L19 Creative Writing
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Course Length: 1 quarter
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Prerequisites: None
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Credits: 5 (elective)
This course introduces the student to the writing of fiction, poetry, the personal narrative, drama, screenplay, and creative essay. Students analyze peer and published authors for particular artistic devices in order to understand the writer’s skill in narration, dialogue, description, and specific detail. This course provides activities and projects to stimulate latent talent and ideas, to encourage appropriate freedom of expression, and to develop sensitivity to the power of words in the written medium. Students may be required to read their work aloud for class critique. The course may introduce students to appropriate markets for publication.
L20 American Literature and Composition
American literature and composition is a two quarter course for juniors. The course builds on skills learning in world literature and composition. This course includes the study of classic American literature from the 16th century to the present. Instruction in writing techniques is an integral part of the course. Students refine their composition skills to increase their abilities to write clearly, correctly, and logically for a variety of purposes and audiences. Grammar, vocabulary and the vocabulary of literature will be included. Literary analysis through critical thinking is emphasized in class discussions and writing assignments.
L27 World Literature and Composition
World literature and composition is a two quarter course. The course will be organized in chronological, regional, or thematic order. It will be complemented by the sophomore study of world history. Critical reading and analysis of world literature from 3500 B. C. to the present will be the core of the course. Cause/effect, comparison/contrast, persuasive, and research modes of composition will be taught. Grammar, mechanics, vocabulary building, and spelling will be emphasized throughout the course to improve and enhance the quality of student writing.
L29 Technical Writing
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Course Length: 1 quarter
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Prerequisites: None
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Credits: 5 (elective)
This course is designed for students who wish to apply writing skills to technology and industry. Students will write assignments emphasizing techniques of précis/abstract, extended definition, comparison/contrast, problem solving, cause/effect, and persuasion as applied to the work place. Assignments and activities will include the use of computers and Internet research, and includes field research, group research projects, and group presentations.
L31 Communication in Society
This course is designed to assist students in learning to improve self-confidence and effectiveness in a wide variety of communication situations. Opportunities are provided to learn about communication in one-to-one and one-to-a group situations within small group activities and within large groups. Areas of communication will include self-awareness, relationships, work situations, and the community. Attention focuses on learning speech fundamentals, breaking down the barriers to communication, becoming aware of and expressing ideas and thoughts, problems solving, conflict management, thinking skills, and decision making. Students will read, discuss, and critically examine information sources and literature.
L32 Reader's Theatre
In this course, students will discover the connection of self and literature through the art of interpreters’ theatre. This unique art form combines oral interpretation and presentational theatre. Students explore a variety of literary forms to develop their own mental and physical resources through active involvement in using the body, mind, and voice to analyze, interpret, and perform literature.
L33 Discussion and Debate
This course is designed to study techniques used in argumentation, forms of discussion, and formal debate. Students will learn the fundamentals of communication and the psychology of persuasion. Skills practiced in this class are applicable to other classes and to participation in the democratic process in our communities, states, and country. The course is based on strong oral components.
L35 Introduction to Theatre (Theatre 1)
This course provides a foundation in all aspects of theatre: history, play analysis, terminology, basic stage movement, vocal exercises, memorization, character interpretation, basic production principles, and selection and evaluation of plays.
L45 Analysis of Film Literature
Analysis of Film Literature examines the literary and artistic forms as interpreted through film. Students develop literary, verbal, and visual analysis skills through discussion and written critiques. This course formulates an understanding of film's historical progression, its language, its techniques, and its conscious and subliminal effects upon personal and public opinion.
L51 Intermediate Reading Workshop
Intermediate reading workshop is a course for students who are satisfactory to good readers, but want to fine-tune their reading and study skills. It is especially geared toward students who want to explore literature and discover the types of books they like to read. Students will read self-selected and teacher-selected novels and participate in Socratic Seminars. The focus is also on improving content area reading skills, time management, and maximizing time spent studying.
L54 Short Fiction
This course covers elements of short fiction. Works may include short stories, plays, and films. Literature will be used as the basis for discussion, writing, and presentation. Students will develop skills to interpret and analyze literature, recognize the uniqueness of short fiction as a unified, concise, creative narrative, and appreciate the role of short fiction as a source of enjoyment and learning.
L68 Multicultural Literature
This course presents students with an opportunity to discover a wide body of literature that is an important part of our literary heritage, but which is often not covered in more conventional literature courses. The course focuses on autobiographies, essays, poetry, plays, and novels by minority authors. Literary analysis is supplemented by media and creative projects aimed toward experiencing the cultures.
L80 Mythology
This course is concerned primarily with Greek and Roman myths, but other cultures such as African, Native American Indians, Asian, and Norse may be studied at a comparative level. Background material on characteristic themes of world cultures adds emphasis to the individual myths studied. The course focuses on various myths and legends, plus a study of Homer’s epics, The Iliad and/or The Odyssey.
LA90 Independent Study in Language Arts
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Course Length: 1 quarter
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Prerequisites: None
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Credits: 5
If a student wants to take an independent study course in this content area, he or she must complete an Independent Study Contract with a teacher willing to sponsor the independent study. A teacher may sponsor an independent study only if he or she is “highly qualified” in the content area of the independent study. The student and teacher must obtain the approval of the building administrator. Independent study will be approved only in advance and if it falls into one of the following categories: (a) study that goes beyond the academic program available at the school; (b) study that duplicates an elective class but which is unavailable to the student; (c) study that is truly individualized and cannot be taught within the curriculum; or intensive summer programs or travel.