Program of Studies Program of Studies 2018-19 | Page 19

component will also be introduced
with writing. All sophomore English
classes receive direct vocabulary
and grammar instruction through
online programs.
Honors Sophomore English
(1 credit)
Prerequisite: A in Freshman English
or successful completion of Honors
Freshman English, and placement
by instructor
How does literature reflect the
values of a specific culture and
how is it a tool for understanding
cultural practices and beliefs?
In this rigorous world literature
course students will read texts
that reflect various cultural
perspectives around the world,
with an emphasis on exploring
worldviews. Required reading
will include at least five novels,
nonfiction essays, a play and short
stories in addition to the common
novel listed above. A poetry unit
will introduce students to poetic
terminology, various poetry forms
and traditions, and writing poetry.
Grammar and vocabulary will be
stressed and taught in a continuing
effort to prepare students for the
SAT. Above average competency
in the interpretation and analysis
of literature and an above-average
competency in all areas of writing,
including the formal essay, are
expected in this course.
NOTE: A summer reading
assignment is mandatory; see
details in the introduction to this
section.
Sophomore English (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Placement by
department and school counselor
This course provides the pace
and content expected of students
preparing to further their education
after high school at two- and four-
year colleges and universities, with
the goal of introducing students to
new ideas and perspectives while
developing their appreciation of
literature. How is literature a tool
for understanding society and
culture? While building on work
established in Freshman English,
students will examine what it
means to be human by reading at
least three novels in addition to
the common novel, short stories,
nonfiction, poems from various
cultural perspectives, and a play.
The principles of good writing,
clear presentation, close reading,
and research will be expanded
and developed. Grammar and
vocabulary will be stressed and
taught in a continuing effort to
prepare students for the SAT.
Foundations of Sophomore
English (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Placement by
department and school counselor
This course is for those students
who plan to go straight into
the workforce or further their
education after high school in
technical or vocational experience
and/or coursework. Students
will concentrate on improving
their comprehension skills by
reading high-interest literature
written from various cultural
perspectives. Novels, short fiction,
nonfiction, and poetry will be used
to explore other cultures and to
consider the connection between
literature and the student’s own
life. Paragraph development,
grammar, usage, vocabulary, and
real world communication skills
will be emphasized. Continued
attention will be paid to assist the
student in developing the skills,
knowledge and habits of mind that
will foster effective written and
oral communication as well as an
appreciation for literature.
www.thorntonacademy.org
JUNIORS
Eleventh grade English is a multi-
genre literature course that
examines the American dream and
what it means to be an American.
Much of the literature is chosen
to enhance understanding of
the historical periods studied
in the junior United States
history courses, with students
investigating the historical context
of the assigned readings and the
literature’s relevance to their own
lives. All juniors will study The
Crucible and The Great Gatsby,
various short stories, novels,
essays, and works of nonfiction
such as Into the Wild. Eleventh
grade classes will continue
work on mastery of analysis
and research, with attention to
critical reviews of author’s claims.
Understanding writing for different
audiences and purposes will be
emphasized, specifically in the
context of expository, persuasive,
descriptive, and personal narrative
writing. All junior English classes
receive direct vocabulary and
grammar instruction through online
programs.
AP Language and Composition
(1 credit)
Prerequisite: An A in Sophomore
English or successful completion
of Honors Sophomore English and
placement by instructor
For the highly motivated and skilled
English devotee who wants to
pursue a rigorous study of language
and rhetoric, these students will
come to understand and appreciate
the complex relationship between
writers and readers. Students will
write extensively, for a variety of
purposes, employing a variety of
strategies. Writer’s voice, tone,
syntax, diction, discourse, and
style comprise the foundation of
the class. Using essays and other
forms of nonfiction from a variety
of outside sources and a class
anthology, students will pay strict
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