|
|
Coyle and Cassidy High School
2 Hamilton Street | Taunton, MA 02780 | Phone: 508.823.6164 | Fax: 508.823.2530 |
" Tradition Lives Here " |
|
|
|
English Department
All courses offered by the Coyle and Cassidy English Department are College Preparatory courses. All courses will have a writing lab component. All students are required to pass a Test of Fundamentals in English grammar and usage. ENGLISH I H – (Level 3) The freshman English program at the honors level is designed to meet the needs of students who are proficient in reading, writing, and communication skills. The course will include a review of the fundamentals of English grammar and usage. Writing is a major component of the course, which includes the completion of a short research essay. Literature study includes the four genres and the literary techniques used in each, as well as an introduction to William Shakespeare’s work. The theme of prejudice is explored in several novels; vocabulary study completes the course. The technology component of the course includes instruction in the use of Inspiration software and Microsoft applications to develop, arrange, and outline ideas; create a bibliography; record and sort electronic notes; draft and revise essays; and create PowerPoint presentations. PREREQUISITES:
Note: Students wishing to be moved to Honors Level during the school year must pass the fundamentals test first. METHODOLOGY: Lecture, class discussion, cooperative learning, independent work, use of technology. HOMEWORK: 6 to 7 hours per cycle; includes outside reading assignments and research/written assignments. OUTSIDE READING: Most reading done outside of classroom; on-going to keep up with demands of classroom discussion; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECT/PAPERS: Major projects and/or papers; research and writing assignments on a regular basis; much independent writing. REVIEW FOR EXAM: Study guides distributed to students; no review in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73 (C) by the end of the first semester, the student may be moved to a lower level for manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH I A– (Level 2.5) An introduction to the four literary genres, this course is designed to foster in students an appreciation of literature and a love of reading. Emphasis is placed on higher thinking skills. The text is supplemented by several novels or plays, which present the theme of prejudice and serve as a basis for discussion of this theme. The course will also include an intensive review of the fundamentals of English grammar and usage in preparation for the English Fundamentals Test. Composition writing includes the use of technology for word processing and research. Vocabulary study completes the course. The technology component of the course includes instruction in the use of Inspiration software and Microsoft applications to develop, arrange, and outline ideas; create a bibliography; record and sort electronic notes; draft and revise essays; and create PowerPoint presentations. PREREQUISITES:
Note: Students wishing to be moved to Advanced Level during the school year must pass the fundamentals test first. METHODOLOGY: Lecture; cooperative learning: independent work; directed literary interpretation with an emphasis on higher-level thinking skills; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 6 hours per cycle. OUTSIDE READING: Much reading done outside of classroom; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Major paper and/or major writing assignments; much independent writing; alternative assessment. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; little or no reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73(C), the student should be moved to a lower level for more manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH I CP - (Level 2) This course is an introduction to the four literary genres with emphasis on comprehension and interpretation. Also included is instruction in grammar, usage, and writing. The course encourages reading through selected novels and works from the literature text. This course provides technology instruction to broaden and enrich writing and research skills and to demonstrate practical and real-world applications. Vocabulary study is also an important part of the course. The technology component of the course includes instruction in the use of Inspiration software and Microsoft applications to develop, arrange, and outline ideas; create a bibliography; record and sort electronic notes; draft and revise essays; and create PowerPoint presentations. METHODOLOGY: Lecture; independent study; much reinforcement and use of study guides; cooperative learning; oral presentations; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 5 hours per cycle OUTSIDE READING: Limited selection of works to enrich the literary genre/period being covered; some reading done in class; material appropriate for the reading ability of the average student. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Compositions assigned on a regular basis; much teacher direction. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; some reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). A grade below 73 (C) may indicate a lack of adequate reading and writing skills for grade level.
ENGLISH I CPB – (Level 1) This course is an introduction to the four literary genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Three novels or plays with the theme of prejudice, chosen for their high interest level and accessibility, supplement the text. Writing instruction focuses on the development of effective sentences, paragraphs and essays. Technology instruction is also provided for the purposes of writing and research. Intensive drill in the fundamentals of English grammar and usage will also be included in preparation for the fundamentals test. Vocabulary development completes the course. The technology component of the course includes instruction in the use of Inspiration software and Microsoft applications to develop, arrange, and outline ideas; create a bibliography; record and sort electronic notes; draft and revise essays; and create PowerPoint presentations. METHODOLOGY: Informal lecture; class discussion; cooperative learning, independent work; use of technology; much teacher direction. HOMEWORK: Daily assignments which provide reinforcement and practice. OUTSIDE READING: Reading assignments are done both outside and inside the classroom. PROJECT/PAPERS: Writing assignments on a regular basis with much teacher direction; midterm/final exam or assessment. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; much reviewing done in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F).
