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Language
Arts
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The Language Arts program is not only designed to
fulfill the New Jersey state mandate in language
arts but also to encourage students' development
and master both written and oral communication
skills. The overall goals of the Language Arts
program include the
following:
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to develop analytical, critical and
creative thinkers.
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to ensure that all students can express
their ideas in a cohesive and succinct
manner both oral and written
communication.
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to create life-long readers.
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to appreciate the literary
contributions of distinct cultures around
the world throughout history.
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to instill student awareness and
sensitivity to the cultural diversity of
our nation and the global community.
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All students are required to take four years of
a literature-based program that emphasizes the
following:
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extensive reading through a variety of
literary genres for interpretation,
analysis, and self-awareness.
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writing that adheres to application of
grammar, usage, and mechanics and that is
appropriate for different audiences and
real and varied purposes.
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research to extend student
understanding of literary insights,
authors, and cultural and historical
settings.
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development of effective oral
communication through class discussions,
group activities, and oral
presentations.
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expansion of vocabulary in the context
of reading and through a specific
vocabulary program.
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LEVELS
OF INSTRUCTION
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English
is offered on three levels:
accelerated/advanced placement,
academic, and standard. Each level
requires commitment and motivation from
the student but offers varied degrees
of in-class support and guided
practice.
In
the accelerated/advanced placement
level every student is responsible for
reading and preparing outside of the
classroom for analytical class
discussions. Therefore a significant
amount of out-of-class time is required
to maintain the range and depth of
extensive reading that the accelerated
level requires. An accelerated
student's writing ability should
reflect mastery of the fundamentals and
intricacies of grammar, usage, and
mechanics with movement toward
development of one's own unique writing
style.
The
academic level student will read the
majority of the same titles read in the
accelerated level; however, more guided
practice and in-class support will be
available to the student. Writing in a
variety of genres will enable the
academic level student to gain
proficiency in writing both in and out
of class guided by writing models
provided by the teacher and use of the
writing process as part of class
instruction.
Standard
level students will also read the same
titles as those in other levels;
however, the reading will be
accompanied by study guides and
in-class support and guided practice.
Writing topics related to literature as
well as real life writing experiences
will be produced in-class over a period
of time supported by the writing
process as part of class
instruction.
In
addition to our regular academic
program, the Achieve Your
Potential (AYP) course provides
extended support to those students who
need remediation to help them meet
state standards in reading and writing.
This is determined through evaluation
of the NJASK8, given in 8th grade, and
students' progress as indicated by
their performance on additional
standardized tests given in 9th and
10th grade and the HSPA given in the
11th grade.
Regardless
of the level, each student will
maintain a writing portfolio that will
move with the student to the next grade
until the completion of senior English.
Summer reading is required for all
students each of the four
years.
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English
I
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Grade
9
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Year:
5X
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Credits: 5
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#011
- Accelerated
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#012
- Academic
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#013
- Standard
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English I exposes students to a variety
of literary genres for interpretation,
analysis, and enjoyment. Extensive reading
and class discussion provide the
motivation for frequent expository,
narrative, and persuasive writing
assignments. Vocabulary and grammar,
integrated within the course, serve to
extend student communication. Research is
another integral part of the program.
Students are also expected to prepare oral
presentations after specific training in
public speaking. Units include the short
story, the novel, Shakespearean play,
Greek epic, poetry, and non-fiction.
Students will read a variety of classic
literary pieces as well as contemporary
stories, poems and dramas. Emphasis is
placed on the philosophical and historical
foundations of literature as well as the
individual pieces. Students are expected
to read independently beyond the titles
studied in class to extend and
compare/contrast works by genres, themes,
and/or authors. Summer reading is a
prerequisite for the course.
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English
II
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Grade
10
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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#021
- Accelerated
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#022
- Academic
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#023
- Standard
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Students study American literature from
a variety of perspectives including a
chronological examination of major
literary movements and a thematic study of
recurrent literary themes and historical
connections. Writing, vocabulary, PSAT
preparation, formal and informal public
speaking, and research are required
components of this program. A series of
timed writings in preparation for the SAT
I are included in the writing program.
