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The Department of Language Arts offers courses designed
to prepare students for the work place or for college. Courses designated
HD or Honors Diploma are specifically for the student who knows that he/she will
be attending college. Courses without the HD designation can still prepare
a student for college but will not be as rigorous and will not offer the same
challenges as the Honors courses.
FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE,
JUNIOR, SENIOR
(The information below was taken from the Bloomington High
School South Curriculum Guide: 2001-2002
Freshman
English 91-2 (Required) During the two terms of this required course,
students will focus on major language art skills: vocabulary, spelling,
library use, grammar/mechanics/usage, composition, reading strategies, oral
communication, and literature.
English 9 1-2 HD (Required)
During the two terms of this required course, students will focus on major
language arts skills: vocabulary, spelling, library use,
grammar/mechanics/usage, composition, reading strategies, oral
communication, and literature. A variety of enrichment activities will be
utilized. This course is strongly recommended for students who are
college-bound. (Suggested qrade of A or B from 8th Grade English.)
English
9 3 Writing and Beyond (Writing Workshop) (Required for all freshmen)
This course will utilize a
writing workshop environment in which writing products will move from
prewriting to publication. This composition class will familiarize students
with the nomenclature of grammar and mechanics and their application to
writing skills. Students will concentrate on the "basics" of writing:
organizational patterns of a composition; structure of a paragraph/sentence;
achievement of cohesiveness. Students will write various types of essays
(narrative, descriptive, argumentative, persuasive, and creative) and model
various writing styles. Students will have frequent opportunities to write
for different audiences and purposes, using a process that includes: (1)
prewriting, (2) drafting, (3) peer sharing, (4) revising, (5) editing, and
(6) producing a final product. Emphasis will also be placed on vocabulary
building, ISTEP and SAT preparation.
Sophomore
English 10 1-2
(Required)
Prerequisite: sophomores must have taken
English 9 or English 9 HD.)
This year will continue the
emphasis on the major language arts skills: vocabulary, spelling, library
skills, grammar/mechanics/usage, composition, reading strategies, oral
communication, and literature. The multicultural literature stresses an
understanding and appreciation for the universality of the human experience
and recognition of the relevance of literature in today’s world. The
literature will provide a focus for literary analysis in reading and
expository writing.
English 10 1-2 HD - (Prerequisite: English
9 1/2 with a grade of A or B)
This course covers a
wide variety of world literature stressing an understanding and appreciation
of the universality of the human experience and recognition of the relevance
of literature in today’s world. It will include representative works from
classical through modern times. Extensive writing and research will be
required. There will be a continuing emphasis on vocabulary/spelling,
library skills, grammar/mechanics/usage, composition, and speech. This
course is strongly recommended for students who are college-bound.
English 10 1-2 HD
and
World History and Civilization 1-2 HD
(World Studies)
(Prerequisite: sophomore level – must have passed English 9
with a grade of B or better.)
This class combines both English 10 HD and World History and Civilization HD
and integrates the literature and history of Eastern and Western
civilization from its origin to the present. This course, taught by faculty
members from Language Arts and Social Studies awards two English credits and
two Social Studies credits. This course will complete the State
Proficiencies for both World History 1-2 and English 10 HD. Please see the
course descriptions for English 10 HD and World History and Civilization.
Withdrawal from this class can occur only in the window of time allowed
by the school if the student wants to transfer to an English 10 HD class.
After that time, a student would have to withdraw to a study hall.
Junior
English 11 1-2 -
(Required—no substitution)
(Prerequisite: junior or above having passed English 9 or English 9 HD and
English 10, English 10 HD or World Studies)
This course traces American ideas through various periods and literary
movements. The course is taught in the same year as American History so
the two courses can re-enforce each other. Students will read, research,
and write to understand, analyze, and evaluate the cultural aspects of our
American literary history. All of the language arts basic skills are
integrated into each unit. The course will also focus on mass media and
the power of advertising. The course will emphasize hands-on learning
whenever possible.
English 11 1-2 HD -
(Prerequisite: junior or above having passed English 9 or English 9 HD and
English 10, English 10 HD or World Studies) This course traces American ideas
through various periods and literary movements, focusing on literary
analysis and critical writing skills. The course is taught in the same
year as American History so the two courses can re-enforce each other.
Basic language arts skills will still be emphasized, particularly vocabulary
development; application of grammar/mechanics/usage/spelling skills within
the writing component; and library research skills. This course will
require extensive research and writing.
-
English 11 1-2 and United States History 1-2 (American
Studies) This class
combines both English 11 (American Literature) and United States History
and integrates the literature and history of America from its origins to
the present. This course, taught by faculty members from Language Arts and
Social Studies, awards two English credits and two Social Studies credits.
This course will complete the State Proficiencies for both United States
History 1-2 and English 11 1-2. Please see the course descriptions for
English 11 and United States History.
Senior
English Literature
1-2 (11-12)
(Prerequisite: seniors
must have passed English 10 and English 11 with a C or better; juniors must
have completed English 10 or English 10 HD with a C or better.)
English Literature provides a survey of representative literature produced
by English speaking authors, including those in the British Isles as well as
those in the former British colonies. This course explores the literature
thematically from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Twentieth Century. The strong
emphasis on critical reading and writing will aid students who wish to take
the AP exam. A strong emphasis on critical writing and outside assigned
novels is basic to this course as well as the study of literary movements and
intellectual trends. This course may not substitute for English 11.
