The English curriculum at Village Glen High School strives for student proficiency in speaking and listening, reading and analyzing, writing, and conducting research. Literature is selected for its excellence and also for its appeal to students. Classroom activities help students understand and appreciate the elements of literature so that they may incorporate these elements into their own writing.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

English 9, 1 year English credit
The ninth grade year lays the foundation for students' reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. The Writing Process, including grammar and vocabulary, is emphasized. Students read from various genres including fiction, non-fiction, novel excerpts, poetry, speeches, and informational texts. The course also introduces research methods in writing.

English 10, 1 year English credit, prerequisite English 9
Tenth grade students learn more sophisticated means of critical thought, written expression, and research skills. Students continue in their exploration of various genres of literature, refine correct usage of grammar and punctuation, continue building vocabulary skills, improve comprehension and analysis of literary works, and synthesize knowledge into both the written and spoken word. Students expand their understanding of the more nuanced elements of literature, including satire, irony, and tone.

English 11, 1 year English credit, prerequisite English 10
The purpose of this course is to provide a balanced language arts experience centered on the recurrent themes and genres in United States history and to teach students how to respond to literature using a variety of well-organized and coherent types of writing. The two-semester course focuses on American Literature during the first semester which is designed to improve reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills through the study of American literature and thought from the 17th and 18th centuries to the mid-20th century. Students explore the writings of notable American authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Contemporary Composition, which is offered during the second semester of the course, focuses on developing control in expository writing, moving toward precision in personal narrative, descriptive writing, and refining research skills. Grammar, mechanics, and usage are covered within the context of writing assignments.

English 12, 1 year English credit, prerequisite English 11
The major purpose of this course is to provide experience in writing that is characterized by logical, coherent organization, clarity of expression, and suitability in style, usage, and the conventions of writing. The two-semester course focuses on Expository Composition during the first semester, and on Modern Dramatic Literature during the seond. The student is required to read closely (essays, biographies, critiques, and news and magazine articles) for literal and implied meaning and to demonstrate, through speech and writing, an understanding of the text. Although emphasis is on exposition and the essential skills of editing, the course provides practice in other domains of writing.
 
Public Speaking/Debate, 1 year elective credit
This course helps students understand the process of communication involved in everyday life. Students strive to become articulate communicators by practicing various types of speeches. Students are exposed to lessons on how communication affects our lives, the process of communication, listening skills, interpersonal communication, building confidence, structuring speeches, choosing effective language, media studies, speech delivery, speaking to inform and persuade, along with impromptu, extemporaneous, and debate speaking.

* Honors English courses (9-12):
 Honors English courses (Pace) are offered at all levels and proceed through the material at an accelerated pace. Vocabulary development for standardized tests (ACT, SAT) is emphasized. Additionally, students in honors English courses are expected to supplement their learning by reading additional literature at home and to further their writing proficiency by completing additional and more advanced written assignments. Students are also expected to actively participate in class-wide discussions and debates that incorporate higher level analysis and critical thinking skills.