Students are expected to engage in
critical reasoning as part of the writing
process, and analyzing literature to
explore authors' styles, themes,
influences, and contributions to the
American literary heritage. Additional
performance based assessments provide
students the opportunity to utilize their
learning styles to display their
interpretive skills beyond the written
page. Summer reading is a prerequisite for
the course.
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English III
AP
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Grade
11
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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Offered
as year one of a two year Advanced
Placement program, this course
concentrates on both classical and
contemporary British Literature.
Juxtaposition of authors, eras, and genres
including novels, dramas, essays, and
poems creates opportunity for in-depth
analysis of themes, philosophies, and
writing styles. Students will write in a
variety of formats including personal,
analytical, persuasive, review and
research. Summer reading is a prerequisite
for the course.
Students
in the Advanced Placement program should
be able to:
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engage in intelligent
discussion, involving active
listening and constructive
speaking.
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read on a variety of levels,
such as literal, interpretive,
and symbolic.
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accept and utilize
constructive criticism from their
teacher and their peers.
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understand and accept a
variety of answers of unresolved
questions as starting points for
further analysis of ideas in many
genres in literature.
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English
III
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Grade
11
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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#032
- Academic
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#033
- Standard
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English III concentrates on the study
of British literature. The literature
units emphasize critical analysis,
evaluation of historical and cultural
influences on literary works and
philosophies, and interpretations of
themes that cross literary eras and
writers. Some authors and eras studied
include Anglo-Saxon literature, Chaucer,
Shakespeare, Romantic Poets, Victorian
novelists, and modern writers. Additional
world masterpieces will be studied as they
relate to themes, philosophies, and
concepts of British literature. In
addition to the literary units, students
are expected to read a variety of books
outside of the class to extend themes or
to broaden the dimensions of the works
being studied in class. Students will have
frequent analytical, expository, and
creative writing opportunities. A series
of timed writings to provide support for
the SAT I are included in the writing
program. Grammatical instruction and
vocabulary will be studied in reading
context and through direct lessons.
English III students will learn the formal
research process that will emphasize
independent reading and literary
criticism. Additional performance based
assessments provide students the
opportunity to utilize their learning
styles to display their interpretative
skills beyond the written page. Summer
reading is a prerequisite for the
course.
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English -
Achieve Your Potential
(AYP)
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Grade
11
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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This remedial program is designed to
enable students to improve basic literacy
skills with an emphasis on reading and
writing. Mandated for those juniors who
must pass the New Jersey High School
Proficiency Assessment (HSPA), this course
includes students based on their state
standardized test scores from previous
Grades:, teacher recommendations and/or
Child Study Team recommendations. Students
enroll in this course in addition to their
regular English III class.
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English IV
AP
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Grade
12
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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Designed for the senior who intends to
take the Advanced Placement examination in
English Literature and Composition, this
course necessitates superior skills in
critical reading of imaginative and
discursive literature as well as
sophisticated writing skills used to
evaluate ideas, formulate sound
conclusions, and express and support these
conclusions in formal analytical essays.
Students enrolled in this course should be
capable of effective self-management to
keep up with the amount of required
reading and the rigorous workload while
contributing meaningfully to group efforts
and class discussions. The college level
literature studied includes novels,
dramas, essays, poems, and necessary
historical material organized in a
thematic World Literature program. Summer
reading is a prerequisite for the
course.
Students in the Advanced Placement
program should be able
to:
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engage in intelligent
discussion, involving active
listening and constructive
speaking.
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read on a variety of levels,
such as literal, interpretive,
and symbolic.
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accept and utilize criticism
from their teacher and their
peers.
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understand and accept a
variety of answers of unresolved
questions as starting points for
further analysis of ideas in many
genres in literature.
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English
IV
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Grade
12
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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#042
- Academic
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#043
- Standard
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During first semester English IV
focuses on world literature, encompassing
both Eastern and Western writers who have
shaped our literary heritage. Students
will use an historic and thematic approach
to study an assortment of titles that
emphasize an appreciation of the vast
contributions of a variety of cultures
throughout history. The human experience,
cultural attitudes, and global relations
will be examined through the reading and
discussion of literary genres such as
short stories, myths, poetry, drama,
essays, and novels. Outside reading will
be an integral part of the course.
