Mrs. Julie Rosslee,
Secondary Director of ELA, Reading, and Libraries
Course Offerings
|
English 9R
|
English 12: Foundations
|
Dramatics
|
|
English 9H
|
English 12: The Adolescent Experience
|
Advanced Dramatics
|
|
English 10R
|
English 12: Horror and Science Fiction
|
College-Level Dramatic Literature (Adelphi)
|
|
English 10H
|
English 12: Literary Lyrics
|
Creative Writing
|
|
AP Seminar
|
English 12: Speaking for Broadcast
|
Journalism I
|
|
English 11R
|
English 12: Sports Literature and Non-Fiction
|
Journalism II
|
|
AP Language and Composition
|
College-Level English (LIU)
|
Speaking for Broadcast
|
|
AP Literature and Composition
|
College-Level World Literature (LIU)
|
Voices of the Past
|
|
English Writing Lab
|
Introduction
We believe that the extent to which students learn to use language is the extent to which they will achieve personal identities and therefore become participants in society. The students' quality of expression, together with their sensitivity to the thoughts and feelings of others as expressed through language, determines to a large extent their value to themselves and to their fellow human beings. Thus, the primary objective of our English instruction is to instill in students the love and practice of clear, concise, and creative communication of experience while helping to ensure that all students are college and career ready in literacy upon graduating high school. In accordance with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy, which are divided into Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language strands, all students must be able to comprehend texts of steadily increasing complexity and be able to write argumentative, informational/explanatory, and narrative pieces, making appropriate grammar and usage choices as they progress through school.
English 9 (1 Unit)
The curriculum comprises the study of the form of the short story, novel, play, and other literary and non-fiction works. Romeo and Juliet is studied as the first Shakespearean play of the high-school sequence. Writing consists of compositions, essays in relation to literature studies, and various forms of argument, informational/explanatory, narrative, and creative writing. Some of these writing tasks will be similar to those required by the NYS English Language Arts Regents Examination. Grammar is taught through the editing of compositions and essays. Reading skills are taught in conjunction with the literature program and with the research paper.
English 9H (1 Unit)
This rigorous course explores various genres and styles of literature. Students will learn the terminology of language, literature, and poetry with the goal of using this specialized vocabulary to strengthen reading and writing skills. Close attention will be devoted to writing expository, narrative, and argumentative essays. The course will foster collaboration, project-based learning, and clarity and precision in both written and oral expression. Creative assignments and presentations will be included regularly. Because of the demands of the required reading and writing assignments, English 9 Honors is intended for students who have demonstrated a high level of achievement and interest in English.
English 10 (1 Unit)
The scope of the curriculum is the following: concentration on writing in connection with the literary and informational texts studied throughout the year as well as literature assigned outside of the classroom; exposure to short stories, drama, poetry, and non‑fiction through the use of an anthology of literature and continued emphasis on word skills. Many writing assignments during the year will be modeled after the writing tasks required by the NYS English Language Arts Regents Examination. All students write a research paper. During the tenth grade year, special emphasis is given to speaking and listening skills, the application and use of rhetorical devices, and the creation and delivery of speeches.
English 10H (1 Unit)
Offered to students who expect to pursue advanced placement (college-level) courses in English in grades eleven and twelve, this course focuses on reading literature perceptively and expressing thoughts clearly and effectively in both speaking and writing. Special emphasis is placed on writing sophisticated, analytical essays, and on formulating and supporting a thesis. The course is aimed at refining the grammar and writing skills of the advanced-level writer. This demanding course moves at a rapid pace, so as to prepare students for the academic challenges that await them in the college-level courses.
AP Seminar (1 Unit)
This foundational course provides students with opportunities to think critically and creatively, conduct research, explore, propose solutions to problems, develop arguments, collaborate and communicate using various media. Students explore real-world issues through a cross-curricular lens and consider multiple points of view to develop deep understanding of complex issues as they make connections between these issues and their own lives. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded AP credit and are qualified to take the AP Research course the following year. Students who earn scores of three or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four other AP courses will be awarded an AP Capstone Diploma from the College Board. The Advanced Placement Capstone Program through the College Board is an innovative program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges as well as in the workplace. All students are required to pay the $142.00 examination fee and MUST take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
- The AP Seminar is the first step of the AP Capstone program.
