Back row: Tamara Gonzalez, Rhiannon Harrison, Matt Howe, Julie Hook, Michelle Johnson, Jesse Olson, Judith McCullough, Ryan Bounds, Elizabeth Fackelman
Middle row: Lisa Munoz, Janis Elli, Carol Shetler, Leslie Smith, Phyllis Eldridge, Bronwyn Meece, Amy Schramski
Front Row: Anglea Raval, Suzanne Sherck, Lindsey Abair. Not pictured: Brittney Townsley, Peg Kasa, Kevin Ong, Marge Paulen, Katina Torres
About Us
Julie Hook, PhD, Department Chairperson
Department email: jhook@blueblazers.org
Department Telephone: 574-295-4700, ask for voice mail
Reading of the ill-fated love between Romeo and Juliet, using a multimedia presentation in a speech about Persian rugs, writing an analysis of The Great Gatsby, or locating an error in pronoun-antecedent agreement illustrate typical tasks students complete in their required English classes. Many enjoy additional opportunities to participate in drama productions, create poetry or prose, produce a news magazine or yearbook, or compete in speech tournaments related to elective courses.
Description of classes...
ENGLISH
English 9B 1-2-3 #0141
Level: 9 Length: 3terms Credit: 1 credit/term
The class content will emphasize reading/comprehension skills, vocabulary skills and study skills, sentencing and paragraph composition. Two planned oral activities per semester are required. Entry by placement only.
English 9 #0161 & 0172 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Ninth grade students who take English 9 will focus on those Language Arts skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond. While teacher expectations will be as high as in other academic English classes, the pace will be slower in order to help students gain and/or improve their skills in reading and writing at grade level and to gain confidence in their ability to succeed in English. Course content will be similar to the 9A course content.
English 9A #0163 & 0174 (Core 40 &AHD)
Level: 9 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Through the integrated study of literature, composition, and oral communication, English 9 students further develop their use of language as a tool for learning and thinking and as a source of pleasure. Students practice identifying, analyzing, and composing with different elements, structures, and genres of written language.
The Composition component of language arts requires students to write for various audiences and purposes while strengthening skills in paragraph and multi-paragraph writing. These include (1) having a hierarchy of ideas such as, thesis, supporting points, and specific examples; (2) the understanding of the paragraph as a formal structure, with a topic sentence; and (3) the understanding that composition (regardless of type) is an organized message from an author to a specific, identified audience.
Oral Communication (speech) emphasizes effective listening and speaking techniques and provides opportunities for students to integrate other reading and language arts skills as they learn to express ideas verbally. Oral communication should incorporate correct grammar, usage, vocabulary, reading, and composition skills. Students will be expected to make presentations and be critical participants and listeners.
English 9 Honors #0177 & 0188 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9 Length: 2 terms
Credit: 1 credit/term
The course, Balancing Freedom and Responsibility, is available for academically gifted students to investigate the balance between freedom of choice and responsibility for one's actions. Given an in-depth exploration of selected literature, students will develop expository and creative expression as well as demonstrate formal use of the English language. Students will present original verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. Teacher recommendation and application through the prescribed selection process is required. Students who choose the 9H class must agree to remain in the class for at least the first trimester. This course is not recommended for students who do not like to read, write, or do research.
Students will be required to read a book and to complete an assignment related to it during the trimester the course is not in session.
English
English and Speech 10B 1-2-3 #0251 - 0252
Level: 10 Length: 3 terms
Credit: 1 credit/term
A reading-workshop component provides the sophomores the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills while reading young adult novels as well as short stories, plays, and poetry. Vocabulary development and comprehension skills are also included.
English 10 #0271 & 0282 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10 Length: 2 terms
Credit: 1 credit/term
Tenth grade students who take English 10 will focus on those Language Arts skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond. While teacher expectations will be as high as in other academic English classes, the pace will be slower in order to help students gain and/or improve their skills in reading and writing at grade level and to gain confidence in their ability to succeed in English. Course content will be similar to the 10 A course content.
