English course required of all freshmen:
ENGLISH I
Full Year/Required
9
English I is an introductory course designed to build study skills, organization skills, and communication skills through the reading of various genres of literature. In addition to focusing on reading skills and vocabulary development, equal emphasis will be given to developing writing skills. Students will concentrate on writing effective sentences, move to developing paragraphs, and finally work on writing multi-paragraph essays.
In place of English I, those who qualify may take the following course:ENGLISH I (HONORS)
Full Year
9
This is an accelerated English I class for high achievers. Those basic skills listed for English I are fully developed while learning is extended to the highest abstract thinking level the students can master. (Students must meet the honor standards set by the Language Arts Department to qualify for the course.) Credit in this course applies toward the Honors Diploma.
English course required of all sophomores:
ENGLISH II
Full Year/Required
10
English II is a course that further develops the skills taught in English I in connection with literature and writing. Students will receive instruction in reading skills, writing, literature, vocabulary, speaking, listening and acquiring information. A major focus in the course will be writing essays. Students will also do a major research project.
In place of English II, those who qualify may take the following course:
ENGLISH II (HONORS)Full Year
10
This is an accelerated English II class for high achievers. Those basic skills listed for the English II course are fully developed while learning is extended to the highest, abstract thinking level the students can master. (Students must meet the established honor standards to qualify for the course, which is scoring above the 80th percentile on the TASC test.) Credit in this course applies toward the Honors Diploma.
English courses, open to juniors and seniors, that fulfill English requirements: (Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are recommended for those students who plan on attending college.)
Note: As part of the senior English class, students will be required to complete a Senior Project. This Senior Project provides students an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have accumulated during their years in high school and to apply these to an area of their interest. During the second semester of the English course, students will produce the four main components of this assignment: a research paper, a student-directed project, a portfolio, and a presentation about the project. Each component is important to the overall success of the Senior Project, and each must be satisfactorily completed for a student to pass the senior English course.
*AMERICAN LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
Full Year
12
Through critical analysis, students will trace the development of American literature, its themes and movements, from inception to present times by reading and interpreting novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction essays. From these works, college level vocabulary will be studied. In addition, through a variety of writing assignments, students will concentrate on literary analysis and review elements of composition, usage, and mechanics. Students will complete a Senior Project as a part of this class. Prerequisite: An average of B or higher in all English courses taken for students enrolling in the course or approval of department chair.
CREATIVE WRITINGSemester/Full Year
11 12*
This course is a study of different modes of writing. Students will read and write various forms of poetry, short stories, plays, and personal narrative essays. A research paper using MLA guidelines will be required. Literary elements will be discussed and analyzed in depth, both in selected readings and student works. Conventions of grammar will be covered. Students will also be required to read novels independently. (*Seniors must also be enrolled in a class with a Senior Project requirement.)
ENGLISH IIISemester/Full Year
11
Students in this course will study many elements of writing and experience various works of literature and nonfiction. Students will also continue their study and review of grammar and other English topics. They will be exposed to many topics they can use in their careers and further educational pursuits including oral communication, various writing genres, and specific skills needed to succeed.
ENGLISH IVSemester/Full Year
12
The first semester of English IV will focus on building skills for the Senior Project. Skills emphasized will be sentence structure, paragraph structure, essay writing, letter writing, punctuation, researching, and public speaking. Second semester will focus on the Senior Project in which students write a research paper, create a project and present it to a panel of teachers, community members, and parents. Additionally, English IV students will read various novels, including outside reading requirements.
* AP ENG. LITERATURE: JuniorsFull Year
11
Advanced Placement Literature is designed for college-bound students who have demonstrated mastery of English 1 & 2 curriculum. If the student is currently enrolled in a sophomore honors English class, and 87% average is required for both semesters. If the student is not currently enrolled in a honors English class, an A for both semesters and a teacher recommendation is required. (Recommendation forms are available from the Language Arts Department.) In addition, all students will need to pass a writing test. The course will emphasize the critical analysis of novels, plays, short stories, poetry, and essays by major authors. Essays will explore different strategies for discussing literature. In addition, students will continue to develop their speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills. Students will be required to complete a summer reading requirement. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. The Advanced Placement Exam fee is approximately 84$. Students may gain college credit by passing the Advanced Placement Examination. Credit in this course applies toward the Honors Diploma. Lab/Exam fee: Approximately $84.
*AP ENG. Language: SENIORS
Full Year
12
Advanced Placement Literature is designed for college-bound students who have already attained the reading and writing skills generally expected in a freshman college course in composition. The course involves the critical reading and written analysis of literature. In addition, students will continue to develop their speaking, listening and critical thinking skills. Students will be required to complete a summer reading and writing assignment due on the first day of school. They will be required to complete a project each semester with the second semester project being the Senior Project. This is a college-level course for high school credit. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in may. The Advanced Placement fee is approximately $84, which is non-refundable and must be paid by the end of the first semester. Prerequisite: Students must have a B or better in all previous English classes as well as meet the minimum test scores, or the approval of the department chairperson. Students may gain college credit by passing the Advanced Placement Examination. Credit in this course applies toward the Honors Diploma. Lab/Exam fee: Approximately $84.
