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EN12013 English 9
EN13023 English 9 Honors
These courses combine the study of language and literature, including the short story, the novel, drama, the essay, and the narrative and lyrical poem, with a writing focus. These courses integrate research and writing skills with the study of vocabulary, grammar and literary classics. Special emphasis is given to basic language review, effective sentence writing, and paragraph development. Honors placement is made by the department and is based on teacher recommendation, placement scores, and prior grades. The final grade of the honors course is weighted. Either of these two courses satisfies the graduation “writing intensive” requirement.
Semesters: 2
EN21023 English 10 Basic
Prerequisite: English 9
Designed for students whose reading and writing skills are more than a year below grade level, this course remediates reading and writing skills using high interest stories and novels. Colleges do not accept this course as an entrance requirement. Placement in this team-taught course is made by the reading and English departments based on teacher recommendation and placement tests.
Semesters: 2
EN22043 English 10
EN23053 English 10 Honors
These courses build upon the language arts skills established in English 9. Thematically-based units of instruction will reflect more difficult literary selections and writing which has more complex structure and vocabulary. Students will study the research process more in depth. Honors placement is made by the department and is based on teacher recommendation, placement scores, and prior grades. The final grade of the honors course is weighted. Note: Students enrolled in English 10 Honors will participate in a summer reading program.
Semesters: 2
EN55065 Introduction to Speech
This is a course designed to teach students the basic elements of the communication process, further their listening skills, and afford students the opportunity to perform several different types of speeches in front of an audience. This class will stress the research, organization, and nonverbal aspects of speech presentation. Students will also study group dynamics and have the opportunity to work in small groups to discuss current issues. This course is one semester and is a graduation requirement.
Semester: 1
EN31233 English 11 Basic
Prerequisite: English 10
Designed for students whose reading and writing skills are more than a year below grade level, this course explores American literature from the Colonial period to the present to understand the chronological development of our national literature. Reading and writing are integrated; research skills are developed. Colleges do not accept this course as an entrance requirement.
Semester: 2
EN32083 English 11
EN33093 English 11 Honors
This courses surveys American literature from the Colonial period to the present. Much attention is given to our American heritage and to the development of American ideals and culture. Well-organized compositions are expected, and there is an extensive library research project.
Semester: 2
EN32083 American Studies English
This course is open to all juniors and will satisfy the requirements for English 11. Two periods count for American history and English 11 graduation requirements. An English teacher and a history teacher cooperate to develop important themes in American culture; students learn connections between our country's literature and its history. In addition to history and literature, American Studies explores other aspects of our culture such as art, music, and architecture. Additional resources outside the traditional classroom, supplemental speakers, and field trips are also used to enrich the American Studies curriculum. The classes frequently cooperate on common projects designed to help develop reading, writing and thinking skills. American Studies meets for two consecutive periods, and two credits in English and two credits in American History are earned for the year's study. An extensive research project is required.
Semesters: 2 (2 periods per day)
EN33093 AP English Language and Composition
Prerequisite: Departmental approval. Students will be selected by teacher recommendation, writing, English GPA of B or better and standardized test scores.
This course offers a challenging program of literary study and rhetorical analysis designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Test in Language and Composition. The curriculum includes an emphasis on major American writers and some world authors and philosophers of comparable literary merit. The primary focus will be on American fiction and nonfiction. Students participate in a summer reading program that requires a reading of several texts and the writing of critical responses. This is a high-weighted course. Students will take the AP exam, which currently costs $82.00. A satisfactory score on this exam could result in students receiving college credit and/or advanced placement in those colleges that accept advanced placement credits. This course satisfies the English 11 requirement for graduation.
Semesters: 2
EN42115 College Bound English
Prerequisite: English 11
College Bound English is a one-semester course that focuses upon improving the expository writing skills needed for a successful college career. Students will write in many of the formats required at the collegiate level, and will strengthen their critical thinking skills. Because many four-year colleges require a full fourth year of English, it is recommended that students take College Bound English in conjunction with Modern Literature. Course subject matter may contain mature content.
Semesters: 1
EN44133 AP English Literature and Composition
Prerequisite: Departmental approval. Students will be selected by teacher recommendation, writing sample, English GPA of B or better and standardized test scores.
