English

It is the goal of the English Department to help students develop into literate thinkers, speakers, and writers who are superbly equippded to participate in their American culture and their Global Community. Our hope and desire is to nurture a love of literature in our students. Our intent is to foster creative thinking and expression; to create a community of articulate readers, writers, and speakers. In preparation for college and the business world, our students will read difficult texts, understand key disciplinary concepts, and develop strategies for responding critically to new information. It is our plan to set standards of excellences for all, and for 100% of Seton Catholic Central students to pass the New York State English Language Arts Regents Examination.

These goals will be addressed through the in-depth study of literary works of various cultures and languages, translated into English. Special opportunity will be afforded to the study of American Literature and its precedents from English-speaking countries. English vocabulary and grammar, research techniques, technological resources, mass media, and public speaking will be part of required course work. The canon of literature studies will be a combination of "classics" and carefully chosen award-winning contemporary works. This literary discourse and critical response will integrate the values and standards of our Character Education Program, the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and the standards put forth by the Board of Regents of the State of New York for the teaching of English Language Arts.

113. ENGLISH 1

Full year course, Grade 9
Prerequisites: Eighth-grade English
Credit: 1 unit

English 113 is a required course for graduation for all students entering Seton Catholic Central H.S. This is an introductory course that emphasizes all aspects of the New York State Regents Standards for the teaching of English Language Arts. Included in this curriculum are reading, writing, speaking, and thinking about various literary genres such as short stories, dramas, poetry, novels, and a Shakespearean play. Vocabulary development is an important part of this course. Introduction to expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive writing is included. Technological and media literacy is developed through the use of our computer labs in school. There is a focus on grammar and general writing mechanics for all assignments. Outside recreational reading and creative writing are encouraged and are frequently required as part of course work. Regular journal writing is also assigned. Assessment is frequent and varied in methodology, including objective and essay tests, individual and group projects, research projects, class presentations, literary dramatizations, and original creative writing.

Objectives:

1. Students will improve reading and writing skills.
2. Students will develop successful study skills.
3. Students will develop a love of literature and reading.

123. ENGLISH 2R

Full year course, Grade 10
Prerequisites: English 1
Credit: 1 unit

This course is designed to develop reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and library/media and computer center skills. Writing assignments model the four tasks on the New York State English Language Arts Regents Examination. The literary genres are explored for meaning and structure. Frequent vocabulary and spelling exercises encourage using a variety of words correctly in writing and speaking. Reading resources include prominent international authors. A novel, Shakespearean play, and a contemporary drama are studied.

Objectives:

1. Students will improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
2. Students will develop a love of literature.
3. Students will develop proficient study skills.
4. Students will be prepared for the PSAT and SAT examinations to be given in the junior year.

121. ENGLISH 2H

Full year course, Grade 10
Prerequisites: 94% average in English 1, teacher recommendation, and Writing Portfolio. (Please see your current English teacher with any questions about the Writing Portfolio.) Final admission into the Honors program is at the discretion of the English Department.
Credit: 1 unit

Students in this accelerated course have already demonstrated talent, motivation, a high level of proficiency in language skills, and an honorable record of behavior and motivation. A more challenging curriculum is presented that requires demanding grading standards. Writing skills are emphasized, with particular attention to literary analysis as well as continued stress on usage and vocabulary development.

Objectives:

1. Students will improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
2. Students will develop a love of literature.
3. Students will develop proficient study skills.
4. Students will be prepared for the PSAT and SAT examinations to be given in the junior year.
5. Students will be be prepared to continue in the English Honors program in the junior year.

133. ENGLISH 3R

Full year course, Grade 11
Prerequisites: English 1 and English 2R
Credit: 1 unit

This course is very similar in design to the English 3H course but moves at a slower pace and covers fewer works of literature, although all of the genres are taught. Examinations and assignments familiarize students with the format of the New York State English Language Arts Regents examination. Assessment is frequent and varied with a growing emphasis upon mastery of the literary essay and essays in other content areas.

Objectives:

1. Students will pass the New York State Regents English Language Arts Examination with grades of 80% or greater.
2. Students will perform to the best of their abilities on the PSAT and SAT examinations.
3. Students will continue to develop excellent reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

131. ENGLISH 3H

Full year course, Grade 11
Prerequisites: 94% average in English 2 or English 2H, teacher recommendation, and Writing Portfolio. (Please see your current English teacher with any questions about the Writing Portfolio.) Final admission into the Honors program is at the discretion of the English Department.
Credit: 1 unit

Students in this accelerated course have demonstrated talent, motivation, a high level of proficiency in language skills, and an honorable record of behavior and motivation. A more challenging curriculum is presented that requires demanding grading standards. Extensive reading, literary analysis, and sophisticated composition skills are stressed. Reading resources include prominent English-speaking and American authors. Novels and at least one Shakespearean play are studied. Writing tasks reflect the design of the new NYS Standards on the English Regents Examination.

Objectives:

1. Students will pass the NYS Regents ELA Examination with grades higher than 90% in January of the junior year.
2. Students will be prepared to take the AP Advanced Writing and Composition Examination in May of the junior year.
3. Students will develop discriminating analysis skills for literary study.
4. Students will become independent, inquisitive readers of great breadth and depth.
5. Students will develop excellent writing and speaking skills.
6. Students will earn top scores on the PSAT and SAT examinations.
7. Students will be prepared for AP English or English 4H during the senior year.

158. MEDIA STUDIES

Full year course, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: An interest in media and broadcasting and a required selection interview.
Credit: 1 unit.

The first semester of this course will cover the background, history, applications, and techniques of media journalism. Forms studied will include video, radio, internet, music, and entertainment; applications will include news, entertainment, and propaganda; and techniques will include handling cameras, editing video, and public speaking. The ethics of media broadcasting will be covered, and field trips will be taken to WSKG, WBNG, Broome CC, Citadel Broadcasting, and other schools with media programs.

The second semester will move into the future of media. Topics to be covered include Napoleon Dynamite, Atomfilms.com, and Garage Band; the technological impact of user friendly software and hardware and internet webcasting; and the fan film phenomenon. Local resources will include the area cable access channel and the Rod Serling Video Fest Project.

This class will require mandatory involvement with morning announcements and Friday News Broadcast. The class will meet for seven class periods each cycle. This class requires seriousness, motivation, and dedication. Extracurricular work will be required.

143. ENGLISH 4R - WRITING

Half year course, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Passing of English 3R or English 3H
Credit: 1/2 unit

This course is a preparation for writing at the college level and the business world. Emphasis is put on the construction of the written word for various purposes. Through the semester, students will develop a portfolio of written work which can accompany them to college. A ten page research paper is written in class.

Objectives:

1. The students will understand the rules of the system for our language.
2. The students will increase command of the language.
3. The students will experience the form and content of various written structures from the personal essay to a research paper.
4. The students will master the correct writing format of a research paper that would pass requirements at the college level course work.
5. Students will know the correct use of citations in various formats.
6. Students will completely understand and be able to identify plagiarism and the ramifications of such immoral and unethical assignments.
7. The students will master the tools to write for different purposes.
8. The students will write with confidence in various situations.

144. ENGLISH 4R - LITERATURE

Half year course, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Passing of English 3R or English 3H
Credit: 1/2 unit

This course is divided into two quarters. One quarter will focus on the study of literature of various genres and serves as a continuation of the literature curriculum of the Junior year. The emphasis is more on contemporary literature. The second quarter will focus upon public speaking.

Objectives:

1. Students will continue to develop an appreciation and love for classic and contemporary literature.
2. Students will translate theories of effective speaking skills into active practice.
3. Students will critically analyze historical speeches in essay form and discussion.
4. Students will deliver persuasive and demonstrative speeches.
5. Students will be active peer evaluators in order to critically examine the elements of proper speaking.
6. Students will be active in self-evaluations.
7. Students will incorporate technology into the speaking process to enhance their presentations.
8. Students will become comfortable with speaking in front of groups.

