English 9 (P)
Course ID: 305
English 9 is a literature-based class that develops the skills students need to interpret, analyze, discuss and write about literature. Students participate in the "shared inquiry" method of literary analysis, which develops their literary interpretation skills. Seminar discussions promote clear communication and the use of textual support to answer interpretive questions. The writing component of the class develops competence in fundamental grammar, rules of usage, and basic paragraph and essay writing. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9
Credit: 10
English 10: Great Books (P)
Course ID: 315
Great Books is a seminar-style course that develops skills in close reading and literary interpretation and encourages independent thinking. Literature selections are challenging and range from ancient Greek tragedy to contemporary short stories. Students engage in the "shared inquiry" method of literary analysis, with an emphasis on close reading, open discussion of ideas, clear communication, and effective argumentation. The writing program includes analytical and interpretive essays, literary journals, and creative writing, with intense work on revision skills UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: English 9
Level: 10
Credit: 10
English 10: Honors Great Books (HP)
Course ID: 316
Honors Great Books is a seminar-style course designed for sophomores with advanced skill levels in reading and literary interpretation. Reading selections range from ancient Greek tragedy to contemporary short stories. Students engage in "shared inquiry" method of literary analysis, with emphasis on purposeful reading, open discussion of ideas, clear communication, and effective argumentation. The writing program includes analytical and interpretive essays, autobiographical papers, literary journals, and creative writing, with intense work on revision skills. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: English 9 and department approval
Level: 10
Credit: 10
English 11: American Literature (P)
Course ID: 330
American Literature surveys the unfolding of our American Literary heritage from its Native American, Puritan, and African American roots into twentieth century forms. Students explore fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. They are required to recognize elements particular to each genre. The goal of this course is to develop clear self-expression through writing, critical reading and writing skills, and the ability to interpret and analyze American literature. Students are challenged to generate and explore questions that rely on higher level thinking skills, such as analysis, evaluation and application to new situations. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: English 10
Level: 11
Credit: 10
English 11: Honors American Literature (HP)
Course ID: 335
Honors American Literature surveys the unfolding of our American Literary heritage from its Native American and African American roots into twentieth century forms. Students explore all genres of literature: fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction. Students read and discuss all genres, not only recognizing those elements particular to each genre, but also assessing how the genres fit into the larger American literary tradition. The course’s goal is to produce students who express themselves clearly in both writing and speaking and students who read and write critically, as well as interpret and analyze American Literature. The course focuses on generating and exploring questions that rely on higher level thinking skills, such as analysis, evaluation and application to new situations. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Eng 10 Great Books (P) and department approval
Level: 11
Credit: 10
AP English Literature & Composition (HP)
Course ID: 355
AP Literature and Composition is offered to advanced seniors who want to experience a college-level course and are interested in taking the AP Exam in English Literature. The course involves extensive reading, writing, and discussion, and is ordered to higher level thinking skills. Literature selections favor works originally written in English, include authors from the 16th century through the 20th, and feature a wide variety of genres and styles. Writing instruction focuses on the critical analysis of literature, application of rhetorical principles, and development of stylistic maturity. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP English and Composition exam spring semester. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: B in Eng 11 Am Lit (P) or department approval
Level: 12
Credit: 10
English 12: Heroes & Villains (P)
Course ID: 347
This semester course takes a thematic and historic approach to the treatment of heroes and villains in both classic and contemporary literature of all genres. The student learns to apply the idea of the journey of the hero modeled after the teachings of Joseph Campbell to the lives of the protagonist and antagonists in each work of literature selected for a representative time period. The course examines an expansive view of the evolution of consciousness within Eastern and Western civilizations as a background for understanding the specific history of the English language and literature. The student studies works, such as epic poetry, medieval romance, Shakespearian drama, the Victorian novel, and modern drama, as well as a selection of myths and legends from world literature. The course challenges students to read, think and respond critically, as well as creatively, and focuses on generating and exploring questions that rely on higher level analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application skills. In addition, the student is introduced to the fundamental concepts of archetypal criticism and symbolic analysis. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Eng 11 Am Lit (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 5
English 12: Literature & Film (P)
Course ID: 351
In this yearlong senior level course, students explore the interpretation of literature through film. They learn how the camera determines point of view, how music is used as a foreshadowing device, how editing affects interpretation, and uses of other film techniques. Students will read classic novels and plays and view their modern film adaptations. Through this study, students gain an appreciation of literary expression in both written and visual forms, while further developing their skills in writing, verbal communication and critical thinking UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: English 11: Am Lit or Honors Am Lit
Level: 12
Credit: 10
English 12: Women Writers (P)
Course ID: 348
This semester course includes a thematic and chronological study of women as both writers and subjects of literature. Reading selections focus on growth from childhood to adulthood as well as geographical, historical, class, and cultural diversity. Themes include rites of passage, gender roles and expectations, marginalization, and recognition of self. Students read fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. They are required to recognize elements particular to each genre. Students are encouraged to explore the role of gender in literature as they develop critical writing and analysis skills and learn to express themselves clearly in writing and class discussions. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Eng 11 Am Lit (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 5
English 12: Writing from Literature (P)
Course ID: 350
This semester course is designed to introduce students to different genres of writing, including diary or journal writing, personal narrative, short story, drama, and poetry. Students read excerpts from each genre, study and discuss its history and literary influence, and create their own writing in a similar style. Classwork emphasizes pre-writing and revision skills to develop effective expression through writing. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Eng 11 Am Lit (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 5
The following may be taken in addition to the above but do not satisfy graduation requirements:
The Canticle (Yearbook)
Course ID: 195
This course broadens students' understanding of the media while contributing to the SFHS archives through development of The Canticle, the school yearbook. Methodology consists of creative lab experiences, layout, recording, and reporting. Goals include stimulating students' creativity, strengthening their value of commitment, and assuming responsibility for a final product. This course may be repeated for credit. Note: Yearbook requires some after-school hours.
Prerequisite: Students must have the recommendation of her present English teacher. Sophomores & Juniors must have an "A" in English. Seniors who are signing up for yearbook for the first time must have at least a "B" in English; involvement in school activities, strong writing skills, InDesign computer skills preferred; may be repeated for credit.
Level: 10-12
Credit: 10
