English I: This course emphasizes the fundamental language skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, viewing, and presenting. An emphasis on vocabulary and composition skills will be an on-going part of the program. The course includes studies of various literary genres: short stories, poetry, novel, drama, and non-fiction. The development of critical reading and writing skills is a major emphasis on the course.
English II: English II introduces students to literature from a diverse, global perspective. Students read, discuss, and examine both classical and contemporary world literature through which they will identify historical and cultural significance. Through the study of multiple genres, English II students will build off of their previous foundational English skills, and begin focusing on analyzing the author’s purpose and style, while developing nuanced critical thinking skills related to Socratic questioning in literature.
English III: English III Language and Composition is focused on cultivating students’ understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. By the end of this course, students will be able to develop an organized, meaningful argument through written discourse, as well as use their research skills to identify credibility, purpose, and argumentative techniques used to persuade an audience.
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition: The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods.
English IV: English Literature and Composition focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about literature such as fiction, poetry, drama from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of fiction to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify structure, style, and themes, as well as their use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism within literature, along with formulating written composition and analyzing the text as well.
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition: The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
Advanced Placement Seminar - AP Capstone Diploma: AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
Advanced Placement Research - AP Capstone Diploma: Prerequisite - AP Seminar AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.