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FHS Course Information
English Department Courses
The overall goal of the English Language Arts program is to enable the student to respond in a variety of ways to the ideas in literature, starting at the personal and progressing to the universal level. This goal is achieved in the classroom by using literature that focuses on aesthetic, ethical, cultural and political issues and themes; using active learning strategies that help students integrate thinking, reading, speaking, listening and writing; and using a variety of assessment strategies.
Writing instruction focuses on the process of writing and on self discovery: connecting personal experience to the ideas and issues of literature. Speaking and listening activities are integrated into all language classes although there are opportunities to take specific class work in speech.
Students are expected to develop their abilities to read more broadly and to comprehend at higher levels, as well as to work effectively in groups. Throughout the curriculum, students are encouraged to think both creatively and critically; to express independent thinking; and to work on clarity of thought in written and oral communication.
The English program is designed in two parts: the foundation and the selective program. In order to complete the foundation program, students must take two years of writing and literature, (or a specially designed integrated program). Students are required to complete four years of English for graduation and must be enrolled in an English class during all four years of high school.
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Foundation Program Courses
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American Literature/Writing
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
This course provides rigorous and challenging experiences for the student in the areas of critical reading and thinking, effective discussion, note-taking, essay test-taking, expository writing and original research. The core of the curriculum is a chronological or thematic study of American literature, its literary periods and major writers. Outside reading focuses on broader philosophical ideas, encouraging wider reading, including classics by American authors.
(This course may be taught with an interdisciplinary link to U.S. History.)
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American Literature/Writing (Honors)
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
This course also provides rigorous and challenging experiences for the student in the areas of critical reading, critical thinking, effective discussion, note-taking, essay test-taking, expository writing and original research with a chronological or thematic study of American literature, its literary periods and major writers. Students choosing an honors approach will read more broadly while exploring several works in depth. Reflective and expository writing is integrated. Students should be able to work independently and in groups.
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British Literature/Writing
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
British Literature 'A' begins with a study of the literature of the Anglo-Saxon period, includes the Medieval and Elizabethan periods and concludes with the Jacobean and Puritan ages, a sweep that entails Britain's dramatic literature and history from 449 to 1660. British Literature 'B' is a separate semester course that deals with literature written from 1660 to today, including the Restoration and Eighteenth Century, the Romantic Age, the Victorian Age and the Twentieth Century. Speaking, extended writing and language development activities are integrated with literature studies.
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English A.P.
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Units: 10
Grades: 12
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
Through the study of more than one representative work of an author, the student observes consistency and variety in theme, language, tone, structure and symbolism within that writer's canon of works. In class discussion and through extended writing, the student is responsible for accurate reading and interpretation of literature.
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Humanities
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
This course provides opportunities for interested students to learn the relationship between literature, music, fine arts, history, philosophy, the human aspects of science and themselves as individuals and as members of a society. The course increases awareness and understanding of various levels of meaning in different branches of the humanities. Students routinely read, write extended essays and speak.
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Literature & Writing
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Units: 10
Grades: 9
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
This course integrates a study of literature with regular instruction in the writing process. Students will explore the ideas and issues of literature while improving their writing, speaking, listening, thinking and language skills. The class size average is 20 students. Materials include classical and modern American, English and international poetry and prose, fiction and nonfiction.
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World Literature/Writing
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Units: 10
Grades: 10
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: Assessment.
Using works of world literature, students will explore themes of human experience and inquiry. The literature will include recognized classics from other countries, pieces of historical nature, and contemporary multicultural stories, novels, poetry, and plays. This literature-based program will provide instruction in and experiences for students to build their listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students should be able to work independently and in teams.
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Selective Courses
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Mass Media
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Units: 10
Grades: 10-12
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U.C. Requirement: g
C.S.U. Requirement: ELEC
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Pre-requisites: Lit 1/Writ 1 and Lit 2/Writ 2.
The primary objective of the Mass Media course is to enable students to become more critical, intelligent consumers of information from oral, visual and print media. The course emphasizes the process of communication and explores the impact of the media on people in a free society, examining the responsibilities of, pressures on and controversies generated by the media.
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Mythology & Folklore/Writing
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: b
C.S.U. Requirement: ENG
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Pre-requisites: None.
This course is an introduction to classical mythology. Greek and Roman myth is emphasized, but medieval myths, as well as those of other cultures are included. The course includes an individual study of the mythology of some country or group of people. Students build vocabulary from words encountered in mythology, analyze the relationship between myths and the values of a culture and analyze the use of allusions from classical mythology in later literature. Extensive expository activities, writing and speaking experiences are integrated.
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