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONSSemester/Full Year
11
This course analyzes the nature of the communication media of our times: advertising, broadcast journalism, television, radio and film. The course focuses on the critical analysis of media alongside hands-on production with emphasis on how these media operate and how they influence society's values. Students work with the various media in both group and individual projects. Included is the study of at least one major novel each semester. Writing skills are emphasized in development of analytical essays, student scripts, critical reviews of films, and a research paper at the end of the year.
*READING/VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENTFull Year
11
In this intensive college-preparatory course, students will develop reading skills through the reading and critical analysis of short stories, novels, drama, and nonfiction material. In addition, students will build vocabulary with emphasis on word clues, contexts, and proper word usage. Reviewing elements of composition, usage, and mechanics, students will write essays requiring literary analysis and a research paper using MLA guidelines. This course is recommended for students who are preparing to take the ACT and/or SAT tests. Prerequisite: An average of B or higher in all English courses taken for students enrolling in the course or approval of department chair.
*RHETORIC/ PERSUASIONFull Year
11 12
This college preparatory in-depth study of the techniques of writing emphasizes logic and critical thinking as applied to student composition in formal exposition. The students will prepare a college-type research paper and pursue an intensive review of mechanics, grammar, and usage for college entrance. Additionally, students will read in a variety of literary genres for the purpose of analysis. Seniors in Rhetoric will complete a Senior Project. Prerequisite: An average of B or higher in all English courses taken for students enrolling in the course or approval of department chair.
SCIENCE FICTION/ FANTASY LITERATURESemester/Full Year
12
In the first semester of this course, students read science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories tracing the evolution of each genre and emphasizing themes that help people to anticipate, accept and prepare for the future and themes that look at the hero and the quest. In the second semester students will study the evolution of both the supernatural/horror and mystery story. In both, students will examine social issues and human conditions. Throughout the year students will write essays and short stories and participate in cooperative learning projects. Students will complete a Senior Project as part of this curriculum.
Other Language Arts Courses: (The courses listed below do not fulfill English credit requirements but they may be taken for elective credit.)
PROFICIENCY SKILLS
Semester
12
This class serves as a remediation point for students who have failed the reading or writing portion of the Nevada State Proficiency Exam. Participation in this program is by special placement only. When students pass the proficiency tests, they are returned to a regular English class at the semester. Students enrolled in this course must also be enrolled in another English course to earn their required English credits. Enrollment by recommendation of department chair.
DRAMA, BEGINNINGFull Year
9 10 11 12
This introductory course in the basic principles of stage craft and theatre history teaches the different types and structure of plays and the art of acting. Major emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals with students actively involved in the role of audience, critic, actor, director and technician. There will be an end of the year evening recital performed for parents. This course fulfills the humanities graduation requirement.
DRAMA, INTERMEDIATEFull Year
10 11 12
This continuation of beginning drama places major emphasis on the participation in the production of plays and scenes chosen from the beginning of dramatic writing to the present as well as a play righting project. Students are required to participate in both a winter and spring production, which includes off-campus night time and weekend performances. Students must also fulfill an 8-hour per semester technical assignment. Purchase of make-up kit is required. Prerequisite: Beginning Drama or special permission from the instructor, based on previous experience and/or audition.
DRAMA, ADVANCEDFull Year
11 12
This course is an intensive, advanced study of acting and production skills. Major emphasis is placed on audition techniques, directing, creation and production of an original work, and investigation into careers in the performing arts. Students must participate in a winter production, which includes off-campus night time and weekend performances. Students will also travel in the spring to elementary schools to perform during class time and may also have an additional spring production. Students must also fulfill an 8-hour per semester technical assignment. This course will fulfill the humanities graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Beginning and Intermediate Drama and permission from instructor.
DRAMA LABFull Year
11 12
A continuation of Advanced Drama with the addition of individualized study assignments in the performing arts. Students must participate in a winter production, which includes off campus night time and weekend performances. Students will also travel in the spring to elementary schools to perform during class time and may also have an additional spring production. Students must also fulfill a technical assignment in conjunction with their class production or needs of the theatre space. This course will fulfill the humanities graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Drama.
