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James Hillhouse High
School
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Program of Studies Art |
ENGLISH
The English Department at Hillhouse High School aims to raise skill levels for students in grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, SAT prep, critical thinking, computer literacy, journalism and public speaking. This allows for the competitive edge our students need in the ever-changing world of work and high education. This challenge sees itself met through the department’s commitment to providing varied opportunities for each student to learn and excel at his/her pace, interest, or ability. A comprehensive focus within the English Department maintains traditional practices and contemporary practices to keep abreast of the times. These practices include the Summer Reading Program supported by the Annual Spring Book Fair, an expansion of reading selections in harmony with the current emphasis on tolerance and diversity, and a conscious decision to provide more multi-cultural selections for library and classroom use. CAPT criteria, skills style and rubric use are taught directly and infused throughout the curriculum. There is specific focus on complete CAPT practice tests including Editing, Reading for Information and Response to Literature. Practical hands on activities highlight writing revision, development and holistic, collaborative scoring. In addition to enriching their lives through reading, the department encourages students to take advantage of attending live dramatic performances at local theatres. Students who are interested in acting or public performance may participate in Hillhouse’s annual dramatic reading. Creative writing students are afforded the opportunity to submit original essays, articles, stories, and artwork to the school’s publications. Students are instructed to engage in the writing process in all aspects of department life and are given many opportunities to enter writing competitions.
Macy Honors English 9 Grade 9 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: Grade of B or above in English, and / or teacher recommendations. Students must also be in the Macy Program. Description: Students will read and critique a variety of literature including fiction (short stories, poetry, novels) and non-fiction (essays, biographies). They will identify how varying points of view and other devices used by authors affect a piece of text. They will build an effective means of communication both oral and written. They will write responses to literature which reflect interpretation of text, connections and the development of a critical stance. Students will implement the strategies of the Connecticut Writing Project and complete a series of assignments to be collected in a portfolio. Reading skills will be emphasized and reviews of at least two novels per quarter outside of the classroom will be required.
Macy College English 9 Grade 9 1 Credit and College English 9 Level: 2 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: 8th Grade English Description: Students will explore and respond to a variety of literature including fiction (short stories, poetry, novels) and non-fiction (essays, biographies). They will identify varying points of view and build effective means of communication both oral and written. They will work toward proficiency in writing an initial response to literature, interpreting text, making connections and developing a critical stance. Students will implement the strategies of the Connecticut Writing Project and complete a series of assignments to be collected in a portfolio. Reading skills will be emphasized and reviews of at least one novel or book per quarter outside of the classroom will be required.
Basic English 9 Grade 9 1 Credit Level: 3 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: 8th Grade English Description: Students will explore and respond to a variety of literature including fiction (short stories, poetry, novels) and non-fiction (essays, biographies). They will recognize the value of varying points of view and will build effective means of communication both oral and written. They will work toward proficiency in forming an initial response to literature, interpreting text, making connections and developing a critical stance. Students will implement the strategies of the Connecticut Writing Project and complete a series of assignments to be collected in a portfolio. The improvement of reading skills will be stressed and reviews of at least one novel or book per quarter outside of the classroom will be required.
Honors English 10 Grade 10 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: A grade of “B” or above in English, and/or teacher recommendations. Description: Each marking period students explore different literary theme, for example this urban experience, the rural Deep South experience, or the New England experience. Students read, discuss, and write about novels, poem, plays, short stories, and non-fiction selections concerning the marking period’s theme. Also, students write original poems, stories, and essays relating to the theme. Assignments are designed to improve students’ CAPT scores on the response to literature, editing, and reading for information sections. The course also adheres to New Haven Board of Education polices regarding homework, research papers, and outside reading.
College English 10 Grade 10 1 Credit Level: 2 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: English 9 Description: Students will read and analyze nonfiction, drama, novels, poetry and other fiction with a special emphasis on the short story form in preparation for the CAPT exam in March. Each student is expected to improve the fluency of their writing by practicing many different styles, structures, and forms, building out of daily journal use. In addition, students will complete oral presentations, participate in peer discussions and workshops, utilize technology, and review the rules of grammar to better align their language use with the standards of proper English.
Basic English 10 Grade 10 1 Credit Level: 3 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: English 9 Description: Students will read and analyze nonfiction, drama, novels, poetry and other fiction with a special emphasis on the short story form in preparation for the CAPT exam in March. Each student is expected to improve the fluency of their writing by practicing many different styles, structures, and forms, building out of daily journal use. In addition, students will complete oral presentations, participate in peer discussions and workshops, utilize technology, and review the rules of grammar to better align their language use with the standards of proper English. This course provides additional support through modifications and pacing adjustment to better accommodate student needs.
