pathway

with opportunity 

for early college credit


English I Honors 

or 

English I, L1 

& 

Optional Electives

English II Honors 

or 

English II, L1 

& 

Electives

  English Language Composition AP
  English Literature Composition AP

College Composition I 

College Speech (HU Comm 110)

English Language Composition AP 

English Literature Composition AP 

College Composition I 

College Composition II 

College Speech (HU Comm 110)

 

 

College & Career Pathway

English I, L1

English I, L2

& Electives

English II, L1

English II, L2

& Electives

 

English III, L1
or 
English III, L2

 

 

 

College Composition I 

College Speech (HU Comm 110) 

Women’s Literature 

Strategic Communications
Myths, Legends, and Folklore
Social Justice: Read to Lead 
Modern Literature & Society, L1 or L2
Electives

 

 

Career Pathway

English I, L2

& Electives

English II, L2

& Electives

English III, L2

Women’s Literature
Myths, Legends, and Folklore
Social Justice: Read to Lead
 Strategic Communication
Modern Literature & Society, L2
Electives

 

 


ELECTIVES

 

 


Creative Writing I 

Creative Writing II

Theatre Arts
 
Yearbook Publication

 

 

Journalism I

 Journalism II

 

 

Mass Media I

 Mass Media II

  Mass Media III

 

 



ENGLISH I - LEVEL 1
700716
1 Credit      1.01 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s):  Teacher Recommendation and Placement Assessment

This course emphasizes mastery of the grammar and vocabulary skills necessary for the college-bound student, stresses composition as it relates to grammar and literature, and enhances the understanding and analysis of various literary types. This survey course provides a study of various genres, periods, and types of literature and writing.


ENGLISH I - LEVEL 2
700721
1 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA

This course increases proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and composition skills, emphasizes understanding and appreciation of various literary forms and improves reading comprehension. Students will be expected to create and produce writing, speeches, and projects that demonstrate competency of the state standards and 21st century skills.


ENGLISH I - HONORS
700715
1 Credit      1.03 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s):  Teacher Recommendation and Assessment Data or Placement Test Required

The curriculum for this honors level survey of literature course reflects the same skills presented in the Level I curriculum but emphasizes mastery of the grammar and vocabulary skills necessary for the college-bound student, stresses composition as it relates to grammar and literature, and enhances the understanding and analysis of various literary types. It needs to be noted that this course provides a more rigorous study of literature and essay development and is suited best for the student anticipating a track of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment English courses.


ENGLISH II  - LEVEL 1
700739
1 Credit      1.01 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English I and Teacher Recommendation

This course stresses mastery of the skills and concepts necessary for the student who needs a strong English background. This rigorous course emphasizes an understanding of grammar and its incorporation with composition. Emphasis will be placed on the persuasive and expository use of rhetorical devices. Appreciation of literature is gained through the study of different genres. Students will be expected to create and produce writing, speeches, and projects that demonstrate competency of the state standards and 21st century skills. Related studies include literary terminology, selected vocabulary, book reviews and a critical analysis.  

ENGLISH II - LEVEL 2
700726
1 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA

This course promotes an understanding of major types of literature, using selections from class anthologies and supplementary sources.  A major aim in composition is the strengthening and broadening of personal language skills needed for successful communication. Students will be expected to create and produce writing, speeches, and projects that demonstrate competency of the state standards and 21st century skills.

ENGLISH II - HONORS
700717
1 Credit      1.03 Weight
NCAA
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English I and Teacher Recommendation

This course combines grammatical skills and literary concepts necessary for the Advanced Placement English/college-bound student.  In-depth class discussion, reaction essays, supplementary vocabulary, additional literary selections in varying genres, and concentration on composition styles are emphasized. Sentence variation, structure, and focused grammar instruction are key elements of the readings and writings in the course. All Honors students are required to participate in a summer reading/writing program through reading assigned work and written response, by a predetermined date prior to the start of the new school year. Objectives include the completion of the research paper, the fundamentals of speech communication, and the development of narrative, expository, explanatory, and argumentative composition.  A student must successfully complete this course and the graduation project in order to meet graduation requirements.

ENGLISH III - LEVEL 1
700744
1 Credit      1.01 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English II

Recommended for those students who plan to attend college, this course is comprised of contexual vocabulary study and various aspects of grammar and composition.  In composition, the writing of logical, well-developed, mechanically correct sentences, paragraphs and essays is emphasized.  This course examines, analyzes and interprets the various literary forms within American Literature from 1607 to the present day. 

