Course & Graduation Requirements
Language Arts |
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| Books and Film | ||
| Sci-Fi and Fantasy | Journalism | |
English I is an introduction to world literature stressing the basic elements of fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. English I also covers an intensive study of grammar beginning with parts of speech, parts of the sentence, phrases and clauses. Usage and mechanics are also studied. Vocabulary composition and a study of the novel complete the course of study for English I.
English II
Prerequisite: English I
English II is a basically traditional approach to language and literature instruction. It is designed as a full year course and deals with literature, grammar, usage, mechanics, and composition. Its literature component covers a range of techniques, which combine to create good writing through a multiple-story short story unit, and continues that discussion through 3 novels and 2 plays. These units also give students experiences with thematic issues. The literature units stress careful reading, vocabulary issues, and work to help students learn to make critical judgments about literature. At the same time, the course stresses basic grammar review while stressing coverage of usage and mechanics issues through both standard textbook exercise practice and testing as well as through a variety of writing projects throughout the course.
Literature & Comp III
Prerequisite: English II
English III provides an historical perspective of our nation's literature: its themes, types and styles. In addition, instruction and review in composition skills and oral communication skills are provided. Its goal in communications skills is to review basic grammar, usage, and mechanics rules previously taught while introducing this level's few new concepts through both traditional textbook exercise practice and testing as well as through a variety of projects-both written and oral.
Literature & Comp III CP
Prerequisite: English II
Designed for those students, who definitely see themselves as college/university bound, this course follows the basic English III format. However, its curriculum stresses more in-depth, analytical reading skills. It places an emphasis on vocabulary development and use and requires more in-depth reading and project work than does regular English III.
Literature and Comp 4
Prerequisite: Senior status and grade average less than 4.0
Rend Lake Dual Credit: PREP/PSYCH 1404/2106
English IV is designed for senior students with more limited English skills, as demonstrated by previous performance in English class. All of the basic literature, language and composition skills that are needed for college are included in this class. Required projects: 1 novel each quarter, 1 MLA Research Paper, 1 Portfolio covering all four years of high school and 1 Speech.
Literature and Comp 4CP
Prerequisite: Senior status & 4.0 overall average in prior English classes
Rend Lake Dual Credit: ENG 1101 and Prep 1407 $40
Designed to prepare the college bound for freshman rhetoric and composition, students in English IV-CP examine several important selections in British literature, review grammar skills and develop writing expertise. Required projects: Monthly essays, 1 MLA Research Paper; 1 Portfolio covering all four years of high school; 1 Speech.
Literature and Comp IV AP
Prerequisite: Literature and Comp III
Rend Lake Dual Credit: ENG 1101 and 1102 Fee $40
The general objectives of the course are to prepare the student for college work through teaching the student to use the library, to read more effectively, and to write good expository prose based on personal observation and reading. A grade of “C” or better is an IAI requirement to transfer or enroll in English 1102.The general objectives of the second semester composition course are the same as the first with more advanced application. A research paper is required. A grade of “C” or better required for IAI.
Speech
Prerequisite: Senior status, Asset Test, Lit and Comp 4CP or AP
Rend Lake Dual Credit: COMM 1101 Fee $10
Books and Film
Grades: 11-12
Duration: Semester
In this course, we will take a look into and analyze novels, short stories, graphic novels, and plays that have film adaptations or have inspired films. We will scrutinize the written works (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills) and the films. Students will determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and also examine the structure, techniques, and intentions of the genre being studied in an attempt to answer the question of "Is the book always better than the movie?"
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Grades: 11-12
Duration: Semester
In this course, we will take a look into the beginnings, expansions, and modern examples of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres. We will look at consistent themes, tropes, and the underlying fascination that make these genres enduring enough in the public eye to never go out of style. This course has the same aim as general literature courses (to improve students’ language arts and critical-thinking skills), but it makes use of selected literature to explore a particular theme as expressed from several points of view. Such themes might include The American Dream, Society and Self, Exploration, War and Peace, and the like.
Mythology
Grades: 10-12
Duration: Semester
Mythology courses introduce students to the origins and meaning of myths, including how cultures use myths to explain natural or social phenomenon. Students will explore the major themes, stories, characters, and archetypes present in the mythologies of several different cultures. (Available SY 2024-.)
Journalism
Grades: 10-12
Duration: Semester
This course promotes the development of the necessary skills for journalism. Course topics may include an exploration of the role media and the communications industry has in society, technical skills related to journalistic writing and interviewing, electronic communications, journalistic blogging, and the ethical and legal issues related to technology in media and communications.