English Department

All students need four credits in English—one of which must be Patterns of Literature & Learning and one of which must be Perspectives of Literature—in order to graduate. Generally these are taken in the 9th and 10th grade years. Students may select from a variety of electives in their 11th and 12th grade years to complete their requirements. All English courses for grades 9 through 11 will be heterogeneous with an embedded advanced credit opportunity determined by the body of student work as it relates to the course objectives and targets.

The following course is considered an elective English class and, therefore, does not fulfill one of the four English graduation requirements.

• 0092 Public Speaking & Debate 2

The following English classes do grant a credit toward the four credit graduation requirement:

• 0035 American Literature & Composition
• 0070 Creative Writing
• 0041 English & Composition (Advanced)
• 0042 English Literature & Composition (Advanced Placement)*
• 0071 Film Study
• 0097 Immersed in Verse: Playing with Poetry
• 0800 Learning Through Place
• 0073 Media Literacy: Overcoming Information Overload
• 0015 Patterns of Literature
• 0025 Perspectives in Literature
• 0045 Professional Communication & Composition
• 0091 Public Speaking & Debate 1
• 0077 Student Directed English Project

Patterns of Literature 

Course number: 0015
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

All students must enroll in and pass Patterns. All freshmen students, unless otherwise recommended by staff, must enroll in this course. This is a heterogeneously grouped survey course that will expose students to the power of story through drama, short fiction, and other longer works.

Public Speaking & Debate 1

Course number: 0091
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course gives students an opportunity to practice and develop public speaking skills through creating individual speeches, logical debate speeches and evidence-based debate speeches. Students will become more effective speakers by working on voice, presentation and organization. The skills that students will practice are research, argumentation, logic, analysis, organization, effective presentation, and teamwork. The purpose in this class is to empower students to become more comfortable with public speaking and present themselves with confidence.

Public Speaking & Debate 2 

Course number: 0092
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Public Speaking & Debate 1
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course is designed for students who want continued growth in public speaking and debate. Whereas, level 1 students are introduced to public speaking, research, organization and argumentation, level 2 students are expected to improve on these foundational skills and work toward greater proficiency. Level 2 students are also expected to be mentors to level 1 students and assist in debate instruction and rounds. Debate 2 is considered an elective class and, therefore, does not fulfill one of the four English graduation requirements.

Perspectives in Literature

Course number: 0025
Open to: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Patterns of Literature
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

Perspectives in Literature will emphasize the reading and analysis of complex texts spanning a range of time periods and geographic locations to explore the perspectives of others. This course will utilize excerpts and larger works, as well as independently chosen material to explore a range of cultures.

Immersed in Verse: Playing with Poetry

Course number: 0097
Open to: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Patterns of Literature
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course will explore a variety of poetic styles and themes employed by different writers. In addition to reading, listening to, and understanding poetry, this course will also provide students with an opportunity to create some of their own. All students will create an anthology, showcasing their work and other poetry that caught their attention. This course is perfect for the established poet or for the student who just wants to learn more about poetry.

Creative Writing 

Course number: 0070
Open to: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

In this course, students will explore the major literary elements of creative writing through the lens of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Short readings in each genre will be paired with writing assignments addressing various elements of the forms. Students will also complete a long term project in the genre of their choice.

Learning Through Place

Course number: 0800
Open to: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Scheduled: 2 Blocks Fall / Spring

In this course, students will be challenged to think critically about the place we live. Students will learn the story of our place in Vermont and the Upper Valley through community-based learning, as well as direct hands-on experiences with the land, people, businesses, and cultural elements of our region. All students will receive an English and Social Studies credit. A great choice if you like to explore, question, be active, and get outside. Please note, this is a TWO-block course.

Film Study 

Course number: 0071
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

In this course, students will be introduced to major film terms, techniques, and narrative structures in order to understand how films are constructed to make meaning. Major films, both classic and contemporary, will be examined for these elements. Students will also complete a long term project in either the creation of a film or the study of a particular genre or auteur.

Media Literacy: Overcoming Information Overload

Course number: 0073
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course will examine the many ways in which the media influences everyone and everything. The first half of the course will focus on the basics of micromessaging, bias, advertising, and types of media. The second half of the course will be spent applying that knowledge to popular movies, shows, news outlets, books, artwork, and more.

American Literature and Composition

Course number: 0035
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature or teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This course explores themes central to American culture and identity through both modern and classic texts. Students will use novels, poetry, film, historical documents, and nonfiction writing to enhance their critical thinking and analysis skills. Themes and concepts such as freedom, the realities of the American Dream, society’s influence on the individual, and others will be explored. The course also focuses on elevating voices often left out of the overarching American narrative and is designed to respond to student needs and interests. This course requires reading outside of class.

Professional Communication & Composition

Course number: 0045
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature and one additional English credit
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

In this course students will develop communication and composition skills and will work collaboratively to develop their ability to analyze and interpret information, write professional documents, and speak effectively. Students will also pursue research on a question or problem of their choice and produce a paper that reflects a deep understanding of a topic. This course can be taken for college credit through dual enrollment with the Community College of Vermont.

English & Composition (Advanced) 

Course number: 0041
Open to: Grades 12
Prerequisite: American Literature (A) and teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

Advanced English & Composition emphasizes the power of clear and articulate language. Here students will implement their knowledge of literary conventions and how they serve to create communicative art forms. There is a heavy emphasis in writing conventions (grammar, usage and mechanics) and their application toward the critical writing of both texts and film: poetic, dramatic, fictional, informational and persuasive. The instructor assumes that all students enrolled will exhibit the motivation and interest of those who are seeking post-secondary education. *There is a pre-reading and writing component to this course that MUST be completed before the course begins--NO EXCEPTIONS.

English Literature & Composition (Advanced Placement)

Course number: 0042
Open to: Grades 12
Prerequisite: Advanced English & Composition and teacher recommendation
Scheduled: 1 Block Spring

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is for students who wish to take the AP Literature Exam through The College Board. Poetry, drama and fictional works are the core topics of study and serve as the tools for literary criticism through precise analyses of literature. In order to best prepare students for the AP exam, they will read extensively, become familiar with literary terminology and classifications, and write numerous critical essays. This course is for students who exhibit college level motivation and interest in literature.

Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP exam in the spring as part of the course requirements. *Exam expectation: A student enrolling in this course will take the AP exam in May. There is an exam fee and this fee should not be a deterrent for enrollment. See the English Department Coordinator for financial assistance.

Student Directed English Project 

Course number: 0077
Open to: Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Perspectives in Literature
Scheduled: 1 Block Fall / Spring

This is an English class for students who want to explore their own interests and hobbies through self-directed projects. Students will have the opportunity to select their own topic, develop their own plan, and present a project to teachers, peers, and community members. Students will work in a non-traditional classroom setting where teachers and peers support each other through the process of research, writing and presenting.