Analytical, narrative, persuasive, and
expository writing, as well as oral
presentations are designed to sharpen
students' oral and written communication
skills as they prepare for college and the
workplace. Emphasis on vocabulary
comprehension and reading interpretation
in preparation for the SAT's and
assistance with the college admissions
process through the creation of a sample
college essay is an integral part of the
first semester's focus. Additional
performance based assessments will provide
students the opportunity to utilize their
learning styles to display their
interpretative skills beyond the written
page. Summer reading is a prerequisite for
the course.
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#046
- English IV Achieve Your
Potential/SRA
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Grade:
12
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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This course is designed for those
students who have failed to meet the
state's minimum proficiency level on the
reading and/or writing sections of the
High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA)
given to all students in junior year. It
will concentrate on test-taking skills,
the writing process, vocabulary
development, and reading comprehension.
Students are required to enroll in this
course in addition to their regular
English IV class.
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Those
seniors in first semester
academic or standard level
English IV must select of the
following mini-courses to
complete the English requirements
for second semester senior
English. Each course requires a
mid-term exam, a research paper,
and a final exam. In addition,
performance based assessments
will provide students the
opportunity to utilize their
varied learning styles to display
their interpretative/analytical
skills beyond the written
page.
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Description:
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#081 - The
College Portfolio:
Prerequisite: First
semester English IV
Designed to develop proficiency in a
variety of modes of writing, this
writing course is intended to replicate
the freshman college experience.
Students will maintain a portfolio of
varied writing such as expository,
argumentative, persuasive, literary
criticism, descriptive, and research
using the writing process. Short
stories and essays will be read and
used as the basis of writing topics. A
research paper is part of the
requirement for this course.
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#082 - Pens to Lens:
Prerequisite: First
semester English IV
This course will combine the mediums of
writing and cinematography by
critiquing the techniques of each in
various significant works of
literature. Students will learn
filmmaking techniques, as well as
research and write critiques for both
mediums. A research paper is part of
the requirement for this course.
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#083 - Debate and Discussion:
Prerequisite: First
semester English IV
The objectives of this course include
developing proficiency in the formal
debate format, developing articulation
and organization of ideas in a cogent
and meaningful discussion, and
presenting debates using relevant and
well researched topics from the social,
cultural, academic, and political
communities. A research paper is part
of the requirement for this course.
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#084 -
Identity and Self:
Prerequisite: First
semester English IV
This course will explore a variety of
literature that focuses on one's
individuality such as place in society,
loss of innocence, rites of passage,
coming of age, as well as significant
social issues that impact ethnicity,
race, geography, history and/or class.
A research paper is part of the
requirement for this course.
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#085 - Mystery and Detective
Fiction/Science
Fiction:
Prerequisite: First semester
English IV
This course is designed to develop
active reading skills through the genre
of mystery/detective fiction and
science fiction. Students will examine
the development of these genres in
chronological sequence. A research
paper is part of the requirement for
this course.
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#086 - The Comic Vision:
Prerequisite: First
semester English IV
The objective of this course is to
recognize and analyze the variety of
writing styles and serious themes that
compose the elements of comedy. The
chronology of humor through novels,
plays, short stories, and familiar
essays will be analyzed. A research
paper is part of the requirement for
this course.
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#087 - The Nature of
Evil:
Prerequisite: First semester
English IV
This course will examine both fiction
and non-fiction writing with the
primary theme of good versus evil.
Emphasis will include children who
commit acts of evil, and settings and
time periods that make evil acts
possible. A research paper is part of
the requirement for this course.
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Language
Arts Electives
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The
following elective courses are
offered in addition to the
required courses. Designed
to meet diverse student needs,
these courses provide credit
toward graduation, yet they DO
NOT REPLACE ENGLISH
REQUIREMENTS.
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#051 - Public Speaking
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Grades: 9-12
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Level: 0
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Sem: 5X
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Credits: 2.5
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Public Speaking is a semester course
for students who plan to enter a
profession in which the ability to speak
well is of major importance. Students
electing this course will have a greater
competence and confidence in the
preparation and delivery of oral
presentations. This course is recommended
for students planning to continue their
education at the college level.
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#053 -
Fundamentals of Acting
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Grades:
9-12
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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Fundamentals of Acting is a
one-semester course designed to help
students discover and develop their acting
ability. Students are taught the
fundamentals of blocking,
characterization, and physical agreement.