English 10 A #0257 & 0268 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10 Length: 2 terms
Credit: 1 credit/term
Language arts instruction, as with math and other disciplines, is cumulative. Thus, English 10 reinforces and continues to make full use of many of the activities and skills of English 9. Beyond these, English 10 adds the following emphasis: (1) consideration of a given canon of literature, usually World Literature; and (2) increased focus on the self-conscious choice of comprehension and writing strategies.
The Composition component of language arts provides students with opportunities to write for various audiences and purposes. Students identify and employ various elements of good writing in well organized descriptive, expository, and narrative writings. These elements include: (1) stating and supporting a point of view or opinion, (2) using transitions effectively to relate individual points and paragraphs to each other and to the main idea, (3) creating expository essays of persuasion and literary analysis, and (4) completing technical writing assignments.
Oral Communication (speech) provides students with opportunities to develop greater facility with choosing and employing different elements of effective oral communicating responsibly, critically, and confidently on specialized topics when speaking in public; (3) creating and using technological devices in oral presentations; (4) using transitional devices effectively and using the proper style of delivery; (5) using proper social etiquette; and (6) demonstrating the various types of speeches and developing an effective personal delivery style.
The Composition component of language arts provides students with opportunities to write for various audiences and purposes. Students identify and employ various elements of good writing in well organized descriptive, expository, and narrative writings. These elements include: (1) stating and supporting a point of view or opinion, (2) using transitions effectively to relate individual points and paragraphs to each other and to the main idea, (3) creating expository essays of persuasion and literary analysis, and (4) completing technical writing assignments.
Oral Communication (speech) provides students with opportunities to develop greater facility with choosing and employing different elements of effective oral communicating responsibly, critically, and confidently on specialized topics when speaking in public; (3) creating and using technological devices in oral presentations; (4) using transitional devices effectively and using the proper style of delivery; (5) using proper social etiquette; and (6) demonstrating the various types of speeches and developing an effective personal delivery style.
Speech * #0263 (Core 40 & AHD Course)
Level: 10 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Speech provides the study of and practice in the basic principles and techniques of effective oral communication. This course includes instruction in adapting speech to different audiences and purposes. Students have opportunities to make different types of oral presentations including:
Speech (continued)
(1) viewpoint, (2) instructional, (3) demonstration, (4) informative, (5) persuasive, and (6) impromptu. Students are given opportunities to express subject matter knowledge and content through creative, analytical, and expository writing, as well as reading a variety of literary genre related to course content and speaking assignments. This course emphasizes research using technology and careful organization and preparation. Students also practice and develop critical listening skills.
* Required at the sophomore level
English 10 Honors #0277 & 0288 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
The course, Moving Toward World Citizenship, is available for the academically gifted student to examine his/her place and position as a citizen of the universe. Students will analyze and critique selected literature by various world writers and the aesthetic contributions of many artists. Students improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills using increasingly more productive, complex, abstract and higher level thinking skills. They address personal giftedness in relation to issues about universal/world citizenship including self selected topics. Students present original verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. Teacher recommendation and application through the prescribed selection process is required. This course is not recommended for students who do not like to read, write, or do research.
Students will be required to read a book and complete an assignment related to it during the trimester the course is not in session.
English 11B 1-2 #0323 & 0334
Level: 11 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is designed for those students who need special help with their reading and writing skills. At the beginning of the year, the course will focus heavily on reviewing the skills of reading diverse items, interpreting facts, organizing ideas, identifying grammar and punctuation mistakes, and writing ideas clearly and fully. During the term, students will continue to apply both reading and writing skills to literature written throughout American history as well as to materials written about important American historical events. Those activities will give students an understanding of both American writers and of the times in which they lived. Students will also do vocabulary study.
