English Department

Grade: 9

English 1 utilizes a reading and writing workshop model to explore unit and course level essential questions around the experiences, goals, and destinies of individuals. Each unit of study requires students to explore and synthesize ideas using a combination of common texts (Of Mice and Men, Romeo and Juliet, poems, essays), literature circles, or independent reading. Students learn how to read closely, analyze content, and cite evidence. They learn to engage in discussions and seminars as well as make presentations of research, interpretations, and arguments. Writing instruction emphasizes the six traits of writing, the writing process, inquiry and research skills, and source evaluation. Students create a portfolio that includes argumentative, explanatory, narrative, and digital writing such as podcasts, articles, blogs and video essays. Academic vocabulary and grammar study are embedded throughout the reading and writing process.

Grade: 9

This course follows the framework of #012 English 1, but emphasizes remediation and reinforcement of skills necessary to meet high school graduation requirements. Students are placed in this section based upon a combination of performance and teacher recommendation. This course includes the literary works, the writing focus and portfolio, and the collaboration and discussion techniques described in #012 English 1. Students study effective writing models, practice reading strategies, and learn to peer and self-assess as they move through course units of study.

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and end-of-year review matrix

Honors English 1 is a more rigorous version of #012 English 1 (described above) designed to challenge highly-motivated students with advanced skills in critical reading and composition. Students are required to synthesize multiple texts that are longer or more complex and produce compositions with greater development and sophistication. This course provides an intensive study of literary forms, including rhetorical devices, methods of critical analysis, and various modes of composition. Vocabulary development and grammar study are important elements of the course, as is the acquisition of effective collaboration, discussion, seminar, and presentation skills. Students read challenging classic and modern texts from a variety of genres, including poetry, the novel, the short story, non-fiction, and drama. Students create a writing portfolio that demonstrates strong proficiency with a variety of writing modes and the six traits of writing. Web literacy, inquiry, and research skills are embedded into the units of study. This course is designed to prepare students for AP level work.

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: #011 Honors English 1 or #012 English 1 or #013 English 1 Academic Assistance

English 2 continues with a workshop approach and enriches the language arts, inquiry, and synthesis skills developed in English 1. Units of study explore both the interior struggles of characters as well as the relationship between an individual and the society he/she inhabits. Students develop questions and topics to research, explore, and argue. Literature and language study continue to emphasize vocabulary acquisition and an understanding of grammar as an element of style. Instruction emphasizes analytical and critical thinking, discussion, presentation and collaboration skills. Analysis includes the explication and synthesis of authors' ideas and biases. Students continue to develop an e-portfolio across genres and digital platforms informed by the traits of good writing. The course explores both whole class texts such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Crucible, literature circles, and independent reading. Each unit of study seeks to have students synthesize reading and research in the pursuit of essential questions. Students’ continued mastery of standardized assessment skills is embedded into the program.

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: #011 Honors English 1 or #012 English 1 or #013 English 1 Academic Assistance

This is a comprehensive course that addresses the essential elements of #022 English 2 while emphasizing remediation and reinforcement of skills required for graduation and success on standardized assessments. Students are recommended for this section based upon prior performance and/or recommendation. This course includes the same analysis of works of fiction and non-fiction, the development of writing skills across genres, the acquisition and application of academic vocabulary, and the explication of authors’ ideas expressed in student writing, as encountered in #022 English 2.

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: #011 Honors English 1 or #012 English 1

This course continues the intensive study of literature, non-fiction, and composition that will prepare students for success in AP Language & Composition and on the SAT. Units of study explore the relationships between individuals and the society they inhabit, but also encourage the development and pursuit of student generated topics and questions. Students will develop mastery of literary forms, rhetorical devices, methods of critical analysis, vocabulary skills, and further develop their writing and e-portfolio. Collaboration skills and debate/presentation skills are also vital components of the curriculum. Students continue to expand their knowledge of challenging classic and modern texts from a variety of genres, including poetry, the novel, the short story, non-fiction, and drama. Students will demonstrate significantly increased proficiency with a variety of writing modes, web literacy, and the research/inquiry process. This course is designed to prepare students for AP level work.

