Course Catalog Details

Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Honors English 9, Honors English 10
Credit: 1

This course is designed to engage students in developing two critical skills: 1) becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts by a variety of authors from a variety of eras; 2) becoming skilled writers who are capable of composing for a variety of audiences and purposes. To this end, the course will focus primarily on the study of nonfiction but will occasionally turn to fiction and poetry as necessary. Students will also be encouraged to make these rhetorical choices in the development of their own nonfiction. Writing assignments will include a variety of expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. The instruction will include attention to developing and organizing ideas in clear, coherent, and persuasive language with much focus on nurturing stylistic maturity and sophistication. Students entering this course should possess a firm grasp of standard English grammar, as our concentration on language will be designed to enhance student ability to use these grammatical conventions appropriately to develop stylistic maturity. Timed in-class writing will also be assigned in preparation for the AP exam. This course is offered to juniors interested in (and qualified for) the challenges of advanced placement courses, while AP English Literature and Composition is offered during senior year. This course fulfills one credit of the state graduation requirement for writing.

Level: 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Honors English 9, Honors English 10, AP English Language and Composition
Credit: 1

This course is designed to engage students in careful reading and critical analysis of literary works written originally in English from a variety of cultures and eras. The primary focus, however, will be on literature from British and American authors from the sixteenth century to contemporary times. The course will include intensive study of representative works from various genres and eras with attention to both the literary artistry and the social and historical values these works reflect. Students will be encouraged to develop close reading skills which include attention to the following elements: the experience of literature, the interpretation of literature, and the evaluation of literature. Writing will also be an essential component of the course with assignments focusing on the critical analysis of literature, but also including a variety of expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. The instruction will include attention to developing and organizing ideas in clear, coherent, and persuasive language with much focus on nurturing stylistic maturity and sophistication. Students entering this course should possess a firm grasp of standard English grammar, as our concentration on language use will be designed to enhance student ability to use these grammatical conventions appropriately to develop stylistic maturity. Timed writing assignments will also be assigned in preparation for the AP exam. Students registering for this course should be prepared for collegiate-level assignments and homework.

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: English I with a grade of “C” or above
Credit: 0.5 per Semester

This course may be offered in a blended format.

This is a semester course designed for students who are interested in exploring various forms of creative writing: descriptive sketches, short fiction, narration, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Students will be tasked with crafting larger prose projects, a portfolio of their poetry, and various creative non-fiction pieces throughout the semester. They will also get a chance to create a multimedia project and submit their work to various writing contests. Students will also have opportunities to learn about the publishing industry, ways to combat writer's block, how to establish a writing routine, and how to build a writers group.

Level: 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Junior Composition & Literature as well as meeting placement requirements for Kishwaukee College
Credit: SHS (1) + Kishwaukee College (6)

Dual Credit Opportunity (College credit towards ENG 103 and ENG 104 class at Kishwaukee College)
There is a $50 tuition fee to be paid to Kishwaukee College each semester.
This class may be offered in a blended format.

Dual College Senior English counts for both Sycamore High School and Kishwaukee College credit. While staying on SHS’s campus, students will take Kishwaukee College’s English 103 first semester and English 104 second semester of their senior year. Unless graduating early, students are required to enroll in both semesters. The 6 credit hours earned from the successful completion of these courses (in which the student earns a C or higher) are transferable to any college or university that accepts Kishwaukee College credit.

ENG-103 Composition I
An introduction to college-level writing. This course develops awareness of the writing process; provides invention, organization and revision strategies; stresses a variety of uses for writing; and emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Students receive an introduction to the research process in preparation for ENG 104. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: C1 900

ENG-104 Composition II
A continuation of ENG 103. This course increases awareness of the writing process; provides invention, organization, and revision strategies; stresses a variety of uses for writing; emphasizes critical skills in reading and writing; and develops reasoning and argumentation skills. Research writing amounting to 2,500 words minimum is a requirement in this course. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: C1 901R

Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1

English I is a one-year, required course which empowers youth to engage life through literacy. Special emphasis is placed on reading comprehension and analysis of both fiction and nonfiction texts. In addition, students will use the writing process to practice a variety of modes while following MLA guidelines. Instruction on usage, mechanics, style, and speaking and listening is woven throughout the curriculum. 

Level: 10
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: English I
Credit: 1

English II is a one-year course which focuses on expanding the study of literature, vocabulary, and literary devices. It also includes the composition of analytical and research-based writing, as well as the review and study of usage and mechanics. Students will continue to develop an appropriate understanding of MLA guidelines.

Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: English I and English II. Instructor recommendation.
Credit: 1

English III is a junior-level, full-year course designed to prepare students in the areas of composition, research, interviewing, and business writing skills. Required writing includes, but is not limited to, analysis paragraphs, non-fiction articles, and various types of letters. Writing will include MLA and AP style citations. Students will find these skills useful in their lives after high school, and students will work on being published. Students will also develop and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of contemporary American literature and classic American literature by reading and analyzing various novels. Students will become informed consumers of various types of media such as non-fiction articles, podcasts, and educational online seminars which they will encounter in their lives after high school. This course fulfills one credit of the state graduation requirement for writing.

Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: English III
Credit: 1/2

English IV is a one-semester course designed to engage students in the processes of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in order to help them develop specific skills in preparation for college and careers, as well as to help them see these processes as lifelong, relevant, and enjoyable. Students will be asked to think critically about fiction and non-fiction literature, write creatively and analytically, express themselves through digital media, identify strategies of rhetoric and logical fallacies, and investigate and report on a controversial issue related to their top career choice. Throughout their studies, students will engage in college-preparatory research and use MLA format to present information and arguments. Vocabulary and grammar concepts are incorporated throughout the semester. 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Contingent upon student qualification
Credit: 1

The English Language Learner class is for students whose primary language is other than English. This class provides intensive reading, writing and speaking of English. The goal is to enable students to reach the age appropriate reading, writing and speaking of English.

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: English II or English III
Credit: 1/2 per Semester

Classic Movies… They give voice to our genius, our heroes, and our history. They lift our spirits, terrify us, mesmerize us, ignite us, and delight us. No other medium has spoken to us or about us more proudly or profoundly. Film As Literature is the study and comparative analysis of short and long films, including some based on both classic and modern literature. Attention is given to the historic, artistic influences of film; the strategies necessary to “read” film as a type of literature; and the public and personal responses elicited by this powerful, modern medium. Units include film history, film genres, film viewing/reading, film as an art form and the language of film.

Level: 10
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Honors English 9
Credit: 1

As a logical and sequential progression from Honors English 9, Honors English 10 is designed to build on the previous year’s English experience. This course will engage students in critical reading and both rhetorical and literary analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama. In our units, students will be encouraged to develop their analytical abilities and close reading skills. Writing will also be an essential component of this course with assignments focusing on the critical analysis of literature, while also continuing to develop creative writing (through a narrative essay) and persuasive writing with attention to MLA format for citation concerns. Vocabulary and grammar will continue to be developed through both reading and writing units. Speaking and listening skills will also be developed via small group discussions and formal presentations.. Students entering this course are expected to possess a firm grasp of standard English grammar, as the concentration on the ability to use language will be designed to enhance student writing style. The course is designed to provide an appropriate bridge to both the junior and senior level Advanced Placement courses. As such, timed writing assessments will be introduced to develop both competence and confidence in efficient writing and critical thinking skills.

Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation
Credit: 1

This course is designed to engage students in careful reading and critical analysis of literary works written originally in English from a variety of cultures and eras. The primary focus at this level will be on the epic poem, the short story genre, the Shakespearean tragedy, and the American novel. The course will include intensive study of representative works from various time periods with attention to both the literary artistry and the social/ historical values reflected in each piece. Students will be encouraged to develop close reading skills paying careful attention to the following elements: the experience of literature, the interpretation of literature, and the evaluation of literature.

Writing will also be an essential component of the course with assignments focusing on the critical analysis of literature, while also touching on descriptive writing, the personal narrative, and an introduction to the Modern Language Association (MLA) format through the completion of a formal research paper. Vocabulary development will also be stressed as a means of improving both written and spoken communication. Students entering this course are expected to possess a firm grasp of English grammar, as the concentration on language use will be designed to enhance student ability to utilize grammatical conventions appropriately. This course fulfills one credit of the state graduation requirement for writing.

Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: English I and English II with at least one semester grade of C or above
Credit: 1

This is a junior-level college preparatory course consisting of various approaches to composition and literature with additional attention to vocabulary development which is essential to both pursuits. The course will prepare students for the demands of mature academic writing which will be expected of them in their senior year and beyond. Students will solidify their understanding of grammar and usage especially as it relates to the clarity and precision of their writing. The course will focus on the nuances of writing a variety of essays, as well as stress the command of a variety of sentence structures and phrasing. Junior Composition and Literature is also designed to expose students to a wide variety of American Literature and to prepare them to analyze, discuss, and write about such literature effectively as well as to develop adequate and appropriate research skills.

Level: 10
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: English I
Credit: 1/2 per Semester

This may be offered as a Zero hour, blended course. 

The purpose of this course is to help students improve their public speaking abilities. Throughout the course, students will practice and develop various academic and real-world presentations while using technology to support these presentations. The course will also strive to develop in students an awareness of various forms of digital communication and their responsibilities when participating in an increasingly digital world. This will remain a sophomore requirement.

Level: 12
Semesters: 1 (1st Semester)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Junior Composition & Literature
Credit: 1/2 per semester

This course is designed for students who plan to pursue further education after high school and fulfill college entrance requirements. The students will have an opportunity to review the grammar of English, to read examples of good essay writing, to study writing theory, to independently study vocabulary, to think critically, to create effective essays expressing their personal opinions, to obtain teacher and student response to their writings, and to learn the steps in effective persuasive/argumentative composition. Some oral presentations may be assigned which would apply to outside nonfiction topics, and principles of style.

Level: 12
Semesters: 1 (2nd Semester)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Junior Composition & Literature
Credit: 1/2 per semester

This course is highly recommended for the college-bound student who needs to fulfill college entrance requirements. Students will read and discuss major literary works from a broad range of eras, cultures, and movements. The works chosen for the course will be ones that have influenced the development of Western culture. Many of the most important literary figures contributing to Western literature will be studied, including (but not limited to) Homer, Virgil, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Chekhov, Ibsen, and many others. Students will evaluate the technical and cultural effects of the works, exploring events and trends that influence the writer. They will also write literary essays based on close observation of the works.