ENGLISH III - LEVEL 2
700731
1 Credit      1.01 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English II

Through this course, students come to know America's heritage through a thematic study of the American experience, which may begin with the historical exploration of people through the 21st Century.  Key American writers and their works are studied and discussed in relation to their historical period.  Rules on usage, punctuation and spelling are emphasized. Compositions consist of various types of writing, including paragraphs, essays, letters and journals.  Oral communication, library skills and vocabulary improvement are emphasized.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION ADVANCED PLACEMENT
700748
1 Credit      1.06 Weight
NCAA      AP
Prerequisite(s):  Teacher recommendation; completion of summer reading assignments

This course helps prepare the college bound student to take the Advanced Placement Test in Language and Composition and requires extensive student writing. The related readings are challenging and explore such topics as political writing, persuasive writing, autobiographical works, critical analysis, letters, etc.  Students are required to participate in a summer reading/writing program.  Each student is expected to read all assigned books and respond, in writing, by a predetermined date prior to taking this course.


ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION ADVANCED PLACEMENT
700749
1 Credit      1.06 Weight
NCAA      AP
Prerequisite(s):  Teacher recommendation; completion of summer reading assignments 

The materials studied in this course prepare college bound students for taking the Advanced Placement Test in Literature and Composition. The course aims to pursue the study of literary analysis through examination of selected genres of English and world literature. Students react to the literature through all phases of expository writing, including argumentation, persuasion, précis, cultural review, formal essay, and small group discussion of form, content, and style. All Advanced Placement students are required to participate in a summer reading/writing program in which they are expected to read all assigned books and complete all written assignments by a predetermined date prior to the start of the new school year.


MODERN LITERATURE AND SOCIETY (PART I, LEVEL 1)
700695

.5 Credit     1.01 Weight
NCAA 

MODERN LITERATURE AND SOCIETY (PART I LEVEL 2)
700696

.5 Credit     1.01 Weight  
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English I, English II, and American Literature Part I 

This course will expose students to a variety of genres and texts written by a diverse field of authors. Literary and language analysis skills, writing skills (including personal narratives for scholarship and college applications), and oral communication skills will be emphasized, as well as skills associated with researching, documenting, and synthesizing information relevant to themes taught in the class. The class is a modern day study of poetry, nonfiction, fiction and novels that invite students to examine current themes and societal issues, in addition to considering how the historical, cultural, and/or the ethnic background of various authors has influenced both their literary voice and the universal meaning and purpose of their work.

 
COLLEGE COMPOSITION I  

700759
1 Credit      1.06 Weight
NCAA      Dual Enrollment

Prerequisite(s):  Students must pass the placement exam or attain an acceptable score on the SAT or ACT to meet Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) requirements. Students must enroll at HACC and pay tuition and required fees as well as purchase the textbook by the close of the second week of class.

College Composition I (English 101) is the first level college writing course. Students earn three (3) credits for transfer from HACC at the reduced College in High School rate. Students explore different modes of college essay and research writing with an emphasis on clear, concise prose and effective development of content. Argumentation techniques are emphasized in preparation for writing across the curriculum in higher education. College in the high school courses are typically scheduled for students to attend in-person only Monday/Wednesday/Thursday. Staff hold open office hours on Tuesday/Friday for student support.  Students should expect 5-8 hours of independent work outside of class, as is required by the HACC approved syllabus. 

 

COLLEGE COMPOSITION II
700765
1 Credit      1.06 Weight
NCAA       Dual Enrollment

Prerequisite(s): Students must earn a C or better in College Composition I or English 101 at Harrisburg
Community College (HACC). Students must enroll at HACC and pay tuition and required fees by the close of the second week of class.

College Composition II (English 102) builds on English 101, connecting thinking, reading and writing. Research, interpretation and argumentation are emphasized. The course encourages independent, creative, and critical inquiry and prepares students for the practical applications of information by emphasizing effective research strategies and technologies congruent with the field of study. Using seminar discussions and writing models, students apply different critical approaches to classic and contemporary non-fiction writing as well as to some literary works.  Students can earn three (3) college credits for transfer from HACC. College in the high school courses are typically scheduled for students to attend in-person only Monday/Wednesday/Thursday. Staff hold open office hours on Tuesday/Friday for student support. Students should expect 5-8 hours of independent work outside of class, as is required by the HACC approved syllabus.

