Reading Philosophy of the English Department
The English Department believes that all students at Presque Isle High School should be given opportunities in reading to do the following:
- apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate and appreciate what they read
- read materials representative of various eras and genres, and read for a number of purposes: literary, educational, informational and recreational
- expand understanding of cultures, past and present, to enrich the quality of their lives
- develop the capability to think critically
- exercise the imagination to inspire and promote involvement in the creative process
- reflect upon and understand personal values and the values of others
- inculcate personal responsibility and involved citizenry
- make reflective choices and develop a capacity for independent work in order to provide a framework for education in high school and beyond
Writing Philosophy of the English Department
We believe that all students at Presque Isle High School should be given opportunities in writing to do the following:
- write and assume responsibility to shape their writing with individual voices
- demonstrate accomplishment and/or development in writing by means of composing with sufficient time to think, plan, draft, rewrite and edit
- receive response from readers (peers, teachers, others) intended to help them improve as writers
- use language to explore their understanding through writing developed from the curriculum
- engage in writing opportunities which provide stages of development from the simpler to the more abstract cognitive work
- adjust their use of spoken, written and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes
- employ a wide range of strategies and sources as they gather, evaluate and synthesize data to communicate their discoveries
- be informed of the focus and purpose of the assessments
- participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative and critical members of the literary community
English Department Faculty
Fran
Barter
Department Chairperson
(CP English
IV, Honors English III, IV,
Public Speaking)
 Jennifer Bourassa (CP English II, AP English Comp., Play Production) |
 Pat Cole (Dir. Study English I-IV, Creative Writing, Honors English II) |
 Sylvia Fox (Foundations of English I, CP English III, Publications) |
 Julie Powers (Foundations of English II & III, English II, CP English II) |
 Mary Trainer (CP English I & IV, English IV) |
 Pam Willette (English I & IV, CP English I) |
 Marcie Young (English III, College English III, Honors English I) |
English Course Descriptions
Only one credit in English per year is permitted toward fulfilling the four-credit English graduation requirement. However, a student may enroll in a second English course if she/he is enrolling for make-up purposes. Making up a failed English course will take priority over the next level course in scheduling. Students may not enroll in a junior-level English course until their ninth-grade English credit has been earned, nor may they enroll in senior-level English until their sophomore-level English credit has been earned.
ADVANCED ENGLISH LITERATURE (1 CREDIT) Grades 11 & 12
This college level course is offered to students who have successfully completed CP or Honors English II or III and who are seeking a challenging English program that will strengthen their critical analysis skills and reading and writing abilities. Students can expect intensive reading from texts of literary merit, concentrating on the ways authors use language (structure, style, themes, figurative language, etc). Texts will include selections from fiction and non-fiction genres, including expository writing, memoirs, poetry, drama, as well as comics and graphic stories. This course meets the requirements for the third or fourth-year English required credit, or it may be taken as a junior or senior elective course.
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (1 CREDIT) Grade 11 & 12
AP English Language and Composition is intended to teach students the rhetorical analysis and writing skills necessary in an introductory college composition course. The focus of the reading is non-fiction, although some fiction work is also required. Primarily, this is a composition course and the emphasis is on writing essays similar to those expected in most college courses. This course meets the requirements for the third or fourth-year English required credit, or it may be taken as a junior or senior elective course. Admission to the course also requires the successful completion of summer work.
CP ENGLISH I (1 Credit)
CP English I gives students a strong foundation in the language arts. This course is divided into thematic units designed to encourage development of critical thinking skills. Course work emphasizes literary genres, literary devices, speaking skills, study skills, library skills, vocabulary, expository writing and a review of grammar, mechanics, and usage.
CP ENGLISH II (1 Credit)
CP English II concentrates on improving reading and writing skills. Both classic and contemporary literature includes the study of the American short story, drama, poetry, nonfiction, and the novel. Writing skills include mechanics of grammar, types of expository writing, and creative writing. Writing assignments originate from designated thematic units.
CP ENGLISH III (1 Credit)
Emphasis is placed upon further development of skills in critical analysis and in written communication including English usage, vocabulary development, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Literature is approached thematically and draws from all genres and cultures. Students should expect to spend considerable time on reading and writing assignments and be prepared for class discussion. Mechanics and vocabulary are approached through written and oral communication. Long range assignments and projects are an integral supplement to daily activities. A goal is for students to know themselves as learners and to view themselves as readers and writers for a lifetime. Special care is devoted to development of thinking skills.
CP ENGLISH IV (1 Credit)
This course is an integration of vocabulary enrichment, grammar review, writing experience, and literary study surveying the development of all genres and cultures. Important to the course is student participation in discussions and writing on the universal literary themes revealed in the works studied. A term paper is assigned. Students are encouraged to see themselves as an integral part of the world and to evaluate themselves as learner, reader, and writer in the global picture.
CREATIVE WRITING (1/2 Credit) Grades 11, 12
This semester-long elective course is designed to give students who are interested in creative writing the opportunity to strengthen their skills. The writing focus for this semester will be on creative writing including, but not limited to, poetry, short stories, and dialogues. Emphasis is placed on the writing process. Peer editing is an integral part of the writing process; therefore, students must be willing to share their writing with classmates.
DIRECTED STUDY ENGLISH I, II, III, & IV (1 Credit Each)
Directed Study English is designed to meet individual reading and writing needs of students. Students will work independently or in small groups on mutually agreed upon literature and language activities. The teacher will serve as a facilitator to help students choose appropriate and challenging areas of study, which will expand students’ use of language and appreciation of literature.
