2153 HP English 1
Year Course - Freshmen
Prerequisites: Selection for Honors Placement
This course provides the students with an introduction to techniques of formal literary analysis. Through units on poetry, short stories, drama, non-fiction and the novel, teachers emphasize the distinguishing characteristics of major literary genres and the basic terminology essential to all literary discourse. In addition, the course provides students with help in the more general areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and note taking.
In addition to the above, Honors English I aim to provide students with knowledge of the writing process in general, including its pre-writing, writing, and revising stages. Pre-writing stresses the thinking process, the process of generating ideas and information that goes into the writing of any substance. Extensive work on fundamental grammar, English usage, and sentence structure, and paragraph organization gives students a strong analytical knowledge of the formal writing stage. Finally, students learn the essential techniques of writing revision, including the correction of any conceptual, structural, or mechanical errors.
2251 HP English 2
Year Course - Sophomores
Prerequisites: B- or better HP English 1 OR A- or better in CP English 1 with Teacher Approval.
The sophomore (CP) English class builds on the literature and composition development of the freshman year. The composition portion of the course focuses on a review of grammar and sentence structure, English usage, and mechanics. The course develops the three-step composition process learned in the freshman year. The literary portion entails an analysis of the major genres. Teachers introduce techniques of close reading for literary analysis.
The Honors (HP) English 2 course offers a survey of classical and medieval literature. The curriculum is intended to provide the student with a background in classical GrecoRoman, Biblical, and medieval literature.
2351 HP English 3
Year Course - Juniors
Prerequisites: B- or better in HP English 2 OR A- or better in CP English 2 with Teacher Approval.
The literature portion of this course presents students with a chronological survey of American literature through selected works by traditionally accepted major authors. Background lectures and class discussions typically treat readings in the context of American intellectual and literary history. Classes also examine rhetorical and aesthetic issues common in the broader study of language and literary technique. Finally, teachers encourage students to begin formulating independent critical judgments of literature through study questions and essay assignments on assigned readings. The composition part of the course emphasizes the careful development of ideas in extended paragraphs and essays. Students work to refine their composition skills through a review of the basic elements of sound writing. Extensive work in revising helps prepare students for work in college composition.
Honors English III is a course designed to invite students to explore their voices, identities, and values by evaluating the diverse personalities, themes, and experiences within American literature (19th century-present). Junior year is a school year of intentional formation. This course’s literature and Performance Writing Tasks champion self-reflection, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, individuality, empathy, and Catholic values.
