ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS Course Offerings

The English Language Arts curriculum is a standards and competency-based program aligned to Grade Span Expectations. Courses are intended to help students develop skills in reading, writing, and oral communication. The major areas of concentration throughout four years of study include literary analysis, composition, and grammar. Each student is placed in an English class based on his/her previous work and a teacher recommendation. In addition, the English department offers various semester electives that all students, but especially those interested in possibly pursuing language or performing arts after high school, are encouraged to explore.

All students must accrue four core English credits and must pass English every year.

Click HERE for Chart Showing Traditional ELA Curriculum Progression

English 9 Honors -190

This course is for students who have an excellent foundation in grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation skills. This course features a survey of some great literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary texts. Oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course. Additionally, grammatical exercises and direct instruction on high school writing expectations and methods using The Write Source manual are important components. This class requires students to write extensively in a variety of forms and genres. Enrollment in this course is limited to students who score in the highest percentile on DRP reading and NECAP assessments and also requires the strong recommendation of the grade eight English teacher.  (1 Credit)

English 9- 191

This course features a survey of some great literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary texts. In this class, students are expected to expand on an already solid set of skills in language arts. Students are also expected to demonstrate strong reading comprehension skills, to form individual interpretations of texts, and to make connections to other texts and events. Oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course. Additionally, grammatical exercises and direct instruction on high school writing expectations and methods using The Write Source manual are important components. This class requires students to write extensively in a variety of forms and genres.    (1 Credit)

English 9 –192
This course features a survey of some great literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary works. In this class, students are expected to expand upon a knowledgeable foundation in grammar and writing. Students are also expected to demonstrate reading comprehension skills and the ability to form individualized responses to texts. Methods of interpretation and analysis are focus areas. Grammatical exercises and direct instruction on high school writing requirements and expectations using The Write Source manual are also important components of the course. Students will generate writing assignments in response to reading materials. (1 Credit)

English 9 -193
This course features a survey of some great literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary works. This course is designated for students who have been recommended by their previous teacher(s) for either literacy or reading comprehension classes. The content will support the development of literacy/reading strategies as well as skills in grammar and writing. Grammatical exercises and direct instruction on high school writing requirements and expectations using The Write Source manual are important components of the course. Students will generate writing assignments in response to reading material. (1 Credit)

Writing Workshop –194
This course is designed for freshman who struggle with writing and who require direct instruction to reduce their deficiency gag. Students will complete grammar exercises and will write essays. A willingness to share written work with the class is also an important component of a writers’ workshop. (. 5 Credit)

Literacy 9- 195
This course is designed to assist students who are not presently reading at grade level and need direct assistance in reading comprehension to narrow their deficiency gap. Students will receive direct instruction within a balanced literacy curriculum that will enable them to acquire strategies to improve their reading across curriculum skills. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 8th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that student is reading up to three years below grade level and requires targeted intervention.

Reading Comprehension 9 – 196
This course is designed to assist students presently reading three or more years below grade level who require direct instruction in reading to reduce their deficiency gap. As one component of the course, students will utilize Scholastic’s READ 180 Program which features multimedia materials on topics of interest to adolescents. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 8th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indi-cating that the student is reading three or more years below grade level and requires intensive intervention.

English 10 Honors –100
This course is designed for those students who have demonstrated exceptional skills in language arts in their previous ELA class and who have been recommended by their English 9 teacher. The course reading list is thematically focused on issues of character and moral courage and features the study of some great American literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary texts. Throughout the year, students will be challenged to advance sophisticated individual responses to literature as well as to generate writing assignments focused on literary analysis and research. This class requires students to write extensively in a variety of forms and genres. Additionally, oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course. Students must maintain at least a B average to be recommended for continuation in the honors program for the following year. (1 Credit)

English 10– 101

This course is for students who have an excellent foundation in grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation skills. This course is thematically focused on issues of character and moral courage and features study of some great American literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary works. The course emphasizes writing in various forms and genres as well as vocabulary enhancement and research techniques. Additionally, oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course. (1 Credit)

English 10 – 102
This course is for students who have a solid foundation in grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation. This course is thematically focused on issues of character and moral courage and features study of some great American literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary works. Methods of interpretation and analysis are focus areas. The course also emphasizes foundations in writing as well as vocabulary growth and research techniques. (1 Credit)

English 10 -103

This course is for students who have a developing knowledge of grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation. This course is traditionally designated for students who have been recommended by their previous teacher(s) for either literacy or reading comprehension classes. The content will support the development of literacy/reading strategies as well as skills in grammar and writing. The emphasis will be on student improvement of basic writing skills, research techniques, vocabulary growth, and comprehension of American literary fiction and non-fiction works, including both classic and contemporary works. The course reading list is thematically focused on issues of character and moral courage. (1 Credit)

Literacy 10 – 105 

This course is designed to continue assisting students who are still experiencing a deficiency gap in reading comprehension. Students will receive direct instruction within a balanced literacy curriculum that will enable them to continue to acquire strategies to improve their reading skills. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit) Prerequisite: Recommendation of 9th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that the student is reading up to three years below grade level and requires targeted intervention.

