English Courses
READING 9 -10
Grades 9 -10 full year for Grade 9
Prerequisite: Reading scores and standardized test scores
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Reading is a required remedial class for incoming freshmen reading below a 7.2 grade level and sophomores to seniors reading below an 8.5 grade level. The class is designed to meet students’ individual needs and to develop reading comprehension skills. Achievement is measured by standardized tests as well as daily classroom performance. Freshmen are evaluated at the end of two semesters, while grades 10, 11, and 12 are evaluated at the end of every semester. All students who improve their skills to a predetermined level will exit the program.
ENGLISH 9
Grade 9 full year
Prerequisite: Placement by EXPLORE test scores and eighth-grade teacher recommendation
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This course introduces the major elements of literature and explores them through the study of short works and novels. Students have numerous opportunities to improve skills in composition, grammar, and vocabulary. The second semester continues with the study of epic poetry, drama, and multicultural novels.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 9
Grade 9 full year
Prerequisite: Placement by EXPLORE test scores and eighth-grade teacher recommendation
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Advanced English 9 introduces students to the major elements of literature through the study of narrative literary texts. Students read increasingly challenging works: memoirs, short stories, novels, epic poetry and drama. In addition, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing narrative, expository, and persuasive essays. Students should expect to improve their skills in speaking, vocabulary and the mechanics of writing while anticipating the PSAE and college entrance exams, ACT and SAT.
HONORS ENGLISH 9
Grade 9 full year
Prerequisite: Placement by EXPLORE test scores and teacher recommendation.
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Honors English 9 challenges students to closely read and analyze literature through the study of short stories, novels, poetry and drama. In addition to reading increasingly more sophisticated and more challenging works, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing narrative, persuasive and expository essays, with special emphasis on the literary essay. Students should expect to expand their vocabulary and improve their skills in the mechanics of writing while anticipating the PSAE and college entrance exams, PSAT, ACT and SAT.
ENGLISH 10
Grade 10 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: English Grade 9)
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English 10 introduces students to literature, composition, and language study. Students will read multiple fiction, non-fiction, and drama works, both from a literary anthology and from individual novels. In addition, students will use the text Write for College as they work to develop and improve their skills in persuasive, narrative, expository, research, and business writing. Through extensive grammar exercises and vocabulary lessons, students should expect to improve their grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills in anticipation of the PSAE and ACT exams.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 10
Grade 10 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: Advanced English Grade 9)
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Advanced English 10 introduces students to the concept of heroism through the study of literature, language, and composition. Students will read challenging fiction, nonfiction, and drama from a literary anthology and from several novels. As a result, Advanced English 10 students will gain proficiency in identifying and interpreting genre, theme, style, and structure. In addition, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing persuasive, narrative, expository, and research essays and projects. Students will also improve their speaking skills, both in small group and large group situations. Through grammar exercises and vocabulary lessons, students should expect to improve their grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills in anticipation of the PSAE and the ACT and SAT college entrance exams.
HONORS ENGLISH 10
Grade 10 full year
Prerequisite: Honors English Grade 9
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Honors English 10 challenges students to closely read and analyze works from the canon of British and Commonwealth literature. In addition to reading sophisticated and challenging novels, plays, poetry and short stories, students will use the text Write for College to polish their skills in writing analytical, college preparatory-level essays. Students should expect to work on increasing their vocabulary and improving their grammar and mechanics while anticipating taking the PSAE, PSAT, and ACT and SAT college entrance exams.
ENGLISH 11
Grade 11 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: English Grade 10)
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English 11 introduces students to literary inquiry, thought, and communication through the study of American literature. In addition to reading works from a literary anthology, shorter novels and plays, students will use the text Write for College as they work to develop and improve their skills in writing expository and narrative essays. Student should expect to improve their skills in agreement, modifiers, commas, and sentence structure while preparing for the PSAE and the ACT college entrance test.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 11
Grade 11 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: Advanced English Grade 10)
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Advanced English 11 introduces students to literary inquiry, thought, and communication through the analytical study of American literature. In addition to reading works from a literary anthology and novels, plays and poetry, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing narrative, expository, and persuasive essays. Students should expect to improve their grammar skills in the use of complex sentences and paragraph structure while anticipating taking the PSAE and ACT and SAT college entrance exams.
