English Courses
The Calais High School English Department curriculum stresses the important role the English language plays in students’ lives. Based upon the adage that "one size does not fit all", the English Department offers the courses by levels taking into consideration the needs of the students. There are three levels in addition to Advanced Placement English 11/12 and Accelerated English 9/10. In selecting a level, it is strongly recommended that you consider past grades in English classes, MEA scores, SRA scores, and teacher or guidance counselor recommendation.
Level 1: writing and reading instruction are aligned to the Performance Indicators for secondary English Language Arts.
Level 2: some assistance is necessary to help students develop literacy strategies necessary to successfully achieve mastery of the Secondary English Language Arts Performance Indicators by graduation.
Level 3: A supported learning environment that provides systematic instruction in basic reading and writing skills leading to a student's readiness to meet the Secondary Level English Language Arts Performance Indicators.
Movement from one level to another during the school years is possible, after careful consideration and consultation with your teacher, guidance counselor, and parents.
Accelerated English
Year / 1 Credit / Grades 9-10
This is a two-year course that develops the skills necessary to analyze various literary genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. An in-depth study of the elements of fiction, character development, theme, point of view, and the use of stylistic devices provides the foundation necessary for analysis of the theme, symbolism, and cultural context of these literary works. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are used within written and spoken English assignments that necessitate the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of rigorous, lengthy selections while embracing the conventions of written and spoken English. Required reading includes a minimum of one comedic and one tragic Elizabethan drama.
Writing assignments include writing a summary, paraphrasing, precise writing, referencing, evaluation sources, and researching. Self-reflective journal writings are also required. These require the student to make an abstract connection between his/her own life and the characters, events, and circumstances represented within various works inherent within the curriculum.
Advanced Placement English: Literature and Composition
Year / 1 Credit / Grades 11-12
This course has been developed as a two-year program open to 11th and 12th grade students with careful consideration of the stated goals presented by the College Board in its Course Description booklet while addressing the Performance Indicators set forth in the Maine Learning Results. Engaging the “students in careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature,” the course also requires that the students write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Thoughtful discussion (through spoken and written forms) of the students’ interpretation and evaluation of literature is required. “Because the course depends on the development of interpretive skills as students learn to write and read with increasing complexity and sophistication,” students are encouraged to write the AP English Literature and Composition in their senior year.
Advanced Placement English: Language and Composition (Elective)
Year / 1 Credit / Grades 12
This course has been developed as a one-year program open to seniors. Developed with careful consideration of the stated goals presented by the College Board in its Course Description booklet, the course curriculum provides the student with ample opportunities to write a variety of subjects and to demonstrate an awareness of audience and purpose. As a composition class, AP Language and Composition allows the students to explore expository, analytical, and argumentative writing in addition to personal and reflective forms of composition. Students will also be taught to read primary and secondary sources carefully to synthesize material from these texts in their own compositions. MLA, APA, and CMS methods of documentation will be reviewed.
English 1
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 9
Students in Freshman English will explore types of expository writing essential to success in high school, college, and their careers, including: analysis; synthesis; cause and effect; persuasion and argument; comparison and contrast. The course will also cover techniques for narration and description, as well as an introduction to methods of research and documentation. The assignments and class discussions will encourage critical thinking and problem solving, in addition to attentive reading.
The course will also introduce students to literary genres, offering readings in fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry. Students will read a novel and a play. Analysis of readings by the students will be an essential part of the course. Vocabulary study, based on the reading assignments, will complement the literature study.
Emphasis throughout the course will be on the improvement of student writing, critical thinking, understanding of literature, and oral expression.
English 2
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 10
Sophomore English requires applying strategies to lengthy adult level selections of fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry that are mature in terms of character, plot, theme, structure, dialogue, style, point of view, and use of literary devices. Emphasis is placed on analysis of the author's purpose, character development, figurative language, universal themes, and stylistic devices inherent within these genres. Although often based on reading assignments, vocabulary study will also include the application of context clues as well as the analysis of affixes, base words, and Greek and Latin roots.
Continued emphasis is placed on becoming an effective communicator who can correctly use the conventions of written and spoken English. Assignments require the application of skills and strategies within the writing process to develop analysis, synthesis, comparison and contrast essays as well as research papers. These assignments require making an abstract connection between the student's own life and the characters, events, and circumstances represented within these various works.
English 3
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 11
English 3 is a survey of American Literature from the pre-Colonial era to the present. Throughout the course students will be encountering major works of American Literature and themes in American history and life. Critical reading, writing, thinking, research skills, and oral communication will be applied to discussion and written assignments about the American experience. Students will continue to develop their expository writing skills. Readings will include non-fiction, fiction, poetry and drama. Vocabulary study, based on the readings, and the most frequently encountered SAT words, will complement the literature study. The course will also offer SAT preparation and portfolio and resume preparation.
English 4
Year / 1 Credit / Grade 12
Grade 12 English is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired for the study and appreciation of the English language and literature in addition to honing the communication skills necessary to succeed at the university level. All genres of literature are covered through a survey of British and world authors. In the first term students will also review how to find a topic and create a dominant theme and image for the college application essay. The course will also require a research paper to be completed in the second semester.
Speech & Public Speaking
Year / 1 Credit / Grades 10-12
Speech and Public Speaking will introduce students to the various components of the speech communication process. This is a full year course that will present students with an opportunity to become familiar with the four methods of speaking: impromptu, memorization, manuscript, and extemporaneous. Students will study not only techniques for delivery and other rhetorical devices, but will also be required to deliver speeches as individuals and as a part of a panel. As a member of the panel, students will debate contemporary issues. Students also plan and present an assembly for the school.
Writing Workshop
Year / 1 Credit / Grades 9-12
Writing workshop will introduce students to the various forms of writing. This course will provide students with opportunities to publish their material in a school magazine. A portfolio of writing will be created and maintained. Grade 9 students wanting to take this class should first receive permission from the instructor.
Canadian Studies Through the English Language Arts (Elective)
Coming in 2008-09 More information will follow!!