ENGLISH II H – (Level 3) Through this in-depth interdisciplinary survey of American civilization from colonial times to the present, students will develop an appreciation of American literature, history, and art. This course is taught by members of the English and Fine Arts Departments; integrated materials will supplement textbooks. The course is open only to sophomores who meet the prerequisites. This course may include several field trips that incur an additional cost. PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, class discussion, cooperative learning, independent work, use of technology. HOMEWORK: 6 to 7 hours per cycle, may include outside reading assignments, research/written assignments. OUTSIDE READING: Most reading done outside of classroom; on-going to keep up with demands of classroom discussion; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECT/PAPERS: Major projects and/or papers; research and writing assignments on a regular basis; much independent writing. REVIEW FOR EXAM: Study guides distributed to students; no review in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73 (C) by the end of the first semester, the student may be moved to a lower level for more manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH II A – (Level 2.5) This is a course in which major selected works in American literature are studied and discussed. In this course, students are encouraged to be creative in their written and oral expression while applying the rules of Standard English usage. In their study of literature, students are directed to critically analyze and identify the religious, philosophical, historical and literary themes of American writers. Four novels are assigned in the course of the school year for independent reading. A major Shakespearean play, Julius Caesar, is also part of the program. Computer technology is used for research and writing. PREREQUISITES:
Note: Students wishing to be moved to Advanced Level during the school year must pass the fundamentals test first. METHODOLOGY: Lecture; cooperative learning: independent work; directed literary interpretation; emphasis on higher-level thinking skills; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 6 hours per cycle. OUTSIDE READING: Much reading done outside of classroom; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Major paper and/or major writing assignments; much independent writing; alternative assessment. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; little or no reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73(C), the student should be moved to a lower level for more manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH II CP - (Level 2) A survey course in American literature from Native American times to the present, English II aims to promote a love of our country’s literature. In addition, the Shakespearean play Julius Caesar is studied. The course will also focus on the rules of formal writing and English grammar and usage. Students will use computer technology to write essays, to do research, and to create presentations. Vocabulary development is also included. METHODOLOGY: Lecture; independent study; much reinforcement and use of study guides; cooperative learning; oral presentations; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 5 hours per cycle OUTSIDE READING: Limited selection of works to enrich the literary genre/period being covered; some reading done in class; material appropriate for the reading ability of the average student. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Compositions assigned on a regular basis; much teacher direction. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; some reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). A grade below 73 (C) indicates a lack of adequate reading and writing skills for grade level.
ENGLISH II CPB – (Level 1) This course is a survey of American literature from Colonial times to the present. In addition, the Shakespearean play Julius Caesar is studied. Vocabulary development is provided by the study of words in context as well as the use of exercises in the vocabulary text. Writing instruction emphasizes the application of the rules of Standard English usage and the construction of essays that are unified and coherent. Students will use computer technology to create both essays and class presentations. METHODOLOGY: Informal lecture; class discussion; cooperative learning, independent work; use of technology; much teacher direction. HOMEWORK: Daily assignments which provide reinforcement and practice. OUTSIDE READING: Reading assignments are done both outside and inside the classroom. PROJECT/PAPERS: Writing assignments on a regular basis with much teacher direction; midterm/final exam or assessment. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; much reviewing done in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F).