Reading Comprehension 10- 106
This course is designed to assist students in grade 10 presently reading three or more years below grade level who require direct instruction in reading to reduce their deficiency gap. As one component of the course, students will utilize Scholastic’s READ 180 Program which features multimedia materials on topics of interest to adolescents. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit) 
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 9th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that student is reading three or more years below grade level and requires intensive intervention

English 11 Honors- 110 
This course is designed for those students who have demonstrated exceptional skills in language arts in their previous ELA classes and who have been recommended by their English 10 teacher. The course reading list is thematically focused on issues of identity in both classic and contemporary American texts. Throughout the year, students will be challenged to advance sophisticated individual responses to literature as well as to generate writing assignments focused on literary analysis and research. This class requires students to write extensively in a variety of forms and genres. Additionally, oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course. Students must maintain at least a B average to be recommended for continuation in the honors program for the following year. (1 Credit)

English 11 – 111

This course is for students who have an excellent foundation in grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation skills. The course reading list is thematically focused on issues of identity in both classic and contemporary American texts. The course emphasizes writing in various forms and genres as well as vocabulary enhancement and research techniques. Additionally, oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course.  (1 Credit)

English 11 – 112 

This course is for students who have a solid foundation in grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation. The course reading list is thematically focused on issues of identity in both classic and contemporary American texts. Methods of interpretation and analysis are focus areas. The course also emphasizes foundations in writing as well as vocabulary growth, oral communication, and research techniques. (1 Credit)

English 11- 113
This course is for students who have a developing knowledge of grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation. This course is traditionally designated for students who have been recommended by their previous teacher(s) for either literacy or reading comprehension classes. The content will support the development of literacy/reading strategies as well as skills in grammar and writing. The emphasis will be on student improvement of basic writing skills, research techniques, vocabulary growth, and comprehension of American literary fiction, including both classic and contemporary works. The course reading list is thematically focused on issues of identity. (1 Credit)

Literacy 11- 115
This course is designed to continue assisting students who are still experiencing a deficiency gap in reading comprehension. Students will receive direct instruction within a balanced literacy curriculum that will enable them to continue to acquire strategies to improve their reading skills. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. Non-fiction works are the focus of this course. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 10th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that the student is reading up to three years below grade level and requires targeted intervention.

Reading Comprehension 11 – 116
This course is designed to assist students in grade 11 presently reading three or more years below grade level who require direct instruction in reading to reduce their deficiency gap. As one component of the course, students will utilize Scholastic’s READ 180 Program which features multimedia materials on topics of interest to adolescents. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 10th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that student is reading three or more years below grade level and requires intensive intervention

English 12 Honors (RIC EEP Credit-optional)- 120 
This course is designed for those students who have demonstrated exceptional skills in language arts in their previous ELA class and who have been recommended by their English 11 teacher. The course reading list is thematically focused on the human condition and features the study of some great world literature, including both classic and contemporary texts. Throughout the year, students will be challenged to advance sophisticated individual responses to literature as well as to generate writing assignments focused on literary analysis and research. This class requires students to write extensively in a variety of forms and genres. Additionally, oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course.
Note: Students who wish to do so may, for a fee, take the course for three college credits offered through Rhode Island College’s Early Enrollment program. (1 Credit)

English 12- 121 
This course is for students who have an excellent foundation in grammar, writing, reading comprehension and interpretation. The reading list for the class is thematically focused on the human condition and features study of some great world literature, including both classic and contemporary works. The course emphasizes writing in various forms and genres as well as vocabulary enhancement and research techniques needed to prepare students for college. Additionally, oral participation and presentations are crucial to success in the course. (1 Credit)

English 12- 122 

This course is for students who have a working knowledge of grammar, writing, reading comprehension and interpretation. The course reading list is thematically focused on the human condition and features the study of some great world literature, including both classic and contemporary texts. Methods of interpretation and analysis are focus areas. The course also emphasizes foundations in writing as well as vocabulary growth, oral communication, and research techniques. (1 Credit)

English 12-  123
This course is for students who have a developing knowledge of grammar, writing, reading comprehension, and interpretation. This course is traditionally designated for students who have been recommended by their previous teacher(s) for either literacy or reading comprehension classes. The content will support the development of literacy/reading strategies as well as skills in grammar and writing. The emphasis will be on student improvement of basic writing skills, research techniques, vocabulary growth, and comprehension of world literature, including both classic and contemporary works. The course reading list is thematically focused on the human condition. (1 Credit)

Literacy 12- 125
This course is designed to continue assisting students who are still experiencing a deficiency gap in reading comprehension. Students will receive direct instruction within a balanced literacy curriculum that will enable them to continue to acquire strategies to improve their reading skills. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit) Prerequisite: Recommendation of 11th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that student is reading up to three years below grade level and requires targeted intervention.

