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Back: [ HCS Homepage ] [ HHS Homepage ] [ H.S. Departments ] [ Site Map ]Harrison High School
course descriptions last updated 1/06 Back: [ HCS Homepage ] [ HHS Homepage ] [ H.S. Departments ] [ Site Map ]
English
I This ninth grade class provides an
overview of world literature combined with extensive practice in writing,
emphasizing grammar, usage and vocabulary skills to prepare the student to
achieve success in high school.
English
II This sophomore course will include both
world literature and writing. The literature study will be done with a focus on
genre, with emphasis on understanding elements that enhance appreciation of
short stories, nonfiction, legends, drama, poetry and novels. *NOTE: Students who do not pass English I, second semester, may enroll in both English I and II at the same time, with parental permission; however, the English Department does not recommend taking them together.
English
III This eleventh grade course is designed
for the college bound student within a professionals career pathway. The
literature study will be done in historical sequence beginning with the Pilgrims
and continuing through modern writers. Types of literature studied will include
nonfiction, the short story, poetry, drama and the novel. Time permitting, two
novels will be read. Skills in analyzing literature and the elements of fiction
will be emphasized.
English
III-
PRACTICAL READING AND
WRITING This eleventh grade course is designed
as an elective for the student within a Technical Career Pathway. While writing
will be done in conjunction with the American literature studied, vocabulary
practice and theme topics will emerge from the works considered. The forms of
American literature studied will include non-fiction, the short story, poetry,
drama, and time permitting, one novel. Special emphasis will be placed on
practical reading ands writing strategies for the technical student.
English
IV This senior class provides a college-preparatory examination of English/British literature, vocabulary study, and practice in writing and research skills to prepare the student for higher education. The literature covered is a survey of our rich heritage from the major writers of the British Isles and also from countries that were once part of the British Empire, from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. At lease three novels will be read. Required writing will emphasize grammar
and usage. Writing including essays, themes, examination of literary techniques
and research skills within the writing process will be focused on. Vocabulary
study will help prepare the student for college level reading.
English IV-
PRACTICAL READING AND
WRITING This twelfth grade course is designed as
an elective for the student within a Technical Career Pathway. While writing
will done in conjunction with British literature studied, vocabulary practice
and theme topics will emerge from the works considered. The forms of British
literature studied will include the short story, poetry, drama, and time
permitting, one novel. Special emphasis will be placed on practical reading and
writing strategies for the technical student.
Contemporary
Young Adult Literature This literature course is designed for students who enjoy reading. The main focus of this course will include identifying literature elements, clarifying key concepts relevant to adolescents, recognizing interests and abilities that occur within reading, and exploring a diversity of cultures through several genres of literature, such as poetry, prose, short stories, memoirs, and novels. Students will demonstrate learning through participation in book talks, literature circles, group discussions, as well as daily and unit projects that are relevant to the subject matter being taught.
"Classic"
Young Adult Literature This course is designed for any student who enjoys reading. Students will work independently and in groups to develop comprehension skills and build reading strengths by reading classic novels chosen from a recommended college bound reading list (fiction and nonfiction). Reading, writing and project activities will be used to encourage critical and creative thinking.
Creative
Writing This course will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their creative abilities related to writing. The subjects that will be covered are the use of figures of speech, descriptive writing, poetry, free writing, brainstorming, and outlining. Conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics will be used to enhance writing skills. Students will have the opportunity to do self edit, peer edit, and utilize rubrics to evaluate the writing process.
You
and the Law This is a course designed for students interested in a law-related career (such as lawyer, legal secretary, etc.) or those who wish to know more about our court system and law. Material covered will include the following: The history of courts and law, landmark cases, legal terms/vocabulary, and the investigation of crimes. Guest speakers will be utilized and students will look at the portrayal of our legal system in the media. Students will participate in at least one mock trial, they will play the roles of lawyers, witnesses, judge, etc.
Speech Both verbal and nonverbal means of communication are explored in this course, in which students learn the applied skills of interviewing, discussion, and public speaking, in an interpersonal context consisting of perception, language, self-awareness, and listening. Much emphasis is placed on critical thinking, feed-back, listening skills, critical use of oral symbols, nonverbal communication, and adjustment to the speaking situation itself. Students will participate in a mock job interview.
Communication
Arts This course will provide an overview of various types of mass media including TV, radio, books, magazines, newspapers, movies, fine arts and language. Students will also study vocabulary, pronunciation and oral usage in the context of extemporaneous and public speaking. Communication arts is not ONLY a continuation of Speech 1; it also includes: mass media, creative writing, and performance projects.
Newspaper
Staff Prerequisite:
Permission of teacher. Computer I preferred *Yearbook staff is not to be taken concurrently.
Yearbook
Staff The yearbook student, by working as a member of the yearbook staff, will further develop writing and vocabulary skills through copywriting. The yearbook student will also learn the elements of interviewing, yearbook makeup and production, basic photo-journalism, various layout styles, business management and journalism history. *Newspaper Staff is not to be taken concurrently.
Beginning
Drama The basics of theater vocabulary, stage makeup and acting exercises will be combined with some brief, in class performances. A portion of the semester will also be devoted to study of theater history from primitive man to the present. Click for information on this year's School Play
Advanced
Drama The emphasis in this course will be on developing acting techniques. Students will be required to perform class exercises individually and in pairs or groups. It is possible that a public performance may be given sometime during the semester. Click for information on this year's School Play
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