Applies skills to culminate in creating and developing dramatic writing for theatrical media with special emphasis on film and television.  Includes development of “writerly stance” by reading, viewing, and analyzing texts and visual media from a writer’s point of view, with focus on understanding the construction process and including the application of conventions of standard English grammar and usage.  Note:  This course meets fourth English Language core requirement.

This course provides students who are interested in journalism with an opportunity to explore and to experience the process involved in the creation of a large publication, including preplanning, designing layouts, copyrighting, proofreading, organizing visuals, and managing finances, all of which involve creativity. This course involves the production and sale of the yearbook.

*2 Semesters - 1 Carnegie Unit

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in a variety of forms.  In this course, students will extend their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills by developing critical thinking skills around all types of media, understanding how media messages shape our culture and society, evaluating the purpose behind media messages, and practicing digital citizenship skills for positive participation in our democracy and global economy.

The course focuses on world literature and informational texts by and about people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Students explore themes of linguistic and cultural diversity by comparing, contrasting, analyzing, and critiquing writing styles and universal themes. The students write argumentative, expository, narrative, analytical, and response essays. A research component is critical. The students observe and listen critically and respond appropriately to written and oral communication.

*2 Semesters - 1 Carnegie Unit

In this course, students read complex texts with understanding and write engaging prose that emphasizes content, purpose, and audience. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the optional Advanced Placement exam.

*2 Semesters - 1 Carnegie Unit

This survey course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literature. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the optional Advanced Placement exam.

*2 Semesters - 1 Carnegie Unit