The English Department strives to create an environment and a curriculum that will foster life-long reading, writing and learning as attainable goals for both students and teachers. All Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior courses share common elements and approaches, even as the literature selections and thematic strands of study may vary from course to course. Shared Literature is the study of required texts at each level with the inclusion of literature reflecting multicultural and diverse perspectives (denoted by asterisks in the descriptions that follow). Reading Workshop rounds out the students’ reading experience, offering the opportunity to pursue titles and authors of their own choosing. Analysis Writing springs from the literature and reflects the student’s growth in critical thinking and writing competency over time. Writing Workshop is a student-centered writing program focusing on self-selected topics and offering instruction in writing technique and regular feedback from peer and teacher audiences. Each student produces, in addition to other forms of assessments, a culminating portfolio, an authentic demonstration of his or her growth over time

ENGLISH 1 — 1 Unit of credit FreshmenPrerequisite: None
This course provides students with fundamental reading and writing skills as they explore the central question of “What do story-telling and story-seeking reveal about who we are?” Students read literary works of various genres, arranged thematically to provide multicultural, diverse perspectives. Topics for writing emerge from ideas expressed in the literature. Through personal writing in a workshop format and formal analytical writing, students gain practice in developing well-structured sentences, paragraphs, and essays. Presentations of informative speeches, dramatic performances, and oral interpretation of short scenes from literature strengthen verbal skills and enhance confidence in public speaking. Participation in a regular Reading Workshop encourages reading fluency, personal choice and accountability, and the enjoyment of self-selected titles. This course is taught in conjunction with the English/Reading course (see Reading). Students enrolled in English 1 are required to take both courses concurrently and will receive two English credits for the two courses.

ENGLISH 1 CP — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces college-bound students to rich and varied examples of Western Literature that focus on universal themes of character andexperience. The essential question explored throughout the course is, “What do story-telling and story-seeking reveal about who we are?” A variety of texts and genres, some of them multicultural in nature, will provide the basis of student discussion and written analysis of the writer/story-teller will supplement the literature component. Integrated into this study are writing, speaking, and performance experiences fluency, personal choice and accountability, and the enjoyment of self-selected titles.

ENGLISH 1 H — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the origins of literary forms and motifs in Western literature with a focus on the concept of story-telling and story-seeking. They study the Old Testament in The Bible As/In Literature and Shakespearean drama through Romeo and Juliet. These required texts will be augmented by a selection of additional contemporary, traditional, and multicultural texts, chosen by the teacher. Throughout the course, students learn the importance of structure in interpreting literary forms and note the recurrence of archetypal characters, experiences, and themes. They develop their ability to think critically and employ this skill in their writing as well as in class discussions and oral presentations. Creative and analytical writing are supplemented by a Writing Workshop program that encourages and guides the student towards development of a personal writing voice. In addition, Reading Workshop offers students the opportunity to explore reading through self-selected titles.

ENGLISH 2 — 1 Unit of credit Sophomores
Prerequisite: English 1 or current teacher recommendation
This course focuses on the question of what it means to be an American as it explores the self discovery that emerges from the struggle for self- Course texts in various genres offer students the opportunity to consider and reflect on course themes from a variety of perspectives. English 2 unit in which students will work on oral presentation skills. They will pursue independent reading of self-selected titles through the Reading Workshop component of the course.

ENGLISH 2 CP — 1 Unit of credit Sophomores
Prerequisite: English 1 CP or current teacher recommendation
This course centers on the question of “What is the American experience?” It provides students with an overview of American Literature, focusing on the importance of the individual in society, the relationship of the individual to society, and the complexities of the American experience. A selection of required texts in various genres, as well as a multicultural text, will give students the opportunity to explore these themes from varying perspectives throughout the year. Students develop writing skills through analytical papers, personal essays, and a workshop centered creative writing program. Selected dramatic scenes, oral interpretations, and a persuasive unit will hone students’ speaking and listening skills. Through Reading Workshop, students will pursue independent reading choices.