142. ENGLISH 4H

Full year course, Grade 12
Prerequisites: 90% on NYS ELA Regents Exam; 94% average in English 3R or English 3H, teacher recommendation, and Writing Portfolio. (Please see your current English teacher with any questions about the Writing Portfolio.) Final admission into the Honors program is at the discretion of the English Department.
Credit: 1 unit

This is an academically rigorous course of the study of literature. It is based partially upon the Great Books format. Students will engage in critical analysis of various genres of literature. They will develop a portfolio of written responses to works of literature studied. A ten page research paper will be written during the course of the year. This class is taught in a manner similar to a college level course, but is not as demanding in terms of the quantity of literature read independently, the required papers or assignments to be completed. The emphasis is on exploration, reading, and discussion combined with written critical analysis.

Objectives:

1. Students will read and critically analyze generally accepted "great works" of literature through discussion and writing.
2. Students will create a portfolio of academic responses to the works of literature read and studied.
3. Students will develop sophisticated critical analysis skills to be used in the study of English and other disciplines.
4. Students will develop and mature as intellectuals.
5. Students will foster a love of literature and vigorous inquiry.
6. Students will develop college level research and study skills.
7. Students will become lifelong, independent learners.

141. ENGLISH 4 AP

Full year course, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: 94% on NYS ELA Regents Exam; 90% average in English 3R or English 3H, teacher recommendation for demonstrated excellence in the study of English, and Writing Portfolio. (Please see your current English teacher with any questions about the Writing Portfolio.) Final admission into the Honors program is at the discretion of the English Department.
Credit: 1 unit

The student in this college course has demonstrated talent, motivation, a high level of proficiency in language skills, and an honorable record of behavior and motivation. The class is conducted in the manner of a college level course and the assignments reflect this. This academic rigor demands a serious commitment on the part of the student and the teacher. Students should be comfortable working independently and in study groups. Students are required to take the English AP Literature and Composition Examination Class in May of Senior year.

Objectives:

1. Students will successfully write a 25 page research paper.
2. Through speaking, listening, reading, and writing, the student will become more aware of the resources of language: connotation, metaphor, irony, syntax, and tone.
3. Students will receive college credit based upon scores on the AP Examination in May.
4. Students will develop critical analysis skills for the interpretation and discussion of literature and other academic disciplines in high school and college.
5. Students will be become passionate life-long readers of various genres.
6. Students will become excellent writers, readers, thinkers, and speakers.
7. Students will become independent, inquisitive learners.

171/172. DESKTOP PUBLISHING

Two half year courses, Grade 12
Prerequisites: Interest in working on the yearbook. Yearbook advisor recommendation required.
Credit: 1/2 unit each

This course may be used to satisfy credit in either Art or English. It may not be used for Credit in both areas.

This course instructs the student in the planning and production of Seton Catholic Central High School's yearbook, Reflections. Only those enrolled in the fall semester course may go into the spring semester.

Objectives:

1. To enable the student to learn how to produce a high school yearbook.
2. To produce the annual edition of Reflections, the SCCHS yearbook.

175. MYTHOLOGY

Half year course, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: An interest in classical mythology and folklore.
Credit: 1/2 unit.

Mythology is a part of culture and has greatly influenced world literature. The student's ability to identify and understand literary allusions to mythic tales and heroes is critical to analyzing and interpreting most of the literature they read.

The intent of this course is to give students a broad introduction to mythology from various world cultures. Students will be expected to read selections from the writings of Joseph Campbell as well as selections from such collections of myths as Bulfinch and Edith Hamilton. Students will also become familiar with standard reference materials such as the Funk & Wagnall's Dictionary of Folklore. Students will read and study myths, view video/DVD excerpts of movie adaptations of classical myths, medieval epics, and folktales. In addition, other myths (such as in opera, popular movies, popular literature, and art) will also be studied.

Students will demonstrate mastery of the material through weekly quizzes, two short papers (a literary analysis of a myth, and an analysis of a movie's use of mythic themes) and a final video or computer project in which the student creates a myth.

Objectives:

1. To increase students' knowledge of classical mythology and to introduce them to the mythology and epic tales of other cultures.
2. To help students identify and understand allusions and references to myths and heroes in opera, art, movies, and literature.