ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS [ ELA ]
Major Outcomes :
• Discussion and interpretation of literary forms
• Personal response to literature
• Experience with literary analysis composition
• Reader ’ s notebook Projects , Activities , etc .:
• Reader ’ s notebook
• Textual Discussions
Instructional Focus : Rigorous and higher level critical thinking , multiple perspectives , seminars , some independent study
Coll Honors University Writing College credit [ University of Minnesota ]
Prerequisite / Selection Process : GPA in top 20 percent or meet university entrance requirements [ see counselor ]; English 11 or AP English Language and Composition
Intended Audience : Highly skilled readers and writers in grade 12
Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Knowledge of variety of writing assignments
• Defining purpose , organizing , developing content
• Skills in revision , editing project , activities , etc .; writing portfolio may include : personal narrative , ethnography , review of fine arts event , expository essay based on inquiry
Instructional Focus : Some independent study , discussion , seminars , writing and literary events
Academic Writing Foundations
Prerequisite / Selection Process : Based on writing achievement scores and counselor / teacher referral , students may re-take this course
Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Improve writing fluency , organization and clarity
• Improve score on ACT writing test
• Improve ability to write on demand
Projects , Activities , etc .: In-class writing , analysis of writing prompts , examination of sample compositions , application of prewriting / planning strategies , creation of goals and examination of growth
ARTS
Acting I Intended Audience : Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12
Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Note : Course does not meet the Arts course requirement
Major Outcomes :
• Foundations of Theater
• Creativity
• Techniques for improvisation
• Beginning scene work
• Leadership and communication skills
Projects , Activities , etc .: Writing and performance , individual and group performance
Instructional Focus : Active participation and collaborative group work
Acting II Prerequisite / Selection Process : Acting I or teacher permission Intended Audience : Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Original scripts
• Character analysis
• Collaborative scene work
• Acting styles and forms
Projects , Activities , etc .: Perform scenes from a variety of styles , write and perform original work Instructional Focus : Active participation and collaboration
Acting III Prerequisite / Selection Process : Acting II or teacher permission Intended Audience : Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One or two trimesters = 0.5 credit or 1.0 credit Major Outcomes :
• Prepare an audition piece
• Experience in blocking
• Analysis of dramatic literature
• Acting experience
• Scene work Projects , Activities , etc .: Perform scenes from musicals , dramas , and comedies Instructional Focus : Active participation
Creative Writing I Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Learn strategies to improve as a writer
• Development of writerly voice
• Collaborate with a community of writers
• Freedom to write innovatively
Project , Activities , etc .: Project-based learning : fiction , poetry , plays , and creative non-fiction
Creative Writing II Prerequisite / Selection Process : Creative Writing I Intended Audience : Grades 11 and 12 [ grade 10 with special permission of teacher ] Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Continue to develop a writerly voice
• Experimentation with genre and style
• Collaborate with other student writers
Project , Activities , etc .: Project-based learning : fiction , poetry , plays , and creative non-fiction
Exploring the Modern Novel Intended Audience : Grades 11 and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Explore novels from a variety of genres
• Use elements of genre and questions to guide reading , as well as connections to careers , current events , diverse perspectives , and influences
• Examine critical topics , such as the canon and censorship / banned books
Projects , Activities , etc .: Read 6 novels over the trimester : World / Culture , Historical , Sci-fi / Fantasy / Dystopian , and Graphic Novel ; school-wide reading campaign ; current events research project ; Socratic seminars ; and book commercial or movie trailer
Instructional Focus : Critical review of text
Honors Humanities
Intended Audience : Advanced students in grades 11 and 12
Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Cross-cultural examination of philosophy , art , music , architecture , drama , and religion
• Exploration of relationships across cultures and arts
• Exploration of artistic expressions of historical periods , selected philosophies and people
Projects , Activities , etc .: Express ideas in written , oral or project form
Instructional Focus : Project-based learning in art , architecture , literature , drama , music , and philosophy
JOURNALISM
Introduction to Journalism ......................... Intended Audience : Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Reporting techniques
• News and feature writing
• Editorial and review writing
• Layout and photography
• Journalistic ethics Projects , Activities , etc .: Students may write news stories , feature stories , sports stories , and opinion pieces . Students may create photography portfolios and page design layouts . [ Articles submitted may be included in the school newspaper .] Instructional Focus : Computer and hands-on activities
Convergence Journalism Prerequisite / Selection Process : Introduction to Journalism or instructor approval Intended Audience : Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit ; students may enroll in one , two , or three trimesters Major Outcomes :
• Types and impact of digital media
• Multimodal media methods of reporting and production
• Emerging media platforms
• Degree of reporting and technical skills expected of multimedia journalists
• Constructing digital convergence news
• Role of a digital citizen and citizen reporter in today ’ s world
• Ethical responsibility in producing social media news
46 High School Registration Guide