ENGLISH 2 H — 1 Unit of credit Sophomores
rerequisite: English 1 H or current teacher recommendation
This course explores the complexities of American culture through study of classic and multicultural texts. Students study transcendentalism as a philosophical foundation for American literature and how subsequent authors shape and apply these ideas. Students will explore the central question, How do the voices of America evolve as individuals discover their identities in relation to their social context? While investigating this course theme, students also develop skills to become more sophisticated readers, writers, and speakers: They improve as writers through analytical, personal, and creative writing; they gain experience in public speaking through the preparation and presentation of a persuasive speech; and they refine independent reading tastes in reading workshop by exploring diverse genres.

ENGLISH 3 — 1 Unit of credit Juniors
Prerequisite: English 2 or current teacher recommendation
Students in this course will focus on the following essential question: What factors shape our life’s journey and to what extent can we say that we are creating ourselves? Students in the course will develop reading, writing, and vocabulary skills through the four major components of the course: shared literature, writing workshop, reading workshop, and formal vocabulary study. Shared literature will include units on short stories, poetry and non-fiction as well as the following novels: Speak and Ordinary People. Through the workshop structure, students will create individualized reading and writing goals, make choices about their reading selections and writing experiences, and receive individual guidance from the teacher as they work toward their goals.

ENGLISH 3 CP — 1 Unit of credit Juniors
Prerequisite: English 2 CP or current teacher recommendation
English 3CP studies the question of how much of our journey through life is determined by ourselves and how much is shaped by external influences. Various pieces of English and other European literature, including novels, short stories, plays, and poetry and at least one multicultural book, will provide students the opportunity to explore this theme from different perspectives. The course focuses on listening and speaking skills through formal oral interpretation, informal class discussion, and a performance unit in drama. The students’ study of analytical and personal writing through the Writing Workshop component of the class enhances their understanding of organization, unity, precision of expression, use of evidence, and the development of a writer’s voice. In Reading Workshop, students develop independent reading tastes while exploring diverse genres and writing styles.

ENGLISH 3 H — 1 Unit of credit Juniors
Prerequisite: English 2 H or current teacher recommendation
This course explores the broader concept of “What Is Art?” Through the study of English and world literature, including novels, short stories, plays, and poetry, as well as a multicultural selection, students will investigate the question of how much the individual can create himself and how much he is created by external factors. Students improve writing skills through analytical assignments and creative writing through the Writing Workshop program. In addition, they refine oral communication skills through participating in informal class discussions and presenting debates, and oral interpretations of literature selections. In Reading Workshop, students develop independent reading tastes while exploring diverse genres and writing styles.


ENGLISH 4 — Survey 1 (semester 1), Survey 2 (semester 2) – 1/2 unit of credit each Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3
This course meets the needs of individuals who want to strengthen their background and foundation in several English skill areas: reading and understanding diverse texts, learning to think critically, as well as speaking and writing in a va iety of situations and for a variety of purposes. This survey course offers the class the opportunity to sample a variety of the electives that are offered at the senior level. These choices may be drawn from Composition, Contemporary Literature, Drama, Writing and Journalism, Speech, Writing/Critical Analysis of Film, and Writing/Media Literacy. In addition to the writing emphasis in many of the electives, at least one unit of study across the year will focus on Composition or Journalism.

COLLEGE PREP ELECTIVES -- Seniors, also open to Juniors as a second English course
COMPOSITION — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course is focused on expository writing in preparation for the demands of college level writing assignments. Students write essays from among the major expository genres: process, comparison and contrast, analysis, persuasion, critique, personal essay, etc. Models demonstrate techniques suitable to the various genres. Class operates as a Writing Workshop: students assist in the teaching by their comments, analytical discussions and contributions to class activities. The culmination of the composition course is a writing portfolio that showcases the student’s reflection, revision and attention to writing strategies and technical correctness that result in effective written communication. This course may be repeated for credit.

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE: Readers and Writers in Today's World — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course gives students the opportunity to explore authors of their own choice in a reading/writing environment that focuses on contemporary topics in literature and in the real world. Students may choose to study several books by the same author or from the same time period and are encouraged to find reading partners or reading groups to discuss the works read. One text, A Lesson Before Dying, will be read and discussed by the entire class. The literature serves as a springboard to the writing that students often encounter in their development as literate members of the reading/writing community. Genres explored include comparison/contrast, analysis, style imitation, the book review, the character sketch, and the personal narrative. As a culminating activity, students design and produce a comprehensive written project. This course is open to students from the college preparatory or honors levels. Honors credit, however, will not be awarded.