ENGLISH III H – (Level 3) This level presents a general survey of English literature from the first known writings of the Anglo-Saxon period to the twentieth century. The course traces the development of the English language, literature and theater in relation to cultural theory. The text is supplemented by an in-depth study of several novels chosen for the challenge they present. The course also involves a study of vocabulary in preparation for the SAT and instruction in grammar and writing. Compositions are designed to correlate with the literature studied. A term paper is also required. In this course, students will use computer technology to take notes electronically, to develop a web page, and to create a power point presentation. PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, class discussion, cooperative learning, independent work, use of technology. HOMEWORK: 6 to 7 hours per cycle; may include outside reading assignments, research/written assignments. OUTSIDE READING: Most reading done outside of classroom; on-going to keep up with demands of classroom discussion; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECT/PAPERS: Major projects and/or papers; research and writing assignments on a regular basis; much independent writing. REVIEW FOR EXAM: Study guides distributed to students; no review in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73 (C) by the end of the first semester, the student may be moved to a lower level for more manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH III A – (Level 2.5) Offers instruction to the advanced student in literature, vocabulary, and writing. An appreciation of our English heritage is fostered through a general survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the twentieth century. The course also traces the development of the English language, literature and theater in relation to English civilization. Novels written by English and Irish authors supplement the text. Included in this course is a study of vocabulary in preparation for the SAT. Writing skills are developed by both composition work and research paper writing. Students use computer technology for research and writing. PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture; cooperative learning: independent work; directed literary interpretation; emphasis on higher-level thinking skills; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 6 hours per cycle. OUTSIDE READING: Much reading done outside of classroom; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Major paper and/or major writing assignments; much independent writing; alternative assessment. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; little or no reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73(C), the student should be moved to a lower level for more manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH III CP - (Level 2) English III at the standard college-prep level presents a general survey of English literature from the first known writings of the Anglo-Saxon period to the twentieth century. The course traces the development of the English language, literature and theater in relation to the English civilization. The text is supplemented by several novels. The course also involves a study of vocabulary in preparation for the SAT, instruction in grammar and composition, and the mastery of the skills necessary to complete a research paper, including electronic research tools. Public speaking skills are developed through varied oral assignments and presentations. METHODOLOGY: Lecture; independent study; much reinforcement and use of study guides; cooperative learning; oral presentations; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 5 hours per cycle OUTSIDE READING: Limited selection of works to enrich the literary genre/period being covered; some reading done in class; material appropriate for the reading ability of the average student. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Compositions assigned on a regular basis; much teacher direction REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; some reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). AP ENGLISH – (Level 4) In Advanced Placement English, the students are engaged in the critical reading and analysis of literature. They study challenging works of literary merit, including novels, essays, short stories, and poetry. Examined in each work are its literary techniques, language, characters, structure, themes, and its relationship to contemporary experience as well as to the times in which it was written. The course also includes a research paper on the works of a major author; computer applications are used for writing and research. Students who enroll in the Advanced Placement course should be highly motivated and capable of doing college-level work. All students are required to take the AP exam in the spring. PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture; class discussion; independent critical analysis of poetry, drama, novels, and essays; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 6 to 7 hours per cycle; may include timed and un-timed exercises and essays of literary analysis; independent reading. OUTSIDE READING: Great deal of outside reading; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Several papers, alternative assessment. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). Students receiving grades lower than C may be asked to consider dropping to a lower level with a more manageable workload.
ENGLISH IV H – (Level 3) This course involves a comprehensive study of the themes of identity and diversity. Students will read and interpret challenging literary works from all four genres concerning five different themes. Writing assignments will include a working journal, critical essays, personal essays, and a major research paper. Computer technology is used for research and writing. As a result of this in-depth study, the student will come to an understanding of his or her own identity and the world. PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture, class discussion, cooperative learning, independent work, use of technology. HOMEWORK: 6 to 7 hours per cycle; may include outside reading assignments, research/written assignments. OUTSIDE READING: Most reading done outside of classroom; on-going to keep up with demands of classroom discussion; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECT/PAPERS: Major projects and/or papers; research and writing assignments on a regular basis; much independent writing. REVIEW FOR EXAM: Study guides distributed to students; no review in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F). If grade is below 73 (C) by the end of the first semester, the student may be moved to a lower level for more manageable workload and material.
ENGLISH IV A – (Level 2.5) This course will focus on critical thinking and writing skills and a study of the theme of identity in literature. Proficiency in Standard English usage is assumed; a minimal review of usage will be conducted, based on the needs of the students as revealed in their writing. At the end of this course, students will come to a comprehensive understanding of their own identity. Writing will include both expository and critical essays; a term paper is required. Computer technology is used for writing and research. PREREQUISITES:
METHODOLOGY: Lecture; cooperative learning; independent work; directed literary interpretation with an emphasis on higher-level thinking skills; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 6 hours per cycle. OUTSIDE READING: Much reading done outside of classroom; works chosen for the challenge they present. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Major paper and/or major writing assignments; much independent writing; alternative assessment. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; little or no reviewing in class. MARKING: School’s marking system (A-F).
ENGLISH IV CP - (Level 2) This course is designed to introduce students to the search for identity and its use as a theme in literature. Through this course the student will come to an understanding of his or her own identity. An in-depth study of poetry is an essential component of the course, which also acquaints students with Greek mythology, civilization, and the origins of drama. Finally, it aims to refine research and writing skills, and to strengthen the students’ skills in vocabulary and English usage. Students will use technology for research and writing. METHODOLOGY: Lecture; independent study; much reinforcement and use of study guides; cooperative learning; oral presentations; use of technology. HOMEWORK: 4 to 5 hours per cycle OUTSIDE READING: Limited selection of works to enrich the literary genre/period being covered; some reading done in class; material appropriate for the reading ability of the average student. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Compositions assigned on a regular basis; much teacher direction. REVIEW FOR EXAMS: Study guides distributed to students; some reviewing in class. MARKING: School's marking system (A-F).
