English Language Arts

English 9 (review level)
Course # 1010
1 credit
This course integrates the analysis and interpretation of short stories, plays, novels, poetry, and essays with oral and written composition activities. Students will regard each work of literature as the product of a writer's choices, will determine exactly what those choices may be, and will move in their own writing toward greater objectivity and control. Students will write in various forms they will be reading and, hence, will bring a writer's point of view to the literature they study. Required units of study include "Writers Record Experiences," "Writers Invent Character and Point of View," "Writers Choose Language: Literary and Persuasive," and "Writers Create Meaning: Themes and Variations." Instructional time may be devoted to preparation for the Maryland Writing Test (MWT) and the Maryland Functional Reading Test (MFRT). This class provides additional assistance to students who find written composition and independent reading extremely difficult. This special section may not be scheduled in all high schools.

English 9 (regular)
Course # 1015
1 credit
This course integrates the analysis and interpretation of short stories, plays, novels, poetry, and essays with oral and written composition activities. Students will regard each work of literature as the product of a writer's choice, will determine exactly what those choices may be, and will move in their own writing toward greater objectivity and control. Students will write in the various forms they will be reading and, hence, will bring a writer's point of view to the literature they study. Required units of study include "Writers Invent Character and Point of View," "Writers Choose Language: Literary and Persuasive," and "Writers Create Meaning: Themes and Variations."

English 9 Honors
Course # 101M
1 credit
This is and advanced version of the regular English 9 program previously described. This course may be used to earn the Certificate of Merit.

English 9 G/T
Courese # 102M
1 credit
This is an enriched and accelerated version of the regular English 9 program described above. This course may be used to earn the Certificate of Merit. Students electing this course may be given summer precourse readings which will be provided by the instructor.

English 10 (review level)
Course # 1110
1 credit
Students will read literature in each of the four literary modes of tragedy, comedy, romance, and satire/irony. Students will also examine literary origins in an effort to determine the recurring elements or patterns which unite all literature. Required units of study include "The Search for Self," "The World of Romance," "The Heroic in Life and Literature," "Satire: The Pen as Scalpel," and "Archetype or Stereotype?" Appropriate oral and written composition activities are integrated into each unit of study. This class provides additional assistance to students who find written composition and independent reading extremely difficult. The special section may not be scheduled in all high schools.

English 10 (regular)
Course # 1115
1 credit
Students will read literature in each of the four literary modes of tragedy, comedy, romance, and satire/irony. Students will also examine literary origins in an effort to determine the recurring elements or patterns which unite all literature. Required units of study include "The Search for Self," "The World of Romance," "The Heroic in Life and Literature," "Satire: The Pen as Scalpel," and "Archetype or Stereotype?" Appropriate oral and written composition activities are integrated into each unit of study.

English 10 (honors)
Course # 112M
1 credit
This is an advanced version of the regular English 10 program described above. This cource may be used to earn the Certificate of Merit

English 10 (g/t)
Course # 112M
1 credit
This is an enriched and accelerated version of the regular English 10 program described above. This cource may be used to earn the Certificate of Merit. Students electing this course may be given summer precourse readings which will be provided by the instructor.

English 11(review level)
Course # 1210
1 credit
Prerequisite: Staff recommendation
Students will complete a chronological survey of American literature by examining the thematic concerns of selected major writers. Instructional units in English 11 include "American Time Capsule," "A Meeting of Traditions," "Emerging American Visions," "American Frontiers," "Modern American Literature," and " Contemporary American Literature." After reading literature in various genres, students will offer personal reflections as well as critical responses, both orally and in writing, as they move from initial understanding to fully developed interpretations of each selection. This class provides additional assistance to students who find written composition and independent reading extremely difficult. This special section may not be scheduled in all high schools.

English 11 (regular)
Course # 1215
1 credit
Students will complete a chronological survey of American literature by examining the thematic concerns of selected major writers. Instructional units in English 11 include "American Time Capsule," "A Meeting of Traditions," "Emerging American Visions," "American Frontiers," "Modern American Literature," and "Contemporary American Literature." After reading literature in various genres, students will offer personal reflections as well as critical responses, both orally and in writing, as they move from initial understandings to fully developed interpretation of each major work.

English 11 Honors
Course # 121M
1 credit
This is an advanced version of the regular English 11 course previously described. This course may be used to earn the Certificate of Merit.

English 11 G/T
Course # 122M
1 credit
This is and enriched and accelerated version on the regular English 11 course previously described. This course may be used to earn the Certificate of Merit. Students electing this course may be given summer precourse readings which will be provided by the instructor.

English 12 (review level)
Course # 1310
1 credit
Students will complete two semester modules of content from among the following: "Critical Reading and Writing," "Themes in Literature," "Great Books Seminar," "Major British Writers," "Social Issues in Literature," and "Book Into Film." Each module balances and blends the study of literature and language with a variety of oral and written composition experiences. Specific English 12 modules are selected by each English department and, hence, will vary from school to school. This class provides additional assistance to students who find written composition and independent reading extremely difficult. This special section may not be scheduled in all high schools.

English 12 (regular)
Course # 1315
1 credit
Students will complete two semester modules of content from among the following: "Critical Reading and Writing," "Themes in Literature," "Great Books Seminar," "Major British Writers," "Social Issues in Literature," "Book Into Film." Each module balances and blends the study of literature and language with a variety of oral and written composition experiences. Specific English 12 modules are selected by each English department and, hence, will vary from school to school.

English 12 Honors
Course # 131M
1 credit
Students will complete two semester modules of content on an advanced level from among the following: "Critical Reading and Writing," "Themes in Literature," "Great Books Seminar," "Major British Writers," "Social Issues in Literature," "Book Into Film." Each module balances and blends the study of literature and language with a variety of oral and written composition experiences. Specific English 12 modules are selected by each English department and, hence, will vary from school to school.

English 12 Advanced Placement G/T
Course # 132M
1 credit
Students will complete two semester modules of content on an enriched and accelerated level from among the following: "Critical Reading and Writing," "Themes in Literature," "Great Books Seminar," "Major British Writers," "Social Issues in Literature," "Book Into Film." Each module balances and blends the study of literature and language with a variety of oral and written composition experiences. Specific English 12 modules are selected by each English department and, hence, will vary from school to school. Students electing this course may be given summer precourse readings which will be provided by the instructor.

Advanced Composition
Grades 11,12
Course # 140M
1 credit
Throughout this elective course students write papers in each of the four traditional rhetorical modes of description, narration, persuasion, and exposition. While the critical analysis of literature, vocabulary development, and opportunities for creative expression are also emphasized, this course supplements but does not replace the regular English curriculum required of all students. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the basic principles of grammar, usage, and mechanics as they produce one carefully edited theme per week.


Drama 1
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Course # 1690
1 credit
Drama 1 offers students a general introduction to the theatre in the areas of voice and movement, exercise, scene blocking, analyzing a character, acting scenes, costuming, makeup, creating scenes, and presenting productions. Students will be expected to write well-developed short compositions in the area of the theatre appreciation and criticism.

Drama 2
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 169M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Drama 1
With Primary emphasis on performance, students will work with advanced studies of movement, voice, acting scenes, and performance. Students in all advanced levels of Drama are expected to take part on the public performances offered by the department.

Drama 3
Grades 11, 12
Course # 169M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Drama 3
With Primary emphasis on performance, students continue to grow developmentally in the areas emphasized in Drama 2. In addition, students study the areas of production, show selection, and advanced blocking and staging.

Drama 4
Grade 12
Course # 170M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Drama 3
With Primary emphasis on performance, students continue to grow developmentally in the areas emphasized in Drama 3. In addition, students study in depth the areas of direction, script development, critiquing, and play writing. Students also serve as models to all other drama students, not only in talent but also in rehearsal techniques and assistance to the director.

Stagecraft 1
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 1711
1 credit
Prerequisite: Drama 1
Students receive experience in various technical aspects of staging productions including set design, set construction, lighting, audiovisual, and publicity. Much after-school work is required.

Stagecraft 2
Grades 11, 12
Course # 1712
1 credit
Prerequisite: Stagecraft 1
Students further develop the skills learned in Stagecraft 1 and begin to become polished in their design work, with emphasis on helping and teaching the Stagecraft 1 students. Painting and other artistic areas are further developed. Major technical roles are assumed in all production areas from props to stage crew.

Stagecraft 3
Grade 12
Course # 1713
1 credit
Prerequisite: Stagecraft 2
Students further develop skills learned in Stagecraft 1 and 2 and assume the leadership roles required for a smooth-running technical show. Students keep abreast of and report on new trends in technical theatre. They also take on technical directorial types of responsibilities in all productions.

Musical Theatre 1
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 1721
1 credit
Prerequisite: Drama 1
The student receives theoretical and practical training in the specialized skills of performing and producing musical comedies and revues. At least one public production, in which all students participate in some way, provides the major focus of the year's work.

