Course Descriptions

English I	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: None
The ninth grade English course provides exposure to British, American, classical and multicultural literature. Students perform a series of task-related activities that will prepare them for college and career readiness. This course focuses on the use of the literacy standards set by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for reading (informational and literary texts), writing, language, speaking and listening within the content, and employs all of the comprehensive, narrative, argumentative and descriptive selections and vocabulary inherent in the ninth grade curriculum. Specific instruction in the Writing Process provides students with the means to develop coherent pieces of writing throughout the course.

English I Honors	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: Acceptance via criteria outlined in the Arts High School Honors/AP Program (HAP Program)
This course includes all the essentials of English I; however, students are expected to master materials with much greater depth and complexity than English I. Particular emphasis is placed on research, writing and analytical skills. This course offers reading, discussion and writing experiences dealing with various genres of world literature including poetry, proverbs, folklore, full length plays and mythology. Focus is placed on exploring literature from a variety of cultures. Journals, essays and projects that meet the needs of all learning styles are assigned and used as means of assessment.

English II	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I
This course for tenth grade students provides a greater understanding and expanded use of standard English, a more pertinent use of mechanics, a wider exposure to literary masterpieces and an additional opportunity in evaluative research via the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The comprehensive, narrative, argumentative and descriptive selections, opportunities for writing, vocabulary inherent in the tenth grade curriculum and proficiencies will be applied toward preparation for College and Career Readiness.

English II Honors	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, Acceptance via criteria outlined in the Arts High School Honors and AP Program (HAP Program)
This course includes all the essentials of English II; however, students are expected to pursue in greater depth and analyze more difficult selections. Works of major writers as well as classical literature are read. Independent reading, vocabulary development, narrative and argumentative writing, oral presentations, organizing and writing research papers are emphasized. The course includes studies of more advanced aspects of poetry, the novel and full-length texts. Selections by major authors are read and discussed for oral interpretation and written analysis. Multicultural authors of note are included among selections.

English III	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, II
The course of study for the eleventh grade requires students to examine, analyze, and develop cognitive skills that are needed in college and beyond, and also requires skills needed for self-evaluation and growth in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This course build on to the 9th and 10th grade New Jersey Student Learning Standards for reading (informational and literary texts), writing, language, speaking and listening within the content, and employs all of the comprehensive, narrative, argumentative and descriptive selections and vocabulary inherent in the eleventh grade curriculum.

English III Honors	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, II, Acceptance via criteria outlined in the Arts High School Honors and AP Program (HAP Program)
This course includes the essentials of English III. Honor students are expected to read more critically and pursue in greater depth more difficult selections from contemporary and historical literature. Included are classic works and significant contemporary literature. Speaking, writing and research skills will be further developed. In writing, students work with unified paragraphs leading to a completed theme. Vocabulary, grammar, speaking and writing exercises are largely developed from required readings. More advanced research skills are presented at this level with the emphasis on source identification techniques. The ability to work independently is required.

English IV	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, II, III
Students enrolled in English IV will refine reading skills through the use of analysis, interpretation, comparison/contrast and paraphrase of complex, sophisticated reading selections. Vocabulary development will also be emphasized as preparation for standardized tests for college admission. Students will continue to review fictional and nonfictional prose, poetry, critical reviews and vocabulary enrichment. Finally, students will be required to research and write an evaluative research paper on an English literary work(s).

English IV Honors	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, II, III, Acceptance via criteria outlined in the Arts High School Honors and AP Program (HAP Program)
This course includes all the essentials of English IV and continues to explore rich texts from British, American and world literature, both contemporary and historical. Students are expected to read difficult selections more critically and in greater depth. Emphasis is placed on research and writing skills. The ability to absorb abstract ideas is strengthened, and reading and writing skills are further developed. There are also reading, discussion and writing experiences, which deal with contemporary issues. Themes, essays and the research paper are taught on a level of complexity commensurate with student ability. The ability to work independently is required.

AP Language and Composition	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, II, Acceptance via criteria outlined in the Arts High School Honors and AP Program (HAP Program)
The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods.

AP Literature and Composition	Credits: 5	Prerequisites: English I, II, III Acceptance via criteria outlined in the Arts High School Honors and AP Program (HAP Program)
The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the 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, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary.