Fairmont Education Group

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ENGLISH The primary goal of the English Department is to help students develop their reading, writing and speaking skills in order to become effective communicators while cultivating an appreciation for literature. Students are encouraged to be original, creative, analytical and critical in their written work depending upon the assignment. Writing and reading assignments become increasingly complex as students progress. Critical thinking, oral presentations, independent research and group discussions are integral parts of this program at every level of instruction. Ultimately, students are trained to analyze literature and comprehend literary criticism, placing the works they study in their social, cultural and historical context. 1006A: English I* 1010A: Writing Seminar I 5 credits per semester Required per placement testing Grade level: 9th 1006C: English III* 1010C: Writing Seminar III 5 credits per semester Required per placement testing Grade level: 11th English I and the Writing Seminar I period explore the literary genres of the novel, drama, short story and poetry and aim to build language and writing skills. Areas of focus are: reading to comprehend, fluency of written expression, structure of the essay and accurate uses of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Students are introduced to a variety of literary works and writing styles and develop oral and written skills in their study of the basic elements of literature. This course includes an additional period dedicated to English Enrichment. English III and the Writing Seminar III period explore American literature and provide students with a breadth of understanding of the genres of the novel, drama, short story and poetry. Literary appreciation and essay writing skills are refined and students are expected to write multi-paragraph essays. Oral assessment is also an integral part of this course. 1006B: English II* 1010B: Writing Seminar II 5 credits per semester Required per placement testing Grade level: 10th 1006D: English IV 1010D: Writing Seminar IV 5 credits per semester Prerequisite: English III Grade level: 12th The English IV and Writing Seminar IV is a writingoriented, yearlong seminar on a non-traditional literary medium. Seminars may focus on film as literature, theater and drama, visual art and literature, philosophy and literature, television studies, or other UC-approved courses. The class gives ELL students a chance to experience a seminar-style, topic-oriented classroom experience and to broaden students��� minds about what literary and cultural analysis is. The course is writing-intensive and focuses on how to prepare students for college-level writing. This course and the Writing Seminar II period develop and extend the skills highlighted in English I. Grammar and syntax are refined as students gain confidence in the writing process and fluency of expression. Areas of focus include: exposure to the literary genres of the novel, drama, short story and poetry and review of the writing process and writing styles. FAIRMONT PREPARATORY ACADEMY 6

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