Musical Theatre 2
Grades 11, 12
Course # 1722
1 credit
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 1
Students develop skills from Musical Theatre 1 and broaden their scope of knowledge by working on different shows. Students also study areas of choreographic styles, vocal training, and historical periods of American Musical, as well as plan many of their own class performances.

Musical Theatre 3
Grade 12
Course # 1723
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 2
Students further develop skills from Musical Theatre 2 class and keep abreast of the latest in Broadway and London musicals, reporting successes and failures to the class on a regular basis. Students also assume all leadership roles in producing class productions and critiquing the productions of local high schools and professional groups.

Journalism 1
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Course # 1500
1 credit
Students receive a practical, "hands-on" introduction to journalism. Students learn the tasks necessary for writing, designing, distributing, financing, and evaluating a newspaper. Units are sequenced to parallel the publication scheduled of the school newspaper. Students learn to increase their regular use of print and nonprint news sources, to interact with the media as consumers, and to interpret the news critically.

Journalism 2
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 150M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Journalism 1
Students will learn the practical experience of producing the school newspaper. This experience includes forming a staff, an editorial board, and a business organization. All tasks necessary for desktop publishing are taught, including article writing, editing, layout design, the use of graphics, the use of photography, and paste-up techniques.

Journalism 3
Grades 11, 12
Course # 151M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Journalism 2
Students continue to obtain practical experience in journalism through the production of the school newspaper. Students further develop the skills in writing and in technical areas of newspaper production learned in Journalism 2. In addition , students assume greater responsibility for various assignments and tasks related to production.

Journalism 4
Grade 12
Course # 152M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Journalism 3
Students refine journalistic skills and assume major responsibilities for the production of the school newspaper. In addition, they assist in the orientation and training of less experienced staff.

Yearbook 1
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Course # 1530
1 credit
Students receive a practical, "hands-on" introduction to yearbook. Students learn the tasks necessary for writing, designing, and evaluating a yearbook. Units are sequenced to parallel the publication deadlines of the school's yearbook. Students learn the techniques of business, advertising, promotion, and management necessary for yearbook production. Literary magazines are occasionally produced as adjuncts to this course.

Yearbook 2
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 1531
1 credit
Prerequisite: Yearbook 1
Students continue practical experiences in publications through production of a yearbook and further develop their skills in photography, layout, business, advertising, promotion, and management. In addition, students assume greater responsibility for various assignments and tasks related to yearbook production.

Yearbook 3
Grades 11, 12
Course # 153M
1 credit
Prerequisite: Yearbook 2
Students refine publications skills and assume major management responsibilities for the production of the yearbook. In addition, they continue to assist in the orientation and training of less experienced staff.

Yearbook 4
Grade 12
Course # 154M
1 credi1t
Prerequisite: Yearbook 3
Students polish their publication skills and assume leadership responsibilities for the production of the school yearbook. In addition, they continue to assist in the orientation and training of less experienced staff.

Speech Communication 1
Grade 10, 11, 12
Course # Year-1603
Course # Semester 1-1601
Course # Semester 2-1605
½-1 credit
The student learns to speak effectively in both formal and informal situations, develops insight into the structure and purpose of the basic speech process, and appreciates the importance that speech plays in daily living. Skills developed include discussion, group dynamics, audience analysis, speech delivery, listening, and oral interpretation.

Speech Communication 2
Grades 11, 12
Course # Year-1604
Course # Semester 1-1606
Course # Semester 2-1602
½-1 credit
Prerequisite: Speech Communication 1 or Consent of Instructor
This course provides students with the chance to polish and refine some of the basic speech skills introduced in Speech Communication 1. Experiences with formal debate, oral interpretation, readers theatre and interpersonal communication provide the content of the program. The course focus will vary from school to school depending upon student interest and the instructor's expertise.

Laboratory Assistant - English Language Arts
Grades 11, 12
Course # 1799
1 credit
Working under the direction of the teacher, students gain work experience in the paraprofessional aspects of teaching in the communication skills laboratories. Student assistants will assist in distribution, collection, and storage of materials of instruction; type and duplicate materials designed by the teacher; provide routine assistance to students during the administration of exercises and tests; and provide occasional tutorial assistance to students under the guidance of the teacher. Only one elective credit can be earned as a student assistant; credit may only be awarded after the 20th required graduation credit has been recorded.