"You think your pains and heartbreaks are
unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was
books that taught me that the things that tormented me were the very
things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who have
ever been alive." James Baldwin, writer (1924-1987)
The
Natick High School English Department endeavors to equip students with
the skills necessary for success in the 21st century. Through their
engagement with a rich and varied curriculum, soundly based in the
Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks, students will
develop
written and oral communication skills for creative, academic, and
professional purposes; enrich their understanding of literatures and
genres of diverse periods and cultures; strengthen their critical
reading, analytical thinking, and problem solving abilities; broaden
their understanding of and facility with the English language; augment
their research skills, using variety of media.
All
courses within the English Department are considered college
preparatory. Courses ending in a one (ACP) are more accelerated and
typically have a higher student to teacher ratio than courses ending in a
two (CP).
FRESHMAN ENGLISH 10 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #101
This
accelerated program is designed to challenge students with exceptional
interest in literature and writing. Students should love to read, write,
and share thematic ideas. They are expected to have organizational and
study skills. These larger classes require most reading to be done
independently and students are expected to understand literature both
concretely and abstractly. Students learn twenty vocabulary words per
cycle outside of class, take more responsibility in group and long-term
projects, and participate enthusiastically. The core literary selections
include The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, classic
short stories, non-fiction and poetry. Other reading selections may
include A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, The Chocolate War, The
Street Lawyer, The House on Mango Street, When I was Puerto Rican, The
Princess Bride, Forgotten Fire, and Witness. The writing component will
be both literature-based as well as standards-based. Writing will
include peer editing, self-editing and revising. The curriculum for this
class is in accordance with the Massachusetts Frameworks and will
provide an excellent foundation for the MCAS and the SAT exams.
Prerequisite:
A student must have achieved a final grade no lower than an A- in the
eighth-grade English course and have a teacher recommendation.
FRESHMAN ENGLISH 11 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #103
The
ninth-grade English Program is a standards-based English curriculum
which transitions students from the Literature and Language program used
in the middle schools to the more sophisticated high school curriculum.
The focus is on study skills, reading strategies, writing proficiency,
vocabulary enhancement, and analytical skills. The core texts will be
The Odyssey, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Romeo and Juliet. In addition,
literature supplements may include Hero, Bad Boy: A Memoir of Walter
Dean Myers, When I Was Puerto Rican, The Gospel According to Larry, and
the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, short stories, and
poetry among others. Students will be guided in literary interpretation
and may be involved in Socratic Seminars to enhance learning. The
writing component will be both literature-based as well as
standards-based. Writing will include peer editing, self-editing, and
revising. The vocabulary comes from both a standard model and the
literature. The curriculum for this class is in accordance with the
Massachusetts Frameworks and will provide an excellent foundation for
the MCAS and the SAT exams.
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 20 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #111
This
course is geared for students who are capable of exceptional work. The
program integrates classical, modern, and world literature (fiction,
non-fiction, and poetry) with advanced writing instruction and high
expectations for communication and analysis. Composition assignments
using the process writing method focus on autobiographical and
expository, and include peer editing, self-editing and revising. Core
literature includes Oedipus Rex, Antigone, Medea, Macbeth, Ordinary
People, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, A Lesson Before Dying, A Separate
Peace, and Silas Marner. High motivation and initiative are essential to
master this reading- and writing-intensive course. The vocabulary
program is challenging, building students’ etymological awareness, and
includes PSAT preparation. Skills outlined in state curriculum
frameworks are built upon to provide a solid foundation of critical
thinking skills and preparation for the MCAS.
Prerequisite: A student must have achieved a final grade no lower than a B- in the freshman honors English course.
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 21 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #113
This
course integrates classical, modern, and world literature with writing
instruction and a review of standard written English. This course
progresses at a more accelerated pace than English 22. Core literature
includes Macbeth, A Separate Peace, Ordinary People, Night, and A Lesson
Before Dying as well as thematically related nonfiction, short stories,
and poetry. Composition assignments using the process writing method
focus on autobiographical and expository, and include peer editing,
self-editing, and revising. The vocabulary program is challenging,
building students’ etymological awareness, and includes PSAT
preparation. Skills outlined in state curriculum frameworks are built
upon to provide a solid foundation of critical thinking skills and
preparation for the MCAS.
Prerequisite: A student must have achieved a
final grade no lower than a B- in the freshman college preparatory
English course or approval of the department head.
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 22 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #115
The
course integrates study of literature, vocabulary, and writing skills,
in practical, personal and academic realms. Composition assignments are
developed from the literature, including classic and modern fiction,
poetry, non-fiction. Core literature includes A Lesson Before Dying, A
Separate Peace, Tuesdays with Morrie, Persepolis I, Night, and Nothing
to Lose, as well as thematically related nonfiction, short stories, and
poetry. Skills outlined in state curriculum frameworks are built upon to
provide a solid foundation of critical thinking skills and preparation
for the MCAS. Vocabulary is studied in a sequential program and includes
some PSAT preparation.