- AP Seminar may be taken for English 10 credit.
The AP score is comprised of a Team Project and Presentation (25% of AP score), an Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation (35% of AP score), and an end-of-course exam (40% of AP score).
Prerequisites:
- Teacher recommendation and Department Director approval.
- Must have and maintain a 90% average or better in 9th grade Honors
-- OR --
Must have and maintain a 95% average or better in 9th grade Regents English with no grade lower than 90%
English 11 (1 Unit)
The eleventh grade curriculum is an extension of previous English curricula. Students read and interpret a variety of informational and literary texts and analyze and evaluate ideas, information, and experiences from academic and non-academic sources. Exposure to a variety of American literature is stressed. Students write expository essays and literary critiques. All students write a research paper. Because the year culminates in the NYS English Language Arts Regents Examination, much time is spent honing the skills for the reading comprehension and writing tasks demanded by the exam. Students must receive a passing grade on this exam in order to graduate.
AP Language and Composition (1 Unit)
The AP Language and Composition course is a college preparatory course designed to offer an academic experience equivalent to a freshman/sophomore college reading, writing, and analysis course. According to the College Board, the course, "provides students with opportunities to write about a variety of subjects from a variety of disciplines to demonstrate an awareness of audience and purpose." One of the core objectives of AP Language and Composition is to "reflect the increasing importance of graphics and visual images in texts published in print and electronic media." In this course, students are asked to "analyze how such images both relate to written texts and serve as alternative forms of text in themselves, a critical component of 21st Century literacy. In addition, the informed use of research materials and the ability to synthesize varied sources (to evaluate, use, and cite sources) are integral parts of the AP English Language and Composition Course." In May, the students will take the Advanced Placement Examination for college credit. All students are required to pay the $94.00 examination fee and MUST take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Students will also be required to take the NYS English Language Arts Regents Examination in June.
Prerequisites:
- Teacher recommendation and Department Director approval.
- Successful completion of the Summer Project (two novels and three writing assignments).
- Must have and maintain an 85% average or better in English l0H or AP Seminar
-- OR --
Must have and maintain a 91 % average or better in 10th Grade Regents English with no grade lower than 80%.
- Must have and maintain an overall average of 85% or better in high school (12 quarters).
- Successful completion of the Summer Project (two novels and three writing assignments).
- Must agree to comply with the attendance policy and take the AP exam in May.
English 12
The purpose of these courses is to provide substantial college preparation for those twelfth grade students who do not take College-Level or AP English. Coursework will emphasize the study of contemporary and classical literature, as well as informational texts, in a way that fosters critical and analytical thinking. Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of these literary and informational texts by writing essays using a variety of techniques. Argument, informational/expository and narrative writing will be stressed in particular. Research will be embedded into the course of study. A combination of 12R English Foundations course and one of the English 12R courses listed below satisfies the twelfth grade English requirement for a Regents diploma.
English 12: Foundations (1/2 Unit - Required)
This course is designed to further hone the foundational literacy skills needed for success in college and career. There will be a strong focus on reading and writing analytically, in addition to developing public speaking skills. This course is also designed to assist students in the college admissions process. Students will learn how to create and maintain a professional print/digital portfolio. Students will read contemporary fiction and explore the social-emotional aspects of life in college, as well as classic literature to reinforce students' cultural literacy. A research paper will be required.
English 12: The Adolescent Experience in Literature (1/2 Unit)
The Adolescent Experience in Literature is a course designed to engage students in a pre-college level reading, discussion, and analysis of contemporary young adult fiction and related pieces of informational text. The nature of this class demands a wide range of texts that deal occasionally with mature language and situations. Students will learn how to approach the kinds of material and language that they will encounter in college literature, and they will begin to prepare for the "larger world" lens used in the college classroom.
English 12: Horror and Science Fiction (1/2 Unit)
Horror and Science Fiction provides students with the opportunity to carefully examine the lives, works, and influence of authors who pioneered the horror and science fiction genres. The underlying idea of the course is that a literary work is a reflection of the author's life as well as the time period during which it was produced. The nature of this course demands the study of a wide range of text and media that deal occasionally with mature language and content.
