Page 17 - Overbrook Course Selection Guide

Level: III – Advanced Credits: 05
This course will continue to develop needed college preparation skills of English grammar, usage, SAT
style and literary vocabulary. Written activities will include many compositions, essays, and a formal research
paper. The literary focus of this course will survey several periods of American literature. Students will study
various authors and their works and be asked to communicate their reactions through discussions, writing
assignments, and tests. Attention will also be given to the works of several great American novelists and an
analysis of what constitutes literary "greatness." A strong English vocabulary and writing ability will be required
of students in this course. Students will study American writers, poets, and dramatists, within the framework of a
literature-based writing program. Student’s ability to think critically will be developed and assessed through
frequent writing and speaking assignments. The content of this course follows the English Language Arts
Common Core State Standards and introduces the students to literary interpretations of experience and values in
the United States, reinforces expository writing skills and introduces the research paper.

Level: II – College Preparatory Credits: 05
This course centers upon reading American literature and the development of listening and speaking skills.
Students will complete lessons related to literature units emphasizing American authors and history. Activities
will include the application of literary comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and vocabulary skills. Also
included is an emphasis on reflective and persuasive composition along with responses to literature. Instruction
on vocabulary and English conventions is provided as well as research techniques and the preparation of an
historical investigative report. Students will use technology to improve their proficiency of the academic standards
for Language Arts Literacy. Novel units will include diversified activities to allow students a variety of strategies
for learning the lesson objectives. Summer reading is required.

ENGLISH 12
Level: IV - Honors Credits: 05
English 12 is designed to introduce a broad audience of students to the study of British Literature. The
course will provide a forum for the discussion of issues/themes/structures within a cultural format. Grammar,
usage, and vocabulary will be taught throughout the course. This course will also aid students in developing their
writing skills using “process” writing. Honors English classes serve two purposes: (1) to expose students to a
variety of information concerning writing, literature, and critical thinking and (2) to prepare students for post-
secondary English and literature course work as well as prepare them for functional, technical, and practical use
of the standard conventions of English.
Pre-requisite: A grade of 85 in English 11 – Honors or a grade of 90 in English 11.

Level: III- Advanced Credits: 05
This course will include a study of the chronological development of British literature. Representative
works from different periods and authors will be read and reviewed. The literature will be used to stimulate student
writing and reading skills. Research and composition activities will be practiced extensively. This is an
accelerated course for those students who are planning on furthering their education after graduation. This course
will focus on interpretation of British and world literature, composition and critical thinking skills necessary for
college success. Frequent writing and careful revision of analytical themes provide valuable college preparation.

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