English 11 A #0381 & 0392 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Through the integrated study of literature, composition, and oral communication, English 11 students further develop their use of language as a tool for learning and thinking and as a source of pleasure. In English 11, students move from predominantly analyzing and using the elements of written language to making judgments based on those analyses. English 11 also incorporates a study of American Literature from different periods.
The Composition component of language arts provides students with opportunities to produce a variety of forms including persuasive writing, synthesis and analysis of information from a variety of sources, completing complex forms, describing procedures, giving directions, and using graphic forms to support a thesis. Two speeches will be required each trimester, as well as a required research paper.
Oral Communication (speech) continues to emphasize effective listening and speaking techniques. This includes providing opportunities for students to integrate other reading and language arts skills as they incorporate correct grammar, usage, vocabulary, reading, and composition skills while learning to express ideas verbally.
English 11 #0361 & 0372 (Core 40 Course)
Level: 11 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is designed for those students who will continue their education beyond high school. This course prepares the student with both technical and academic skills. Emphasis will be placed on practical life and personal experiences in oral, written, and visual communication skills. During both trimesters, useful communication skills will be studied in relation to the world of work. A required research paper, as well as a major oral presentation as a follow-up to it, will serve as an exit project.
English 11 Honors #0377 & 0388 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1credit/term
The course, Relating Past, Present and Future, is available for academically gifted students to explore American literature that illuminates the nature of American culture. Topics include the creation of American culture as seen in literature, cause and effect relationships in American Literature, American idealism and pragmatism (romantic and realistic literature) and literary styles. Students think critically and creatively and conduct independent inquiry and research as they consider these topics and present original verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. Must apply through a selection process.
Students will be required to read a book and complete an assignment related to it during the trimester the course is not in session.
English 12B 1-2 #0723 & 0734
Level: 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This course will review basic communication skills including reading for comprehension and writing effectively. Continued practice in grammar and usage skills will occur.
Students will also study selections from British literature as well as more contemporary writings. In addition, students will increase their vocabularies with weekly word study.
English 12 #0731 & 0742 (Core 40 Course)
Level: 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
This two-trimester, senior course offers a broad perspective of both British and World literature. Whereas the English Literature course contains specific analysis of various British authors and their works, this course will more generally focus on various periods of English and World literature.
This course will also offer more contemporary connections to the themes of British and World literature through supplement novels, short stories, and poetry.
Students will have the opportunity to respond to and reflect on the literature through a variety of writing activities, scenarios, and assignments throughout the course. In addition, this course addresses the research component through a senior research project.
Advanced Composition #0451 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Advanced composition further develops and refines writing skills introduced in other composition courses. This course provides students frequent opportunities to write for different audiences and purposes, using a process that includes: (1) prewriting, (2) drafting, (3) peer sharing, (4) revising, and (5) editing. Techniques of persuasive writing and formal argument are studied, and increased emphasis is placed on language and style. This type of course encourages students to: (1) take risks as writers, (2) choose some of their own topics for writing, and (3) publish their writing in the most appropriate formats available. Students will do presentations critiquing their own writing. Students will also read and evaluate literary samples of good writing to enhance their own writing. It is recommended that word processors be used to support writing instruction in this course.
English Literature #0461 (Core 40 & AHD )
Level: 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
English Literature provides a survey of representative literature produced by English speaking authors, including those in the British Isles as well as those in the former British colonies. This course includes the study of major British authors from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present, literary movements, and intellectual trends. These authors and their works include many of the following: (1) Beowulf, (2) Chaucer, (3) Shakespeare, (4) Donne, (5) Milton, (6) Pope, (7) Swift, (8) Austen, (9) Wordsworth, (10) Keats, (11) Mary and Percy Shelley, (12) Tennyson, (13) the Bronte sisters, (14) Joyce, (15) Yeats, and (16) Woolf. It also provides an examination of the contributions of British authors to specific literary genres, such as poetry, drama, the essay, and the novel. Writing and classroom discussion activities include opportunities for students to respond to the literature both analytically and reflectively.