JUNIOR ENGLISH 30 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #133
Junior
English 30 is designed to build upon the literature, composition,
vocabulary, and other communications skills addressed in sophomore
English 20. Students engage in a variety of learning experiences:
writing, research, oral presentations, reading of various genres, group
work, and independent study. Through these experiences, students will
explore the development of American literature as part of American
history and thought. Students will also strive to improve competence in
writing well-developed essays and in the elements of research.
Prerequisite: A student must have achieved a final grade no lower than a B- in English 20.
JUNIOR ENGLISH 31 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #135
Junior
English 31 is designed to build upon the literature, composition,
vocabulary, and other communications skills addressed in sophomore
English 21. This course progresses at a more accelerated pace than
English 32. Students engage in a variety of learning experiences:
writing, research, oral presentations, reading of various genres, group
work, and independent study. Through these experiences, students will
explore the development of American literature as part of American
history and thought. Students will also strive to improve competence in
writing well-developed essays and in the elements of research.
Prerequisite: A student must have achieved a final grade no lower than a C- in English 21.
JUNIOR ENGLISH 32 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #137
Junior
English 32 is designed to build upon the literature, composition,
vocabulary, and other communications skills addressed in sophomore
English 22. Students engage in a variety of learning experiences:
writing, research, oral presentations, reading of various genres, group
work, and independent study. Through these experiences, students will
explore the development of American literature as part of American
history and thought. Students will also strive to improve competence in
writing well-developed essays and in the elements of research.
Prerequisite: A student must have achieved a passing final grade in English 22.
AP ENGLISH 50 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #151
Advanced
Placement English exposes students both to the study and practice of
composition and to critical analysis of challenging literature. Ideally,
the teacher works with a small class in seminar fashion. Some of the
specific objectives of this course are: to help students grow in their
knowledge of literature in a variety of genres; to teach students to
read, write about, and discuss literary works with authority and
precision; to prepare students for the reading and writing assignments
encountered at highly-selective colleges; to sharpen the student's
awareness of language and appreciation of the writer's craft; to learn
to write expository essays under pressure with coherence, clarity, and
grace; and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Literature and
Composition Examination in May. A sampling of the literature required
in this course includes: Ellison’s Invisible Man, Hardy’s Tess of the
d’Urbervilles, Huxley’s Brave New World, Shakespeare’s Hamlet and
Macbeth, Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and
representative works of the French existentialists.
Students who opt
for the AP English class are prepared and expected to take the AP
Literature and Composition Exam in the spring.
Prerequisites: A
student must have achieved a final grade no lower than a B+ in English
30, must be recommended by his/her junior English teacher, and score
“highly proficient” in a timed writing sample.
SENIOR ENGLISH 40 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #153
Designed
for the college-bound student, this Honors course provides a basic
knowledge of the major movements, significant authors, and universal
themes in the development of world literature. Works studied may include
Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Hamlet, A Tale of Two Cities, and Tess
of the d’Urbervilles. An effort is made to juxtapose literature from a
variety of countries. In preparation for college, students write a major
research paper that allows them the opportunity to synthesize their
research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students are required
to write expository and analytical papers in preparation for college.
Vocabulary work continues, not only for SAT preparation, but also for
the general improvement of students’ diction.
Prerequisite: A student must have achieved a final grade no lower than a B- in English 30.
SENIOR ENGLISH 41 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #155
Designed
for the college-bound student, this course provides a basic knowledge
of the major movements, significant authors, and universal themes in the
development of world literature. Works studied may include Beowulf, The
Canterbury Tales, a Shakespeare play, Brave New World, All Souls, and
The Kite Runner. This course progresses at a more accelerated pace than
English 42. An effort is made to juxtapose literature from a variety of
countries. In preparation for college, students write a major research
paper that allows them the opportunity to synthesize their research,
writing, and critical thinking skills. Students are required to write
expository and analytical papers in preparation for college. Vocabulary
work continues, not only for SAT preparation, but also for the general
improvement of students’ diction.
Prerequisite: a student must have a final grade no lower than a C- in the English 31.
SENIOR ENGLISH 42 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #159
This
course explores contemporary and classic literature in a variety of
genres. Students will analyze and respond to literature, discuss themes
and issues, and write essays. Works studied may include but are not
limited to Macbeth, All Souls, and The Kite Runner. Students will
continue to develop and expand vocabulary and participate in individual
and group presentations. Students will write expository essays and
complete the Senior Literary Research Paper.
Prerequisite: a student must have achieved a passing final grade English 32.