Reading Comprehension 12- 126 
This course is designed to assist students in grade 12 presently reading three or more years below grade level who require direct instruction in reading to reduce their deficiency gap. As one component of the course, students will utilize Scholastic’s READ 180 Program which features multimedia materials on topics of interest to adolescents. Modeling, guided practice, independent practice as well as whole group and small group learning strategies will be employed. (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 11th grade ELA teacher along with state and district assessment scores indicating that student is reading three or more years below grade level and requires intensive intervention

ELECTIVES:

Dramatics 131: An introduction 9, 10, 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)
Introduction to Dramatics is a semester long, hands-on course designed to introduce students to the basic skills of the theatre. In-class presentations include vocal and physical exercises, oral interpretations, monologues, theatre games, storytelling, improvisation, and mime with the majority of the class focusing on students working together on teamwork and creativity. Students will improve their ability to work with a variety of people and increase self-confidence while learning to express themselves more effectively.

Dramatics 132: Advanced 10, 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

Advanced Dramatics is a semester-long class in which students study auditioning, acting, directing, script analysis, criticism, and the history of theatre. Students are encouraged to solve problems creatively while learning how to communicate effectively, collaborate, and cooperate as a group. Students read, improve, analyze and perform plays, scenes, and monologues. Each student will be an active part in a theatrical project. Attendance at an outside production is required. Course may be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: Introduction to Dramatics or permission of instructor.

Dramatics 133:  Play Production 10, 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

Stagecraft is a semester-long class which provides the students with an opportunity to investigate and apply the various technical aspects of producing a play including set design, lighting, sound effects, props, costumes, make-up, and set construction. The terminology and equipment appropriate for a stage is explained; visual and technical aspects of the nature of stagecraft are investigated. Students also have an opportunity to assist with the technical work involved in school productions.

Journalism I -134: 10, 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)
This semester course is designed to take students step-by-step through the basic principles of writing for a school newspaper, editing copy, and assembling material. Students will examine school and professional newspapers for both format and techniques. They will produce school newspapers, study briefly the history of journalism, and learn some of the language of editors, reporters, and printers. Participation in class activities is required of all journalism students.

Journalism II- 135: 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

In this semester course, advanced journalism students will explore outlets for school news and their views, including school publicity, preparing school pages for local professional newspapers, and writing news and feature stories for radio and television. The course will also cover illustrative material and advertising copy, as well as gathering, writing, disseminating, and distributing news and views of the student body. Prerequisite: Journalism 1.

Public Speaking 141: 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)
This semester course is designed to give students experience in public speaking. Emphasis will be placed on technique, style, and practice in all types of oral presentations from classroom reports to job interviews. Grade 10 students may take this course only with permission of the English curriculum coordinator.

Creative Writing I – 142: 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

In this semester course students explore and develop their writing skills as they examine the work of professional writers. Designed to teach students to approach their writing utilizing the same strategies as a professional writer, the students are encouraged to develop a “writer’s attitude” while crafting their skills for writing poems, short stories, and one act plays.

Creative Writing II- 143:  11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

In this semester course students will continue developing their writing skills and will be encouraged to approach their writing utilizing the same strategies as a professional writer. Students will work to create a literary magazine of published works by Coventry High School writers. Prerequisite: Creative Writing 1.

Literature & Film I- 144: 10, 11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

This semester course will take students step by step through the basic strategies and techniques needed to analyze films. Students will study a brief history of film, learn about various styles and genres, and explore career opportunities in visual media outlets. Throughout the course, comparisons between literary and film elements will be explored to improve literacy and develop analytical viewing skills.

Literature & Film 2- 145:  11, 12 (. 5 Credit)

This semester course will expand further upon the strategies and techniques of film analysis learned in Literature and Film 1. Students will study various styles and genres of film in depth. The course will focus on a theme to be determined at the discretion of the instructor. Throughout the course, comparisons between literary and film elements will also be explored to improve literacy and develop analytical viewing skills. Prerequisite: Literature and Film 1

Writing to Inform and Explain 150- (URI Credit) (.5 Credit)

This course will follow the requirements as outlined by a syllabus provided by the University of Rhode Island. If a student so chooses, s/he will earn three college credits from the University of Rhode Island for this semester course (there is a fee associated with obtaining these credits).The class emphasizes writing and concentrates on strategies for various types of expository writing for differing audiences and situations. Genres may include reports, proposals, letters, reviews, websites, and academic essays. Additionally, oral participation and sharing writing samples are important components of the course.