English 9 – Regents

Following the common core curriculum, students gain skills and knowledge in the areas of literature, reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Close analysis of both fiction and non-fiction writing and using textual based evidence in student work is a major focus. A research/term paper is assigned in the third quarter. This is a full year course.

1 credit/ NCAA approved

 

English 9 Honors

This enrichment course is for students who excel in English. It can be taken in place of English 9. Following the common core curriculum, students gain skills and knowledge in the areas of literature, reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. Close analysis of both fiction and non-fiction writing and using textual based evidence in student work is a major focus. A poetry analysis paper is assigned. Teacher recommendation is required for participation. This is a full year course. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 10 – Regents

Following the common core curriculum, this course builds on skills and knowledge gained the previous year. There are increased expectations for students to closely read and analyze non-fiction and fiction writing, and use of textual based evidence. A synthesis research paper is assigned. This is a full year course.

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 10 Honors

This enrichment course is for students who excel in English. Following the common core curriculum, this course builds on skills and knowledge gained the previous year. There are increased expectations for students to closely read and analyze non-fiction and fiction writing, and use of textual based evidence. A synthesis research paper is assigned. Teacher recommendation is required for participation. This is a full year course. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 11 – Regents

The focus of this course is the breadth of American literature, including various genres from colonial times to the present. A formal research paper is assigned during the year. Students must take the New York State English Regents Exam at the end of the year. This course is a full year. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

AP Language and Composition – English 11

This Advanced Placement course in English enables eligible students to gain college credit by giving them command of language and composition skills taught in most first year college classes. This course will also feature the study of American Literature. There will be an in depth term paper assigned and students take the AP English Language exam. The fee for the exam must be paid at the beginning of the school year. Students must take the New York State English Regents Exam at the end of the year. This course is a full year. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

College English 101 

This basic college writing course emphasizes practice in expository writing and library skills. This course provides seniors with the opportunity to experience a college English course to prepare for the total college experience. It is the first requirement for the college freshman English sequence. Students must meet the SUNY Orange (OCCC) prerequisite, College requirements, pay the College fee, and buy a college textbook to participate. This course is offered in the fall semester.

Prerequisite: established by SUNY Orange 
3 SUNY Orange (OCCC) College credits 
½ credit / NCAA approved

 

College English 102 

This second course in the college freshman English sequence emphasizes continued practice in expository writing based on fiction, poetry, journalism, public speaking, and drama. Students must meet the SUNY Orange (OCCC) College prerequisite requirements, pay the college fee, and buy the college text book to participate. This course is offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisite: established by SUNY Orange  
3 SUNY Orange (OCCC) College Credits  
½ credit/NCAA approved

 

AP Literature and Composition – English 12

This advanced placement (AP) course in English enables eligible students to gain college credit by giving them command of material taught in most first year college English classes. An in-depth term paper is assigned and students take the AP English Exam. The fee for the exam must be paid at the beginning of the school year. This is a full year course. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

English 12

For the first semester, this course focuses on selected British literature. Students are required to complete a term paper. During the second semester, students study more contemporary literature that focuses on multiple subject areas. This course is a full year.

1 credit/NCAA approved

 

English Electives

Creative Writing

In this course students will explore a range of creative genres, including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, drama and multimedia writing. Students will study examples of classic and contemporary literature and apply what they learn through peer workshops. Priority will be given to upper-class students. This is a semester course and is offered during both semesters. 

½ credit/NCAA approved

 

Public Speaking 

In this course students learn the fine art of speaking in public and become confident communicators. Formal speech making, storytelling, persuasive advertising, and comedy applications are emphasized. Students are graded on demonstration and participation. This course is one semester and is offered both semesters

½ credit/NCAA approved

 

 

Diversity & Inclusion in Education

“If you smile at me, I will understand / ‘Cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language” – Stephen Stills

This introductory course promotes diversity and inclusion by empowering the school community to open their eyes and minds to the differences around us. By partnering with SUNY New Paltz, students explore the sociocultural factors that impact teaching and learning, as well as learn both the methodology of teaching and the practical tools needed to teach in an increasingly diverse future classroom. Students will be led to a place where they can embrace diversity with the expectation that the students will become both school and community leaders. Topics to be explored: Race & Ethnicity, Religion, Ability: Disabilities (mental, physical, emotional), Ageism, Class, Immigration, Sexism, Gender & Sexual Identity, Bullying & Bias, & Rights & Activism. Offered to 11th & 12th graders. This is a full year course. 

3 SUNY New Paltz college credits
1 credit
NCAA approved

 

Myth, Magic and Make Believe

Myth, Magic & Make Believe studies mythology from past through present times with a focus on the hero’s journey. The course content will focus on mythology and legend throughout a variety of mythological texts, supplemented with research, articles, films, television shows, graphic novels, and more. Additionally, science fiction, legend, art and poetry may be studied in connection to mythology. Students will read, discuss, and write about a wide variety of genres and literary forms. An emphasis will be placed on class discussion, technology, collaboration, and creative forms of assessment and presentation, in addition to various reading and writing activities.

(Subject to enrollment and teacher availability.)

1/2 credit

 

Multi-ethnic American Literature

Students will read, analyze and discuss a variety of novels, short stories, poems, and nonfiction works written by African-Americans, Latino-Americans, and Asian-Americans. We will look at how history and current events have impacted the lives of minorities in America. 

(Subject to enrollment and teacher availability.)

1/2  credit

 

Literary Aspect of Film

Literary Aspects of Film is an ELA course that is being offered to help students improve their ability to work with elements of literature, by analyzing how those literary devices and techniques come to life in major motion pictures. Students will view pictures from multiple genres, and note how the medium of film allows audiences to immerse themselves in the storytelling process. We will read articles, excerpts from novels, and some graphic novels to help drive our discussions on the pieces that we analyze. We will also take a look at the processes used in making some of the films we will be watching. Within the course there will be topics that stem across several core classes (STEM, ELA, Social Studies, Art). In some cases, students will play an active role in selecting some of the films in our units. This proposed course would be made available to students in grade 10 and above. The course will be offered based on enrollment.

½ credit/NCAA approved

 

Introduction to Poetry

Poetry is such an accessible way to use literature to help us better understand ourselves and our world. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the complexity and fun of poetry! This course concentrates on the analysis and study of poetry and its forms, focusing on issues relevant and meaningful to teenagers. Readings include work from diverse cultural contexts, including, for example, poems by women, African Americans, other marginalized groups, and non-Western writers. The course emphasizes discussion and student presentation of poetic analysis and explication using various media to aid in our appreciation: art, music, film, etc.  The elective will teach students how to rhetorically analyze and appreciate modern and classic poetry to develop close reading, annotation, and critical thinking skills.

(Subject to enrollment and teacher availability.)

1/2 credit/NCAA approved

 

Screenwriting 101

Screenwriting 101 will provide high school students with a solid foundation in the art and craft of screenwriting, preparing them for further studies or careers in the TV and Film industry. This course will cater to the growing interest in this field among our students and provide them with valuable skills that can be applied in various creative professions.

1/2 Credit