English 12: Literary Lyrics (1/2 Unit)
The focus of this course is on the critical analysis of song lyrics. Through the synthesis of lyrics and related fiction/non-fiction texts, students will learn how music/songs impact Pop Culture. In addition, through the study of songwriting techniques, students will gain an understanding of the power of the written word. Throughout the course, students will participate in research and collaboration. The course will culminate in the construction and presentation of original songs.
English 12: Speaking for Broadcast (1/2 Unit - Must not have already taken as an elective)
The goal of this course is to provide the student with the background, working knowledge, and practical experience necessary to deliver quality public broadcasts comparable to those of a professional in the field. Students will read and analyze the rhetorical devices of well-known speeches within their historical contexts with the ultimate goal of learning to write and deliver their own variety of speeches, which will be broadcast to the Wantagh High School community. College readiness, career specific vocabulary, and career placement will be several themes discussed throughout the course. Students will learn techniques of presentation and current media-specialized employment skills.
English 12: Sports Literature and Non-Fiction (1/2 Unit)
This course explores how sports began to take hold of the American imagination over 100 years ago and how it impacted literature and culture. One of the main focuses of the course is early 20th century boxers; however, the study of some more contemporary athletes and their impact on society will also take place. Sports fiction is explored through the writing of John Irving, Steve Teisch, and W.P. Kinsella, as well as through thematically related informational texts and various media. The course is designed to engage students into a pre-college level reading, discussion, and analysis of contemporary sports fiction and non-fiction.
AP Literature and Composition (1 Unit)
This demanding course emphasizes basic expository writing, textual interpretation, and writing analytical essays. Writing assignments also foster skill in argumentation and persuasion. In addition, practice is given in writing Advanced Placement type essays. In May, the students will take the Advanced Placement Examination for college credit. All students are required to pay the $94.00 examination fee and MUST take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Prerequisites:
- Teacher Recommendation and Department Director approval.
- Must have and maintain an 85% average or better in AP English Language
-- OR --
Must have and maintain a 91% average or better in 11th grade Regents English with no grade lower than 80%.
- Must have and maintain an overall average of 85% or better in high school (12 quarters).
- Successful completion of the summer reading (three novels) and writing assignment.
- Must agree to comply with the attendance policy and to take the AP English Literature exam in May.
College-Level English (1 Unit - Long Island University)
This rigorous college-level course is given under the aegis of Long Island University. Students are given instruction and practice in clear and effective expository writing. A documented paper based on library research is required of all students. Readings assigned include units of fiction, drama, and poetry. Upon successful completion of this course, a student will earn three college credits per semester in the two-semester course through Long Island University Post.
Prerequisites:
- Teacher Recommendation and Department Director approval.
- Must have and maintain an 85% average or better in 11th grade AP English with no grade lower than 80%
-- OR --
Must have and maintain a 90% average or better in 11th grade Regents English with no grade lower than 85%.
- Must have and maintain an overall average of 85% or better in high school (12 quarters).
- Successful completion of the summer reading and writing assignment.
- Acceptance by Long Island University into English 1 and 2.
- Must agree to comply with the attendance policy.
College-Level World Literature (1 Unit - Long Island University)
This rigorous college-level course is given under the aegis of Long Island University. The literature of the ancient world is the background of our institutions, attitudes, and thought. In the first semester, the great works of Western literature from our Biblical and Greek heritage to the Renaissance are read and analyzed. In the second semester, works from the Neoclassical Age to modern times are the focus. The subject matters, the angles of vision, and the techniques of expression are examined through the written exposition of the student. Upon successful completion of this course, a student properly enrolled through the college earns three college credits per semester through Long Island University Post.
Prerequisites:
- Teacher Recommendation and Department Director approval.
- Successful completion of 11AP English (Final Grade of 80% or better).
- Grade of 3 or better on the AP English Literature and Composition Exam.
- Successful completion of the summer reading and writing assignment.
- Acceptance by Long Island University into English 7 and 8.
- Agreement to comply with the attendance policy.
Dramatics (1/2 Unit - Fall Semester only)
Drama is an intensive workshop class that studies acting techniques. The class focuses on performance while developing the critical appreciation for theatre, film, and other media arts necessary for participation in modern society. Students will be able to perform basic acting/directing warm-ups and exercises; prepare, analyze, and perform a monologue or scene; participate in the production of the Tour Play; audition for Wantagh activities, Advanced Drama, and colleges, as well as generate critical and informed opinions and writings as both audience members and as performers.