Advanced Composition: ACP W131 #0453
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Advanced Composition further develops and refines writing skills introduced in other composition courses. This course provides students frequent opportunities to write for different audiences and purposes, using a process that includes: (1) prewriting, (2) drafting, (3) peer sharing, (4) revising, and (5) editing. Techniques of persuasive writing and formal argument are studied, and increased emphasis is placed on language and style. This type of course encourages students to: (1) take risks as writers, (2) choose some of their own topics for writing, and (3) publish their writing in the most appropriate formats available such as school and local newspapers, contests, and literary magazines. Students will do presentations critiquing their own writing. Students will also read and evaluate literary samples of good writing to enhance their own writing. It is recommended that word processors be used to support writing instruction in this course.
W131 is a course in critical reading, writing, and thinking with sources in which students will experience the varied range of academic writing. Students will master the skills of summary, critique, analysis, synthesis, research, and documentation. Students will also learn to adapt the writing process and apply various organization strategies to match the purpose of the individual assignment. Topics for writing will be developed from reading about and discussing literature in depth in different disciplinary fields. Students are to discuss and write about these issues and to examine the different analytical frameworks and assumptions that various authors and we ourselves bring to such conversations. (Students enrolled in W131 can earn 3 hours of credit from Indiana University.)
Genres of Literature: ACP A202 #0454 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
The course in Genres of Literature provides the study of techniques and conventions of various literary genres, such as poetry, drama, novel, short story, biography, journal and diary, and essay. The course explores the relationships between form and meaning, specifically how genre shapes our literary understanding and experience. In class discussion and presentations, as well as in writing assignments, students explore the limitations and special abilities of the different genres, ultimately building an appreciation of how genres enable and constrain the articulation of ideas.
ACP A202 Literary Interpretation emphasizes a close, thoughtful reading of representative literary texts in poetry, drama, fiction, novel (and appropriate nonfiction prose) originally written in English and drawn from a range of historical periods and countries. The course is not a survey of the literature of any country or historical period. A major goal is to develop the ability to read and write with precision, responsibility, and imagination through class discussion and the writing of several short, critical responses. These papers are to be developed entirely from students' own careful reading and analysis. Close reading of a few selected texts, rather than wide coverage, is encouraged. Students will be expected to use and distinguish among a variety of approaches to literary interpretation, both through the use of literary tropes and various critical frames, as appropriate to each work. (Students enrolled in A202 can earn 3 hours of credit from Indiana University.)
English Language and Comp Honors/AP
#0477 & 0488 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1credit/term
English language and composition, Advanced Placement or College Credit, is a title covering any of these courses: (1) a course which follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines for advanced placement English, (2) any English course offered for credit by an accredited post-secondary institution through an adjunct agreement with a secondary school, or (3) any other post-secondary English course offered for dual credit under the provisions of 511 IAC 22-10.1-22.2-2.6. Writing assignments will be frequent, including weekly in-class essays and periodic research papers. Students will also be expected to participate fully in class discussions and make presentations. Students use technological resources both in researching and in producing their papers.
Prerequisites: English 9, English 10, and English 11 or equivalent courses (English 12 could be incorporated into the AP course).
The course, Illuminating the Human Mind, is available for academically gifted students to investigate and react to literature that affects or expresses human experience. In addition to a major creative project, students will thoroughly study and present ideas discovered concerning the following myth, mysticism, futurism; historical , religious and philosophical perceptions of reality; major speeches and writings effecting human events; and aesthetics common to humanities disciplines. Students present their findings and perceptions in oral and written works as well as in media and the visual and performing arts. Writing assignments will be frequent, including weekly in-class essays and periodic research papers. Students make use of technological resources both in researching and in producing their papers. This is a course which follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines for advanced placement English; students prepare for and can write the AP Exam.