JOURNALISM, BEGINNING(Newspaper)
Full Year
9 10 11 12
This course provides an introduction to the various skills of professional journalism using the production of the school newspaper, THE SENATOR NEWS, as its teaching tool. Students will begin to learn various aspects of the newspaper, including news writing, feature writing, editing, newspaper layout, interviewing, advertising skills and a study of media within the context of the newspaper production. This class does require self-motivation and ability to meet deadlines, and can include work outside the framework of the class schedule. This course will fulfill the humanities graduation requirement. Prerequisites: Typing, computer skills, writing skills and a reasonable command of English. Additional photography and graphic design skills are helpful.
JOURNALISM, BEGINNING(Yearbook)
Full Year
9 10 11 12
This course introduces the student to publications through the production of the CARNETA, Carson High's yearbook. Students must be self-motivated, bringing with them the ability to learn news writing, feature writing, editing, layout, interviewing and a study of the journalism media through the publication of the yearbook. The class requires work outside of the framework of class time and students must be able to volunteer to help with yearbook sales, attend planning sessions for the yearbook and participate in any planned training session. Prerequisites: Typing, computer skills, writing skills and a reasonable command of English. This class requires a spring interview and acceptance by the adviser for students interested in the class. Incoming freshmen are exempt from the interview.
JOURNALISM, ADVANCED(Newspaper)
Full Year
10 11 12
This course is a continuation of Beginning Journalism, with the responsibility to produce the school newspaper, THE SENATOR NEWS. Students continue to learn the various aspects of the newspaper, working on reporting beats, photography assignments and layout responsibilities. The class requires work outside the framework of the class schedule, including time to produce and distribute the paper, to work on interviews and assigned stories, to take pictures for the newspaper and to solicit advertisements. The emphasis of the class is on journalism as a career. The class does require personal motivation and grading is directly related to completion and effort in newspaper production. Prerequisites: Beginning journalism, typing, computer skills, writing skills, and a reasonable command of English. Additional photography and graphic design skills are helpful.
JOURNALISM, ADVANCED(Yearbook)
Full Year
10 11 12
This course is a continuation of the beginning yearbook class, with the responsibility to produce the CARNETA, Carson High's yearbook. Students continue to work on their skills in news and feature writing, editing, layout, interview skills, selling advertisements to be included in the yearbook, and public relations in selling the yearbook. Students must be self-motivated, bringing with them the ability to write, edit, do page layouts and provide other talents to producing the yearbook. The class requires work outside the framework of class time and students must be able to volunteer to help with yearbook sales, attend planning sessions for the yearbook, participate in any planned training sessions and include themselves in a myriad of other activities related to yearbook production and distribution. Prerequisites: Writing, typing, computer skills, photography skills, Beginning Journalism Yearbook or permission of the instructor. This class requires a spring interview and acceptance by the adviser for students interested in the class.
JOURNALISM LAB(Newspaper)
Full Year
11 12
Students looking toward a career in journalism may take this course following the completion of Advanced Journalism. Students are responsible for the publication of THE SENATOR NEWS, the school newspaper. This class may be taken more than once for credit. This course will fulfill the humanities graduation requirement. Prerequisites: Beginning Journalism Newspaper, Advanced Journalism Newspaper, typing skills, computer skills, a reasonable command of English, and a knowledge of photography.
JOURNALISM LAB(Yearbook)
Full Year
11 12
This course provides individualized photo journalism assignments for students looking toward a career in journalism and may be taken simultaneously with Advanced Journalism Yearbook or as an extra year following the completion of Advanced Journalism Yearbook. Students will work in assigned positions for production of the CARNETA. Enrollment requires a spring interview and acceptance by the adviser for students interested in the class. This course will fulfill the humanities graduation requirement.
BEGINNING SPEECH AND DEBATEFull Year
9 10 11 12
Emphasis will be to improve critical thinking and public speaking skills. Students will learn and present a variety of types of speeches, including impromptu, informative, and persuasive speeches as well as dramatic interpretations. They will also learn and engage in a variety of forms of debate. Students will develop skills and gain competence in the following areas: research, speech structure and organization, speaking and presenting techniques, debate techniques and procedures, logic, critical thinking, argumentation, and analysis of current events. Both speech and debate preparation also benefit students' organization and writing skills as well. Students will be required to participate in at least one speech/debate tournament or other outside speaking experience each semester as well as numerous in-class speaking and debate assignments. This course will fulfill the humanities graduation requirement.
ADVANCED SPEECH AND DEBATEFull Year
10 11 12
Emphasis will be to develop students' research public speaking, and debate
skills to a higher level as well as to prepare students for speech and debate
tournaments. Advanced students will participate in all assignments given to
beginning students, including acting as coaches for beginning students; in
addition they will have separate and more challenging speech and debate
assignments requiring independent effort. Advanced students will be held to a
higher standard than beginning students and will be required to participate in
at least 2 tournaments or outside engagements per semester. This course will
fulfill the humanities graduation requirement. Prerequisite:
BEGINNING SPEECH AND DEBATE
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Last updated: 03/30/2007 09:41:23 AM