The English Department prepares students to become independent learners who are proficient in writing, speaking, critical reading, thinking, listening, and viewing. Students use the language arts to explore and respond to classical and contemporary works from many cultures and literary periods. With teacher guidance, students develop interpretative and evaluative skills and make connections between their reading, their writing, and their lives.
English 9
301 - English 9 -1.25 Credits/ Level 2/ Full year
303 - English 9 Honors - 1.25 Credits/ Level 3/ Full year
This course provides an in-depth study of literature with an emphasis on student writing, research skills, and
vocabulary development on all ability levels.
The Academic Writing Lab is a component of the English 9 course. The Academic Writing Lab sets the
standard for the completion of academic writing assignments according to the school-wide writing rubric.
Instruction includes a strong focus on grammar, editing, proofreading and the Modern Language Association
format for research. Lab work will account for 20% of the English 9/9 Honors grade. The lab will meet once a
week.
English 10
304 - English 10 - 1 Credit/ Level 2/ Full year
306 - English 10 Honors - 1 Credit/ Level 3/ Full year
Prerequisite: English 9
This course studies the form and structure of each of the four major genres of literature: novel, short story,
poetry, and drama. Students also read non-fiction, interdisciplinary materials to continue the development of
critical reading skills and writing in various rhetorical modes. Public speaking, critical viewing, and vocabulary development are integrated into the curriculum. Students practice the format of the Connecticut Academic Proficiency Test on preparation for the grade 10 state-mandated exam.
COURSES MEETING GRADE 11/GRADE 12 ENGLISH REQUIREMENT
309 - English 11 Honors/Advanced Placement Literature Composition - 1 Credit/ Level 4/ Full year
Prerequisite: Teacher/Dept. Chairperson recommendation
This course is designed for the highly motivated honors student and fulfills the American Literature requirement
for graduation. The primary emphasis will be on preparing advanced students to succeed on the AP English
Literature and Composition exam. This course will combine reading selections from both American and British
Literature. An independent vocabulary program designed to improve SAT scores will be part of the class.
Students enrolled in this course will be expected to meet high standards for writing performance and critical
reading and take the AP exam.
310 - American Literature – 1 Credit/ Level 2/ Full year
Prerequisite: English 10
Students will study works by such authors as Hawthorne, Twain, Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, Miller, and Vonnegut.
Critical reading, composition skills, and continued vocabulary development provide preparation for SAT
testing. Students continue to cultivate their expertise in the areas of research and demonstrate their ability to
acquire and evaluate sources and interpret events to develop and support conclusions.
312 - English 12 -1 Credit/ Level 2/ Full year
American Literature and English 12 can be taken concurrently.
This course examines the human condition through the study of classical and contemporary world literature.
Students work to enhance language arts skills needed for success in post-secondary education and the
workplace, and life, including literary analysis, research and business writing, critical analysis of film, and
public speaking. Students utilize technology to gather and evaluate information through web quests, data bases,
and search engines. Through the use of technology, students create power point presentations and the senior
video project.
314 - English 12 Honors/Advanced Placement Language and Composition - 1 Credit/ Level 4/ Full year
Prerequisite: Teacher/Department Chair recommendation. (A graded writing sample may be required.)
Open only to qualified seniors holding an 87 average or better in American Literature or a 77 average or better
in English 11 Honors/AP. Students are expected to take the AP exam.
315 - English 12 ECE-University of Connecticut Early College Experience - 1 Credit/ Level 4/ Full year
Equivalent to four college credits for English 110 – Seminar in Academic Writing
Prerequisite: 83 or above in English 11 Honors or 93 or above and a graded writing sample in American
Literature, plus a recommendation of the English Department Chair. There is a limit on enrollment for this
course.
The University of Connecticut courses are intended to give advanced students an opportunity to do college work
in high school. In English 110, students write extensively in a variety of rhetorical styles and study complex
literary pieces, both fiction and non-fiction. To receive college credit, a student must apply to the Early College
Experience (ECE) program at the University of Connecticut and receive a final grade of 73 or better for the
course. Additionally, the course is designed to prepare the advanced student to succeed on the AP English and
Composition Exam.
Electives
316 - Speech - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 10-12
Juniors and seniors will be eligible for credit at Manchester Community College upon enrollment in the
College Pathways program.
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop the skill of effective public speaking and
presentation. Students study effective communication techniques through the use of models and apply that
knowledge in the development of their original presentations. Students create and perform a variety of speeches
designed to demonstrate, inform, persuade, and/or entertain.
317 - Introduction to Acting - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 9-12
The purpose of this course is to improve students’ acting skills in both serious and comedic roles. Students also
will improve skills in public speaking and presentation. A variety of monologues, scenes, and performance
pieces will be presented and evaluated by students throughout the semester. The use of improvisation and
theater games in rehearsal also will be explored.
318 - Creative Writing I - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 10-12
This course is designed for those students who seek an opportunity for self-expression and creativity through
the art of writing. Students will write short stories, plays, and poetry. (Offered even years only)
319 - Journalism I - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 10-12
In this course students will learn all aspects of journalism, including terminology, ethics, and the role of
journalism in a democratic society. Students write news, features articles, and columns. The class will have the
opportunity to produce a CHS publication and contribute to The Coventry Monthly magazine.
(Offered first semester only)
320 - Journalism II - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 10-12
Pre-requisite: Journalism I with an 85 or above and permission of the instructor.
This course provides an opportunity for the serious writer to study particular authors and their craft. Students
would produce pieces for their writing portfolios, seek publication, and explore career options in the field.
(Offered first semester)
321 - Speculative Fiction - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 10-12
This course investigates Speculative fiction – Science Fiction and fantasy-wherein the authors pose compelling
questions about who we are and what type of world mankind wishes to create for his existence. Students read
and respond to a broad range of novels that present those themes and inspire current films and games such as
Next and Halo. Students develop critical analysis and evaluation skills through the examination of the texts and
the commercial products resulting from the literature.
322 - Creative Writing II - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Creative Writing I
This course provides an opportunity for the serious writer to study particular authors and their craft. Students
would produce pieces for their writing portfolios, seek publication, and explore career options in the field.
(Offered odd years only)
323 - Introduction to the Theatre - .50 Credit/ Level 2/ Semester Grades 9-12
This course reveals how theatre as we know it developed. Students study how Constantin Stanislavki, Lee
Strasberg, Sanfor Meisner, Uta Hagen, and others have contributed to the evolution of acting techniques in the
last hundred years. Students will read, view, and examine plays as a basis of discussion. The focus is on the
roles of the playwright, director, actors, designers, and audience in dramatic production. While it is not an
acting class, students will have hands-on opportunities to work the lighting and sound system in the Veterans
Auditorium.