HONORS ENGLISH 11
Grade 11 full year
Prerequisite: Honors English Grade 10
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Honors English 11 challenges students to analytical, rhetorical, and insightful communication
through the study of American literature. In addition to reading
increasingly more sophisticated and more challenging works from a literary anthology and an
array of novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction essays, students will use the text Write for
College as they work to polish their skills in writing a variety of multi-faceted narrative,
expository, and persuasive essays. Students should expect to improve their grammar skills in
complex sentences, paragraph structure, and essay structure while anticipating taking the PSAE and
PSAT, ACT, and SAT college entrance exams.
AMERICAN STUDIES
Grade 11 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: English Grade 10)
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This course combines the study of American literature with the study of U.S. history to present a comprehensive view of the American experience through common themes. This class introduces students to literary inquiry, thought, and communication through the study of American literature in addition to reading works from a literary anthology, shorter novels and plays, students will use the text Write for College as they work to develop and improve their skills in writing expository and narrative essays. Student should expect to improve their skills in agreement, modifiers, commas, and sentence structure while preparing for the PSAE and the ACT tests. Students must enroll concurrently in American Studies (U.S. History). Grades on the two courses are separate even though various activities and projects apply to both disciplines. Students who pass each course meet graduation requirements in each discipline.
AMERICAN STUDIES (ADVANCED)
Grade 11 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: Advanced English Grade 10 and Advanced World History)
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Advanced American Studies introduces students to an integrated study of the American experience through the investigation of common themes in literature and history. In addition to extensive reading of increasingly challenging works from a literary anthology, full-length novels, poetry, plays, and essays, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing expository, persuasive, and narrative essays Students enrolling in this course should be self-directed and able to manage their time while working on projects over an extended period of time; they also should be able to speak confidently in small group discussions as well as in front of a full class. Students should expect to improve their skills in agreement, modifiers, complex sentence structures, punctuation, and paragraph development while anticipating the PSAE and ACT and SAT college entrance exams. Students must enroll concurrently in Advanced American Studies (Advanced U.S. History). Grades in the two courses are separate, even though various activities and projects apply to both disciplines. Students who pass each course meet graduation requirements in each discipline.
ENGLISH 12
Grade 12 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: English Grade 11)
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English 12 introduces students to ideas that shape both literature and society through the chronological study of the British tradition in literature from the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon periods to the contemporary era. In addition to reading works from a literary anthology, novels, and plays, students will use the text Write for College as they work to develop and improve their skills in writing composition. Students should expect to improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary aptitude, and mechanics usage.
ADVANCED ENGLISH 12
Grade 12 full year
Prerequisite: None (Recommended: Advanced English Grade 11)
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Advanced English 12 introduces students to philosophical, literary, and historical influences through the chronological study of British literature and language from the Celtic tradition to the contemporary period. In addition to reading increasingly challenging works from a literary anthology, novels, plays, and nonfiction texts, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing various essays. Students should expect to improve their grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, analytical skills, and ability to imitate literary forms and styles.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH
Grade 12 full year
Prerequisite: Honors English Grade 11 or recommendation of Advanced English 11 teacher
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Advanced Placement English 12 prepares students to read critically and present logically sound arguments through the study of novels, short stories, poetry, drama, opinion pieces, and non-fiction essays. In addition to reading increasingly challenging works, students will use the text Write for College as they work to polish their skills in writing literary essays and rhetorical arguments. Students should expect to sharpen their skills in grammar and vocabulary while anticipating the AP exams in Language and/or Literature.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES
COLLEGE LITERACY
Grades 10-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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College Literacy is designed for those students who are reading at grade level or beyond and are interested in strengthening reading skills necessary for success at Lake Park High School and in college. The class will include study skills, vocabulary, comprehension skills, content area reading strategies, reading speed, and standardized test strategies. Students will find the course helpful in preparing for college entrance exams, ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement tests. Achievement will be measured in pre- and post-test results.
DEBATE 1
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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This course introduces the student to the essentials of debate. The student will learn to build a case, crossexamine an opponent, and rebut opposing arguments.
DEBATE 2
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: Debate 1
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In this course, students will refine the skills learned in Debate 1. Additionally, students will participate in three debate rounds utilizing the format of a courtroom trial.
DRAMA 1
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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This class is an experience in the three elements of theatre: the actor, the audience, and the play. Students will re- hearse, analyze, and perform scenes, monologues, and short plays from the classical and modern theater. In addition to scripted scenes, students will develop and perform works of their own. The emphasis of this class is performance. Involvement in the cocurricular theatre program is not a course requirement.
DRAMA 2
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: Drama 1
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This class takes the experience acquired in Drama 1 and applies it to contemporary and classical scenes and monologues. The emphasis of this class is on performance. Students stage and perform published and original scripts. Involvement in the extracurricular theatre program is not a course requirement.
