ENGLISH

 In  this rapidly changing information age, the English Department is focusing on empowering students to meet postgraduate challenges in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and appreciating great literature.  English Department offerings are divided into these Essential Learnings areas.  In order to graduate from Central Kitsap High School, every student will be encouraged to achieve mastery in these skills and must earn credits in the following manner:  

SOPHOMORES must take one of the following Sophomore English courses. Students who have completed a pre-Advanced Placement course are strongly encouraged to enroll in Honors Sophomore English.

 

JUNIORS and SENIORS are encouraged to complete at least one course from each of the three Essential Learning Areas--Literature, Writing, and Speech/Listening-- and elect an additional course in area according to need and interest.

THE FOLLOWING COURSES WILL SATISFY AN ENGLISH GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

 

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH /GENRE, COMPOSITION

1 Year             Credit:  1

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This course combines the genres of literature (short story, poetry, novel, drama, nonfiction), composition and speech to fulfill the requirements of the District's Essential Learnings.  The course will prepare the students for upper division courses offered in the English Department and facilitate entrance into higher education.  The first semester is an in-depth study of the techniques of expository, persuasive, and narrative writing and one of the genres.  Second semester continues with further study of literary genres including literary analysis, research writing and documentation , speaking, and listening.  With successful completion of this course, the student will be ready to write confidently, correctly, and will in order to meet the writing demands of any other course offered at CKHS, as well as possess a literary foundation. 

 

HONORS SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 

1 Year             Credit:  1

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This advanced level course offers entering sophomores the opportunity to increase their skills in writing expository papers, literary analyses, and other writings that may be required by various disciplines in school and beyond.  In addition, literature will reflect a world perspective on global concerns of modern civilization.  Literature study- chronological, geographical, and thematic- will be though literary genres.  Vocabulary building, conventions of mechanics, usage and syntax, as well as speaking and listening, are integral to the course.   

 

 

  LITERATURE

 

AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

1 Year                    Credit:  1

Fees:  Approx. $30 for textbook  $82 for AP Test (Optional)     

SENIOR STATUS

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

AP Literature and Composition  is designed for students  with an interest in  serious literature who want to do college-level work during high school. Not just focused on works written originally in English, literature of world writers in translation is also included. The class will examine literary techniques used in the major genre — novel, short story, drama, and poetry—with special emphasis on in-class writing assignments.  The readings might be more difficult but not necessarily more extensive; the writing will certainly be more demanding and frequent. In addition, participation in class discussions is expected; such discussion will explore -- besides writers' techniques -- ideas, aesthetics, philosophy and values inhere in the literature. Emphasis will be placed on college-level reading, analysis, and writing in addition to preparation for the Advanced Placement examination in May. Some summer reading will be necessary for enrollment in this class. There will be a fee for purchase of summer reading books.

 

AMERICAN LITERATURE/COLLEGE WRITING

1 Year                   Credit:  1

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This course is taught in conjunction with Advanced Placement United States History.  The literature segment of the class follows the chronology of the AP history class and supplements the ideas taught there.  Through the literature, we  follow the history of American ideas and link them with the historical events of the time period in which they are found.  Thus, the student is given a much more complete view of both history and the explored.    Argumentation, research writing, and analytical writing are emphasized.  This is meant to prepare students for rigors of college-level writing in general and can be especially helpful to students who must take the writing portion of either the AP exam or the SAT.

 

AMERICAN LITERATURE I-- EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE, BEGINNING TO LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY

1  Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This course examines American writing from first settlement to the end of westward expansion.  In the beginning, students read and analyze essays, journals, letters, histories, some sermons and poems.  That will be followed by the Revolutionary Period with political and social philosophers, such as Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, and Madison.  With Irving, Bryant and Cooper, the New World creative genius emerges.  Emerson and Thoreau, great writers of transcendental thought, set the intellectual milieu for other Romantic writers: Poe, Melville, Dickinson and Whitman.  The semester ends with local color writers and the rise of realism, exemplified by Twain.  Through literary traditions, this course establishes the fundamental idea what it means to be an American.

NOTE:  This course is independent and need not be taken in sequence with Modern American Literature, The Last Hundred Years.

 

AMERICAN LITERATURE II-- MODERN AMERICAN LITERATURE, THE LAST HUNDRED YEARS

1 Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

In the last hundred years, America has joined the elite world literatures.  From naturalists--such as Crane, London and Dreiser--to the imagist, eclectic, and stream-of-consciousness writers of the early century--including Robinson, Wharton, Frost, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Wright, and Faulkner--America has produced significant thinkers and writers of the modern world.  Students will read, discuss and interpret writings from the above writers and those who follow in a continuing strong tradition.  Later readings and analyses will come from such modern authors as Lowell, Updike, Vonnegut, Sexton, Plath, Walker and Morrison.  This course sees American literature connect to what it means to be American in modern times.

NOTE:  This course is independent and need not be taken in sequence with Early American Literature, Beginning to Nineteenth Century.

 

ENGLISH LITERATURE I : ANGLO-SAXON THROUGH AGE OF REASON

1 Semester                   Credit: .5

NOTE: Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course Requirements.

This is a survey of the writing and ideas of English and Commonwealth writers from the Anglo-Saxon times to the end of the 18th century.  Students will read and learn about epics, poems, essays, short stories, and plays of the Old English, Medieval, Renaissance and Enlightenment periods of Great Britain's literary contributions.  Writers will include the Beowulf poet, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Swift, Pope, and Johnson, among others.

NOTE:  This course is independent and need not be taken in sequence with English Literature II:Romantics to Modern.

 

ENGLISH LITERATURE II-- ROMANTICS TO MODERN

1 semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE: Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course Requirements.

