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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
It is the goal of the English Department to prepare students to become proficient communicators in the English language. Recognizing that a strong foundation in language skills is not only necessary for success in every phase of school but also in all stages of life, the coordinators have developed a four-year, sequential curriculum that follows the New York State Learning Standards for English Language Arts. These Standards establish:
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Students will read, write, listen and speak for
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1. Information and Understanding
2. Literary Response and Expression
3. Critical Analysis and Evaluation
4. Social Interaction |
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The following websites offer assistance for the students of English.
www.nysed.gov - NYS Department of Education links to core curriculum for all disciplines.
www.regentsprep.org/Regents/english.aspx - NYS Department of Education standards, which also offers exam prep help
www.m-w.com/home.htm - Webster's dictionary & thesaurus
www.owl.english.purdue.edu - proper citation for MLA & APA formats
www.owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/index.html - grammar help
www.owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html - info on what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it
www.rcls.org - Ramapo Catskill Library System links to member libraries where you can search catalogs and databases. To order materials from your library's system, you'll need a current library card and pin number that you can get from your local library.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CATALOG
The offerings for all grade levels are listed below. These courses are conducted within the framework of the standard NY State Regents curriculum.
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9TH GRADE
ENGLISH 9 HONORS - This course surveys world literature from ancient Greece to today. It maintains an accelerated pace that allows additional out-of-class reading exposure as compared to that of the general 9th grade course.
ENGLISH 9 REGENTS - This course surveys world literature from ancient Greece to today. Emphasis is placed on reading and writing skills with a study of various genres in literature.
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10TH GRADE
ENGLISH 10 HONORS - This course is pursued at an accelerated pace with emphasis on analysis of British literature supplemented by the study of novels and plays.
ENGLISH 10 REGENTS - This course is a continuation of the entry level, developmental program of reading, writing, and speech. The study of British literature is at the core of the curriculum.
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11TH GRADE
ENGLISH 11 HONORS - This course is pursued at an accelerated pace and is designed for students to read, analyze, discuss, and research a variety of works of American literature.
ENGLISH 11 REGENTS - This course utilizes American literature as a core for analytical reading, writing, and discussion.
ENGLISH 11 REGENTS PREP - This course utilizes American literature as a core for analytical reading, writing, and discussion, a process that is guided closely in the classroom.
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12TH GRADE
ENGLISH 12 ELECTIVE - ENGLISH COMPOSITION - This one-semester course addresses students' need for refinement in writing and speaking in English in order to prepare them for the communication demands of college and their future professions.
ENGLISH 12 ELECTIVE - PUBLIC SPEAKING - This one-semester course is an exploration of the techniques and styles involved in effective public speaking. Speech preparations and oral presentations are emphasized.
ENGLISH 12 ELECTIVE - LITERATURE AND FILM - This one-semester course explores the basic elements of film making, studying both the novel and its film adaptation. Students will create an independent film. Use of Adobe Premier 2.0 software is available.
ENGLISH 12 ELECTIVE - CREATIVE WRITING & VISUAL ARTS - This one-semester course examines how stories are generated, started, and finished. Students will develop critical thinking skills and create original works concerning language and visual art.
COLLEGE ENGLISH - Prerequisite 91% cumulative English GPA, 85% mastery level on English Regents Exam, and Department Chairperson approval. This is a college course offered through a partnership with St. Thomas Aquinas College. Successful completion will lead to 6 credits from STAC. This course focuses on the forms of writing required of students during their college careers.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION - Prerequisite 93% cumulative English GPA, score in top 15% English Regents Exam, and Department Chairperson approval. This is an advanced, college-level course, where students entering already possess a mastery of skills and are highly motivated. Students will read demanding works of fiction, poetry, and drama and are required to write insightful and structured analyses of the works. Students take the AP exam in May.
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