This course offers a challenging program of literary analysis designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement Test in Literature and Composition. The curriculum includes an emphasis on major English and some world authors of comparable merit from Sophocles to Shakespeare with an emphasis on British literature. Students participate in a summer reading program that requires the reading of several texts and the writing of critical responses. This is a high-weighted course. Students will take the AP exam, which currently costs $82.00. A satisfactory score on this exam could result in students receiving college credit and/or advanced placement in those colleges that accept advanced placement credit.
Semester: 2
EN45105 Creative Writing
Prerequisite: English 10
This course is an elective open to students in grades 11 and 12. Students will write, read, and analyze fiction. Several projects may include poetry, a one-act play, a short story, and, time permitting, a children's book. Ongoing work will include brainstorming sessions, literary analysis, practice of fictional writing techniques, definitions of fictional terms, reports on authors, and writer's workshop sessions in the Writing Lab.
Semester: 1
EN45163 New Humanities (Year) WB
EN45165 New Humanities (Semester) AT
Prerequisite: English 11 and senior standing
This course weaves together the study of film, literature, art, philosophy, psychology, history and social issues. It stresses communication, focusing upon the ways that film and required readings relay their messages. Students submit a variety of types of writing assignments: essays, reviews, and critical analyses. New Humanities combines the study of visual and written expression, and emphasizes a variety of thinking skills. This course may contain mature subject matter.
Semesters: 1 or 2
EN45175 Modern Literature
Prerequisite: English 11
Students will study Post-modernism through prose, drama, non-fiction and poetry of American and world literature from 1950 to the present. This literature reflects the tensions of the Cold War, the conflicts of the 1960’s, debates over civil rights and widely varying literary styles. The focus will be upon reading skills and vocabulary development. It is the recommended companion course to College Bound English. Course subject matter may contain mature content.
Semester: 1
EN55135 Introduction to Theatre Arts
This fine arts class is open to all students and is a full-credit, one semester English course. It will provide an overview of the Theatre Arts, from historical perspectives to current theatre. It will focus on various areas of theatre; the technical areas (including scenery, lights, props, costumes); the performance areas (including mime, improv and basic acting skills); and production concerns. Students will complete various projects demonstrating skills in these areas, including putting on their own performances.
Semester: 1
Additional courses offered at Addison Trail HS:
EN22073 English 10 - Journalism
Prerequisite: A or B in English 9 and consent of instructor.
This course, an English-Journalism combination, may be taken in lieu of the regular English 10 requirement. Students electing this course will concentrate on developing their communication skills in the collecting, writing, and editing of news. In addition to reading, interpreting, and evaluating newspaper information, they will learn about the rights, responsibilities, and power of the press. Class activities will focus on helping students become effective communicators. Students will also study literature, further developing the comprehension and evaluation skills begun in the English 9 course.
Semester: 2
EN45125 Basic Communication Skills
This review course for juniors and seniors emphasizes those basic language skills required for successful communication as adults. Although the course is designed to aid those pursuing additional education, it is invaluable for any student needing help in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Emphasis is also given to the writing of clear, concise, correct sentences and paragraphs.
Semester: 1
EN55143 Applied Journalism - Torch
Prerequisite: English 10/Journalism or consent of the instructor.
Applied Journalism staffers produce the school newspaper. These journalists interview, take notes, write, and sell advertising; they practice real-life newspaper publication. They have to meet deadlines and be reporters.
Semester: 2
EN55153 Advanced Applied Journalism - Torch
Prerequisite: English 10/Journalism or consent of the instructor.
Advanced Applied Journalism staffers make up the editorial staff of the Torch; they are the leaders of the staff. They are in charge of designing and laying out the paper. In addition to reporting and writing, they complete a number of journalism related projects.
Semester: 2
EN55183 Attribute
Prerequisite: Subject to advisor approval
Staff members plan and publish the school yearbook. Utilizing desktop publishing software, students develop creativity and teamwork. Journalism skills writing, editing, layout are demanded. Above average English ability required. A special application should be submitted, along with teacher recommendations.
Semester: 2
Additional courses offered at Willowbrook HS:
EN12013 English 9 World Studies (EXCEL)
The World Studies Program is an integrated approach to the 9th grade core subjects of English and World History. The course’s expectations are to become involved in Willowbrook activities and to achieve academic excellence. The double period class pairs English 9 and World History. Curricula are designed to integrate these disciplines starting with the earliest literary and historical periods to the modern era. Students who enroll in the World Studies Program receive credits for both English and History.
