Language Arts
(Graduation Requirements – 4 credits)
Freshmen English
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9-12
Status: 1 credit
Course Description: This is an introductory course of English that provides students with a rounded curriculum of study in grammar, vocabulary, literature and writing skills. Emphasis is placed upon those areas that will be tested by standardized tests and upon those skills necessary to be successful in the more advanced English classes.
Prerequisite: Freshman English
Grade: 10
Status: 1 credit
Course Description: This course is designed to focus student learning upon the elements of literature. Students will be exposed to various types of literature. Students will gain knowledge about the basic elements of literature, a review of basic mechanics, learn new vocabulary and use various reading strategies. Students will also look at oral communication through a unit that incorporates research, technical, persuasive, and expository speeches. Students will be required to read at least two novels, several short stories, poetry, and essays. The course finishes out the year with a classic Shakespearian play.
Prerequisite: Freshman and Sophomore English
Grade: 11
Status: Does NOT meet Qualified Admissions to Regents Colleges
1 credit
Course Description: This course is designed to enhance a student’s ability to write and comprehend literature. This course strives to encourage and strengthen areas of weakness in reading, writing, research, appreciation, and individualized learning.
Junior English Prep
Prerequisite: Freshman and Sophomore English
Grade: 11
Status: Recommended for College Bound Students,
Required for Admissions to a Regents College
1 credit
Course Description: This course is designed to help college bound students improve and develop proficient thinking, reading, and writing skills needed in higher education through the study of literature. Students will primarily achieve these skills through the study of and understanding of American Literature from the establishment and settling of America to contemporary society and the study of the change and development of society’s ideas, attitudes, and structure through each era’s predominant writers and thinkers.
Prerequisite: Freshman and Sophomore English
Grade: 11
Status: Does NOT meet Qualified Admissions to Regents Colleges, 1 credit
Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with lifetime reading and writing skills. This course focuses in teaching professional skills i.e. resume building, public speaking, and writing. Students also engage in research, literature analysis, and reading enhancement.
Prerequisite: Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior English Prep credits
Status: Recommended for College Bound Students,
Required for Admissions to a Regents College
1 credit
Course Description: This course is designed to help college bound students improve and develop proficient thinking, reading, and writing skills needed in higher education through the study of literature. Students will primarily achieve these skills through the study of and understanding of European Literature from the earliest known writing to contemporary society and the study of the change and development of society’s ideas, attitudes, and structure through each era’s predominant writers and thinkers.
Prerequisite: Freshman English
Grade: 10 -12
Status: 1 credit
Course Description: The Creative Writing class introduces students to a variety of literary genres through both reading and writing. The goal of the class is to develop varied writing and reading techniques through extensive practice and study. Students discover their writing and reading skills by developing analytical/critical techniques and by applying them to each others’ work as well as to the work of established writers. By working in a variety of genres and receiving feedback from the instructor and peers, it is hoped that students will: develop an understanding of quality writing that can be applied to other classes and potential careers.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of application/interview
Grade: 10-12
Status: 1 credit
Course Description: This course covers the basics of journalism and applies them to the production and sale of a yearbook publication and its advertising. Students will learn and use effective communication, photography, writing, and computer design skills employing Adobe and Microsoft software.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of application/interview
Grade: 10-12
Status: 1 credit
Course Description: This course covers the basics of journalism and employs them as they relate to the production of nine monthly newspaper publications for the purpose of informing and entertaining the immediate West Franklin High School public. Students will learn and use effective communication, photography, writing, and computer design skills employing Adobe and Microsoft software.