From the 19th century of England's greatest romantic writers to the mysteries of Britain's psychological and existential authors, this course offers a look into literature that probes the challenges of England's modern world views.  Students will gain ideas and insights through extensive readings of poems, plays, short stories and novels by Romantic, Victorian and Modern English writers.  Writers may include Wordsworth, Byron, Keats, Tennyson, Browning, Bronte, Hardy, Housman, Yeats, Kipling, Eliot, Thomas, Woolf, and others.

NOTE:  This course is independent and need not be taken in sequence with English Literature I: Anglo-Saxon through Age of Reason.

 

HEROES IN LITERATURE

1  Semester                   Credit:  .5

Heroes in Literature is a course designed to assist those students who reading skills are low. We will seek to improve both reading speed and understanding. To accomplish this, the course explores the nature and role of the heroic character. Through reading quality literary works and with intensive class discussion and writing exercise, we will look for common traits and qualities in those men and women our society has given the title of hero r heroine.

 

SHAKESPEARE  

1 Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This course offers a different selection of plays from Shakespeare and includes and examination of the life of Shakespeare and the difference in attitude between Renaissance people and twentieth century people. The reading is difficult and intense , but not lengthy. The plays are mostly read and discussed in depth in class. Plays to be considered may include Hamlet, Henry IV, part 1, Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, A Winter's Tale, Twelfth Night, King Lear, Othello, As You Like It, and Richard II.

   

CLASSICAL LITERATURE

1 Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.  

This course will acquaint students with the mythology of ancient Greece and Rome. From this study much of the thinking, culture, and values of these groups is revealed as the foundation of most Western cultures. In addition, students will be able to recognize allusions to ancient literature in their lives. Greek ideals of heroism and human relationships with each other and the gods will be studied in Homer's epics and later plays of Athens. Roma epic counterparts may also be read. Students should expect a great deal of reading, some essay writing, and class discussion.  

 

WRITING

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

1 Semester                   Credit: .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This course focuses on the basics of clear communication: sending and receiving information and persuasive messages (including media).  The student will learn to give clear directions, to present information to others, and to argue effectively.  Listening and remembering skills will improve, as well as vocabulary and writing skills.  During second quarter, the student will use critical thinking and communication skills to work as a valuable member of a team.  

EXPOSITORY / RESEARCH WRITING

1   Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

This course is primarily for college-bound students who want experience in writing on an advanced level, although non-college bound students are also encouraged to take the class Emphasis will be on writing definitive , analytical, casual, comparative, and critical papers. The second half of the class will involve persuasive and argumentative writing, along with research-documented writing. Activities in the class will incorporate the writing process, critical thinking, correct research techniques and documentation, clear sentence writing, as well as consideration of word choice, grammatical concepts and correct usage, and vocabulary building. .

   

BUSINESS ENGLISH

1 Semester                   Credit:  .5

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Sophomore English.

Students learn to compose, draft, edit, review, and evaluate effective business communications. This class assists students in developing effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills. Clear and concise expression, spelling, and sentence structure are emphasized. Students practice these skills by simulating business ownership and complete an employment unit. 

 

JOURNALISM:  NEWS WRITING & NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION

1 Year                   Credit: 1

Students who are inquisitive and enjoy researching and writing about the current affairs of CK High School and its surrounding community will further develop their skills while they write, edit, and produce the Cougar Chronicle, the official newspaper of the Associated Student Body.  Students will gain a working knowledge of the various aspects of journalism, including information gathering, writing in journalistic style, copy editing, advertising and page layout on computer.  Students will also learn how to make editorial decisions that comply with professional, legal, and ethical journalism standards.  Requirements include writing one or more stories for each issue, as well as class assignments.  Since the newspaper is a co-curricular activity, students are required to work outside the regular class period.

 

Speech, Theater, and Debate

 

SPEECH/ORAL INTERPRETATION

1 Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.

After completing this course, the student will be confident and skillful in speaking before an audience.  The student will learn relaxation techniques and how to prepare and deliver a variety of effective, interesting speeches (including oral interpretation of literature).  The course also develops effective listening skills and the ability to work as a member of a group.  Students may be required to attend an outside performance. 

DRAMA I

1 Semester                   Credit: .5

NOTE:  See page 9 for College Core Course requirements for this area.

Drama I is designated to give students a general overview of theater.  Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and critical analysis of literature.  Students will read several plays for analysis and will study everything pertinent to the business of acting.  Cold reading, auditioning, costumes and makeup, scene study, and stage acting are the focus of this course.  Students are required to see two outside play performances.

DRAMA II

1 Semester                   Credit:  .5

NOTE:  See page 9 for College Core Course requirements for this area.

Drama II allows students to work on advanced  material in acting technique.  Students will study method acting, classical, and modern ensemble acting techniques.  Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and critical analysis of dramatic literature.  This course is designed for those interested in developing a more critical understanding of theater performance at an advanced level.  Students are required to attend two outside play performances.  

 

DEBATE  

 

1 Year                   Credit: 1  

This course introduces students to both Policy and Lincoln-Douglas style debate as well as all WIAA sanctioned speech events:  Original Oratory, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu, Expository Speaking, Editorial Commentary, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Duel Interpretation, and Interpretive Reading.  The emphasis will be skill thinking.  Class participation is necessary.  Competing in one event at one tournament is required.  At the successful completion of this course, students may transfer into Advanced Debate. 

 

 

ADVANCED DEBATE

1 Year                   Credit: 1

PREREQUISITES:  Successful completion Sophomore English B/Rhetoric, Debate and/or Advanced Speech.

NOTE:  Meets core requirement for Washington Public Universities and NCAA Core Course requirements.  See page 9 for College Core Course requirements for this area.  May only be used for English credit once.