Grades: 10-11

Prerequisite: #011 Honors English 1 or #012 English 1 or #013 English 1 Academic Assistance
Students should have passed NJSLA ELA 9 to avoid additional remediation.

This foundational course, open to sophomores and juniors, provides students with opportunities to think critically and creatively; research and explore; develop arguments and pose solutions; and collaborate and communicate using various media.

Unlike traditional AP courses, Seminar is interdisciplinary in nature. Rooted in student-designed questions, participants explore real-world issues through a variety of lenses and consider multiple points of view to develop deep understanding of complex issues. They make connections between these issues and their own lives, their interests, and other classes they are taking. Students read articles, research studies, and foundational and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experience artistic and literary works to gain a rich appreciation and understanding of issues. Students are assessed with two performance tasks completed in class, one of which is a team project and presentation. Students will also take a more traditional end-of-course exam. The AP Seminar score is based on all three assessments and is reported on the standard 1– 5 AP scoring scale. Students who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for that course; otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: #021 Honors English 2 or #022 English 2 or #023 English 2 Academic Assistance or #094 AP Seminar

English 3 uses the lens of global issues and perspectives to introduce students to college level expository and analytical writing. Students will read fiction and non-fiction as a class, in literature circles, and independently to synthesize ideas about diverse topics such as globalization, technology, health, poverty, warfare, human rights and inequality. Using a workshop and conferencing approach students will read literature, memoirs, book length argument texts and texts that synthesize topics and ideas such as Blink and Freakonomics. Students will take an inquiry and problem solving approach to texts and topics and assemble a writing portfolio geared toward more authentic audiences and publication and with an eye towards their college or career preparations. Writing instruction will continue to be informed by the development of style, voice, purpose, and audience as well as the study of mentor texts. Students will continue to refine their collaboration, discussion, and presentation skills while making connections between texts, topics, and other subjects.

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: Teacher/counselor recommendation: English 2 #023, #022, #S029 or #004 ESL

This course is designed to provide more support and a slower pace for students in need of academic assistance in language arts/literacy or emerging from a special education or English Language Learner program. While the course duplicates the scope of assignments found in English 3, teachers are able to adjust pacing and assignments to better meet the needs of developing readers and writers. Preparation for required standardized assessments is embedded into the course.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: #021 Honors English 2 or #022 English 2 or #094 AP Seminar

This course will explore the ideas and tensions at the heart of America. Units will pair diverse texts and voices (Native, Black, Latinx, Asian, gender-based) around questions of how the American dream compares with American reality. Topics include the role of family, community and individuality; inclusion and exclusion in thinking about what it means to be American; the responsibility we have to others compared with the ideal of rugged self-reliance; and the contrasts of wealth and poverty, tradition and change, failure and success that continue to define America. Students will pursue questions and make connections using fiction, non-fiction, film, art, and TED Talks and have opportunities to create podcasts, digital media, and engage in student-led or civic projects.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: #021 Honors English 2 or #022 English 2 or AP Research or AP Seminar

This seminar-based course offers students an intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit. Students study how a work’s structure, as well as the author’s style, use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone contribute to the overall thematic meaning. In addition to considering a work’s literary artistry, students analyze the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. Students also gain an awareness of literary tradition and the complex ways in which imaginative literature builds upon the ideas, works, and authors of earlier times. Writing is an integral part of the course and through expository, analytical, and argumentative essays as well as creative writing opportunities, students will increase their ability to explain cogently, even elegantly, what they understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do. Students are expected to manage rigorous reading responsibilities. Students enrolled in an AP who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. Students will receive 5 literature credits.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: #021 Honors English 2 or #022 English 2 or AP Research or AP Seminar

This college-level course engages students in becoming skilled readers of complex texts written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. As they read, students develop an advanced awareness of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience, and subjects as well as the way conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. Students will move beyond formulaic approaches such as the five paragraph essay to place emphasis on content, purpose, and audience to guide organization. Students become cognizant of their own composing processes: the way they explore ideas, reconsider strategies, revise their work, and write in informal as well as formal contexts to gain authority and learn to take compositional risks. The concentration on language use in this course enhances students’ ability to use conventions with sophistication and to develop stylistic maturity in their prose. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam in order to receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 10-11

Prerequisite: #011 Honors English 1 or #012 English 1 or #013 English 1 Academic Assistance. Students should have passed NJSLA ELA 9 to avoid additional remediation.