Advanced Dramatics (1/2 Unit - Spring Semester only)
Advanced Dramatics is an opportunity for serious theatre students to study the various components of the theatrical craft by building on the basic knowledge and skills they acquired in the Dramatics course. Topics include script writing, acting, and directing, as well as the overall components that make theatre effective. This class culminates in a production for an audience.
Prerequisite: Students must take the Dramatics course and audition for acceptance into this class.
College Level Dramatic Literature (1/2 Unit - Adelphi University)
Dramatic Literature is an introductory course to the great plays of the Western Civilization. Students will be expected to read, discuss, perform, and write about how humans have used the stage as a forum for solving the problems of the world while simultaneously exploring the contemporary conditions that brought about literature from the perspective of the audience, the actor, and the director. Participation in this class will help prepare students for college-level English classes. Dramatic Literature is open to all interested students and is available for college credit through Adelphi University. Approval of the English Department Director is required.
Creative Writing (1/2 Unit)
Creative Writing combines lecture with workshop techniques to teach students to maximize their writing potential. Students learn to apply literary techniques and devices in a variety of genres. Units include poetry, lyric writing, the personal essay, short stories, and script writing. This is a writing intensive class, with the only restriction of the limits of a student's imagination.
Journalism I: Publication (1/2 Unit)
This course examines all aspects of print media, including composition of articles, editing, headline writing, layout, and the business side. Students will learn about electronic media and learn to define basic elements of all media. Students will have access to the Internet in the classroom and will explore the potential of building websites for school publications. Students will also be involved in the process of developing the high school newspaper.
Journalism II: Publication and Printing (1/2 Unit - Full year, every other day)
This course focuses on the construction of a student-written newspaper. Students will write articles, using Microsoft Word software, and photograph their surroundings, using Adobe software to edit their photos. They will also use the internet in the classroom to research information. The articles and photos will then be put into each page of the school newspaper composed in Quark Express. Student editors will edit all the work in the newspaper. Students will complete a newspaper, between eight and 24 pages, four times during the academic year. The newspaper will be distributed throughout the high school and to other schools in the Wantagh School District, as well as to other high schools on Long Island and across the state. Students will also generate revenue for the newspaper through print advertising. At the end of the academic year, students will submit their work to a statewide journalism contest sponsored by Syracuse University.
Speaking for Broadcast (1/2 Unit)
The goal of this course is to provide the student with the background, working knowledge, and practical experience necessary to deliver quality public broadcasts comparable to those of a professional in the field. Students will learn to write and deliver a variety of speeches, which will be broadcast to the Wantagh High School community.
Voices of the Past: A Study of Genocide and Human Rights (1/2 Unit)
This project-based course will focus on the roots of hatred, intolerance, and indifference in human atrocities that have been committed. A variety of genocides, including the Holocaust, will be studied through literature, first person narratives, historical accounts, and in-person testimonies in order to understand the causes of genocide, the rise of hate crimes, and, most importantly, ways to prevent such acts from occurring again. Students will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals, peace-keeping organizations, and governments. Open to grades 10–12.
Academic Intervention Services assist students who score below the required performance level on the Grade 8 NYS English Language Arts assessment. These services may include AIS support lab in English, supportive reading, Progress Monitoring or an English class with additional professional staffing. All students must take the NYS English Language Arts Regents Examination at the end of eleventh grade. This assessment tests the degree to which the students have mastered the ELA standards. Students must receive a passing grade on this assessment in order to graduate.
English Writing Lab
Writing Lab provides individualized and small group support for students who wish or have a determined need to polish their academic writing skills in response to reading and literary analysis. Although teachers will present a mini-lesson at the beginning of each session and provide remediation throughout the period, students may work at their own pace in virtual learning spaces as well as on various skill-building programs. STAR assessments may be used throughout the course to monitor students' literacy skill development and growth and help customize instruction. This is an ungraded course; however, students assigned to the Writing Lab for remediation are required to reach grade level benchmarks and STAR goals before exiting the course.