ENGLISH

River Ridge Literature Society

Student Work Shop

PICTURES OF CLASS AT WORK

The following courses are offered within the English Department.

    Basic English I is an integrated program designed to develop and reinforce basic writing, reading, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills.  Writing will involve basic writing skills with emphasis on sentence and paragraph structure leading to the writing of narrative and expository essays.  Reading will include the development and improvement of basic reading skills through the study of short stories, the novel, nonfiction, and poetry.  Basic grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills will emphasize application to effective oral and written communication.  Computer technology will be used as a tool to enhance writing skills.

    English I is an integrated program of writing, literature, grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills.  Writing will involve application of the writing process in narrative writing, persuasive writing, expository writing, and basic literary analysis.  Literature will include the improvement of reading comprehensions and literary analysis through the study of short stories, drama, nonfiction, and poetry.  Grammar vocabulary and speaking skills will emphasize application to effective oral and written communication.  Computer technology will be used as a tool to enhance writing skills.

    Advanced English I is an advanced integrated program of writing, literature, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills. Writing will involve application of the writing process in narrative writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, in-depth literary analysis, and basic research skills.  Literature will include the use of critical thinking in the application of literary analysis with an in-depth study of all major literary genres.  Grammar and vocabulary skills will emphasize application to effective oral and written communication.  Speaking skills will be developed through the delivery of a formal speech.  Computer technology will be used as a tool to enhance writing skills.

    Basic English II is an integrated program designed to continue the development and reinforcement of basic writing, reading, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills.  Writing will involve the improvement of basic writing skills with emphasis on sentence and paragraph structure leading to the writing of narrative, expository, and persuasive essays.  Writing will also include the introduction to basic research skills.  Reading will include the continuation of the development and improvement of basic reading skills through the study of short stories, the novel, nonfiction, drama, and poetry.  Basic grammar and vocabulary skills will emphasize application to effective oral and written communication.  Speaking skills will be developed through the delivery of a project presentation.  Computer technology will be used as a tool to enhance writing skills.

    English II is an integrated program continuing the study of writing, literature, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills.  Writing will involve the continued application of the writing process in narrative writing, persuasive writing, expository writing, and literary analysis.  Writing will also involve the introduction to research skills and creative writing.  Literature will include the use of critical thinking in the application of literary analysis with a study of all major literary genres.  Grammar and vocabulary skills will emphasize application to effective oral and written communication.  Speaking kills will be developed through the delivery of a formal speech.  Computer technology will be used as a tool to enhance writing skills.

    Advanced English II is an advanced integrated program continuing the study of writing, literature, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills.  Writing will involve the continued application of the writing process in narrative writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, in-depth literary analysis, and an extensive research paper.  Literature will include the continued use of critical thinking in the application of literary analysis with an in-depth study of all major literary genres.  Grammar and vocabulary skills will emphasize application to effective oral and written communication.  Speaking skills will be developed through the delivery of a formal speech.  Computer technology will be used as a tool to enhance writing skills.

    This two-semester weighted course is for college-oriented juniors.  College preparatory writing of all genres will be stressed, and students will continue to practice research skills.  An extensive research paper will be required.  This course includes an in-depth analysis of the development of American Literature from Colonial times to the present.  Speech skills will be practiced, and at least one major speech will be required.  Computer technology will be employed as an aid for writing skills.  Students will learn how to determine reliable Internet sites and to use reliable Internet sites and the library as research sources.

    This course is an integrated program of literature, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills.  This curriculum includes dramas, novels, poetry, and essay writting.  The class will focus on literature taught through thematic units.  Periodically, there will be test prompts to complete for practice on the AP exam.  The offical Ap exam is in the spring.  In addition to class work, students will read four selected novels during the summer and complete a summer reading quiz on each.  This class will be graded on a weighted scale.

    This two-semester weighted course is for college-oriented seniors.  The continuing study of college preparatory writing, speech and research is stressed.  British literature beginning with Anglo-Saxon times is examined for its thematic and cultural significance.  A unit of world Literature will also be studies.  A knowledge of world history is recommended as background.  Computer technology will be employed as an aid for writing skills. Students will use the library and reliable internet sites as research sources.  The final for this course will be performance-based where the student will prove proficiency in reading, critical thinking, research, writing, and speaking skills.

Some of the courses above are on a weighted status.  Also, advanced levels of certain classes are available. All English courses are worth 1 full credit.