Semesters: 2
EN42233 English Literature
EN43243 English Literature Honors
Prerequisite: English 11
For college-bound students, this course provides a chronological study of English literature, which includes the study of major English authors from Beowulf to Chaucer and Shakespeare to Conrad and Shaw. Honors placement is made by the department and is based on teacher recommendation, placement scores, and prior grades. Students participate in a summer reading program that requires the reading of several texts and written responses. The English Literature Honors course is a weighted grade.
Semesters: 2
EN45223 American Cultures: Contemporary Literature and the Arts
Prerequisite: English 11
This course will examine the various cultures of contemporary America as they are reflected in the literature, film, music, and art that have been produced during the last fifty years. Students will use the journey motif to examine the American dream, immigration, minority perspectives, and America's role in the world. Creative projects based on a variety of writing styles will be collected in a course yearbook. This course contains mature content.
Semesters: 2
EN55225 Introduction to Speech/Technology
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
This course is an integrated English/Business Education course designed to teach students the basic elements of oral communication in combination with technology. Students will perform several different types of speeches utilizing presentation software. The class also will stress research, listening skills, and the impact technology can bring to the communication process. This course is one semester/one period and fulfills the Speech graduation requirement.
Semesters: 1
EN55245 Public Speaking and Mass Communication
Prerequisite: Intro to Speech or Speech Tech with at least a C average
The purpose of this class is to give students the opportunity to develop skills necessary to present facts, ideas, or information in a number of different formats which include informative speeches, persuasive speeches, debate and news broadcast. Students will learn different techniques in analyzing audiences, interviewing skills and oral presentation skills. Students will be introduced to mass media and its effectiveness in our society. Students will also have the opportunity to videotape a live news broadcast in a studio.
Semesters: 1
EN55255 Theatre Arts II
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts
Students elect two different nine-week programs. Nine-week courses will provide an in-depth study of a specific skill. The nine-week programs include acting, directing, theatre history, drama as literature, oral interpretation, play writing, costume, lighting and theatre makeup. Emphasis is on student participation.
Semesters: 1 (2nd semester)
EN55265 Acting I
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts or senior status
Students work on analyzing and developing characters in order to perform scenes. Fun and dynamic units on film and television, pantomime, improvisation and ensemble building will prepare students for the final performance project.
Semesters: 1
EN55275 Advanced Acting
Prerequisite: Acting I
For the serious actor! Students will read, analyze and perform modern comedy/drama and Shakespeare. Students will also learn to master audition, improvisation, movement and vocal skills. They will also explore the personal/societal history of their characters and synthesize improvisation, movement, and vocal work into character development. Performances include monologues, scenes, and potentially a play.
Semester: 1
EN55285 Production Technology
This course focuses on the basic elements of stage technology, including lights, sound and how to run a production. Students will get the chance to assist in the design of a second semester event. This "hands on" class meets in the auditorium.
Semesters: 2 (course may be taken for 1 or 2 semesters)
EN55293 Drama Staff
Prerequisite: Interested students need to apply in spring before being admitted to staff.
Students assist in the set-up and production of the many events that occur in our auditorium. Students are taught the basics of stagecraft, lighting, sound, properties and theatre safety. Students who have completed the Production Technology course will be provided with opportunities for leadership and/or design. This "hands on" class meets in the auditorium
Semesters: 2
EN55303 Centurion
Prerequisite: Interested students must go through an application process in spring before being admitted to staff.
Capture history in the making! Those who demonstrate a proficiency in writing or layout design can apply to be part of the staff who create the award-winning yearbook. Staff members conduct interviews, write stories, take photographs, edit, and use computers to design page-layouts. To be on staff, students must demonstrate proficiency in writing or computer skills and be capable of working independently.
Semesters: 2
EN55313 Skyline
Prerequisite: Application process for all grade levels.
Have we got news for you! Those who demonstrate a proficiency in writing or layout design can apply to be a part of the Skyline staff. Staff members write the copy for the monthly student newspaper, take photographs, edit, sell ads, and use staff computers to lay out each page. To be on staff, students must demonstrate proficiency in writing or computer skills and be capable of working independently.
Semesters: 2
