Lang Arts

Language Arts 7
This class is designed to both supplement previous language study and to expand students' reading, writing, and literary interpretation abilities for secondary level class participation. Language areas covered include vocabulary/spelling, sentence and paragraph writing, and speaking skills. Literary selections include A Christmas Carol and, possibly, Across Five Aprils.

Language Arts 8
This class is designed to both supplement previous language study and to expand students' reading, writing, and literary interpretation abilities. Language areas covered include vocabulary/spelling, grammar/usage, reading, writing/organization, and speaking skills. Literary selections include The Diary of Anne Frank and Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street. Outside reading is required, and well as independent reading of additional novels and works of non-fiction.

Language Arts 9
The focus of the ninth grade language arts is on the reading, writing, and interpretation of diverse literature. Students will gather and evaluate information from an electronic card catalog and the internet. The course includes exposure to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students will maintain reading skills preciously acquired and continue to prepare for the Basic Standard Writing Test. Through literature and activities, the ninth grade language arts students will be exposed to a variety of careers.

Language Arts 10 uses a series of major writing and public speaking projects to focus the reading and writing activities of sophomores to prepare them for the MN Writing Test, the MCA Reading Test, and the expectations of Language Arts 11. Some of these projects include a formal letter, a college-type essay, practice MN Writing Tests, analytical writings, a short story, and essays on novels and works of non-fiction.

Language Arts 11 expands reading and writing skills through the writing of a research paper and a survey of American literature. Students receive preparation for the ACT and engage in a variety of challenging writing and speaking assignments that develop their skills of interpretation, analysis, and communication.

Language Arts 12
This class is designed to both supplement previous language study and to expand your reading, writing, speaking, and literary interpretation abilities in preparation for college, technical school, and the world of work. Language areas covered include British literature, advanced composition, advanced public speaking, grammar and conventions, vocabulary expansion, and writing-for-life skills. Literary areas of study include Beowulf, Arthurian Literature, Macbeth, and poetry of severak types. Projects include multimedia productions, research writing, personal writing, business writing, and formal speeches on a variety of subjects.

AP Language and Composition (for Seniors approved by the Guidance Office)

The objectives for the AP English course include:

§   Analyze prose for purpose, tone, credibility, style, efficacy, and structure.
§   Think critically about written and unwritten messages in the world around them.
§   Effectively express verbally and in writing assessments about others' prose and visual messages.
§   Be confident about discussing rhetorical choices openly in a community of learners.
§   Be fully prepared for initial college thinking and writing expectations.
§   Accept challenges in their academic progress.

Most of the literary works in this course will be non-fiction essays and speeches, including Bill Holm's The Heart Can Be Filled Anywhere on Earth, but fiction and drama will also be studied, including Shakespeare's Hamlet. The main textbooks for this course are Everything's An Argument with Readings by Andrea A. Lunsford, John J. Ruszkiewicz, Keith Walters and Writing for College.

Theatre Arts (elective for upper classmen)
Theatre Arts covers all aspects of theatre production, including set-building, posters, acting, playwriting, etc. The focus of the course will be on the literary aspects of the field, however, and there will be required public performance and writing assignments throughout.