 

LITERACY I
700699
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Teacher Recommendation 

This Reading Intervention course is designed to provide targeted support for high school students who may benefit from additional assistance in developing their reading skills.  Focused on fostering a love for literature and enhancing comprehension, this course addresses individual learning needs to empower students as confident, independent readers. Throughout the semester and/or year, students will engage in a variety of strategies and activities aimed at improving their reading proficiency and overall comprehension.  The course employs a personalized approach, recognizing that each student has unique strengths and areas for growth.  Emphasis is placed on building essential reading skills that are foundational to success across academic disciplines.  


LITERACY II
700700
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of Literacy I and Teacher Recommendation

This Reading Intervention course is designed to provide targeted support for high school students who may benefit from additional assistance in developing their reading skills.  Focused on fostering a love for literature and enhancing comprehension, this course addresses individual learning needs to empower students as confident, independent readers. Throughout the semester and/or year, students will engage in a variety of strategies and activities aimed at improving their reading proficiency and overall comprehension.  The course employs a personalized approach, recognizing that each student has unique strengths and areas for growth.  Emphasis is placed on building essential reading skills that are foundational to success across academic disciplines.  


CREATIVE WRITING I
700705
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English courses and Teacher Recommendation 

This course provides students with a comprehensive study of the creative writing process.  Students read and examine professional models in various literary genres including, but not limited to, poetry, short story, and drama, and write creatively in these genres. Students in this course will create a variety of pieces for potential submission to contests or publications, or utilized as artifacts in their writing portfolios as evidence of growth or standards mastery.   

CREATIVE WRITING II
700708
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of Creative Writing I

This course will focus on advanced skills in creative writing. It continues the genre study and writing process students used in Creative Writing I. The course may be taken as an elective or half-credit toward the required English courses. Students will review mentor texts for advanced techniques and apply these methods to their own writing. They will produce works in selected genres that may include long and short-form fiction, poetry, creative essay, memoir, journalistic writing, and dramatic scripts. Students will have choices regarding genre and writing topics. Students will also pursue publication or contest opportunities to showcase their writing for a wider audience.  


COLLEGE SPEECH (HU COMM 110)
700790
1.0 Credit      1.06 Weight
Dual Enrollment 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English I and II
Students must enroll at Harrisburg University (HU) and pay tuition to receive college credits.

This course is a college in the high school course where students may earn three (3) college credits from Harrisburg University. This introductory communication course is designed to build practical communication skills and give students an awareness of the role of communication, both verbally and non-verbally. Through the process of learning the role of effective communication, students will build an understanding of the basic skills to communicate across disciplines both effectively and ethically. This course will offer students a number of opportunities to organize and prepare public speaking assignments, apply the techniques utilized in public speaking, and to present the results effectively to an audience. This course meets the speech class requirement at many colleges. College in the high school courses are typically scheduled for students to attend in-person only Monday/Wednesday/Thursday. Staff hold open office hours on Tuesday/Friday for student support.


STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
700792
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English I and II 

This course provides an opportunity to learn and practice the types and forms of writing associated with being both the employee and employer in a business setting. The etiquette and ethics of communications associated with corresponding in a workplace will be addressed and practiced. Students will learn how to write memos, emails, business letters, simple contracts, and address conflicts in the workplace professionally. This course is for students entering the workplace or military after graduation, and will not address forms of writing expected for college-bound learners. Students will be expected to create and produce writing, and projects demonstrating competency of the state standards and 21st century skills. 


WOMEN’S LITERATURE 
700803                                                  
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory Completion of English I and II

This course will focus on women’s literature historically and in the present day. The course is divided into guiding themes revolving around sexism and women’s sense of agency. This course explores the female condition through triumph, innovation, identity, and conflict. It will incorporate a blend of personalized learning, which will include projects, papers, multi-media production, and literature circles that satisfy state standards and 21st century skills.  Students will explore each of the course themes and demonstrate their learning through individual collaborative assessments and will participate in seminar discussions, engage in critical reading, purposeful writing, extemporaneous speaking, and formal individual and group presentations. By the end of the course, students will understand and be able to communicate women’s unique struggles and
triumphs, as represented in literature.