This foundational course, open to sophomores and juniors, provides students with opportunities to think critically and creatively; research and explore; develop arguments and pose solutions; and collaborate and communicate , research, explore, pose solutions, develop arguments, collaborate, and communicate using various media. Unlike traditional AP courses, Seminar is not linked to any one subject area; it is interdisciplinary in nature. Rooted in student-designed questions, participants explore real-world issues through a variety of lenses and consider multiple points of view to develop deep understanding of complex issues. They make connections between these issues and their own lives, their interests, and other classes they are taking. Students read articles, research studies, and foundational and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experience artistic and literary works to gain a rich appreciation and understanding of issues. Students are assessed with two performance tasks completed in class, one of which is a team project and presentation. Students will also take a more traditional end-of-course exam. The AP Seminar score is based on all three assessments and is reported on the standard 1– 5 AP scoring scale. Students who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for that course; otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: #094 AP Seminar

The second course in the AP Capstone experience allows students to design, plan, and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest. Through this inquiry and investigation, students demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world problems and issues. Students further the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information to build, present, and defend an argument. Students are assessed through the following culminating performance tasks: Academic thesis paper (approximately 5,000 words) with a defined structure. Presentation, performance, or exhibition and oral defense of research and presentation. The AP Research score is based on these components and is reported on the standard 1– 5 AP scoring scale. Students who score a 3 or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research as well as four additional AP exams, will receive an AP Capstone diploma. Students who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for that course; otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Any sophomore or junior level English course

This seminar-based course offers students an intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit. Students study how a work’s structure, as well as the author’s style, use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone contribute to the overall thematic meaning. In addition to considering a work’s literary artistry, students analyze the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. Students also gain an awareness of literary tradition and the complex ways in which imaginative literature builds upon the ideas, works, and authors of earlier times. Writing is an integral part of the course and through expository, analytical, and argumentative essays as well as creative writing opportunities, students will increase their ability to explain cogently, even elegantly, what they understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do. Students are expected to manage rigorous reading responsibilities. Students enrolled in an AP who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. Students will receive 5 literature credits.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Any sophomore or junior level English course

This college-level course engages students in becoming skilled readers of complex texts written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. As they read, students develop an advanced awareness of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience, and subjects as well as the way conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing., Students will move beyond formulaic approaches such as the five paragraph essay to place emphasis on content, purpose, and audience to guide organization. Students become cognizant of their own composing processes: the way they explore ideas, reconsider strategies, revise their work, and write in informal as well as formal contexts to gain authority and learn to take compositional risks. The concentration on language use in this course enhances students’ ability to use grammatical conventions with sophistication and to develop stylistic maturity in their prose. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam.

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: AP Seminar #094

The second course in the AP Capstone experience allows students to design, plan, and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest. Through this inquiry and investigation, students demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world problems and issues. Students further the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information to build, present, and defend an argument. Students are assessed through the following culminating performance tasks:

• Academic thesis paper (approximately 5,000 words) with a defined structure.
• Presentation, performance, or exhibition and oral defense of research and presentation.

The AP Research score is based on these components and is reported on the standard 1– 5 AP scoring scale. Students who score a 3 or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research as well as four additional AP exams, will receive an AP Capstone diploma. Students who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for that course; otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: #021 Honors English 2 or #022 English 2 or #094 AP Seminar

This course will explore the ideas and tensions at the heart of America. Units will pair diverse texts and voices (Native, Black, Latino, Asian, gender-based) around questions of how the American dream compares with American reality. Topics include the role of family, community and individuality; inclusion and exclusion in thinking about what it means to be American; the responsibility we have to others compared with the ideal of rugged self-reliance; and the contrasts of wealth and poverty, tradition and change, failure and success that continue to define America. Students will pursue questions and make connections using fiction, non-fiction, film, art, and TED Talks and have opportunities to create podcasts, digital media, and engage in student-led or civic projects.