English 12.1 Oral Communications - one
trimester - Speech is designed to help students gain confidence in their
ability to communicate clearly and effectively through various speaking
experiences. Students learn techniques for effective use of the voice,
analyze well-known speeches and professional performances, and
practice the oral interpretation of selected works. Basic skills in
language, writing, research, and critical thinking are stressed. This
course is part of the reccomended
sequence for those students in the regular diploma level.
Students cannot take both English 12.1 and
Speech.
English 12.2
Literature, Mass
Media, and Career Exploration- one trimester-(Prerequisite:
completion of English 9-11)
This
course is divided into three components; literature, mass media, and career
exploration. A school-to-work focus directs the entire term. Students who
take this course may be planning to enter the workforce upon graduation to
further their education through a technical school. Practical application
of language skills as well as critical thinking will be stressed. Outside
speakers from ‘the world of work” will be utilized throughout the course.
This course will also emphasize reading skills, vocabulary, and analytical
thinking.
W131 -College Composition
(one trimester) (12) -
(Prerequisites: Students must have competed
English 11 and retain the status of senior. It is strongly recommended that
students have taken honors English classes in order to be prepared for the
rigors of the course, but this is not a requirement. Please see
the department chair for a complete listing.
Advanced Composition further develops and refines writing skills introduced
in other composition courses. This course provides students frequent
opportunities to write for different audiences and purposes, using a process
that includes: 1) preprinting, 2) drafting, 3) peer sharing, 4) revising,
and 5) editing. Techniques of persuasive writing and formal argument are
studied and increased emphasis is placed on language and style.
WI31 is a course in critical reading,
writing, and thinking with sources in which students will experience the
varied range of academic writing. Students will master the skills of
summary, critique, analysis, synthesis, research, and documentation.
Students will also learn to adapt the writing process and apply various
organization strategies to match the purpose of the individual assignment.
Topics for writing will be developed from reading about and discussing in
depth issues under debate in different disciplinary fields and among the
general public. Students are asked not only to discuss and write about
these issues but also to examine the different analytical frameworks and
assumptions that various authors and we ourselves bring to such
conversations.
Students
must meet Indiana University entrance requirements. Indiana
University offers three hours of college credit for freshman composition
(W131) taught on the BHS South campus. Students may receive both high
school and college credit for this one semester course. Those who apply for
W131 must meet Indiana University entrance requirements and pay the current
fee rate for three credit hours. IU
credit for this course is transferable to many major colleges and
universities throughout the United States.The focus of W131 is on practicing
and refining analytical thinking skills essential for academic reading and
writing. This course meets the requirements for the Honors Diploma.
A202 - College Literature
(ACP A202 Literary Interpretation) - one
trimester)
Prerequisites: Students must have
competed W131 or have scored 670 in the verbal portion of the SAT and retain
the status of senior. To enroll in this course, students must meet Indiana
University entrance requirements. Students must be pre-approved by the ACP
office in the spring at the time of enrollment. Students may receive
both high school and college credit for this one term course. IU credit for
this course is transferable to many major colleges and universities
throughout the United States. Please see the department chair for a
complete listing. The course in
Genres of Literature provides the study of techniques and conventions of
various literary genres, such as poetry, drama, novel, short story,
biography, journal and diary, and essay. The course explores the
relationships between form and meaning, specifically how genre shapes our
literary understanding and experience. In class discussion and
presentations, as well as in writing assignments, students explore the
limitations and special abilities of the different genres, ultimately
building an appreciation of how genres enable and constrain the articulation
of ideas. This course emphasizes a close, thoughtful reading of
representative literary texts in poetry, drama, fiction, novel (and
appropriate nonfiction prose) originally written in English and drawn from a
range of historical periods and countries. The course is not a survey of
the literature of any country or historical period. A major goal is to
develop the ability to read and write with precision, responsibility, and
imagination through class discussion and the writing of several short,
critical responses. These papers are to be developed entirely from
students' own careful reading and analysis. Close reading of a few selected
texts, rather than wide coverage, is encouraged. Students will be expected
to use and distinguish among a variety of approaches to literary
interpretation, both through the use of literary tropes and various critical
frames, as appropriate to each work.
AP Literature and Composition 1/2 (12)
(Prerequisites: HD level course in Language Arts through English 5/6
HD with grades of A or B) This course is designed to prepare specifically
and rigorously for the AP Literature and Composition Exam. The course
will focus on analysis of fiction and poems and discussions of literary
merit. Students will work on the skills of literary analysis and the
ability to express ideas in clear, convincing prose. The course
emphasizes critical thinking through discussion and writing.
Expectation of the course is the taking of the AP Literature and Composition
Exam in the spring.
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Speech (9-12) This course is appropriate for 9-12 graders who
express a desire for public speaking. Within the course, students will not
only learn the fundamentals of public speaking, ut also have the opportunity
to practice oration on a regular basis. Students will have opportunities to
make different types of oral presentations. Students taking this
course should be serious about the study of rhetoric. Students cannot take
both English 12-1 and Speech. This class satisfies one credit of English to
be used instead of one credit of senior English.
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Ethnic Literature:
African-American Literature (12) one term. (This course fulfills 1
required senior English credit: Prerequisite - completion of English 9-11).
What is American? Is skin color important? Does race continue to matter
today? While the Untied States is famous for being a melting pot for all
races and colors, many problems continue to exist for minorities. In
African-American Literature we will read works from authors who are often
skimmed in literature books, instead of studies. We will read many
books, articles. poems, essays and speeches.
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