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English 8
English 8 will examine play narrative structures in prose - fiction and nonfiction - as well as explore the purposes of narrative across cultures. Our exploration of narrative will develop student facility in the areas of reading comprehension, critical reading and thinking, formal and informal composition, grammar and mechanics, argumentative and creative paragraph writing, vocabulary building and standardized test preparation.
English I, English I Honors
The goal of English I is to develop and increase the student’s proficiency in writing as well as in the understanding and appreciation of literature. English I includes a brief review of grammar, sentence structure, paragraph structure, punctuation, and usage that will be implemented into various topics of analytical study and within the context of writing assignments throughout the year. In order to develop critical thinking skills and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of literature will be considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.), along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction.
English II, English II Honors
The goal of English II is to continue to develop and increase the student’s proficiency of academic writing and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of world literature. English II includes a brief review of varying types of sentence structure, punctuation, and usage and will be ongoing topics of study within the context of the writing assignments throughout the year. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of literature will be considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.), along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction.
English III - American Literature
The goal of English III is to continue to develop and increase the student’s proficiency in academic writing and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of American literature. English III includes a brief review of varying types of sentence structure, punctuation, and usage and will be ongoing topics of study within the context of the writing assignments throughout the year. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills, and to expose students to models of good writing, several genres of American literature are considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.) along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction.
English Language and Composition AP
The Advanced Placement Language and Composition course is designed to prepare students to “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives” (The College Board AP English Course Description. May 2007, May 2008). The course curriculum is designed to reflect the criteria established by the College Board, thus the assignments focus on expository, analytical persuasive writings. The assigned readings are predominantly nonfiction, yet some poetry and fiction are included to further reinforce students’ reading proficiency and critical thinking skills. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the College Board AP exam in May.
English IV - British Literature
The goal of English IV is to develop and increase the student’s proficiency in academic writing and in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural importance of British literature. In order to reinforce critical thinking skills and expose students to models of good writing, several genres of British literature are considered (drama, novels, poetry, essays, etc.) along with the elements of literature and literary devices. Standardized test preparation will be accomplished by working practice standardized tests. Vocabulary will be studied within the context of literature and through direct vocabulary instruction.
English Literature and Composition AP
The Advanced Placement Literature and Composition course is designed to deepen each student's understanding of the ways in which writers manipulate language for the purpose of illustrating both meaning and beauty. Writing assignments focus upon critical analysis of literature and include the composition of expository, analytical, and argumentative essays reflecting the three objectives: writing to understand a literary work, writing to explain a literary work, and writing to evaluate a literary work. All students are required to take the AP Literature and Composition Exam in May.
English V, English V Honors - Literary Theory
English V focuses on a thematic approach to reading and responding to literature. In addition to studying semiotics, ancient philosophy, and the history of literary theory, students learn how the practitioners of contemporary Critical Theory respond to literature. The course includes Marxist Criticism, Post-colonial Criticism, Feminism, Psychoanalysis, and other schools of literary analysis. The course work involves reading, writing, and public speaking. English V and English V Honors are available to seniors who have completed English IV or AP English Literature and Composition.
Creative Writing
This course will provide each student with the opportunity to creatively express herself through the composition of teacher-guided poetry and personal essays, and to focus upon the vision, revision, craft, and artistry of her own individual writing style. Written works will be submitted and presented to the class for the purpose of technical and literary analysis, criticism, and discussion. Course requirements will include the composition, revision, and select publication in the literary magazine of select types of poetry; the composition, revision and select publication in the literary magazine of essays scripted in the forms of the narrative, the descriptive and the expository; and a portfolio containing a final manuscript of all revised writing.
Greek Mythology
This course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of Greek mythology and the role it plays in both British and American literature. Students will study the stories of the Olympians, Greek heroes, and other important mythological features in literary works by authors such as Ovid, Aeschylus, and Sophocles. Through essays, projects, and tests, students will be able to make comparisons among the Greek myths as well as with more modern English literature.
Film Studies
Storytelling is the most common way that humans communicate with one another. Stories told with film have a tremendous influence on our attitudes and perceptions of the world around us. In fact, films may be one of the most powerful tools in modern culture for shaping values and conveying information, especially about women. In this course, students will discuss the image of the empowered woman while studying the history of film and critically analyzing some of America’s greatest cinematic achievements. Students will be responsible for reading several nonfiction articles, writing a series of short papers, completing interactive projects, and analyzing films.
Southern Literature
In this course, students will discuss how American writers have represented New Orleans in literature and film from the late 19th century to the present. Students will analyze how some of the country's most interesting writers and film makers have engaged the city as well as compare how New Orleans natives represent New Orleans to how new comers and frequent visitors do. Over the course of the semester, students will complete extensive fiction and nonfiction readings as well as write a series of short papers and complete projects focusing on readings by such authors as Tennessee Williams, Walker Percy, Eudora Welty, William Faulkner, and Kate Chopin.
Speech I
Speech I is a course in the fundamentals of public speaking. The basics of writing speeches and strong communication skills are stressed. Students present a variety of speeches which could include: informative, persuasive, demonstration, and entertainment. Students will also learn the basics of communication through the study of verbal and non-verbal communication. At the end of this course, a student should be able to write and communicate an original speech to suit just about any occasion. Clarity and correct pronunciation are stressed. Note: Students may take Speech I and Speech II as a full year credit.
Speech II
Speech II is a course which explores further the fundamentals of public speaking. The focus of Speech II is argumentation, debate, and persuasion. The student will learn how to be a critical thinker, how to make reasoned decisions, utilize research, and write and prepare for at least two debates to be presented in class. This is an excellent course for those interested in law, marketing, public relations, broadcasting and any type of business career. Note: Students may take Speech I and Speech II as a full year credit.
Mass Media Communication
This course will cover the three major broadcasting mediums: radio, television, and film. The course will cover the history of the three mediums and their uses in society today. This will be a very “hands - on” course with projects throughout the year and will require students to become familiar with audio/visual equipment and the computer programs used to edit pictures and video. Some projects that the students will be responsible for include writing and broadcasting radio spots and television advertisements as well as writing and broadcasting news stories. No pre-requisite course is necessary.
Yearbook
Yearbook is a student run and produced class. Through a series of assignments and many deadlines, students will use the website Pictavo to build the current yearbook. Basic journalism topics such as photography, interviewing, copywriting, and the elements of print design will be taught to the students and utilized in the design of the yearbook.