English I: An Introduction to Literature (Honors, CPE, CPC)
A basic goal of literature study in this course is to help the students relate the immediate world and themselves to those experiences described in literature. Students develop a better understanding of the various genres (short story, novel, drama, poetry, nonfiction, mythology) and do literary analysis. Through the use of a sequential text-based writing program, students work with the various processes of writing, including pre-writing, composing, revising, editing and publishing. Students practice speaking skills, study vocabulary, mechanics, usage, spelling and grammar, use word processing programs, and learn methods of academic notation in research projects.
College Prep Core (CPC)
The College Prep Core (CPC) student is motivated to meet the challenge of a rigorous, balanced English curriculum. The CPC program encourages the development of sophisticated communication skills and careful literary analysis. Students use critical thinking and problem solving to deepen their understanding of texts of different genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry; and to strengthen their ability to express themselves effectively in their writing in different modes: expository, persuasive, and creative. The course places an emphasis on preparing the student for college and real-world writing. All students engage in research activities that include written, oral and multimedia presentations that demonstrate the depth of students’ understanding of course content. As such, an important component of the course is providing opportunities for students to gather and evaluate information from a myriad of sources (internet, books, periodicals, film, etc.), to judge its pertinence, validity and reliability, and then synthesize conclusions into a form that can be shared with others. A summer reading requirement is part of all English courses at Ramsey High School.
College Prep Enriched (CPE)
College Prep Enriched offers highly-motivated students a demanding program to increase their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of language and literature. The CPE program encourages the development of sophisticated communication skills, careful literary analysis, independent research and participation in activities that involve cooperation and collaboration. Students use critical thinking and problem solving to deepen their understanding of texts of different genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry; and to strengthen their ability to express themselves effectively in their writing in the different modes: expository, persuasive, and creative. All students engage in research activities that include written, oral and multimedia presentations that demonstrate the depth of students’ understanding of course content. As such, an important component of the course is to provide opportunities to gather and evaluate information from a myriad of sources (internet, books, periodicals, film, etc.), judge their pertinence, validity and reliability, and then synthesize them into a form that can be shared with others. A summer reading requirement is part of all English courses at Ramsey High School.
English II: American Literature (Honors, CPE, CPC)
This course focuses on the reinforcement of skills developed in previous grades and emphasizes sophisticated thinking, speaking and writing. Students explore the authors and works that have been significant in the development of American literature. They study the major themes and movements in American literature and examine the literature as it reflects the changes in our culture. Through a sequential text-based writing program, students work with the various processes of writing, including pre-writing, composing, revising, editing and publishing. They use these methods to further develop skills necessary for descriptive, expository and persuasive writing. English II stresses vocabulary development, grammar and usage and the honing of research skills through the investigation of selected vocations and the citing of pertinent sources.