Performance of a variety of scene cuttings
with different partners is required. If a
student has ever been involved with a play
or plans to try out for one in the future,
this course should be of special
interest.
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#056 -
Advanced
Acting/Directing
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Grades:
10-12
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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Prerequisite:
A grade of "B" or better in Fundamentals
of Acting.
Advanced Acting and Directing students are
given the opportunity to perform scenes of
greater difficulty than those in the
Fundamentals of Acting course. In addition
they are assigned the responsibility of
directing Fundamentals of Acting students
in the preparation of their scene cutting
presentations.
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#057 -
Television Arts
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Grades:
9-10
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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Television
Arts is designed primarily as an
entry-level television course. Students
will learn to research, write, and present
the news as an anchorperson in a
television studio environment. Emphasis is
placed on developing effective eye contact
with the camera lens as well as projecting
"on camera" personality. Students who
receive a grade of "B" or better may elect
TV News/Broadcast Journalism the following
year.
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#058 -
Fundamentals of TV
Production
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Grades:
9-10
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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Fundamentals of TV Production is
designed as an entry level television
course. Students will have "hands on"
experience with the many components of a
functional television studio. Studio B
equipment includes: two color television
studio cameras, special effects generator
(switcher), 8 channel audio mixer,
character generator, B deck. In addition
students learn the role and responsibility
of the technical director. The class
becomes a functioning production team for
the benefit of Television Arts students.
Students who receive a "B" or better may
elect TV News/Broadcast Journalism the
following year.
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#089 - TV
News/Broadcast Journalism
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Grades:
10-12
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Level:
0
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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Prerequisite:
A grade of "B" or better in Television
Arts or Fundamentals of TV Production.
TV News/Broadcast Journalism is a full
year advanced television course. Students
become part of a functional television
studio which produces: "34 News," our
monthly newscast; "34 News Update," our
weekly newscast; and "Who's Who in Scotch
Plains-Fanwood," our interview show. All
of these programs are broadcast to the
community over SPF-ETV C34.
Students
may elect TV News/Broadcast Journalism for
more than one year as long as they
continue to receive a grade of "B" or
better. All students in the class may work
on at least two of the following three
teams: Talent team that includes anchors
and on-location reporters; Production team
which includes: Camcorder Operators, Video
Editors, Studio Camera Operators, Special
Effect Generator (Switcher) Operator,
Audio Mixer Operator, Character Generator
Operator, Technical Director; Research and
Writing Team which includes Hard News,
Arts & Entertainment and Sports
Editors, Managing Editors and Research
Assistants.
Students
in TV News/Broadcast Journalism classes
are also required to complete video labs
based on the textbook, Video Field
Production, present reports based on
articles from Videomaker Magazine,
and utilize the Internet in conducting
research.
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#074 -
Journalism I
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Grades:
9-12
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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The focal point of this course is to
learn and practice various forms of
journalistic writing for a newspaper or
magazine. It includes news, feature,
sports, editorial, and column writing.
News gathering and reporting for the story
are stressed as the ideals of a free and
responsible press are applied to the
student's writing. Emphasis is given to
learning concise, direct writing using
school events and school related topics
and issues for its subject matter. Student
writing assignments may be submitted to
the high school newspaper or local papers
for publication.
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#063 -
Journalism II
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Grades:
10-12
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Level:
0
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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Prerequisite: Journalism
I
Journalism II, offered as a full year
course, is a workshop for the production
of the monthly Fanscotian the
school newspaper. After enrolling,
students are required to be available for
a personal interview with advisor/ teacher
so staff positions can be selected
according to the student's needs,
interests, and abilities. Students
electing this course should be effective
writers with a well-developed writing
style. Staff positions offer consistent,
practical experience in reporting, news,
feature and opinion writing, management,
photojournalism, page make-up, paste-up,
design, advertising, bookkeeping and
circulation. All students will receive a
position on the staff.
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Journalism II A
For students who have had
Journalism I or II for one year, this
course's emphasis will be on further
development of writing skills,
interviewing techniques and editing
skills, as well as exposure to
advertising, photography, and layout.
Some leadership opportunities will be
available at this level.
Journalism
II B
Prerequisite: Journalism I and
Journalism II
This course is for those students who
have had two years of Journalism II or
one semester of Journalism I and one
year of Journalism II. These students
will work more independently, with more
of the responsibility for newspaper
production and instruction of other
students.
