Page 51 - HHS Curriculum Guide 2020-21

H2BE: Honors Biology & Honors English
(Full year, 2 honors level credits: 1 Honors Biology,
1 Honors English, Grade 9)
Prerequisite: Evaluation of student application,
teacher recommendations, and possible interview
This co-taught Honors Biology and Honors English 9
is a research-based course focusing on critical
thinking and application. The course integrates
biological concepts (cells, genetics, ecology,
evolution, and related ethical issues) with literature
that complements these topics and meets state
standards. Students will read a variety of works,
including poetry, plays, and nonfiction, to learn
about biological issues while using these sources as
a springboard for discussion. For example, students
could create proposals offering solutions for some
of today’s most compelling scientific dilemmas.
Reading selections include, but are not limited to, Of
Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Hour of Land
by Terry Tempest Williams, The Immortal Life of
Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, selections from
Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, selections from
Walden by H.D. Thoreau, and others. The course will
include an outdoor component, utilizing Hudson
High School’s land lab and nearby parks, and
culminate in a backpacking trip in the spring, with an
overnight in the fall.
Summer reading and writing are required.
Course fees include a $30.00 lab fee, as well as
$125.00 for travel expenses.
Students will purchase paperbacks not to exceed
$35.00.
ENGLISH 10
(Full year, 1 credit)
The tenth grade English course involves the study of
selected world literature while addressing essential
questions. Stressing the importance of language
proficiency, the course advances students in
grammar and complex sentence forms, syntax,
levels of usage and vocabulary enrichment. Writing
includes narrative, literary analysis, and
argumentative writing, including an intensive
research paper unit. Reading includes short stories,
50
poetry, non-fiction, and novels. Major works may
include Julius Caesar or Much Ado About Nothing,
All Quiet on the Western Front, Night, The Secret Life
of Bees, and a choice-novel unit.
Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed
$35.00.
HONORS ENGLISH 10
(Full year, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: A consistent “B+” average in English
9/Honors 9 and a recommendation from the English
9 team are strongly recommended.
Exploring works and writers from across the globe,
this advanced course consists of an in-depth study
of literature and composition, including formal
research. While writing and reading are
emphasized, the course is designed to also include
speaking and study skills. Major works have
included All Quiet on the Western Front; A Separate
Peace; Strength in What Remains; Julius Caesar;
and/or A Tale of Two Cities; Cry, the Beloved
Country, and assorted poems, short stories and
films.
Summer reading and writing are
required. Movement to a regular English 10 class
MAY NOT occur until the end of the first quarter.
Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed
$35.00.
ENGLISH 11
(Full year, 1 credit)
This full year course emphasizes reading, analysis,
oral communication, and writing. The class involves
a survey of American literature, both fiction and
non-fiction, from its earliest beginnings with Native
Americans, foreign explorers, and African slaves to
the most significant work of nineteenth and
twentieth century authors. Readings have included
short stories from Poe and Hawthorne, as well as
excerpts from Walden and the novels The Great
Gatsby, The Circle, and The Catcher in the Rye. In
addition to the literature component, the course