Advanced Placement Language and Composition Grade 11 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: Teacher’s recommendation and successful completion of AP Language and composition summer reading assignment. Description: In this Advanced Placement class students explore how writers use language; they develop skills in reading, analysis, and composition; and they prepare for AP Language and Composition exam. The course focuses on rhetorical devices and strategies. Students learn to identify rhetorical devices and strategies and then assess their effectiveness. Students learn to write cogent, detailed essays that analyze literary rhetorical and stylistic devices of selected short passages. Students also learn about literary devices and strategies through various creative writing assignments. Students enrolling in this class must display a willingness to engage actively with sophisticated ideas, and a willingness to accept a demanding workload.
Honors English 11 Grade 11 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: A grade of “B” or above in English, and/or teacher recommendations. Description: The major texts for this course will be from an Anthology of American Literature, canonical novels (i.e. The Scarlet Letter, Fahrenheit 451, Ethan Frome), canonical plays (i.e. The Crucible, Hamlet), modernist and contemporary poets (i.e. Billy Collins, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Def Poetry Jam), plus non-fiction and essays complimenting the particular units. Students will, in accordance with the New Haven Board of Education policy, have homework each night; plus, as an honors course, reading will be assigned on weekends and as independent projects. Journals, meticulous notes, proper classroom demeanor and strict attendance are part of the learning/grading process.
College English 11 Grade 11 1 Credit Level: 2 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: English 9, 10 Description: Themes in American Literature Representative writings from American Literature including fiction and non-fiction.. Selections are taken from the Early Colonial period up to and including modern American authors. A focus on drama can be added to the main curriculum objectives, such as Hamlet and the Crucible. More elaborate essays in response to literature are required. Vocabulary and critical thinking are stressed for the SAT. Additional reading is required. In accordance with New Haven Board of Education policy, homework will be assigned daily, the writing process utilized, the improvement of reading skills stressed, and reviews of at least one novel per quarter required.
Basic English 11 Grade 11 1 Credit Level: 3 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: English 9, 10 Description: Themes in American Literature This course covers famous American writers from colonial times to the present. An emphasis is placed on the most well-known works. Students read related works for each major period and they also do a research paper about an American author. In accordance with the New Haven Board of Education policy, homework will be assigned daily, the writing process utilized, the improvement of reading skills stressed, and reviews of at least one novel per quarter required.
Advanced Placement English Grade 12 1 Credit (Literature and Composition) Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: 11th Grade Honors English, AP English Language and Composition or Teacher’s Recommendation Description: This Advanced Placement English course in literature and composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. The final goal of the course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement course exam in May. The exam is a three-hour assessment covering a full-year introductory college course that provides successful students with the opportunity to gain credit or automatically enroll in advanced level English courses in their first year of college. Throughout the year, students will complete a wide variety of reading from the sixteenth to twenty-first centuries to rehearse analytical skills critical for achievement on the exam and in college literature courses. Enrolling students should expect a small class size, close supervision of progress by the instructor, and reading assignments sometimes exceeding two hundred pages per week.
Honors English 12 Grade 12 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: A grade of A or B or above in English and / or teacher recommendation Description: Students will explore a wide variety of nonfiction, fiction, drama and poetry based on a survey of British Literature from 449 AD to modern day. Emphasized reading skills will include strategies to deconstruct figurative language, purpose and relevance to modern topics. Each student is expected to improve the fluency and correctness of their writing by practicing many different styles, structures and forms, building out of daily journal use. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on skills involving technology, public speaking and group work.
College English 12 Grade 12 1 Credit Level: 2 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: English 9, 10 & 11 Description: College English 12 includes a review of the use of portfolio standards. All writings are saved to monitor progress and students continue to build their portfolio as suggested by Writer’s Craft. Regular writing conferences are scheduled with the teacher. Students periodically make journal entries and are assigned a series of essays in a variety of modes. A major term paper on a literary topic is assigned. In their writings, students are asked to focus on the use of sentence variety including the use of compound-complex sentences and textual support. Major literary works studied include Beowulf, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales and Macbeth. English poetry will also be read and studied in detail. Students will read independently and write a book report on one work of fiction each marking period. In accordance with New Haven Board of Education policy, homework will be assigned daily, the writing process utilized and the improvement of reading skills stressed.
