Return to English Department

Ninth Grade Literature/Composition-General
This course allows the students to focus on literature according to genre and/or theme.
The student is expected to complete extensive grammar and composition activities in the regular classroom and in the computer lab and to master the basic elements of expository writing.
Beginning research activities introduce the freshman-level student to library skills as well as critical thinking.
Outside reading is recommended from a list of approved novels for this course. Grade 9

Ninth Grade Literature/Composition-Honors
Designed for students who have exhibited above average proficiency in the area of language arts, this course encompasses skills related to literature, listening, speaking, vocabulary , logical thinking, and the conventions of grammar and usage. With skill development integrated into a writing-based program, English I Honors requires students to participate in extensive composition experiences in order to enhance all aspects of their communication. Grade 9

Tenth Grade Literature/Composition-General
This class is designed to help the sophomore continue his study of literature, using the organization by genre in his literature anthology. Sophomores are expected to continue development of grammar and mechanics skills, augmenting classroom study with practice in the computer lab. Research skills are practiced with library assignments, including annotated bibliographies. Students are required to do some outside reading from a list of recommended novels. Grade 10

Tenth Grade Literature/Composition-Honors
Following a similar course of study using the genre organization of literature, these sophomores spend more time with in-depth analyses of literary works. They are expected to have greater command of the language and its mechanics than the general English II students, so more time is spent polishing writing skills in the classroom and in the computer lab. More research practice is done in the library with concentration on expository techniques and essay development. Students complete outside novels during the year from an approved list. Grade 10

American Literature/Composition-General
A junior-level course designed to introduce the student to noted American literary works, this course follows a chronological approach to literature, beginning with the Puritans and going through the writers of the twentieth century .Students at this level are required to complete a research project based on an American author. In addition to regular classroom activities involving grammar, mechanics, and composition techniques, the students practice writing skills in the computer lab. Novels from a recommended reading list are completed during this course. Grade 11

American Literature/Composition-Honors
Juniors who enter the Advanced English III program are selected by teacher and/or grade counselor recommendation. These students will receive college-preparatory intensity of course work through a chronological approach to American literature and extensive expository writing activities. These students concentrate on vocabulary development, as well as writing, listening, and speaking skills. The anthology reading for this course is supplemented with class-assigned novels. During the second semester an extensive research project is completed on one of the many American authors studied and his/her works. Grade 11

English Literature/Composition-General
Senior English students follow a chronological anthology of British literature. The students work on grammar skills and incorporate literary analysis with composition skills by writing extensively in class and in the computer lab.

English Literature/Composition-Honors The content of this course, British literature and senior-level grammar, are similar to the General English IV course. However, students are expected to master more sophisticated literary concepts and to exhibit greater initiative and creativity in their study of literature and in their writing. These students spend more time with in-depth analysis of literary works and have more opportunity for independent study than the general students. Students also work on expository writing techniques expected of college-bound seniors by writing critical papers and essays about the literature they study. These students also use the computer lab to enhance grammar and mechanics. Grade 12

Advanced Placement Literature/Composition
A.P. English is a course emphasizing the development of skills in critical reading of imaginative and discursive literature and in writing about literature and related ideas. It is for students capable of doing college-level work while they are in secondary school and who are willing to devote the energy necessary to complete a course more rigorous and demanding than other high school English courses designed for college-bound students. At the end of the year, students may elect to take the A.P. exam administered by the Educational Testing Service. Students who achieve acceptable scores on this exam receive college English credit at most colleges in the U.S. Recommendation by the student's English teacher and better than average grades are required before emolling in A.P. English IV. Grade 12

Creative Writing
Open, as an elective, to all grade levels, the creative writing class explores the interests and experiences of students as sources for subjects of stories, poems, and plays. Students work through several nonverbal art experiences and many creative craft experiences, expanding these into writing. At the end of the course each student publishes his personal writing in a bound booklet which he may keep after its display. Many pieces from this class are published in the school's literary magazine, The Talon. Grades 9-12