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Any junior level English course

Recommendation: Students should have a vested interest in creative writing, be able to give and receive feedback, be willing to share work and read aloud and be able to balance both short and long- terms goals and assignments.

This course is designed for the advanced level creative writer and reader. It offers honors level creative writing and literature/non-fiction reading experiences encompassing both poetry and prose with strong individualized components. Experiences in the craft of imaginative writing and revision are grounded in independent genre studies as well as the study of philosophy, psychology and concepts such as creativity, archetypes, and motifs. Professional writers are studied as models in style and technique, and experiential and interactive writing activities stimulate imagination and craft. Students engage in publishing and performance opportunities both within the classroom and the greater school community. Readings include titles such as Jekyll and Hyde, Sula, and Slaughterhouse Five as well as extensive independent reading and critical studies of literature. Traditional and modern writers are included in addition to short stories and a study of poetry and script-writing. Independent, thematic project and manuscript work are course requirements. The achievement of publication quality material is expected. Additionally, upper level honors courses begin to expose students to college level rigor and material.

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Any junior level English course

Critical Issues in Literature examines topics of identity and society through non-fiction and literature. This course is divided into four units, each focusing on an essential question that analyzes human nature and factors that influence who we are. Students read thematic works as a full class, in small groups, and independently, and are required to complete analysis/response entries which serve as the basis for literary discussions. Other student writing consists of essays, quotation responses, personal memoir pieces, argument research projects, and genius hour style projects. Throughout the course, students also devote in-class time to an independent study.

(Note: this course may be taken for Honors or CP credit - Honors tasks will be delineated in each unit)
Grade:12

This English course provides students with a unique opportunity to design, plan, and conduct a yearlong inquiry on a topic of personal interest. Students will cultivate both curiosity and independence as they explore ideas, ask questions, interview experts, develop studies or projects, and create a learning portfolio with artifacts of their learning to share.

This course affords a great English capstone experience to students in an academy sequence or with a driving interest in a personal topic. Students will examine the way they see the world and zero in on concepts, problems, and issues that spark curiosity and action.

All students will create a portfolio of their inquiry and learning journey and be assessed on their ability to plan, read, research, discuss, write, respond to feedback, present their work as well as conduct interviews and engage with professionals or experts in their field of interest. Sharing, showcasing, presenting, and publishing are core components of the course and may also shape enrichment and honors extensions.

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Any junior level English course

This course will introduce students to the art and elements of the short story as they read and listen to a wide range of topics and genres from a variety of talented writers. The selected works will cover various cultures and countries, ranging from nineteenth-century classics to last year's award winners. Students will engage in an independent study of the short story based on a self-selected author, genre, time period, or geographic region. While reading, students will consider such questions as how does story reveal truth, how does story work as social commentary, and how can story address universal questions. Writing will include literary analysis, argument, and an original short story of their own.

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Any junior level English course

This course will study the role of sports in our culture – the competition, the struggle, success, and disappointment through an examination of contemporary and classic sports writing as well as across a variety of genres (fiction, poetry, non-fiction and essays). Writing and speaking assignments include a focus on turning numbers into narrative and include journalistic elements. Students may engage in focused study of a sport or genre and practice literary analysis and original expository writing on sports related subject matter. Students will read non-fiction and fiction as a class, in literature circles and independently.

Grade:12

Prerequisite: Any junior level English course

This course will explore contemporary and classic titles in science fiction and fantasy. Topics of inquiry can include post-apocalyptic, monsters, fantasy of the past (early sci-fi like Wells and Verne), sci-fi fantasy as coming-of-age, mythology/epic (Tolkien & Martin), "realistic" fantasy (Vonnegut), new worlds (sci-fi or fantasy that takes place in an entirely different world than ours), graphic novel fantasy, and humorous fantasy (Hitchhiker's Guide). Course essential questions include the following: How is fantasy a reflection of culture? What are the risks and rewards associated with challenging the status quo? How have prior authors influenced modern day writers and thinkers? Why do people create fantasy stories in the first place? What challenges or benefits are there to writing or reading Sci-Fi Fantasy as opposed to another genre? Why do SciFi/Fantasy stories appeal to people? Units of study will involve the reading of fiction and non-fiction as well as comparative media experiences. Students write fully processed analytical, expository, and creative pieces.