Basic English 12 Grade 12 1 Credit Level 3 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: English 9, 10, 11 Description: Basic English 12 includes a survey of English Literature selections from Beowulf to the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century horror genre novelists. In these units, students review the literary elements of poetry, the short story, the novel, and drama. Students are required to write a Senior Essay for their counselors in the first marking period for their post-high school college, training program, or financial aide applications. Students also register to take the S.A.T. through this class. Students engage in career preparation through a research unit in their anticipated career area. Students engage in a variety of writings which reinforce the use of the writing process for their Writing Portfolio credit. Students also practice editing and revision skills in daily warm-up exercises. During each marking period, students are responsible for an independent reading project for which a book report is required.
Title: CAPT Prep Grade: 9th ¼ Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: 8 weeks Prerequisite: 8th Grade Description: The English Section of the CAPT Course incorporates released CAPT materials as well as specifically designed instructional materials that cover the Response to Literature and Editing portions of the CAPT. This course allows students to overview test procedures and requirements as outlined by the state. Students will have the opportunity to engage in mock tests, hands-on analysis, review and implementation of the major response dimensions, step by step in-depth literary explication as well as editing practice. Students participate in Literature Circles, “Student centered reading groups” that focus on the CAPT dimensions. Special attention is given to literary interpretation and response, test-taking strategies, time frames and rubrics. Students will participate in test simulations. Other assignments include Editing work, peer analysis, reading for information and literary discussions. Although a “preparatory” class for CAPT; the concept of literature response is stressed and along with the volume of writing this immersion into literary analysis gives the students confidence for the CAPT, as well as a sense of personal accomplishment.
Macy Language Arts Grade 9 ½ Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: ½ SemesterPrerequisite: Macy College and Honor students Description: Macy Language Arts is an English enrichment course offered to 9th grade Macy students which alternates with a science-math component in the second semester. It focuses on critical thinking, CAPT preparation and creative writing skills. Students prepare debates and develop writing skills. Critical analysis of elements in the short story and novel are reinforced. The origins of myths of various cultures are investigated. In accordance with New Haven Board of Education policy, homework will be assigned daily, the writing process utilized and the improvement of reading skills stressed.
Literacy Enrichment Grade 10 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: Student selection is based on scores derived from the STAR test that is administered to all ninth graders along with teacher recommendations. Description: This grade 10 course is designed to reinforce word analysis skills and develop vocabulary and comprehension skills through authentic literature with emphasis on CAPT related writing. Students spend time reading, responding, and discussing texts in literature circles. Students apply these skills to independent reading books as well. Class size is limited to approximately 15 students per group.
Macy Ethno-literature Grade 10 1/2 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Half Year Prerequisite: Honors English 9; Macy Program (½ year English, ½ year History). Description: The text in this Honor elective English-based course will be about kin, community, and the individual within the family unit. The major text used throughout the semester is Memory of Kin by Mary Helen Washington. This anthology contains poetry, prose, essays, and brief biographies of major African-American writers: Alice Walker, Ernest Gaines, Ethridge Knight, and James Baldwin to name a few. Students will begin with kin and clan ancestry, move to sibling relationships, next to family dynamics, next the importance of “naming” practices, next the role of fairy tales in establishing cultural mores, and finally the role of “nature versus nurture” in shaping identity. In accordance with the New Haven Board of Education policy, homework will be assigned daily; also, the reading and writing response logs will be kept to strengthen and enhance standard academic English skills.
READ 180 Grade 10 1 Credit Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: Student selection is based on scores derived from the STAR test that is administered to all ninth graders along with teacher recommendations. Description: Read 180 is an intensive reading intervention program designed to improve word analysis skills and develop vocabulary and comprehension skills through direct instruction, computerized instruction and authentic literature that give students access to age-appropriate stories. CAPT related writing skills for responding to literature and reading for information are applied in the daily writing activities. Class size is limited to approximately 12 students per group.
African Genesis Grade 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: An interest in studying the continent of Africa for an entire year. Description: This course is designed to give the student an overall knowledge of the continent as well as detailed information on specific countries. The course begins with geography and a brief look at colonialism. Next, students review the countries of Africa and become an “expert” for the class through web and library research. Students learn through current event articles, movies, theatre productions, guest speakers, museum tours, and text sources. Students produce murals, posters, poems, essays, and give oral presentations on countries, animal and sea life, and the peoples of Africa. The focus of this course is to “demystify” the “dark” continent; any information is connected to conditions in the United States, joining the continents in function and purpose, rather than separating them.
Creative Writing Grade 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Level: 1 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: A grade of “B” or above in English, and/or teacher recommendations. Description: This elective course is designed to give students the time, tools, and freedom to complete individual projects, as well as work on group assignments. The major texts of the unit are DEF Jam Performance, essays from Writers on Writing, short stories that students will use as models (i.e. Jamaica Kincaid, Alice Walker), well-known poets (i.e. Ethridge Knight, Langston Hughes, Jessica Care Moore, Maya Angelou), and “new” poets on the current market. Students will be expected to complete a short story, a play, a series of poems, and to share these works in small group and whole-class forums.