Oral/Written Communication (Speech)
This elective class for all grade levels begins with the student's personal resources for speech subjects. Students work on breaking down stage fright and learning to understand the audience. This course develops good speakers by focusing on the structure and development of a good speech as well as the physiological requirements for a good speaking voice. Students are required to make three major speeches during the course after participating in shorter speaking exercises. Forensic students are also encouraged to compete in speaking contests within the school and community. Grades 9-12

World and Contemporary Literature
This elective course is designed to introduce students in grades 10-12 to the significant universal themes present in world literature. Students read selections from the major works of comparative world literature and participate in discussions centered around their literary , historical, and social value. Students will also read contemporary novels and selections from drama, short stories, and nonfiction works. Grades 10-12

Humanities
Humanities is a senior academic elective which focuses on man as a creative being from the earliest times to the present day. Essentially, the course is a chronological examination of man ' s search for understanding through literature, music, painting, sculpture, architecture, philosophy, and religion. Emphasis is placed upon the ways in which world history , politics, and science influence the arts and ideas of man, and upon the ways in which the arts reflect the times in which they were produced. Grade 12

Science Fiction
In this elective course students will read works by major authors in the science fiction genre. The history of science fiction as a literary form will be studied and students will write responses and analyses of works studied. Grades 10-12

Mythology
An elective course emphasizing the reading and analysis of Greek-Roman-Norse mythology with some study of myths from other cultures as well (Native American, African, Asian). Grades 10-12

Shakespeare
In this elective course students will read the poetry and selected plays of William Shakespeare not normally covered in standard English courses. The life of Shakespeare and the nature of Shakespearean theater will also be studied. Grades 11-12

Drama I
An elective course for students in grades 9-12, Drama I provides an overview of acting techniques and general stage craft with an emphasis on experiential focused assignments. An appreciation for the complexity of effective dramatic presentation is encouraged while students engage in activities such,88 improvisation and script writing. Grades 9-12

Drama II
Designed for students with a serious interest and/or extensive background in theater arts, Drama II is an elective course for students in grades 9-12. This course includes the concentrated study of acting motivation and techniques, stage craft, and technical theater as well as a project in complete play production. Drama I is not a prerequisite. Grades 9-12

Journalism I
This elective course serves as an introduction to the theories and practices of various fields of journalism and emphasizes writing techniques. It is designed as an in-depth study of print media, with the greatest emphasis on newspaper journalism. Using the Press Time textbook, students learn the principles of writing and editing. The course includes the history , philosophy, purpose, and mechanics of print media. Grades 9-12

Journalism II
In this elective course, students expand and refine the skills acquired in Journalism I. The students write a variety of assignments for print and broadcast media and study various aspects of journalism, such as its impact on society, censorship, and the social responsibilityofthejournalist. Grades 9-12

Journalism/Newspaper
This elective course is designed to be a hands-on class that produces the school newspaper, with enrollment limited to students who are members of the newspaper staff. Students participate in all aspects of newspaper production-gathering news, writing articles, writing headlines, editing, photography, design, and layout. Class members work together as a staff to produce four or five issues of the school newspaper during the year .Students are also introduced to the business management of a newspaper and are encouraged to sell ads. The course is taught by the advisor to the newspaper . Grades 9-12

Journalism/Yearbook
This elective course is designed as a laboratory course for instruction in and application of techniques of production unique to yearbook publication. The ultimate goal of the class is the actual production of Hardaway's GOLD NUGGET yearbook. The curriculum includes instruction and practice in layout and design, copyrighting, proof revision and correction, and advertising. A major emphasis in the class is organization and efficient use of time in order to meet deadlines and budget. Limited to selected staff.

Multicultural Literature
This elective course stresses the study of literature and cultural contributions of various ethnic groups. Special emphasis is placed on the cultures of Native Americans, African Americans, Jewish-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Oriental-Americans. Grades 11-12

SAT Verbal/Math
This elective course is designed to help students work to improve their SA T scores. Half of the semester will be spent on each part of the SA T .Through practice, drill, and study using computer and classroom strategies student scores will improve. This course is a general elective and cannot be counted as a college prep elective for entrance requirements into universities. Grades 10-12