Summary
Students are required to complete four credits of study.
Students are provided exposure to a wide variety of literature in order to expand their reading interests. They are made aware of the universals of literature, and that all short stories, plays, narrative poems and novels have the same elements of character, plot, setting, conflict and theme. Students will express their interpretation of these elements both orally and in written form in each work with which they interact.
A summary of courses offered appears below, with specific course descriptions in the pages that follow.
Course / Grade / Credit / Weight / Classification / Special Note
English 9 / 9 / 1.0 / 1.0 / Regents
English 9 Honors / 9 / 1.0 /1.05 / Regents / Must be selected for class
English 10 / 10 / 1.0 /1.0 / Regents
English 10 Honors / 10 / 1.0 / 1.05 / Regents / Must be selected for class
English 11 / 11 / 1.0 / 1.0 / Regents / Regents Exam
English 11 Honors / 11 / 1.0 / 1.05 / Regents / Must be selected for class
English 12 / 12 / 1.0 / 1.0 / Regents
Freshman English I / 12 / 3.0 / 1.1 / CCHS / Meets required 4th credit
Freshman English II / 12 / 3.0 / 1.1 / CCHS / Meets required 4th credit
Drama / 9-12 / 0.5 / 0.5 per semester / Elective
Writing Seminar I & II / 9-12 /0.5 per semester / Elective
Journalism / 10-12 / 1.0 / 1.0 / Elective
Public Speaking / 9-12 / 0.5 per semester / Elective
Film and Literature / 10-12 /0.5 per semester / Elective
Famous Trials in Literature / 10-12 / 0.5 per semester / Elective
Yearbook / 9-12 / 1.0 / 1.0 / Elective
For more information about the Advanced Placement and Community College in the High School program, click here. CCHS classes require tuition, books and fees paid by student.
ELA Course Descriptions
English Grade 9
1 credit
The general objective of the ninth grade curriculum is to build skills which will provide the framework for the reading, and writing experiences. Writing exercises include the narrative composition, the essay, descriptive writing and poetry. The skill stress is on paragraph building, the grammar of the sentence, and applying basic skills such as capitalization, punctuation and correct usage. Structured spelling and vocabulary units are presented in weekly sequence. Students review and build upon research paper skills. Classic works include Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Novels may include: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Outsiders and selected essays.
English Honors 9
1 credit
The focus of the Honors English Curriculum is to offer students a challenging academic course of study to prepare them for meeting the rigorous college and career requirements they will encounter. Writing assignments include the narrative, contrast/compare, descriptive, and persuasive rhetorical modes of writing. Students will also be required to give project-based oral presentations that use technology to enrich their arguments. In addition, structured vocabulary units are completed by students. Classic works of literature as well as prose (professional essays and journalism) are used as both models and as subjects for essays. Classic works of literature include Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, Speak, The Outsiders, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
English Grade 10
1 credit
In the tenth grade, the focus of writing is on a variety of styles and techniques. Students begin to develop their own styles while looking for new ways to communicate their ideas. Different styles of poetry are covered ranging from such beloved poets as Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, and Sylvia Plath. More time is dedicated to both reading, grammar, and polishing of communication skills through literary essays. Students may also work on a cross-curricular research project. Students learn how to conduct research via databases. They demonstrate their understanding of the material through different methods which include, but are not limited to, digital media, public speaking, model creations, etc.
A Shakespearean work such as The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, gives a political perspective as well as an emotional one. Novels may include: Night, Ender’s Game, The Odyssey, and/or Lord of the Flies.
English Honors 10
1 credit
In the tenth grade, the focus of writing is on a variety of styles and techniques. Students begin to develop their own styles while looking for new ways to communicate their ideas. Different styles of poetry are covered ranging from such beloved poets as Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, and Sylvia Plath. More time is dedicated to both reading, grammar, and polishing of communication skills through literary essays. A Shakespearean work such as The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice, gives a political perspective as well as an emotional one.
Students read additional, preselected literary works outside of class for which relevant, corresponding projects/assignments are completed. Novels may include, but are not limited to, Of Mice and Men, Night, Metamorphosis, and/or The Odyssey. They work in literature circles to foster positive, intellectual discussion amongst peers. Students may also work on a cross-curricular research project. Students learn how to conduct research via databases. They demonstrate their understanding of the material through different methods which include, but are not limited to digital media, public speaking, model creations, etc.
English Grade 11
1 credit
English 11 is a continuation of the language arts sequence of instruction based on the New York State Language Arts Standards. Students will spend large quantities of time writing for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to: narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, creative, and persuasive. Students will use the writing process in an environment involving writing, conferring, revising, and editing. Students will research and prepare a variety of papers, essays, group projects, and classroom presentations. Students will also spend large quantities of time reading a variety of works of literature, encompassing fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. They are expected to read regularly, participate actively and frequently in class discussions, and hand in work on time. Additionally, attention is given to preparation for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and the NYS English Regents Exam. All juniors must take and pass the NYS ELA Regents Exam in order to graduate.
