Departments

English and Reading
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The New Town High School English Department seeks to improve student achievement by teaching curriculum which is aligned with the Maryland Content Standards. Students will be provided opportunities for creative expression on the level of their capacities and interests and taught, through experiences with literature, the language techniques and literary forms used by accomplished writers and the significant themes that reflect the human condition. Students will learn to listen attentively and to evaluate what they hear and will develop competence in those reading skills necessary for the performance of school tasks and for the use of reading as an instrument of personal achievement, enlightenment, and enjoyment throughout life.

English 9, 10, 11, and 12 are required for graduation from New Town High School. Multiple levels of the required courses, English 9-12, are offered at New Town High School. All English elective courses count as elective graduation credits and cannot be used to fulfill the four-credit English requirement.

English 9
Standard- Ms. Dauka and Ms. Banister
Honors- Ms. Banister
The English 9 program culminates the study of literary genre initiated in middle school and provides a balanced program of reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, usage, and mechanics skills within the context of literature. Participating in a variety of integrated, student-centered, interdisciplinary activities, students learn to process information efficiently, examine ideas critically, and express themselves effectively in the real-life worlds of study, work, and leisure.

English 9 Gifted & Talented - Foundations of Western Literature- Ms. Dauka
An integrated program of literature, language, and composition, this course examines the evolution of Western artistic, literary, and cultural thought. Students are introduced to several approaches to literary criticism which they use to examine the universal themes expressed in a variety of genres and forms from both early and modern literature. Open-ended and structured writing experiences, significant research opportunities, and frequent oral/aural activities ensure the continued growth in all major skill areas.

 Language! E-F, Grade 9- Ms. Banister
Language! E-F, Grade 10- Mr. Parker
Language! E-F, Grade 11- Ms. Jones
Language! is a comprehensive reading program that integrates the skills necessary for students to become proficient readers, such as: phonemic awareness, grammar, comprehension strategies and writing skills.

English 10 - World Literature
Standard- Mr. Carney and Ms. Jones
Honors- Mr. Avara
English 10, an integrated language arts program of literature, composition, grammar, usage, and mechanics focuses on developing awareness of various world cultures as expressed through literature. The program continues developing skills in reading/interpreting, writing, listening, speaking, language, thinking, and research through the study of a variety of literary genres. Some themes/issues in this course make connections to the grade 10 world history course. This is an HSA course.

English 10 Gifted & Talented - The Theme of Identity in World Literature- Mr. Avara This is organized thematically to present the universality of the search for identity through its expression in a variety of cultures and historical time periods. The focus on literary criticism begun in GT English 9 is continued with the introduction of three new approaches and is synthesized with the study of a literary work that addresses the interplay of all the approaches. A formal research paper, frequent open-ended and structured writing experiences, and specific attention to syntactical structures, usage, and mechanics further the development of composing and language skills. This is an HSA course.

English 11 - American Literature
Standard- Ms. Evans and  Ms. Walder
Honors- Ms. Walder
Building on the awareness of the diversity of cultures and literature begun in grade 10, the grade 11 English program provides a balanced program of reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, usage, and mechanics skill development within the context of an expanded and updated canon of American literature reflecting the cultural and ethnic mosaic of American society. The themes and issues studied make direct connections to the grade 11 American history course.

English 11 Advanced Placement/Gifted and Talented English Language & Composition- Mr. Carney and Ms. Walder
AP/GT English 11 incorporates opportunities for AP English Language and Composition preparation into a rigorous English 11 program that integrates composing, interpreting, and language experiences growing out of a largely chronological study of American literature. There are opportunities for critical and analytical examination of nonfiction, rhetorical and stylistic analysis, the study of argumentation, and language study in relation to the developing American English and the individual writer’s style. Students complete a formal research paper on an American writer and the individual writer’s style. Since this course involves intensive preparation for the AP test in English Language and Composition, students are expected to take the AP test.

English 12 - British Literature
Standard- Mr. Avara and Ms. Evans
Honors- Mr. Taylor
English 12, a course built around British literature, emphasizes reading and analyzing literature; writing clear and logical compositions, including a research paper; refining grammar, usage, and mechanics skills; developing research and study skills; participating in a program of outside reading; and practicing skills needed for formal, oral presentations. Students learn to process information efficiently, examine ideas critically, and express themselves effectively as they prepare for post-graduation academic study and work.

English 12 Advanced Placement/Gifted and Talented English Literature and Composition- Mr. Taylor
This course is a multi-layered study of British literature that includes an examination of the political, social, cultural, and philosophical contexts that helped shape the dominant writers focus on the growth and development of the English language from its Anglo-Saxon roots to our modern systems of grammar. Students compose a variety of analytical and creative pieces as they continue to develop and refine their own writing style. Since this course involves intensive preparation for the AP test in English Literature and Composition, students are expected to take the AP test.

Accelerated English- Mr. Parker
This course is designed to assist these students in developing improved skills in test taking, critical reading, informative and persuasive writing, and grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Introduction to Creative Writing- Mr. Parker
This course introduces all aspects of creative writing, including poems, short stories, short plays, and essays.

Theatre Arts- Ms. Walder
This course develops an understanding of theatre arts, including activities for voice and body. It includes an introduction to aspects of the visual theatre (scenery, lighting, costumes, and make-up).

Yearbook- Mr. Carney
Yearbook develops the skills necessary to produce the school yearbook; copy writing, photography, layout, budgeting, promotion, and art design are addressed.