English

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English 9

Pre-requisites: English 8
Required: Grade 9
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 101

English 9 is the foundation of literature and composition studies at Le Jardin and will provide a
common base of knowledge and terminology for the students to carry on into 10th grade and
beyond. The literature of the course is divided into major genre-based units (short story,
poetry, drama, novels), providing the specific concepts and vocabulary they will need to read
and analyze literature throughout high school. Grammar is incorporated within the context of
writing.

English 10

2007-2008 English 10 Syllabus

Pre-requisite: English 9
Required: Grade 10
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 102

English 10 focuses on multi-cultural literature, and making connections among works from
different times, places and cultures. Students will compose essays in eight rhetorical patterns, a research paper, and creative pieces in poetry and prose. Vocabulary from the literature and the SAT, and grammar will also be covered.

English 10 Honors

2007-2008 English Honors Syllabus

Pre-requisite: English 9 (B+ or Better); Teacher Recommendation
Required: Grade 10
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 5.0
Course no.: 106

English 10 Honors is an accelerated course for students who have demonstrated high ability in English, and have a mature appreciation of literature and a mastery of basic composition and grammar. The focus is on multi-cultural literature, linking common themes between writers of different ethnicity and backgrounds. Students will compose persuasive argument essays and creative pieces in both poetry and prose; however, a major focus of this course is learning literary terminology and literary analysis. Vocabulary from the literature and the SAT will also be covered.

American Literature

2007-2008 American Literature Syllabus

Pre-requisites: English 10
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 103

American Literature is a survey of American literature from the Puritans through the 20th century with an emphasis on major writers and their works. Arranged chronologically, the course traces the origins and development of the American literary tradition and the historical background that
influenced that tradition. Literary analysis and critical reading skills are the focus of English 11
with readings organized by genre. Students will compose essays, a research paper, and poetry.
The curriculum also includes SAT and literature-based vocabulary, and grammar as it relates to
writing.

English 11 Honors

Pre-requisite: English 9 (B+ or Better); Teacher Recommendation
Required: Grade 10
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 5.0
Course no.: 106

English 11 Honors focuses on American Literature, and how our literature defines us as a people and as individuals. However, it offers students a closer and more in-depth study of major works, and it challenges them to reach a sophisticated level of critical analysis through rigorous debate and complex writing assignments. Students should have mastery of grammar and composition. A primary focus is literary analysis and critical reading. Students will continue composing persuasive arguments, as well as creative works and a research paper; the bulk of student work, however, will be literary analysis essays. Students learn SAT vocabulary and vocabulary from the literature. This course is preparation of the AP Literature course offered in the Senior year.

AP English Language and Composition

2007-2008 AP English Syllabus

Pre-requisites: 10th or 11th English Honors (B+ or Better); Teacher Recommendation
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 5.0
Course no.: 104

This composition course is the equivalent of a first-year college writing class, and prepares
students to write confidently and skillfully in all of their college classes. Students write in a
variety of forms – narrative, exploratory, expository, argumentative, and read in a variety of
genres, periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Students also read and analyze complex
texts, and learn to synthesize material into their own writing. This course assumes that students already have a clear understanding of basic grammar and syntax and are ready to move beyond formula writing. Content, audience and purpose, as well as linguistic style, are emphasized and students are encouraged to produce rich and engaging texts for mature readers. Students are required to take the AP English Language and Composition test at the end of the course.

British Literature

2007-2008 British Literature Syllabus

Pre-requisites: English 11
Required: Grade 11
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 4.0
Course no.: 107

British Literature is a survey of the development of English literature from the medieval period to the 20th century, with special emphasis on major writers and their works. Arranged chronologically, the literature traces the origins of modern day English language as well as the historical influences on the authors found in each time period. Students will continue their development of analytical skills in writing about literature through lengthier and more challenging essays. Emphasis will also be placed on persuasive writing skills necessary for college level writing and the SAT exam.

AP Literature and Composition

2007-2008 American Literature Syllabus
2007-2008 British Literature Syllabus

Pre-requisites: English 11 Honors (B+ or better); Teacher Recommendation
Duration: Full Year
Credits: 1.0
Weighting: 5.0
Course no.: 108

This accelerated literature-based course introduces qualified seniors to college-level scholarship
involving reading and critical analysis of literature. The texts chosen represent multiple genres
spanning from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first century that both invite and gratify
rereading. Focus includes the study of genre and historical context, literary theory, rhetorical
analysis, and sentence style and correctness. The bulk of student writing will be critical analysis of each major work studied, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Students will monitor their growth as writers by collecting and reflecting on their work in portfolios. While efforts are directed largely to the development of skills and knowledge required to pass the Advanced Placement English Literature Exam, primary emphasis is on the advanced level of course work and will require reading and writing outside of class. Students who do not meet the criterion may apply for admittance through their counselor, which will include a writing sample and recommendation of the English Department.

Required Reading Book List

updated as of: 10/16/2007