Course selection time is coming up, and we want to make sure you know about all the electives the English department has to offer.
https://www.wevideo.com/view/3736296439
Masterpieces is a great opportunity to experience some of the greatest works ever written, all while earning honors credits. Students have the chance to dig deeply into challenging works of literature that have shaped our lives as English speakers.
Humanities is for students who want to challenge themselves, but may not want to take an AP-English class senior year. The class includes the study of ancient and modern literature, philosophy, history, religion, and art.
Fairy Tales, Myths, and Legends examines the enduring allure of these genres. Prime-time television and the big screen have exploded with shows and movies centered-around the magical, and fantastical. The question is, “why?” In this course, we examine the historical and cultural reasons for their enduring popularity.
Mystery and suspense provides students with an opportunity to analyze and discuss a variety of contemporary young adult novels of Mystery and Suspense. Activities such as solving mini mysteries, “book club” style discussions, and watching movie versions of select mysteries are part of the class.
In True Crime, students study famous murders, unsolved cases, serial killers and historical crimes. Students will analyze crime scene evidence for press conferences; write analytical essays about miscarriage of justice; research and present information about serial killers; and explore how crime affects families. Students will participate in field trips to meet professionals in the field of Criminal Justice and will listen to professional speakers who present a variety of career opportunities in Criminal Justice. True Crime is the English credit for the Criminal Justice Cohort.
Film as Literature is a great class for anyone who loves watching and discussing movies. Students watch a range of critically acclaimed films and analyze the techniques that filmmakers use, the same way that we would normally analyze literature.
Creative Writing challenges students to write in a variety of styles including short stories, poetry, film scripts, and more. We’ll also learn from some of the best examples when it comes to fascinating short stories, inspiring poetry, and thought-provoking movies. This class also offers opportunities for collaboration, peer review, and discussion in a safe, respectful, and fun atmosphere. Creative writing is the place for students who are ready to push their boundaries in terms of both creativity and perspective.
Advanced Creative Writing is open to all Juniors and Seniors OR any sophomore who has completed Creative Writing I. This course provides students with the freedom to write what they want over the course of the school year, whether that means several varied pieces or one long project. Students will be provided regular feedback in order to identify ways to take their writing to the next level and leave the course with work they can truly be proud of.
Anxiety and Chaos in Literature gives students the chance to travel to strange new inner and outer worlds and to read some of the best and most controversial literature in recent times.
In Paranormal/Supernatural Literature, which is a half-year course, students read about local ghost stories and create their own. Students read short stories such as Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, fiction like “The Amityville Horror” and non-fiction pieces such as “The World’s Most Haunted House”, which discusses the famous poltergeist case of Lindley St. in Bridgeport, CT. Students even get to interact and meet local ghost hunters and learn what goes into a paranormal investigation.
Communications provides students with the various writing, reading, and verbal skills needed in order to be successful in the real world. The first half of the year is spent preparing for college applications, resume writing, conducting mock interviews, practicing email etiquette, and public speaking. Following this, we explore the various forms of media we’re exposed to every day. This course is intended for individuals who are planning to attend college, trade school, or even those who are headed directly into the workforce after graduation.
The Digital Media and Journalism class covers the fundamentals of reporting, media ethics, and video production.
Students who do well in the course will be invited to take Advanced Digital Media and Journalism. This class produces the school’s daily news show, which airs every morning in homerooms throughout the school.
Students who want to go even further with the digital media and journalism program can enroll in one of our Early College Experience courses, which will give you the chance to earn college credits at either UConn or Southern.
Students have multiple additional ways to earn college credit through the English department. We offer two AP classes: AP literature and AP language.
And we also have an Early College Experience English course in conjunction with UConn. Students have the opportunity to earn 4 UConn credits while completing writing across different genres and engaging in different technical applications.
Remember these classes as you head into course selection. Feeling overwhelmed? Talk to your current English teacher and they’ll help you figure out the best English electives for you.