DRAMA — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This is a performance class open to juniors and seniors. In fact, it is especially suited to juniors who wish to enhance their skills prior to senior year auditions. In this semester course, units include extensive self-assessment, improvisation, solo and group performances and an emphasis on character development. To that end, we explore techniques advanced by Stanislavski and learn how to read and score scripts to unlock deeper understanding of character and make more dynamic choices. During the semester we will also have brief units on theatre history and other aspects of theatre in order to provide context for the element of performance. Students are encouraged to read and attend plays as individuals to enrich their appreciation of the genre. As a performance class, this course does not have a final exam per se; it has a final performance, which may be anything from monologues to scenes to a full play performed by the class. The text is Acting Onstage and Off.

GRAMMAR — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 or 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3 or 3CP
This semester course is geared for those students who want to strengthen ownership of their own writing through a better understanding of grammatical structures and punctuation rules. They will learn to recognize problems related to structure and meaning. Students should become more adept at manipulating sentences so that their essays will say what they want them to say, using punctuation that enhances their message. Motivated juniors may be interested in taking this course to help prepare for their college essays and college entrance exams. Students will learn through formal instruction, small group work, hands-on materials, lab sessions, essay writing, peer editing, teacher conferences and a tutorial grammar project. Keeping a grammar journal, making useful notes, and reflecting on learning will be foundational aspects of the course.

WRITING AND JOURNALISM 1 — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or 3H or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP or 3H
Through the analytic study of contemporary journalistic texts, students will study the fundamentals of journalistic style and the ethics of journalism: accuracy, objectivity, authenticity, and appropriateness. As an extension and further application of the writing skills they’ve acquired in English 1-3, they will also gain practical knowledge of and experience in the journalistic mode. Students will create story assignments; gather, report, and edit news; conduct interviews; employ a wide range of research techniques; and design newspaper layout. It is offered as either a College Preparatory or Honors elective for juniors and seniors. Students taking the course for Honors credit will have additional writing and project requirements during the semester. The text for this course is Journalism Today. This course may be taken for one semester only.

WRITING AND JOURNALISM 2 — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Journalism 1
Having learned newspaper fundamentals in Journalism 1, students will continue their study of print journalism and begin to explore genres such as broadcasting and photojournalism. Possible topics include investigative reporting, web-based journalism, coverage of global and national issues, research techniques, and independent study. Students will edit the Forest Scout newspaper and continue to hone their own writing expertise as they confer with and mentor newer members of the newspaper staff. The text for this course is The Elements of Journalism. Students taking the course for Honors credit will have additional writing and project requirements during the semester.

POETRY — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
The semester course is partly a study in the close-reading approach to poetry analysis, and it is partly a workshop in which students learn poetic techniques by writing poetry. Prior experience in such writing is not required. The Making of a Poem as well as other poetry sources may provide models for writing assignments. In-class journals, oral readings and various writing exercises enrich class discussions. A portfolio of major works by the student will be the culminating piece of the course. Students should be prepared to share their ideas and their work.

SPEECH — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course is a performance class in which students prepare and present a variety of speeches ranging from informational to persuasive. Students will present between six and eight speeches, including a final exam speech. The art of communication is also studied through modeling, reflection and terminology. Students participate in written and role-playing exercises that promote confidence in delivery as well as audience participation.

WORLD FICTION — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course focuses upon discussion and analysis of fiction written by authors from around the world. Organized in a seminar format, the course is directed by both student and teacher interest. Students spend several weeks learning how to read literary works from various critical perspectives. Students then apply their knowledge of these perspectives to their reading of short stories and novels such as Things Fall Apart, The Metamorphosis, and other classic texts based in part on student interest. Students learn how cultural patterns, language, history, and symbols shape beliefs. An emphasis is placed on critical reading and analysis writing. Paper topics are generated through individual journal writing and class discussion. Part of the semester may be spent on independent study, structured and approved by both students and teacher. Supplemental books include Fathers and Sons and Les Miserables.

WRITING/AMERICAN LITERATURE — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course presents American novels written since World War 1: The Great Gatsby and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest plus two novels chosen from A Thousand Acres, The Joy Luck Club, and The Grapes of Wrath. Students read and analyze the novels from both historical and literary viewpoints. Films of these novels supplement the discussion of the texts. Comprehension assessment is project based, requiring both creative and analytic writing.

