This course brings students from diverse backgrounds of instructional experience and knowledge to a degree of uniformity. Focus is on developing competence in: sentence structure and grammar; composing the five-paragraph essay; critical reading and thinking; and familiarity with major literacy forms, elements, and devices.

Continuing the construction of a strong base in English studies, the focus of this American Literature based course moves to mastery of the paragraph and well-supported essay, and the reading and sharpened awareness of increasingly demanding texts. Students are also introduced to the research process for the Junior Research Paper.

Having demonstrated a very high proficiency in English, students are recommended and tested for placement in this course where the demands of reading, writing, and thinking become increasingly intensive. Students will also be introduced to the research process in preparation for the Junior Research Paper.

Prerequisites: 85% or greater in English I for the first semester, recommendation from current English teacher, and a qualifying score on an English Department test.

Placement testing for the 2017-2018 school year will be offered January 25 @ 2:55 and January 26 @ 7:00 a.m in Room 214. Please contact Mr. Hill with any questions.

Building on the previous years’ material, students will be introduced to major British and other English language writers and literary movements and the ideas and themes manifested by these authors. Students will hone critical reading, thinking and writing skills and learn to express themselves clearly and precisely. The Junior Research Paper will reinforce earlier introduction to literary criticism and establish strong research skills.

Material is covered in greater breadth and depth and students are expected to read widely beyond assignments, write more frequently and at greater length, and demonstrate a greater facility of language usage. The course begins to prepare students for Advanced Placement English IV.

Prerequisites: Preference is given to Honors English II students. For those not in Honors English II a recommendation from the current English teacher or department head and a qualifying score on an English Placement test.

Placement testing for the 2017-2018 school year will be offered December 13 @ 2:55 and December 14 @ 7:00 a.m. in Room 214. Please contact Mr. Hill with any questions.

Students will engage in a comparative literature course that introduces them to literature world classics. Each unit presents a thematic strand that incorporates poems, short stories, and essays. Selections include works by Sophocles, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, and Dante. In preparation for college, students will continue to hone their critical reading, discussion, and academic writing skills.

Well prepared and highly motivated students are challenged to demonstrate college-level reading, composition, and thinking skills through a more intensive course of study. This course prepares students for the AP Exam.

Prerequisites: Preference is given to Honors English III students. For those not in Honors English III a recommendation from the current English teacher or department head and a qualifying score on an English Placement test.

Placement testing for the 2016-2017 school year will be offered December 15 @ 2:55 and December 16 @ 7:00 a.m. Please contact Mr. Hill with any questions.

Course Fee: $94 AP Literature Exam Fee

Book titles and study guides for this summer's readings can be found at this link: Summer Reading