W.T. WOODSON ENGLISH COURSES OF STUDY FRESHMEN 2016-2017
W.T. WOODSON ENGLISH Grade 9 Courses, Electives, & Support Classes COURE COURSES ENGLISH 9 (113000) Average Reading/Work Commitment Per Week: 1-2 hours Core Works: Selected Short Stories, Of Mice & Men (novella), To Kill a Mockingbird (novel), Romeo & Juliet (play- adapted), The Odyssey (epic poem- adapted) Description: Students read and analyze a variety of literary and nonfiction texts, exploring the characteristics of different forms and the techniques authors use to achieve their intended purpose. Language study extends students vocabulary through learning about connotations, denotations, word origins, and structures. Students apply their understanding of grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing to varied and frequent writing assignments. Through narrative, expository, and persuasive writings, students build on their understanding of writing as a process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and publishing. In the research process, students find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to access information to create a research product. They also develop communication skills through oral presentations. 113071 (LDTM) 113081 (SCLD) 113083 (CSS) 113084 (SCHI) 113082 (SCSPED) ENGLISH 9 HONORS (113036) Weighted +.5 Average Reading/Work Commitment Per Week: 2-3 hours Core Works: Selected Short Stories, Of Mice & Men (novella), Romeo & Juliet (drama), The Odyssey (epic poem). Supplemental: To Kill a Mockingbird (novel), Julius Caesar (drama), Ender s Game (novel). Description: This course deepens and advances the curriculum of English 9. Students read and analyze a variety of literary and nonfiction texts, exploring the characteristics of different forms and the techniques authors use to achieve their intended purpose. Language study extends students vocabulary through learning about connotations, denotations, word origins, and structures. Students apply their understanding of grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing to varied and frequent writing assignments. Through narrative, expository, and persuasive writings, students build on their understanding of writing as a process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and publishing. In the research process, students find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to access information to create a research product. They also develop communication skills through oral presentations. This course isn t just about reading more novels or completing more work. It dives deeper into the content and skills of the curriculum at a faster pace and appeals to students who are self-starters.
ENGLISH 9 TRANSITIONAL (113095) Prerequisite: ESOL 3 Description: This course is intended to be taken concurrently with English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) Level 4 to serve as a transition from ESOL to the mainstream English program. For a complete course description as well as the works covered, please refer to English 9 above. ELECTIVE COURSES JOURNALISM 1 (120000) Description: In Journalism 1 students learn the history and language of journalism; develop communication skills in writing, designing and editing for a variety of media; understand news and the process of publication; and become more critical readers and viewers of mass media. This course prepares students for continued study in journalism, photojournalism, and broadcast journalism. PHOTOJOURNALISM 1 (121500) Prerequisite: Journalism 1 or Application & Instructor Approval Description: In Photojournalism 1, students learn the principles of interviewing, copywriting, photography, layout, and design. Students will use publishing software to create pages for the school's yearbook. This course requires some after school time. This course requires an application and approval by instructor. CREATIVE WRITING 1 (117133) Description: This course provides students an opportunity for additional writing instruction beyond the standard English program. Experimentation with many forms of writing is encouraged, with an emphasis on poetry, short stories, plays, and all forms of descriptive writing. Students continue to expand and refine their ability to write through analyzing and evaluating their own writing and that of other students.
CREATIVE WRITING 1 (117134) Semester Course -Half Description: This course provides students an opportunity for additional writing instruction beyond the standard English program. Experimentation with many forms of writing is encouraged, with an emphasis on poetry, short stories, plays, and all forms of descriptive writing. Students continue to expand and refine their ability to write through analyzing and evaluating their own writing and that of other students. FILM STUDY (144633/34) Semester/ -Half (Semester) One (Full Year) Description: This course involves the study of classic and award-winning films. Students critique both the artistic and technical merits of the films. They study the development of theme, plot, characterization, and setting in each production. They learn the vocabulary associated with film and use this vocabulary when discussing or writing about films. Students will produce short films each semester. One-half credit as semester course and one credit for a full year. DEBATE (139533) Fall Semester -Half Description: Participants will learn both the team event of Public Forum debate and the philosophy- and values-based event of Lincoln-Douglas, which is an individual event. Students will research the current topics for regional and national competitions and write cases both affirming and negating the resolutions. Students will also take part in regular in-class mock debates. This class can be used as preparation time for participation in the Woodson Debate team, which will compete in events throughout the metro region. Participation in at least one evening or Saturday debate event is required. FORENSICS- PUBLIC SPEAKING (139034) Spring Semester -Half Description: Students will be familiarized with some of the major forensic events, including Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation, Impromptu speaking, and Extemporaneous speaking. Students will prepare and perform at least one memorized speech and will participate in at least one of the non-memorized events. This class can be used as prep time for participation in the WTW Forensics (Speech) team which will compete in events throughout the metro region. Participation in at least one evening or Saturday event is required.
SUPPORT COURSES DEVELOPMENTAL READING (118000) Description: This course is designed to provide direct and intensive reading instruction to students who are reading 2+ years below grade level. Basic objectives of this reading course are focused on closing the gap between the students present level of performance and the level of performance needed to successfully access the general curriculum. Instruction focuses on increasing student s decoding, fluency and comprehension skills of fiction/nonfiction materials. This course is geared toward freshmen who failed the 8 th grade Reading SOL and upperclassmen struggling with reading. 118081 (SCLD) 118082 (SCSPED) 118083 (CSS) 118084 (SCHI) LITERACY LAB 1 (118100) Description: Literacy LAB 1 (Literacy Access Bridge) provides students who are reading below expected proficiency with direct instruction of content area reading and writing skills. The course emphasizes the reading comprehension skills necessary for understanding the content of mathematics, science, social studies, and English, and the communication skills appropriate across all disciplines. This course was previously titled Developing Literacies. STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS (788900) Description: This course is primarily designed to provide support to a student in core curricular areas by providing direct instruction in specific learning strategies, study skills, organization, time management, and self-advocacy skills. Additionally, students may receive assistance on core curricular assignments. The course is not designed to serve as a study hall and is meant to support the development of academic habits necessary for academic success. Students may enroll in this course multiple years as appropriate. 788981 (SCLD) 788984 (SCHI) NEED MORE INFO? English Department Chair Mr. Ryan W. Brown RWBrown@fcps.edu English 9 Team Lead Ms. Danielle Polo DNPolo@fcps.edu