English Electives
Advanced Speech #0521 (Core 40 and AHD)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
This course is for students going into vocations requiring a
speaking background. All aspects of public speaking will be studied, as well as debate and oral interpretation. Students involved in competitive speech activities will benefit especially in this survey course of speaking events.
Creative Writing #0770 (Core 40 and AHD)
Level: 11, 12 * Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Creative writing provides students with ample opportunities to combine literary creativity with the discipline of written discourse. The concept of the manipulation of language to convey ideas, feelings, moods, and visual images is the basis of the course. Students become familiar with standard literary elements through the reading and study of published prose and poetry and are taught to use those elements in their own writing and the writing of others in a peer sharing component. In this peer sharing component, students receive specific training in providing constructive, substantive feedback, while role playing as likely readers of each creative work. Representative models of literary excellence may also be studied.
*Prerequisite: 11th & 12th grade or consent of teacher.
Theatre Arts #0513 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit
Instruction in this course enables students to: (1) improvise and write plays or scenes; (2) imaginatively express thoughts, feelings, moods, and characters; and (3) apply techniques involving voice, gesture, facial expression, and body movement to reproduce the subtleties of language and voice inflection in conveying emotion and meaning. Students are introduced to warm-up activities for body and voice, including mime activities. Students develop skills enabling them to speak clearly and expressively with: (1) appropriate articulation, (2) pronunciation, (3) volume, (4) stress, (5) rate, (6) pitch, (7) inflection, and (8) intonation. Using knowledge gained through the study of technical theatre and scripts, students focus on solving the problems faced by actors, directors, and technicians. They also refine their abilities to collaborate on performances, and they learn to constructively evaluate their own and others' efforts.
Study also includes activities from a variety of historical and cultural contexts Students develop critical thinking skills through studying examples of theatre criticism followed by analyzing and evaluating live performances. Career opportunities in the theatre arts are also explored.
Technical Theatre #0511 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Technical Theatre instruction combines the theories of design and stage craft with the construction and operation of the various elements of technical theatre. Students are provided with opportunities to: (1) develop stage craft skills; (2) learn various techniques in scenery, lighting, sound, properties, costumes, and makeup; (3) practice theatre safety; and (4) learn effective stage management, business plans, and promotional techniques. Students are made aware of career opportunities in technical theatre. They also continue to analyze and evaluate scripts and live theatre performances so that they learn to determine appropriate technical requirements for a variety of theatrical works.
Prerequisite: Beginning Theatre
Theatre Production #0518 (Core & AHD)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Instruction in Theatre Production is a co-curricular laboratory for the exploration, development, and synthesis of all of the elements of theatre. Practical hands-on experiences in acting, directing, and stage craft are provided through the preparation and public performances of one or more plays. The production of a play supplements the Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre courses which concentrate on theories, information, and techniques, by providing for the integration and implementation of those ideas and skills. Although the course may meet during a regularly scheduled class period, the scope of activities may require additional time. Consequently, the course may meet for a lengthened class period or outside of the school-day hours. This course does not necessarily have to meet every day for an entire semester, as long as the total instruction time is at least equivalent to a regular semester course. Specific time requirements greater than 250 minutes per week should be presented to students prior to enrollment.
Prerequisite: Either Theatre Arts or Technical Theatre
Advanced Theatre Arts #0516 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Instruction in this course builds upon the skills developed in the Theatre Arts course
Activities enable students to:
* improvise dialogue which produces characterizations in a variety of settings and forms;
* identify the physical, social, and psychological dimensions and qualities of characters in texts of plays;
* create consistent characters from a variety of theatrical works, either in class or in informal productions, demonstrating effective management of emotions as an individual and as a character;
* construct personal meanings from a variety of performances, including the self-evaluation of personal work, which leads to further development of various skills and abilities;
* write scripts for theatre, film, or television, in both traditional and new forms;
* demonstrate analytical skills by explaining roles, comparing various forms of artistic expression and interpretation, and discussing their relationship to cultural values and historical contexts;
* understand the interrelationships among the functions of playwrights, directors, actors, designers, producers, and technicians;
* refine interpersonal and collaborative skills by identifying and resolving conflicts effectively; and
* explore the historical tradition and the repertoire of the theatre.