JOURNALISM I 31 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #141
Students
in this course will improve writing skills with assignments involving
many aspects of print media. News writing, feature writing, reviews,
editorials, and investigative reporting will advance students from basic
news writing to more sophisticated approaches. Students also study
legal and ethical issues faced by contemporary journalists.
JOURNALISM II 31 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #142
Students
in this course will explore diverse areas of electronic and non-print
media. Students will learn elements of radio and television news
broadcasting, and employ those skills in a variety of projects including
developing an advertising portfolio, writing and taping news
broadcasts, and executing a TV news magazine segment that appeals to
teen interest.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I or approval of the department head.
English
graduation credit is granted for the following English department
electives listed below predicated on additional required rigorous
reading and writing assignments. If English credit is granted the course
will appear on a student’s transcript with an ‘E’ following the course
name. For example, Pulp Fiction E 14.
PULP FICTION 11 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #166b
Sometimes
described as detective fiction or crime fiction, the category has
become a staple of American writing. The hard-boiled detective, clear
and forceful dialogue, and a liberal use of slang are all recognizable
elements of this fast-paced genre that emerged in the 1920’s. Dashiell
Hammett’s prose style influenced Hemingway, and Raymond Chandler was
responsible for much of the snappy dialogue that made Humphrey Bogart
famous and led to the success of film noir. In this course we will
examine some of the major pulp writers, including Hammett, James M.
Cain, Raymond Chandler, and C.S. Montayne, as well as the influence of
this style in films from the forties through the present day. Starting
with the traditional who-dunnit of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes
and Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, students will see how the modern
style and hero derived from a more formal mystery approach. The class
will work on character sketches, hard-boiled vignettes, and short
screenplays. Students will keep track of characters with a casebook and
study relevant historical background, including Prohibition and the
slang of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Students will also see how the genre has
influenced other genres, including the science fiction of Jonathan
Lethem and the comedy of Woody Allen.
SCIENCE FICTION 11 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #165a
Beyond
Earth - Do you like the possibility of studying time travel, space
travel or alien encounters? How does science fiction demonstrate
controversial ideas of the present? Science fiction can show revelations
into human conditions explored by traditional authors. While science
fiction is often associated with a distant future, it can actually tell
us more about our current situation and point us towards possible
solutions. This course begins with early ?proto-SF? by Nathanial
Hawthorne, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Edward Bellamy before launching
into the works of more standard SF writers of the 20th century: H.G.
Wells, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Philip K. Dick. In addition to
the literature of SF, we will explore the films that have made an impact
since the first adaptations of Jules Verne and Metropolis astounded
audiences at the beginning of the last century. There will be
opportunities to compose short stories and screenplays. Students will
independently read short stories and novels by an author of their
choosing and will relate it to themes of the course, discovering how the
concerns of the present day influence the literature of tomorrow.
CREATIVE WRITING 11 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #172a, 172b
Creative
Writing is designed to help students learn valuable techniques to
cultivate their own artistic voices. Students compile a portfolio of
their work and edit and revise each others' writings on a weekly basis.
In addition to providing the time to write, there is an opportunity to
polish basic English skills, sharpen awareness of nuance, and learn
manipulation of language for maximum effect. The class will also read
several selections by well-loved writers. Some of the writing
assignments may include journal writing, character sketches, interior
monologue, stream of consciousness, narrative voice, dramatic monologue,
dramatic dialogue, short stories, screenplay writing and adaptation,
poetry, children's literature and science fiction. Students should
expect to spend time writing outside of class.
AT THE MOVIES 11 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #167a
Storytelling
is basic to our lives, whether we hear stories, read stories, or watch
stories. In this course, students will examine what happens when a story
is told through the medium of film. Students will acquire a common film
vocabulary, study the history of filmmaking, and identify the steps
involved in making a film. Students will watch, discuss, research and
critique films from a variety of genres. Students will also compare and
contrast the telling of the same story in its film and original text.
COMMUNICATIONS 21 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #170b
Communications
is a basic one-semester elective open to sophomore, juniors, and
seniors. The course is designed to transform the reluctant,
self-conscious student into a more articulate, self-confident
communicator in a variety of situations. Whether we’re speaking,
writing, or communicating via technology, good communication skills are
vital to success in the 21st century. Students will engage in a variety
of speaking, listening and writing opportunities, including writing and
delivering speeches, and students will learn how technology can be used
as a tool for effective communication (text, email, blog, Skype,
Powerpoint, and social media). The fostering of effective writing
skills, positive listening skills, successful questioning, and
collaborative group discussion strategies are intrinsically embedded in
the course.
HUMANITIES 40 / 41 2.50 Credits/Semester
Course #240E, 239E
See course description under Fine and Performing Arts Listing
NOTE:
Must have English Department Head approval at the start of the course
for English credit. English credit is granted only if both semesters are
completed.