Eco-Lit Grades 10, 11, 12 1 CreditLevel: 2 Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: Interest in Ecology Description: The student’s purpose in this course is to explore his/her place in the world in relation to nature. Through a multi-faceted exploration of literature relating to ecology and the environment, as well as primary sources and authorities, students will work independently and together to form a view of ecology’s place in their , communities, and world. Though literature will be the focus of the course, students will also synthesize information from hands on experience and other learning opportunities to develop a well rounded view.
Journalism Grade 11, 12 1 Credit Level: Length of Course: Full Year Prerequisite: None Description: This elective course analyzes the modern American Media, introduces journalism theory, and reviews writing structures in journalism. Students will apply reading, writing and oral communication skills to research and write news articles for the Hillhouse Sentinel newspaper.
SAT Review Grade(s): 10, 11, 12 ½ Credit Elective Course Length of Course: SemesterLevel: 2 Prerequisite: None Description: Students will be introduced to the purpose, content and scoring of the SAT, through sample practices. Students will differentiate between short term and long term preparation for the test. Also, they will learn specific techniques for relaxation and self-control during testing. Students will practice test taking strategies for each section of the test. In accordance with New Haven Board of Education policy, homework will be assigned daily, the writing process utilized and improvement of reading skills stressed.
Writing Workshop Grades: 10, 11, 12 ½ Credit Level: 2 Length of Course: SemesterPrerequisite: None Description: This elective is for college bound students who would like to develop their writing skills. The course focuses on “creative” writing, primarily poetry. Through weekly writing assignments, students learn about and revise the nuts and bolts of writing, including figurative language, sound devices, rhythm, and imagery, as well as grammar and mechanics. This course also adheres to the New Haven Board of Education policies regarding homework and outside reading.
English Language Learning (ELL)
ESL I Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will increase language proficiency in the following areas: listening, speaking and pronunciation, and reading and writing for English language learner (ELL) students from the pre-production through the speech emergency stages. The focus of this course is conversational English, stressing listening comprehension and conversation, reading, vocabulary, and literacy development. This course requires two meeting periods daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
NNS I Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will increase language proficiency in the following areas: listening, speaking and pronunciation, and reading and writing for English language learner (ELL) students from the pre-production through the speech emergency stages. The focus of this course is conversational English, stressing listening comprehension and conversation, oral presentation, writing, grammar and literacy development. This course requires two meeting periods daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
ESL II Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will increase will increase language proficiency in the following areas: listening, speaking and pronunciation, and reading and writing for English language learner (ELL) students at the speech emergency through the intermediate fluency stages. This course is a continuation of NNS I, focusing on reading, vocabulary (including roots), language structure, literacy development and CAPT preparation. This course requires two meeting periods daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
NNS II Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will increase will increase language proficiency in the following areas: listening, speaking and pronunciation, reading and writing for English language learner (ELL) students at the speech emergency through the intermediate fluency stages. This course is a continuation of NNS I, focusing on grammar, oral presentation, language structure, literacy development and writing. This course requires two meeting periods daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
NNS III Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will increase English language learners (ELL) students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking and pronunciation, and listening. They will also develop and test-taking and study skills related to CAPT preparation. The students will practice listening and speaking through group discussions. This course requires two meeting periods daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
ESL IV Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will increase English language learners (ELL) students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking and pronunciation, and listening. It is designed to increase English language learner (ELL) students’ skills in reading and writing across curriculum areas. A major focus of this course is preparation for the CAPT and SAT examinations. There is a strong focus on reading and writing in the content areas and on multicultural literature. This course meets for one period daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
Study Skills Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: This course will reinforce skills learned in beginning and intermediate English language learner (ELL) students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students will be provided with additional support and practice for their ESL, NNS and content areas courses through group work, individual and peer tutoring. Students will also explore American customs, culture, traditions and holidays. This course meets for one period daily and counts as part of the English requirement for graduation.
NNS United History I Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Credit Length of course: full year Description: United States History I for English language learner (ELL) students is a multicultural history survey course that examines themes and issues involving citizenship, social interactions, and political developments in the United States from the colonization period to the mid-1800s. This course is especially designed to help prepare ELL students for work in U.S. history and geography. In the course, emphasis is placed on writing, reading, speaking and thinking skills. Skills are emphasized through the use of handouts, graphic organizers, books, graphs and charts. Students also spend time on report writing. This course meets for one period daily and counts as part of the history requirement for graduation.
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