English and Communications

St. Mary's Springs High School English Department fosters love of learning in literature, language and disciplined inquiry.  Believing that communication is central to the life-long growth of our students, we offer a technologically enhanced program of study that develops skills in effective oral and written expression, literary appreciation and analysis, critical thinking and research.

English / Communications
Freshman English 1.0 credit		Students study grammar, usage, mechanics, learn library and public speaking skills, and use the Shostak Vocabulary Program for vocabulary enhancement.  Students study text-based literature and supplemental readings through different genres including the short story, poetry, novel, drama and related topics aimed at development of interpretation and inferences.  Composition includes paragraph and theme development and theme writing on various topics within the genre with the objective of students being able to successfully write paragraphs, three to five paragraph themes and non-fiction writing.  Public speaking will include research, organization, and presentation of an informative or persuasive speech.
		Goals for Freshman English 1.  Gain exposure to notable writers and their works. 2.  Develop a good writing style through focus on grammar and editing skills 3.  Expand vocabulary 4.  Improve reading proficiency 5.  Develop and identify literary techniques and elements 6.  Develop skills in critical thinking and writing through analysis and interpretation of literature 7.  Imitate literary concepts and style in original writing 8.  Become lifelong readers 9.  Apply technology to oral presentations 10. Explore on-line and library research
Sophomore English 1.0 credit		The course surveys the literature of the United States from the Colonial period through the 20th Century.  Connections are explored between literature and history and among literary works from different time periods.  Course work includes composition, vocabulary enrichment and supplemental readings and oral presentations.  Writing assignments are designed for students to successfully write expository essays, literary analysis, and a library research paper.
Junior English 1.0 credit		The course surveys the literature of Great Britain from the early Anglo-Saxon period through the 20th Century.  A variety of genre is studied set in the context of England's historical development, paralleling changes in English society and literary works.  Course work includes oral presenations, the research paper and compositions to extend and improve the writing skills learned in previous English courses.
Speech I 0.5 credit		This speech course is an introduction to various types of speech situations.  The student will have experience in informative, persuasive and demonstration speeches.  Also included will be a variety of speaking situations such as group discussion, oral interpretation of literature, and Lincoln/Douglas debate.  Speech introduces a variety of high-level skills of oral communication and research.  This course will help build confidence and skill to meet the college curriculum as well as be prepared in basic life skills.
Reading For Enrichment 0.5 credit		This course is designed to supplement the present English curriculum.  Reading for Enrichment presents a variety of recognized literary classics that extend the range of classroom reading for the college-bound student.  Works are chosen from a variety of eras, genres, and cultures, to broaden students' appreciation and enjoyment of literature.  This course enables students to appreciate literature outside the national and historical boundaries set by traditional courses.  Though the course will include historical considerations, it's intent is to expand students' world view, to develop their skills in evaluating literary texts, and to assist them in appreciation of literature's place in lifelong learning.
Senior English 1.0 credit		This course surveys the literature of the World, beginning with various creation stories, moving from other ancient literatures through the Greeks and Romans to modern world literature.  A variety of genre is studied in context with the various cultures the course looks at.  Course works includes a number of writing assignments, including a library research paper each semester, intended to improve the student's ability to meet the standards of advanced education or business requirements in the future.
College English 1.0 credit 7 college credits		This course has three components:  Composition, Research Writing and Introduction to Literary Genres.  Freshman Composition is a course to develop expository writing skills useful in college.  Students learn the several processes that writing comprises.  They study and write several kinds of expository prose.  They are expected to become competent in standard edited English.  A research paper is required.   Research Writing is a course introducing students to the principles of college research with emphasis on analytical reading of research material, focused use of sources, and the methodology of citation and documentation.  This course also acquaints students with techniques of interviewing and of conducting surveys as well as with search strategies involving resources in print.  The course provides guidance for students as they apply research principles to subjects within their disciplines or areas of interest. Introduction to Literary Genres is a study of the short story, poetry and drama, employing methods of formal and structural analysis.  While the works studies represent several eras, the emphasis is on modern and contemporary literature.