1. English Elective Selection

2. AP English Literature and composition
Only students with a 3.25 GPA AND their teacher’s recommendation may take this rigorous college-level course.
This class is for students with superior writing skills, and students are expected to write many analytical essays, read multiple works of literature independently for class assignments, and actively contribute to student-led class discussion.
There is an intensive study of assigned novels, stories, plays, and poetry as well as assignments designed to hone students’ analytical writing skills in preparation for the AP exam and for college-level writing expectations.

3. Early British Literature and british literature
College-bound students who have taken advanced English courses should consider this advanced-level elective.
In Early British Lit (offered in the fall), students read a variety of poetry, stories, and plays from 449 to the 17th century including Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Anglo-Saxon works.
In British Lit (offered in the spring), students read literature from the Romantic Age through the Modern Era including a study of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Students taking these courses should expect to write analytical essays based on the literature and complete independent reading and writing tasks daily.

4. Modern novels
This advanced elective is designed for students who enjoy reading and are looking to read more.
We read 6 novels: The Catcher in the Rye, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Road, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Fahrenheit 451, and a novel of your choice.
You will journal as we read. Assessments vary and range from literary analyses and essays, projects, presentations, discussions, and other assignments.
There is a great deal of reading outside of school, so be prepared to have homework nightly.

5. Modern short stories
This elective is for students who enjoy reading short stories, would like a deeper understanding of the genre, and aren’t afraid to write.
We read approximately 30 short stories throughout the semester in a variety of genres including western, detective/mystery, fantasy/sci-fi, and ghost/horror.
Assessments consist of literary analyses and essays, occasional quizzes, projects, presentations, discussions, original short stories, and other assignments.
There are frequent homework assignments.

6. Journalism
This elective is designed for students who enjoy studying media, current events and controversial issues (arts and entertainment, politics, technology, education, international affairs, etc.)
Students will learn how to interview, report and write journalistically with the chance to be published.
We read and evaluate a variety of new sources, and students also choose a non-fiction book of their choice.
Assessments vary and range from news analyses and projects, presentations, discussions, and a variety of writing assignments.

7. Creative writing
This elective is for 11th and 12th grade students who enjoy writing and want to develop new skills as they push themselves beyond their current comfort zones as writers.
Students of varying abilities will have ample opportunity to practice concepts, forms and devices and receive peer and teacher feedback for improvement and growth.
End of unit projects include a poetry portfolio with ten original poems and reflections on those poems, a page short story, and a one-act play for a ten minute performance.

8. Public speaking
This elective provides 11th and 12th grade students the opportunity to develop and deliver speeches.
Students will be required to analyze the components of a speech, develop proper outlines, critique speeches and deliver a minimum of four speeches.
In addition to speaking, a great deal of writing (outlines) will be required.
This course will be of special help to students who plan to go to college, seek jobs, or wish to improve their speaking skills in general.

9. acting
This is a hands-on elective where performance is essential- - allowing you to tap into your creativity, gain self- confidence, and experience working collaboratively with others.
Students will to learn about the fundamentals of stage acting such as characterization, improvisation, movement, blocking, and ensemble and monologue performance.
Students will write and analyze scripts for scenes to be performed.
The stage performance of a short play will be the culmination of the semester’s work.