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
In this yearlong course, the students will learn to apply the archetype of the hero’s journey based on the teachings of Joseph Campbell to their own life (autobiography), to the lives of others (biography) and to the lives of fictional characters. The students explore the trials and triumphs of both classic and contemporary heroes who face the inner and outer challenges of history and personal circumstance. The students study a wide range of literary works from children’s literature to epic poetry, medieval romance, Shakespearian drama, Victorian novel, and modern drama. In addition, the students research the lives of nonfiction heroes and respond through class presentations, art projects and reports. The course challenges the students to reflect critically as well as creatively through archetypal criticism, symbolic analysis and poetic vision. Pending UC/CSU approval in the (b - English) category.
Prerequisite: Eng 11 Am Lit (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 10
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: Philosophy in Lit (P)
Course ID: 353
This yearlong course will seek to understand how writers from across the globe have both proposed answers and helped to further the very act of philosophical questioning and investigation to such questions as what it means to be human, what shapes identity, how humans can relate to God, and what determines moral behavior. Students will study classic works of literature from around the world. Beginning with the ancients and moving to contemporary writers, students will read and study plays, poems, novels, and short stories from a variety of cultures. In some way, every work in this course will address philosophical issues relating to identity, knowledge, morality, and/or belief. In order to examine a multitude of perspectives, we will travel the world from ancient India and Mesopotamia through the Italian middle ages of Dante, to the Romanticism of England in order to arrive at the diversity of global perspectives from the past two centuries. Through the use of seminars, students will analyze these examples of world literature and come to understand (and question) the philosophical issues they pose. Students will be expected to think deeply and critically about the literature, to engage in the philosophical act of questioning, to express their thoughts both in papers and in discussions, and to participate actively in the pursuit of wisdom. Pending UC/CSU approval in the (b - English) category.
Prerequisite: Eng 11 Am Lit (P)
Level: 12
Credit: 10
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