SOCIAL JUSTICE:  READ TO LEAD
700794
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory Completion of English I and II

This course is intended to provide a survey of nonfiction and fiction texts associated with the themes of race, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability and sexual orientation. This course is divided into three units following the culture and progression of the Native American, African American, and Latin American people groups. Throughout the semester, students will participate in a range of writing, speaking, and research activities. By the end of this course, students will develop a sense of agency in regards to participating in social justice through literature. The course will provide opportunities for reading, speaking, writing, and creating artifacts that represent learning using the PA State Standards and 21st century skills as a guide for lesson development.  


MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES
700795
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
NCAA 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory Completion of English I and II

This course is designed for students who have an interest in mythology, legends, folktales and urban legends from around the world. One unit of study will be on Green and Roman myths, heroes and villains, as they provide a basis for many products, vocabulary and allusions in the English language. Study of folktales from around the world will provide insight into cultural values and traditions.  A unit of urban legends completes this course with the study of high interest implausible occurrences. Students will be expected to create and produce writing and projects demonstrating competency of the state standards and 21st century skills.

  

MASS MEDIA I (INTRO TO FILM PRODUCTION)
700745
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight

This project oriented course is offered at our professional media studio and stresses specific content areas including the use of state-of-the-art digital video camcorders, drones, and other peripheral equipment. The class also focuses on preproduction skills such as storyboarding, writing, producing, and directing semester long projects. Editing will utilize the industry standard software Final Cut Pro and Motion, where the students learn the art of special effects including green screening and draw masking. Students will begin a media portfolio to feature their work that may be useful when applying to post-secondary schools and/or with potential employers when applying for jobs in this and other related fields. This is an introductory course with no prior experience necessary.  The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Red Land. 


MASS MEDIA II (ADVANCED FILM PRODUCTION)
700746
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight 
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory Completion of Mass Media I and Teacher Recommendation

The focus of this course is on digital video and advanced film techniques as well as advanced production techniques including the use of specialized lighting, sound, and script/storyboard writing. The software Motion will be prominent as state-of-the-art special effects will be introduced. Units may include the creation of a public service announcement as well as the creation of an allusion such as fake combat techniques.  Students will continue to amass their media portfolio to feature student work that may be useful when applying to post-secondary schools and/or with potential employers when applying for jobs in this field. The ability to work independently in class and outside of the school setting is a must.  The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Red Land. 

 

MASS MEDIA III (INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCTION & PORTFOLIO EXPANSION)
700770
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory Completion of Mass Media II and Teacher Recommendation

This course is the final building block of the three video production courses where the focus will be on advanced learning of software packages to include Final Cut Pro and Motion. Students will have an opportunity for real world applications such as working with local businesses/organizations/associations to create an advertising portfolio. Writing and producing a film trailer along with the completion of the professional student portfolios will be major components of the course. Students may also design individual modules in technology that will be used for both college and/or gaining skills to enter the workforce.  The course is offered to students from both high schools but is taught at Red Land.  


JOURNALISM I
700750
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English I course and Teacher Recommendation 

This course provides a comprehensive study of American journalism. Emphasis is placed on a brief history of the American newspaper, the power and responsibility of the press, and the various means of news gathering and types of news writing. Students learn to write in various journalistic styles and are able to explain the process of newspaper publication from news gathering to newspaper distribution. The class addresses the way technological advancements have altered the way we get and deliver news.

JOURNALISM II
700772
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of Journalism I and Teacher Recommendation

This course provides a comprehensive study of American journalism. Emphasis is placed on a brief history of the American newspaper, the power and responsibility of the press, and the various means of news gathering and types of news writing. Students learn to write in various journalistic styles and are able to explain the process of newspaper publication from news gathering to newspaper distribution. The class addresses the way technological advancements have altered the way we get and deliver news. They may work on the school newspaper as reporters, using word processing and desktop publishing technology. 

THEATER ARTS
700776
.5 Credit      1.0 Weight

This introductory course is designed for the student who wants to act in major plays, musicals, and competitive theater at the high school or career level or who simply wants an introduction to the theater.  Emphasis is on acting, play analysis, and play directing. Make-up techniques, basic set and costume design, and a brief history of theater are included.


YEARBOOK PUBLICATION
700780
1 Credit      1.0 Weight
Prerequisite(s):  Satisfactory completion of English courses and Teacher Recommendation

The objective of this course is not only to create the school yearbook, but to prepare students for a journalistic profession. The course involves direct experience with these journalistic skills:  organization, drawing and design, layout, financing, and production, as well as writing, editing, and proofreading.  

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