Academics

English 9 is a ninth-year course which stresses the development of reading, writing, speech, vocabulary and listening/note taking skills. Students are introduced to, and practice, essay writing. Basic literary analysis and elementary research methods are introduced. Preparation for the ELA Common Core Regents exam is an important part of the course.

This course is an advanced ninth-year course. This is a rigorously paced class that focuses on evidence-based responses in MLA format, connecting literature to society, and close analysis of literary works. Students should demonstrate advanced analytical reasoning and excellent writing skills. Admission is based on TACHS scores, elementary/intermediate school records, and a placement exam administered by the English Department.

English 10 is a tenth-year course which stresses further development of the language skills introduced in English 9. Special emphasis is placed on reading comprehension and literary appreciation. This year-long course will also include the continued development of the research paper. Preparation for the ELA Common Core Regents is included.

This is an advanced tenth-year course. This rigorously paced class focuses on more advanced writing techniques and adheres to MLA format. Students should be able to independently develop ideas and make connections within the texts. This class will cover more difficult topics than English 10. This class is comprised of students who have demonstrated excellent language skills, analytical skills, and a love of reading.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

This full-year course focuses on the various genres encompassed in American literature. Each unit of work features writing by American authors in line with historical events covered in U.S. History. Further development of the skills taught in Grades 9 and 10 continue. Regents preparation is taught in preparation for the ELA Common Core exam, which is mandatory.

This year-long course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement test in English given in May of each year. This exam tests both writing ability and knowledge of various rhetorical modes. Students study how a writer’s choice of words, sentence length, sentence structure, and other elements affect his or her style. The student’s fluency in a variety of different writing modes will be expected.
The AP Exam and the ELA Common Core Regents Exam are mandatory.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Credit: 1

This is a survey course focusing on different genres of Western literature and the writing process. Students write papers of literary analysis, engage in discussions of literary works, prepare for the SAT and study vocabulary. Particular attention will be paid to examining the structure and methods authors use in their arguments. Students will be exposed to various styles of conversations and ways to appropriately respond with college-level writing and analysis.
Qualifying students may take this course for St. John’s University and Saint Francis College credit.
Students pursuing the St. Joseph’s College Child Study Pathway can take this class for college credit.
Credit: 1

The focus of the class will be on the fundamental basis of journalism. The course will cover the history of journalism, the fundamentals of AP style, and the basics of journalistic writing. Students will also study and discuss topics such as objectivity, bias, and disinformation. Students must write for the Folio as part of their grade. Through use of the Maria Bartiromo Broadcast Studio, students will also develop skills in news writing, videography, editing, and visual storytelling. Through hands-on experience, students will create video content to stream online.