DRAMA PRACTICUM 1-2-3-4
Grades 11-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: Drama 1-2, Stagecraft 1-2, or teacher approval
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Drama Practicum is an advanced acting course where, in a laboratory setting, skills in theatre are further developed through writing, directing, and acting. Technical and business responsibilities are also explored.
STAGECRAFT 1
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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This class explores production aspects of the theatre. Students will learn various techniques needed to produce a theatrical production. Topics vary and include basic electrical theory, lighting color theory, scenic design and construction, as well as the use of costume and makeup. Teacher lectures introduce material before students explore topics through hands-on activities.
STAGECRAFT 2
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: Stagecraft 1
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This class further develops skills learned in Stagecraft 1. The fundamentals are applied to more advanced problems in technical theatre.
FILM STUDY
Grades 11-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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This is an elective course which emphasizes viewinglistening skills as well as reading and
composition. Film is the art of the twentieth century—it can delight, instruct, involve, create,
and motivate. It can make life more real and make art of reality. Cinema and the serious study of
it—just as the study of literature, art, and music—can contribute to the student’s understanding of
the world human experience and values. The general goal of Film Study is to develop in the student
the habits of analysis, criticism, understanding, and appreciation of film in a disciplined and
creative manner. Films as a reflection of contemporary society and
the impact of films on society will also be examined.
JOURNALISM 1
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: “B” average or better in English
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In this course, students discover the role of mass media in a free society where legal freedoms go hand-in-hand with legal restrictions. By studying and applying various communication techniques, students will be better able to evaluate and appreciate mass media messages. Students will learn written and verbal communication skills. This class also incorporates broadcast media and an introduction to graphic design and photography. Writing for possible publication in the student newspaper, Perspective, is a part of the course.
JOURNALISM 2-3-4-5-6-7-8
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: “B” average or better in Journalism 1
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In this course, students continue the study of the role of mass media in a free society. By examining and applying various communication techniques, students will be better able to evaluate and appreciate mass media messages. Students will learn communication skills (written and verbal) that will benefit them in their personal lives, in school, in college, and in careers. Continued enrollment in Journalism will provide students with opportunities to incorporate electronic media and the latest technology to develop basic journalistic skills. Writing for publication in the Perspective is incorporated into the course. Students may repeat the class.
SPEECH 1
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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This class is a practical course designed to offer the novice speaker a number of opportunities to organize and prepare speaking experiences. The course will also offer a “laboratory setting” where the neophyte speaker can actually stand in front of a live audience and present his/ her practiced performance. In addition to public speaking, further performance opportunities may be included in the interpretation of literature. Students will learn about spacial relationships, delivery styles, effective use of language and gestures, and organization techniques.
SPEECH 2
Grades 9-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: Speech 1
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This is a continuation of skills and techniques explored in Speech 1. Small group symposiums, debates, and acting are all incorporated into this laboratory setting. Students will be offered opportunities to analyze small and large dynamics as well as other alternate means of communication.
TV PRACTICUM 1-2-3
Grades 11-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: TV Production or teacher approval
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This course will focus on the intricacies and the techniques of advanced television production and editing in a laboratory setting. Students will be faced with problemsolving situations as they produce television programming for use within the school and for local cable broadcasting. Students will use a cooperative learning approach. Emphasis will be placed on advanced production skills and increased capabilities with electronic and computer-based video equipment. Students will be involved in all phases of the production process.
TV PRODUCTION
Grades 11-12 1 semester
Prerequisite: One of the following courses: Drama 1, Drama Production 1, Drama Practicum,
Journalism, Yearbook Publication, Exploring Technology, Communication Technology, Speech 1, Debate
1, or teacher approval
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This course will focus on the intricacies and influence of the television medium on society. Students will develop problem-solving skills as they prepare, tape, and edit their programs. Cooperative learning is an essential teaching/learning technique in this course. This course serves as an introduction to a career in the television and video/computer graphics industry.
YEARBOOK PUBLICATION 1-2
Grades 9-10 full year
Prerequisite: “B” average or better in English
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This class is an introduction to yearbook publication. The students will acquire and master
interviewing, feature article writing, layout design, and desktop publishing skills. Since Lake
Park produces an extensive 256-page yearbook, the students will plan the book, design the book with
desktop publishing, perform interviews, write the articles and assume staff editorial positions. By
registering for this course, and to make The Lance a student publication, students commit
themselves to:
1) producing at least three layouts per semester
with proofing
2) producing at least four articles per semester.
3) producing at least three rolls of film per semester.