21st CENTURY BROADCAST JOURNALISM – ( Level 3) This course involves a hands-on study of 21st century media: text/print, audio and video. Students will learn news-writing style, and news-editing as they create a school newspaper. Students will then progress to audio/video production. Students will also gain a basic knowledge of the history of media development over the past 100 years. Computer technology is integrated throughout the coursework. As a result of this in-depth study, the student will gain first-hand knowledge of how to produce a variety of finished media products using different writing/scripting styles – and a discernment of the quality of media he/she encounters. PREREQUISITES: * “B” Grade average or better in English III, or recommendation of course instructors in collaboration with department chair * Excellent writing skills and evidence of good effort and self-motivation METHODOLOGY: Lecture, cooperative learning through wikis and Moodle forums, independent work, use of technology. HOMEWORK: Research, the writing of news stories, worksheets, and reading assignments. PROJECT/PAPERS: Authentic learning projects will be assigned in the form of articles in a school newspaper, wikis, podcasts on Moodle, and video projects. EVALUATION: Mid-term and final exams will consist of projects. Final grade for each quarter will consist mainly of projects, but also tests, quizzes and homework worksheets. MARKING: In accordance with the school’s letter grading system. ENROLLMENT: Limited to 22 students (decided by lottery if more than 22 apply)
CREATIVE WRITING – (Level 2) This is a semester course for those who enjoy writing--poetry, personal essays, and short stories-- and would enjoy communicating with a sense of craftsmanship and the joy of creation. This is not a remedial course. PREREQUISITE: · B average in English METHODOLOGY: Lecture; independent study; peer editing/critiquing. HOMEWORK: Reading and writing assignments. OUTSIDE READING: May include textbook readings or articles from various sources on the art of writing. PROJECTS/PAPERS: Writing assignments on a regular basis; portfolio; final project. MARKING: School's marking system (A-F).
MEDIA LITERACY/CULTURAL THEORY - (Level 3) Prerequisite: An essay to be given to Mrs. Fournier on the first day of arena scheduling. Write an essay in which you discuss how the media manipulates our culture and influences our individual thought process, giving concrete evidence to back up your argument. This course will examine pop culture and the effect of the media upon society. Through various mediums, students will gain a level of media literacy necessary to filter through the various messages sent to the “MTV Generation.” Students will compare and contrast the media of today with the media of yesterday, and learn how each relates to the problems of the day. Media clips include news broadcasts, sitcoms, dramas, and an in-depth look at MTV. We will also be analyzing the various industries which perpetuate these messages, what images they embrace, and what audiences their messages are aimed toward. This class will be a rigorous course in critical thinking and interpretation. Formal papers will be assigned throughout the year, in addition to quizzes, tests, and projects. The final for this class will be a video project in which students will create their own 30-minute sitcom. METHODOLOGY: Lecture, class discussions, individual research. HOMEWORK: 2-3 hours per cycle. OUTSIDE READING: Textbook and other print media. PROJECT/PAPERS: Formal papers; journalistic writing; alternative assessment. MARKING: School’s grading system (A-F).
LITERATURE AND HOLLYWOOD (Level 3) This honors- level elective will analyze a literary work and its movie counterpart. Students will be asked to read a selection of literary works while focusing on the themes of identity and hero. After a thorough discussion and analysis of the text, students will view the movie version of the literary work and make a comprehension comparison of the two mediums. Students will be asked to analyze each work independently and will be expected to develop their critical thinking skills in order to examine the similarities and differences between the presentations of the major themes. Literary works may include The Iliad, Much Ado About Nothing, Taming of the Shrew, Othello, Pride and Prejudice, A Street Car Named Desire, Harry Potter, The Polar Express, Jurassic Park, A Time to Kill, and Short Stories from Stephen King. (The list is subject to change). Throughout the course an appreciation of transcendent literary themes will be fostered. Prerequisites:
Methodology: Lecture; cooperative learning; independent work; emphasis on higher-level critical thinking skills; use of technology. Homework: 6 to 8 hours per cycle Outside Reading: Much reading done outside of classroom; works chosen for the challenge they present. Projects/ papers: Major paper and/ or major writing assignments; much independent writing; alternative assessment. Review for Exams: Study guides will be distributed for literary works.
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
FRESHMEN