Grade 12

Prerequisite: Any junior level English course.

Are you obsessed with true crime, mystery novels, and the impact of media on our world? In this senior elective, you'll explore the captivating worlds of crime, mystery, and media through a literary lens. We'll examine real-life stories, delve into the minds of masterful storytellers, and investigate how media shapes our perceptions of our world. 

Get ready to:

• Analyze true crime literature and documentaries, uncovering the motivations behind criminal minds and the complexities of the justice system.
• Deconstruct classic and contemporary mysteries, decipher clues, analyze plot twists, and appreciate the art of suspense.
• Investigate the influence of media on crime and justice, examining how stories are told, whose voices are amplified, and how public opinion is swayed.

Throughout the course, you'll hone your critical thinking, research, and writing skills, culminating in creative multimedia projects that showcase your understanding of these captivating genres. If you're ready to explore the dark side of human nature and the power of storytelling, join us for Crime, Mystery and Media!

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Any junior-level English course

This is a college freshman reading and writing course that operates in a workshop setting. Students study various modes of expository reading and writing, including narration and argumentation. Typical themes/topics in a semester might include rituals, gender issues, cultural studies, and the ethics of our work. Writing includes a research paper and two in-class essays. Synthesis in writing is a key skill that is at the heart of academic writing, and thus, this course. Students are required to complete a portfolio of writing, as well as pass a standardized college exam. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Raritan Valley Community College. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for RVCC’s course, ENG 111-English Composition I. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: #085 Honors College English

Honors College English II is the second in a two-course composition sequence that continues to expand and refine analytical writing and critical thinking skills. Students produce a series of documented essays based on a range of fiction and non-fiction sources, focusing on the challenges posed by writing longer essays and using advanced research techniques. As a final product, students will write an ethics-based research paper on a student-generated inquiry topic. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Raritan Valley Community College. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for RVCC’s course, ENGL 112-English Composition II. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 9-12

In this course, students will have the opportunity to write in the genres of poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, graphic novels, and scripts. Students read and analyze models, identify characteristics of the various genres, and incorporate those characteristics into original work. The class is conducted in a workshop environment where students write extensively in class each day and select their own mentor texts to utilize for the emulation of style and the improvement of specific writing skills. Students will also engage in publication and performance opportunities within the classroom, as well as within the greater school community.

Grades: 9-12

Journalism is an introduction to news media. Students will learn journalistic techniques and craft, so that they can function as reporters for Central’s student publications, The Lamp or Lamp Online. Student journalists will work with editors to produce content in a variety of styles and platforms, including news, features, editorials, columns and sports, in both print and multimedia formats. There will also be an emphasis on news literacy, student rights, ethics and the role of the media in both today’s society and the school community.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #011 Honors English I or #012 English 1 or #013 English 1 Academic Assistance

This course, designed to enhance students' self-confidence by improving their ability to write, prepare, and deliver speeches, embraces the fundamentals of oral communication. Students explore a variety of public speaking opportunities which include informational, demonstration, and persuasive speeches. Consideration of audience, purpose, personal interest, dramatic interpretation, and effective discussion technique are emphasized throughout the course. Students study specific characteristics of effective speechmaking, including appearance, non-verbal expression, vocal variety, rhetoric, and organization. While the focus of the course is on speech delivery, speech writing encourages skillful use of research, structure, content, and the mechanics of written communication.

Grades:10-12

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: #011 Honors English 1 or #012 English 1 or #013 English 1 Academic Assistance and Geometry (any levels)

Note: This course does not meet NCAA eligibility requirements and counts as a general elective credit only.

SAT Preparation is a course designed to help students prepare for the math and verbal sections of the SAT. Students will learn test taking strategies and improve their problem-solving skills through exposure to reading and writing, as well as qualitative and quantitative reasoning tasks. Students can expect to strengthen their repertoire of skills in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry as well as critical reading, the study of vocabulary through context, a review of compositional skills, and the ability to write unified and coherent timed essays. Students will receive informative feedback from practice SAT tests.