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#067 -
Photo-Journalism/ Yearbook
I
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Grades:
9-12
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5x
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Credits:
2.5
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This course stresses an integrated
approach to various phases of journalistic
production. The following skills are
emphasized: advertising, proofreading, art
work, public relations, editing, sales,
layout, thematic development, photography,
and yearbook delivery. After enrolling,
students are required to be available for
a personal interview with the
advisor/teacher so staff positions can be
selected according to the student's needs,
interests, and abilities.
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#068 -
Photo-Journalism/ Yearbook
II
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Grades:
10-12
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Level:
0
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Year:
5X
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Credits:
5
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Prerequisite:
Photo-Journalism/Yearbook I with a
passing grade of "B" or higher.
This course is open to sophomores,
juniors, and seniors who have taken
Photo-Journalism Yearbook I and maintained
a grade of "B" or higher. Students in this
course will be responsible for the
development, production, sale, and
distribution of the yearbook. Students
will continue to develop and apply skills
such as reporting, writing, editing,
photography, graphic arts, business, sales
marketing, publication laws, computers,
business software, desktop publishing, and
digital imaging. Students will also
develop life skills such as communication,
team collaboration, personnel management,
time management, and problem solving.
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#069 -
Photo-Journalism/ Yearbook
III
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Grades:
10-12
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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Prerequisite:
Photo-Journalism/Yearbook II with a
passing grade of "B" or higher.
This course will combine with the Yearbook
II class. Students in this course will act
as editors and will be responsible for
applying their skills in publication to
the publishing needs described in the
Yearbook II course description. Editors
and other staff positions will be
determined by an interview with advisors
as well as a talent survey. Students must
have advanced knowledge of Adobe In
Design.
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#072 -
Humanities
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Grades:
11-12
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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The purpose of the interdisciplinary
humanities class is to make students aware
of the differences and similarities
between the cultural groups that make up
American society and to help them accept
and celebrate these differences and
similarities. With this awareness,
students will develop their ability to
positively affect society through
acceptance and action. Emphasizing
self-discovery, self-awareness and
tolerance/acceptance, the course makes use
of many disciplines including literature,
history, psychology, sociology, drama,
music, and films. Units taught in the
course include: The Individual, Human to
Human, The Family, The Individual in
Society, and Global Awareness.
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#075 - Study
Strategies
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Grades:
9-10
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Level:
0
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Sem:
5X
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Credits:
2.5
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This course is designed for
9th and 10th grade
students who want to improve essential
study skills. The course will emphasize
strategies used for comprehensive and
inferential reading, use of graphic
organizers, test taking and note-taking.
Students examine their learning styles to
determine how to use their strengths and
minimize their weaknesses in learning and
assessment settings. Time management, an
essential planning skill, is applied to
the content of the course as a means of
modeling its application.
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#077 -
Creative Writing A
#078 - Creative Writing B
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Grades: 10-12
Grades: 10-12
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Level: 0
Level: 0
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Sem/Yr: 5X
Sem/Yr: 5X
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Credits: 2.5
Credits: 2.5
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Prerequisite:
Creative Writing A, unless a student has a
grade of "B" or higher in the preceding
year's English class
Each of these courses is designed for
students who are interested in developing
their skills in creative writing. First
semester emphasis will be on personal
narrative, poetry, short story, and essay.
Second semester offers greater emphasis to
the short story, non-traditional poetry
and play writing. Topics emphasized are
plot construction dialogue, figurative
language used for description, mood, point
of view, and character development. Much
of the class time will be devoted to the
analysis of professional models as well as
student writings. Performance poetry will
be part of the first semester requirement.
A portfolio assessment will be utilized at
the end of each semester. Students who
intend to be on the staff of Muse,
the school literary magazine, are
recommended to take this course.
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#430 -
African/American Experience
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Grades:
11-12
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Level:
0
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Yr:
5X
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Credits:
5
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This course focuses on the unique
contributions of African-Americans in
society from both an historical and
literary perspective. The African-American
Experience is viewed from historic Africa
to the present. Special emphasis is placed
on the musical, artistic and literary
achievements of African-Americans.
Students are expected to analyze
contemporary, social, economic, and
political issues of African Americans in
the United States and the world.
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