WRITING/BRITISH LITERATURE — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course traces the literary movements within British literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the Romantic period. Discussion, group projects and presentations are essential elements of this course, as students discover how the literature both reflects historical events and also represents the artistic evolution of the English people through language. Selections from our anthology, The British Tradition, may include epics, satirical and political essays, fiction, poetry and drama. Students will experiment with many of these styles in their own creative writing, and will continue to hone their analytical skills in essays and exams.

WRITING/CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF FILM — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This semester course is designed for serious students of film who wish to increase their appreciation of films as art and learn the art of writing about film technique and literary content. Students view a range of classic and contemporary films related to the text, Understanding Movies, which covers photography, mise-en-scene, movement, editing, sound, acting and directing, The course requires written film analysis and criticism, journal response, projects such as storyboards and careful reading of the text.

WRITING/MEDIA LITERACY — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 CP or concurrent enrollment in English 3CP
This course encompasses both a historical as well as a contemporary view of the American Mass Media and sets as its primary goal the development of media-literacy. Through the analysis of print and non-print texts, the student will gain a critical perspective about the ways in which media exerts its influence upon society’s thinking and behaviors. Students will study television, radio, film, print, and electronic media, exploring their function and efficacy as instruments of education, entertainment, and persuasion. This course requires critical reading, active viewing, analytical writing, oral presentations, and participation in creative group projects.

HONORS ELECTIVES -- Seniors, some courses open Juniors as a second English class

BRITISH LITERATURE H — 1/2 Unit of credit or 1 Unit of credit Junior, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 Honors or English 3CP with current teacher recommendation
This two-semester course traces the development of English literature from Beowulf to the work of contemporary British authors. In their anthology, students will study the different literary movements that have evolved within English history. During the first semester, students shall cover representative works of prose and poetry up to and including the eighteenth century, including a Shakespearean play. In the second semester, students shall begin their study with the pre-Romantics and continue through to contemporary poets and essayists. Students will also read and discuss contemporary British novels. Throughout the year there will be numerous essays, projects and oral reports. Students may take this course either for a full-year or for one semester, either first or second.

CONTEMPORARY CHICAGO WRITERS H – 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 Honors or English 3CP with current teacher recommendation
This semester course examines Chicago writers from diverse ethnic backgrounds and both genders. Students learn about the Chicago writer’s relationship with his or her urban space. Students explore the following using various texts and multi-media: Chicago’s literary voice and identity (and the impact of culture, politics, sociology and history upon it); the “text” of the city’s physical space; and the difference between “space” and “place.” During the semester, students approach these questions through at least four of the following texts chosen by their instructor: Nelson Algren’s Neon Wilderness and/or Never Come Morning, Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street, Richard Wright’s Eight Men, Stuart Dybeck’s Coast of Chicago, Saul Bellow’s The Dean’s December, and Robert G. Spinney’s City of Big Shoulders. Other related articles and supplemental works of Mike Royko, Z.Z. Packer, Ben Hecht, Studs Terkel, James Farrell, etc. will contribute to the course readings. Lecture is alternated with class discussion. Class projects, critical and creative essays, oral reports, and in-class exams are among the course requirements.

DRAMA H – 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 Honors or English 3CP with current teacher recommendation
This is a performance class open to juniors and seniors. In fact, it is especially suited to juniors who wish to enhance their skills prior to senior year auditions. This course if for students who have shown a high degree of proficiency in English and in drama. Additional performances, outside reading and research designed to challenge the exceptionally motivated student will distinguish the requirements for honors credit from the CP course. This semester course includes extensive self-assessment, improvisation, solo and group performances and an emphasis on character development. To that end, we explore techniques advanced by Stanislavski and learn how to read and score scripts to unlock deeper understanding of character and make more dynamic choices. During the semester we will also have brief units on theatre history and other aspects of theatre in order to provide context for the element of performance. Students are encouraged to read and attend plays as individuals to enrich their appreciation of the genre. As a performance class, this course does not have a final exam per se; it has a final performance, which may be anything from monologues to scenes to a full play performed by the class. The text is Acting Onstage and Off.

GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION H - 1 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: English 3 Honors or English 3CP with current teacher recommendation
Grammar and Composition is an honors-designated elective for students who wish to study grammar and punctuation in the context of a composition class, thus enhancing both the grammar and the composition aspects of the class. Students taking this class should be prepared for a rigorous, fast-paced course of study. Students will improve their writing proficiency by learning to recognize problems of structure and clarity in their own writing. The course will concentrate on how students can acquire a wider knowledge of sentence patterns and structures by acquainting the students with numerous examples of writing styles. Through teacher-student conferences and essay writing, students will improve their command of English grammar by applying grammar principles to their writing. Motivated juniors may be interested in taking this course to help prepare for their college essays and college entrance exams.

CREATIVE WRITING H — 1/2 Unit of credit Seniors
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B” in the first semester of English 3 CP or English 3 Honors and/or teacher recommendation. A creative piece (500 words) written on the instructor’s topic is also required for admission. Creative Writing is designed for serious writers who want not only to practice their writing, but also to gain expertise as writers in a collaborative environment. Creative Writing is a workshop course, offering students the freedom to explore different topics, formats, and techniques. Students are required to spend time outside of class writing journal entries, poems, short stories, or plays. They will also have frequent opportunities in class to respond to class writing prompts designed to move student writing forward or in new directions. Conferences with peers and the teacher will guide the revision process. A key component of the course is the submission of a polished semester portfolio. Students are encouraged to prepare manuscripts for Scholastic Writing Awards and other contests and for submission to Young Idea.

WRITING/HUMANITIES I: Western Philosophy, the Arts and Literature — 1/2 Unit of credit Seniors
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “A” in English 3 CP or “B” in English 3 H and/or current teacher recommendation
This course focuses on the writings of Western thinkers who have shaped the collective Western perspective, from the ancient Greeks to the existentialists and other twentieth century philosophers. Students explore recurring questions that philosophers, authors and artists have raised about the essential nature of human experience, including our conceptualizations of a metaphysical world, our social context and how it raises questions about our identities, and the moral, spiritual and intellectual aspects of ourselves. The course text, Questions That Matter, introduces students to the study of philosophy, and supplemental interdisciplinary units on historical time periods and artistic movements may be used to allow students to explore the socio-cultural contexts of these philosophical ideas. Readings, discussions, debates, presentations and a variety of writing experiences are essential components of the course. Students produce a multi-media project as a final assessment.

WRITING/HUMANITIES II: Non-Western Philosophy, the Arts and Literature – 1/2 Unit of credit Seniors
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “A” in English 3CP or “B” in English 3H and/or current teacher recommendation
Students explore non-Western and non-marginalized voices through cultural studies and the examination of literature, fine arts, and philosophy. Units of study may include Native American and African cultures, Middle Eastern and Eastern religions, feminism and “the Other” as a factor of identity. Readings, discussions, debates, presentations and a variety of writing experiences are essential components of the course. Optional course texts include Readings from the Roots of Wisdom; Ceremony; Weep Not; Child; The Death of Vishnu; and Red Azalea.

LITERARY ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM AP (AP English Literature and Composition)
1/2 Unit of credit or 1 Unit of credit Seniors
Prerequisite: A grade of “A” or “A-“ in both first and second semester of English 3 H and/or Department Chair recommendation Students accepted for Advanced Placement English must present evidence of the superior quality of their motivation and must understand clearly what is expected before registering for the program. Students will learn to approach literary criticism primarily through the closereading method of analysis. First-semester begins with Burton Raffel’s translation of Beowulf, a classic hero myth providing a view of law, morality, and good and evil that will serve as a backdrop for the remaining literature of the course. Students will study texts selected by their teacher from the list below, including representative European and American plays, novels, essays, short stories, and poems. Significant works will be covered each semester as central themes are investigated and developed. Students entering or continuing into the second semester will find the literature selections to be non-repetitive and with integrity of their own, expanding upon the thematic strands explored during first semester. In conjunction with the reading and class discussion, great emphasis is placed on writing: both analytical and creative essays are emphasized, and both in-class and out of class writing is practiced. Additional assignments include oral and written projects and presentations, in-class themes, and tests. The titles from which each semester’s study will be drawn include: Beowulf, Hamlet, Madame Bovary, Crime and Punishment, Heart of Darkness, Catch-22, Beloved, The Great Gatsby, The Things They Carried, Joseph Andrews, Pygmalion, The Metamorphosis, Story and Structure, and Sound and Sense. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam as part of this course.