New Directions English

HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH 1-2 (0303 – 0304)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
Meets the UC/CSU “B” requirement
In High School English 1-2, students will continue to develop their thinking-in-writing by practicing a variety of writing modes including the literary analysis essay, descriptive writing and formal, academic research. Concurrently, they will acquire and use specific skills to read and respond to different genres of literature, which could include the short story, myths and legends, the novel, and assorted non-fiction, and will gradually move to more sophisticated reading and writing.  By combining their reading of literature with a process approach to writing, students will not only broaden their knowledge of literary techniques, but also learn to connect their own personal experiences with the literature.

HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH 3-4 (0310 – 0311)
Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: High School English I-2
Meets the UC/CSU “B” requirement
Through a thematic approach to the study of literature and written composition, students in High School English 3-4 will broaden their knowledge of literature and its cultural elements (e.g. art, music, dance, politics, etc.). They will improve their ability to understand their connection to literature, develop writing and thinking skills, master punctuation and grammar skills, and further improve listening and speaking skills. Writing modes addressed will include: reflective, interpretive, and evaluative. Also, a research-based controversial issue essay will be required.

AMERICAN LITERATURE 1-2 (0387 – 0388)
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: High School English 3-4
Meets the UC/CSU “B” requirement
American Literature 1-2 introduces famous American writers such as Bradford, Dickinson, Whitman, Irving, Poe, Crane, Twain, O’Henry, Hawthorne, Hemingway and Steinbeck, and the philosophical context of the literature. American Literature 2 deals with more modern American writers. Possible choices of authors to be studied include Faulkner, Hemingway, Steinbeck, Albee, O’Neill, Williams, Salinger, Sandburg, Frost, or Fitzgerald. Students will continue to practice the essay format, advanced literary concepts and SAT vocabulary.

BRITISH LITERATURE 1-2 (0384 – 0385)
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: American Literature 1-2
Meets the UC/CSU “B” requirement
British Literature 1-2 is a course that acquaints students with various genres and themes of literature produced by Irish, English, and Scottish writers. The course will develop students’ techniques in reading, writing, speaking, and presenting. While individual courses may vary, students will generally be expected to read 20-30 pages per night and be able to discuss each night’s reading the following day.

WORLD LITERATURE 1-2 (0393 – 0394)
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: American Literature 1-2
Meets the UC/CSU “B” requirement
World Literature studies the literature, histories and cultures of Africa, India, the Orient, Latin America, and parts of Europe. This course is designed to educate the students so that they will be able to recognize the differences between cultures and, in so doing, the universality of the human condition. Readings include several modern titles. Compositions are geared to prepare seniors for college.

ADVANCED COMPOSITION 1 (0367)
Grade Level: 11/12
Recommended Courses:  High School English I-2
Meets the UC/CSU “b or g” requirement
Advanced Composition is recommended for college-bound juniors and seniors who wish to
strengthen their expository writing skills. Emphasis will be placed on the multi-paragraph essay and on research, analysis, and writing about nonfiction. Developing advanced vocabulary skills will also be stressed.

WRITING SEMINAR 1 (0363)
Grade Level: 11/12
Recommended Courses:  High School English 3-4, or British Lit., or World Lit.
Meets the UC/CSU “b or g” requirement
Writing Seminar 1 is designed for students with an interest in creative written expression and an interest in the connection between writing and reading. The course has three purposes: 1) to explore and practice various styles of expository and narrative writing, 2) to understand the writing process and the importance of revision to writers, and 3) to read critically various pieces of literature and to apply the techniques of published writers into their own analyses.