This course also allows students to expand upon their ability to make artistic decisions and evaluations by discussing and critiquing live performances. Examination of career opportunities includes instruction in the auditioning and interviewing processes
Journalism #0541
Level: *9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Students with strong writing skills will learn techniques of journalistic writing, reporting, advertising , sales and desktop publishing. The department's MacLab will be utilized. The course is especially useful for those who wish to work on the yearbook or the newsmagazine.
Prerequisite: English 9A with grade of "B" or better.
Some Keyboarding experience. Class size limit - 16
*Prerequisite 9th Grade: Participation in 8th English Pep plus 1st term 9th English with grade of "B" or better.
Student Production: Yearbook #0545
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 3 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Students will learn the fundamentals of writing, design and layout through producing the school’s yearbook in the department’s MacLab. Every aspect of production from initial concept through final sales and delivery is stressed. Due to the importance of meeting yearbook deadlines on time, extra work, in addition to the regular class hour, will be required. Students with a strong background in writing, photography, or graphic design are encouraged to enroll in the course. May be repeated with consent of the instructor. Seniors are not eligible to be first-time yearbook participants due to training requirements.
Prerequisite: Journalism with a "C" or better, or Photography and Design 1` and 2 with a "B" or better, or Photography and Design 1 and 2 with a "B" or better. Must apply to the instructor first. Class limit: 16
Student Production: Magazine #0543
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 3 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Members of the class will publish the school's news using the department's MacLab. Outside class work will be required by all staff members to meet newspaper deadlines. Students with strong writing, advertising skills, and/or photography skills are encouraged to enroll. Students will be required to work in all phases of news production including advertising sales. (May be repeated with the permission of the instructor.)
Prerequisite: Journalism with a "C" or better, or Photography and Design 1 and 2 with a "B" or better. Must apply to the instructor first. Class limit - 16.
Library Media:Digital Media I, II, III, IV, V* and VI*
(Individual Study) #0651
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Digital Media Level I -- For the academically inclined student who wishes to increase his/her knowledge of digital media. Emphasis is on the usage of multimedia, video and the computer for making presentations...great tool for college! Selected computer applications will be studied and included as part of multimedia presentations, professional web/multimedia applications like Go Live and the Final Cut Pro video-editing suite will be available as an option. Community business members will jury final project. Students will also help produce the schools' television show. Keyboarding skills are helpful. Available only as individual study and with permission of the instructor, Mr. Valentijn
Digital Media II -- For the academically inclined student with an interest in digital communications, marketing, sales and general presentations. Students will study digital communications for business, industry and professional web/multimedia applications like Go Live and the Final Cut Pro video-editing suite. Community business members will jury final project. All students are required to work on projects outside of class. Will also help produce the schools' morning television show. Some skills learned are: production techniques, directing, writing scripts, electronic editing, storyboarding, planning, organization and operation of equipment. Keyboarding skills are helpful. Available only as individual study and with permission of the instructor, Mr. Valentijn Prerequisite: Digital Media I
Digital Media III & IV -- For the academically inclined student who is wishing to increase production skills needed in digital communications, web design and multimedia. They will continue to utilize professional web/multimedia applications like Go Live and the Final Cut Pro video-editing suite. We will also help produce the schools' television show. All students are required to work on projects outside of class. Emphasis is placed on communication utilizing the web, electronic news gathering and electronic field production, along with editing. Keyboarding skills are helpful. Available only as individual study and with permission of the instructor, Mr. Valentijn.
Prerequisite: Digital Media II
Digital Media V & VI — available by special arrangement.