ENGLISH I (1 Credit)
English I is designed to provide for a greater enjoyment of reading by allowing the student to select periodicals and novels that appeal to them. Work in several skills such as communication in the work place, following and giving directions, using problem-solving strategies, and technical writing will be an integral part of the course.
ENGLISH II (1 Credit)
English II is offered to students who plan to enter vocational training or future employment and focuses on fundamental skills in reading, mechanics of writing and vocabulary enrichment. Specific emphasis is placed on contemporary American literature and on expository and creative writing that relate to a variety of thematic units.
ENGLISH III (1 Credit)
English III is designed to aid the student who plans to enter vocational training or employment. Therefore, emphasis is placed on practical application of all aspects of employment. Special attention is placed on improvement of skills in written expression. Spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills are emphasized through written and oral communication, as well as through the literature studied. Some sections operate on a part time directed independent enrichment basis, which allows the student to know himself/herself as learner, writer, and reader.
ENGLISH IV (1 Credit)
The students enrolled in English IV develop communication skills, reading skills, and vocabulary enrichment. Emphasis is placed on all genres of literature. Students become involved in varied discussions and group work. They also are assigned individual and group projects. Some groups function on a directed independent enrichment basis.
FOUNDATIONS OF ENGLISH I, II, AND III (1 Credit Each)
This program provides a study of various thematic units with an emphasis on reading, writing, research, and critical thinking. In addition to numerous group activities, classroom time is provided each week for students to pursue an individualized reading program. To pique student interest in learning and to provide students with a degree of success, the curricular units include opportunities for students to employ their vocational and artistic talents, in addition to developing their literacy.
MEDIA LITERACY (1/2 Credit) Grades 10, 11
Prerequisite: 1 credit of Grade 9 English. This course is designed for non-college bound tenth grade students. It is an elective course that explores the relationship between the media (TV, film, magazines, newspapers, Internet) and the individual. Through discussion and analysis students apply critical thinking to the media they use every day. There is an emphasis on the persuasive techniques used in media and the evolution of media in American society. This course partially meets the state’s Fine Arts requirement.
PLAY PRODUCTION (1/2 Credit) Grades 9-12
Play Production is an elective course in which all aspects of drama – acting, directing, choosing and casting the play, rehearsal procedures, technical personnel, scenery design and construction, properties, costumes, and makeup – will be covered. Students are involved in monologues and improvisation. The practical application of this learning will be demonstrated through a student-directed stage play presented before a live audience. The workshop will be held in the classroom and on the stage. Class is limited to 20 students. This course partially meets the state’s Fine Arts requirement.
PUBLICATIONS (1 Credit) Grades 9--12
Publications is designed for a limited number of students interested in communication. Students will learn interviewing techniques for writing editorials, feature stories and sports coverage. Staff photographers will be responsible for taking pictures of school events and for the development and enlargement of prints being used for publication. Students will have an opportunity to use a computer for writing copy and learning editing techniques such as proofreading and page make-up. The publications class will be responsible for publishing The Ship, PIHS’s annual yearbook, assisting with school news supplied to the local newspaper, and helping with publications within the English Department. Students wishing to enroll in this course must have the permission of the teacher. As a rule, seniors are not considered for this course if they have not successfully completed Publications in a previous year.
PUBLIC SPEAKING (1/2 Credit) Grades 9-12
This is an elective course for students in grades ten, eleven, and twelve. It is designed to develop self-confidence and physical and mental poise when speaking before varied audiences and for a variety of purposes. It offers extensive practice in a wide variety of practical speech experiences involving logical thinking, systematic organizing, and effective delivery. This course partially meets the state’s Fine Arts requirement.
HONORS ENGLISH
Enrollment in Honors English courses is subject to previous academic performance, test scores, and teacher recommendations. Enrollment is open each year. Students must maintain a high level of performance to continue in this program.
HONORS ENGLISH I (1 Credit)
This course for honors English students is designed to promote excellence in the areas of the writing process, literature, oral communications, vocabulary, beginning research and critical thinking, and study skills. Individual and group projects are an integral part of the program. Where applicable, students will be prepared to assume responsibility for leading class discussions and for taking an active role in peer critique writing. The process for both formal and informal research and writing will be emphasis.
HONORS ENGLISH II (1 Credit)
This course is designed to challenge honors students in the areas of composition, literature, critical thinking, vocabulary, speech, and research. A humanities approach will be used in the students’ study of literature. Substantial class time will be spent on the following: small group and whole class discussion, evaluation of authors’ writings, evaluation of students’ own writings, students’ presentations of their research findings, and students’ presentations of creative projects done in conjunction with various units of study.
HONORS ENGLISH III (1 Credit)
By the junior level, the honors students are able to enjoy their intellectual abilities and to trust themselves to make judgements and connections. They will work at a faster pace than other divisions because they can grasp concepts with less instruction and fewer examples. Since they need to practice this higher level thinking, they will do a review survey of literary trends throughout the world from the ancient Greeks to the present. Throughout the course they will be encouraged to improve their writing as well as their thinking skills.
HONORS ENGLISH IV (1 Credit)
This course for the honor student is intended to challenge students by emphasizing the development of abilities to read and write with independence, to approach research with objectivity, to heighten conceptualization skills, to consider their studies holistically and to view themselves as citizens of the world. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are emphasized; many assignments are long range and independent. Where appropriate, students have the responsibility to pursue course studies in the direction of their individual interests and to present to the class.
For additional information on courses and graduation requirements,
please refer to the PIHS Program of Studies handbook.
Maine
School Administrative District No. 1
Last updated October 14, 2008