COMMUNICATION ARTS
Introduction
In his office, Edward R. Murrow displayed a statement by Henry David Thoreau which said: "It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and the other to hear."
This idea represents a common thread in all of the courses listed below. They encompass a wide range of interests and materials, yet they are all centered around a theme of communication. The improvement of your ability to think critically and communicate effectively through the written and spoken word is the primary aim of this department.
Required Courses
- Every student must successfully complete a minimum of eight (8) consecutive semesters of Communications Arts for graduation.
- Students who need special help in the improvement of basic skills in reading, writing or speaking may be required to take Academy courses that are linked with Social Studies.
- Literature
- Writing
- Theater
Regents Requirements
All students are required to take and pass the Common Core ELA Regents to graduate. All of our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade courses are aligned to the skills necessary to be successful on the Common Core ELA Regents. We also provide Regents tutoring every semester and extra-help as needed.
Common Core Skills
All of the courses offered through the English department are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and fulfill the following requirements:
- Reading - a balance of literature and informational texts to reflect college- and career-ready expectations. There is also a greater focus on text complexity and at what level students should be reading.
- Writing - a strong emphasis on argument and informative/ explanatory writing, along with an emphasis on writing about sources or using evidence to inform an argument.
- Speaking and Listening - a focus on formal and informal talk, which can be done through presentations and group work
For more specific information on the Common Core Standards for ELA please click here.
Courses
Below are the courses offered in the Communications Arts Department. For a more comprehensive description of each course, please click here.
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9th Grade
FALL English 1 Academy Global Classics 1 Introduction to Literature and Composition 1 Theater Classics 1* SPRING English 2 Academy Global Classics 2 Introduction to Literature and Composition 2 Theater Classics 2* |
10th Grade
FALL English 3 Academy Global Humanities 1 Western World Literature 1 Journalism Holocaust Literature Acting Studio SPRING English Academy 4 Global Humanities 2 Western World Lit 2 Human Rights Violations Studies Journalism 2 Advanced Acting Art of Writing |
11th Grade
FALL American Themes 1 American Academy Junior AP English 1* American Humanities 1 American Literature Psychology in Literature Playwriting New York Literature Poetry (Creative Writing) SPRING American Themes 2 American Academy 2 Junior AP English 2 * American Humanities 2 American Multicultural Lit Advanced Playwriting Lit. of Youth and Identity Detective and Mystery |
12th Grade
FALL Sr AP English 1 Contemporary Literature 1 Women in Literature Memoir & Fiction Writing African American Literature Directing & Script Analysis Literature and Society 1 European Lit 1 SPRING Sr AP English 2 Contemporary Literature 2 Science Fiction & Fact Latino Literature Ensemble Theater Literature and Society 2 European Lit 2 |
Electives
FALL News Production 1* Introduction to Film Yearbook 1 (Snrs)* SPRING News Product 2 * Studies in Film Yearbook 2 (Snrs)* Musical Theater |
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Administrative Items
Grading Policy Regents Prep Packet Plagiarism Guidelines MLA Formatting Guide |
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Lesson Plan Format Questioning and Discussion Techniques Escalating Skill Set |
