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ENGLISH
ICA requirement: 4 years
CSU/UC requirement: 4 years
English I 201000
Two Semesters 9 UC/CSU
Students will develop expository writing skills essential for learning in all high school classes. Mythology from many cultures around the world is a major focus of literature studied, which includes novels, plays and poems. Reading comprehension, writing proficiency and vocabulary development are among the goals of this class.
English II 202000
Two Semesters 10 UC/CSU
Literature representing multicultural perspectives is emphasized in English II. Related writing assignments are required with focus on narrative writing. In addition, an introductory study of poetry is pursued. Oral reports are included with emphasis on debate techniques.
English
III 203000
Two Semesters 11 UC/CSU
English III includes a chronological study of major American writers from
the Colonial Period to modern times. Students read American novels, short
stories, non-fiction, poetry and drama. The course emphasizes a critical
approach to literature and the writing of intermediate-length critical
essays. Although literature and writing are emphasized, students work
on vocabulary and review fundamentals of grammar as necessary.
Honors English III 203500
Two Semesters 11 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Grade of B+ or better in English II and permission of English II instructor.
English III Honors places equal emphasis on critical reading and writing skills. Students will be expected to read material in addition to the regular English III curriculum and to write more extensively. Students will learn to write a lengthier (1000-word) critical essay incorporating literary criticism from outside sources. Honors students are expected to contribute to class discussions and do oral presentations. Time is devoted to vocabulary development and grammar as necessary.
English IV 204000
Two Semesters 12 UC/CSU
This course continues the study of great literature and the development of strong writing skills. Frequent analytical and personal essays will be written in response to several masterpieces of poetry and prose. Students will follow the development of the English language from the Middle Ages through the early modern period. Traditional classics of English poetry and drama will be closely read. In addition, three novels will be studied, one from the 19th-century tradition of the English novel and two by 20th-century writers from Canada and Africa.
Advanced Placement Lit. & Comp. 204500
Two Semesters 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Recommendation of English III Honors teacher or approval, after an interview, from AP teacher and English Department chairperson
This class offers students who love literature an opportunity to develop their exceptional skills in reading and writing beyond high school level. All students in the AP class take the College Board Examination in Literature and Composition which is administered in May. A passing score on this exam gives the student college credit which counts toward her undergraduate degree. The amount of credit granted varies among colleges. The College Board charges a fee of approximately $82.00 for the exam. While preparation for the exam is integrated into the class, the goal is to provide students with a college level course in literature and writing. Literature from many genres is read, discussed and enjoyed. There are frequent writing projects including essays of literary analysis, explication of poems, imaginative writing and poetry writing.
Imaginative Writing 705001
One Semester 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Note: Students who enroll in this course must also enroll in Language of Film.
Students will explore various types of imaginative writing: fiction, poetry and drama. Fiction writing will focus on the short story. Drama writing will develop the writer’s ability to create convincing dialogue in short scenes and expose students to basic principles of playwriting and screenwriting. Poetry writing will offer practice and experimentation with all kinds of poetry, traditional and free form, rhymed and unrhymed. Students will read and analyze published works in all three genres. Guest readers may be invited and poems/stories may be written in response to the particular technique or style of these authors. Students in this class will edit The Imagination Fascination, ICA’s literary magazine.
The Language of Film 705002
One Semester 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
Note: Students who enroll in this course must also enroll in Imaginative Writing.
Students will watch and analyze notable American and foreign films. They will learn to spot and understand techniques of cinematography that contribute to the total effect of the film. They will read criticism of films in both popular and scholarly periodicals and will write their own critiques. The course will also include research on notable directors and several of their representative works. Students in this course will develop a critical eye, forming theories on matters of content and aesthetics.
Yearbook I 999900
Two semesters* 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
This class is responsible for all aspects of the production of the school
annual, The Flame. This course deals with the fundamentals of layout,
copywriting, and photography. The course teaches students to think independently
and work cooperatively, to take credit for a job well done and responsibility
for a job that could have been done better. Students will learn the importance
of meeting deadlines. This course is demanding. Students who are creative,
organized, and outgoing will do well in this course.
* This is a one-semester credit course, spread over the length of the
school year. It meets every other day from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. This
is a Pass/Fail course.
Yearbook II 999902
Two semesters* 11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
Similar to Yearbook I, but this course has more rigorous expectations
as students are not new to the process. Students will be put into leadership
roles in group projects.
* This is a one-semester credit course, spread over the length of the
school year meeting every other day from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. This is
a Pass/Fail course
Two semesters* 12
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
Students in Yearbook III are expected to participate in a leadership role as editors. There is an application process for editors.
* This is a one-semester credit course, spread over the length of the school year meeting every other day from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. This is a Pass/Fail course.