English Honors 11
1 credit
English 11 is a continuation of the language arts sequence of instruction based on the Next Generation ELA Learning Standards. Students will spend time writing for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to: narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, creative, and persuasive. Students will use the writing process in an environment involving writing, conferring, revising, and editing. Students will research and prepare papers, essays, projects, and classroom presentations. Students will also read a variety of works of literature, encompassing fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. They are expected to read regularly, participate actively and frequently in class discussions, and hand in work on time. Additionally, attention is given to preparation for the NYS English Regents Exam. All juniors must take and pass the NYS ELA Regents Exam in order to graduate.
This course is a survey of literature with a concentration in skills and practices that will enable students to be ready for career, college, and life. Students will study literature from different sources and genres as well as a play from Shakespeare’s canon. Close reading and well-developed writing are key; special attention will be paid to claims and evidence. Students will practice the steps involved in the writing process in order to arrive at a finished product, which will prepare them for all types of real-life writing needs as well as for the English Regents exam, which is a K-11 assessment that they need to pass in order to graduate. Literary analysis at the Honors level delves more deeply than at the English 11 level and is intended to prepare students for Freshman English I and II, which are college-level classes offered for students who score at the mastery level (85%) both in the class and on the Regents exam. Literary selections include, but are not limited to, the following: Fahrenheit 451, The Great Gatsby, McDougal- Littell Anthology, Fences, The Red Badge of Courage, Moby Dick, Macbeth, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Scarlet Letter, Catch-22, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Hiroshima, Never Cry Wolf, Catcher in the Rye, Song of Solomon, A Separate Peace, Different Seasons, The Things They Carried, The Handmaid’s Tale, Ernest Hemingway’s Short Stories, Louise Erdrich’s Short Stories, Sherman Alexie’s Short Stories, James Joyce’s Short Stories, Tim O’Brien’s Short Stories, and John Steinbeck’s Short Stories.
English Grade 12
1 credit
This course examines literature with an emphasis on analyzing novels, full-length plays, poetry, and short stories. In-depth analysis of techniques in writing literary essays is included. Critical thinking is emphasized in relation to speaking, listening and writing. Students examine the various forms of persuasive writing and debate and apply that knowledge to various formats.
Emphasis is placed on a variety of literature and multicultural literature. Literary selections include: Shakespearean play – The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice and modern literature such as A Raisin in the Sun, Unbroken, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, etc.
Freshman English I
3 credits
The first course in the Freshman English sequence of SUNY Orange’s Community College in the High School Program for high-achieving juniors and seniors introduces college-level writing and revision, construction of expository essays, and research skills. Reading as well as class discussion center on the formal and informal essay. Research essay is required. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 85 in English 11 and ALL Regents courses. They must also have a minimum grade of 85 on the English Regents to be eligible for this course.
Freshman English II
3 credits
In this second course in the sequence, students learn to read critically, to organize supporting details, and to develop coherent oral and written arguments. Fiction, drama and poetry are used as common texts. An analytical research paper is required.
Drama
Grades 9 – 12
½ credit
This course is designed to introduce students to all aspects of drama from acting to stage production to drama as literature. Students learn basic acting techniques from mime to improvisation to character development. Techniques for stage production, such as lighting, set instruction and costuming are examined. In addition, numerous one-act and full-length plays are read and discussed from the viewpoint both of actor and writer. Students are encouraged to participate in school productions, either as actors or technicians.
Writing Seminar I & II
Grades 9 – 12
½ credit
Each semester this course will provide students with the opportunity to improve all aspects of their writing in a workshop atmosphere. Emphasis will be placed on writing as a process. Each student will develop a portfolio of his or her writing, which will include the student’s analysis of his or her own writing and the writing of other students.
Journalism
Grades 10 – 12
1 credit
In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore the world of journalism in all respects: investigating, writing and reporting news stories; editing news stories for publication and techniques of publication. Differences between print, radio and telecommunications and their impact on journalism will also be examined.
Public Speaking
Grades 9 – 12
½ credit
In this course, students will learn and practice all aspects of speaking in public, from writing introductions and speeches to making presentations for the public. Both writing and performing skills will be covered.
Film in Literature
Grades 10 – 12
½ credit
Students will use film and literature to build upon their writing and critical thinking skills. Students will write analytical essays and participate in class discussions with the purpose of exploring literary principles as they apply to film and literature.
Famous Trials in Literature
Grades 10 – 12
½ credit
Famous Trials in Literature builds upon the skills developed in the Film and Literature course and adds the component of legal conflict and the other trials of the human spirit. Students will use the materials presented in the class to build upon their critical thinking, reading and writing skills.
Yearbook Class
Grades 10 – 12
1 credit
This course will encompass a wide variety of practical communication skills with writing and research providing the basic foundation. The course will run much like a professional publication. Teamwork and professionalism will be stressed as well as the ability to adhere to deadlines. Students will learn and apply basic photojournalism techniques. They will be responsible for developing and writing captions and stories for all events, teams, and issues that affect the students and their community. Students will also be required to work in teams to sell advertising, complete thematic layouts, and create plans of action for all aspects of creating the yearbook.
SAT Prep Class
Grades 10 – 12
½ credit
Students in grades 10-12 may enroll in an SAT Prep Class. This is a full year course that prepares students for the May administration of the SAT examination. This course has fees that are the responsibility of the student, and students may earn one credit.