Hudson High School

 Summer reading and writing are required. Movement to a regular English 10 class MAY NOT occur until the end of the first quarter.

Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed $35.00.

ENGLISH 11
(Full year, 1 credit)

This full year course emphasizes reading, analysis, oral communication, and writing. The class involves a survey of American literature, both fiction and non-fiction, from its earliest beginnings with Native Americans, foreign explorers, and African slaves to the most significant work of nineteenth and twentieth century authors. Readings have included short stories from Poe and Hawthorne, as well as excerpts from Walden and the novels The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye. In addition to the literature component, the course also emphasizes research paper and essay writing, speech strategies, vocabulary study, and drama appreciation.

Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks; not to exceed $35.00.

AP ENGLISH: LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION
(Full year, 1 AP credit)
Available to both juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: A consistent “B” average in English classes and a recommendation from the students’ English teacher is also advised.

AP Language and Composition is a full-year, one credit hour course that is available to juniors who are interested advanced studies in English and the art of writing. It will “emphasize expository, analytical and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication, as well as personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing within any context […]. The end goal is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity in order to communicate effectively with mature readers. Students are encouraged to place their emphasis on content, purpose, and audience [and…] will be assisted and encouraged to use mechanics, grammar, and vocabulary in a sophisticated manner, thus reflecting the link between the use of these conventions and their own writing style. Through this they will become aware of how stylistic effects are achieved by a writer’s linguistic choices.”

The course focuses on nonfiction and is taught during the same year that students would be receiving American Literature in the college preparatory track. Although the course is not based solely in American works, it will help students to develop an understanding of the American experience, in both a historical and contemporary sense, and how that has contributed to an American voice in writing.

Students considering the course should be willing to be actively involved in the class, enjoy reading, and have a strong desire to improve their writing. Accelerated English 9 and 10 are recommended but not required.

Summer reading is required. Students enrolled in this class are required to take the AP exam in May.

Fees: AP Exam, $87; Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed $75.00


AP ENGLISH: LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
(Full year, 1 AP credit)
AP Literature and Composition is available to both juniors and seniors; students who particularly enjoy fiction are encouraged to sign up.

The AP English course is designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literary fiction, drama, and poetry, while providing students the opportunity to earn college credit. College credit is earned with a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam. Through the close reading of selected contemporary and classic texts, students deepen their understanding of how author-choice, form, style, techniques, syntax, and diction express theme, tone, and message. Students will also explore their/the reader’s responsibilities in meaning-making. Students considering the course should be willing to be actively involved in the class, enjoy reading, and have a strong desire to improve their writing.
Summer reading and writing are required. Movement to a regular English 11/12 class MAY NOT occur until the end of the first quarter. Students enrolled in this class are required to take the AP in May.

Fees: AP Exam, $87; Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed $75.00

CLASSICS TO CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
(1 semester, ½ credit, Grade 12)

“A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say” (Italo Calvino). Focusing on thematic units including love, death, and morality, students will explore the complexities of humanity through classic and contemporary literature. Students will select from a variety of units based on both teacher and student interest. Writing assignments will range from self-reflection and literary analysis to creative pieces. Monty Python and Douglas Adams aren’t the only who know the meaning of life. This course is required for seniors taking semester courses.

Fee: Students purchase paperbacks not to exceed $30

JOURNALISM 1 NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION
(1 semester, ½ credit, Grade 10-12)

Students learn journalism history, law and ethics, as well as how to write for the media. Select articles will be considered for publication in The Explorer newspaper.

Sophomores and juniors successfully completing Journalism I Newspaper Production would be eligible to take Newspaper Journalism II Newspaper Production and/or Broadcast Journalism the following year.

JOURNALISM 2 NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION
(Full year, 1 credit, Grades 11-12)
Prerequisite: Journalism 1 Newspaper Production

Junior and seniors learn editing and page design skills, serve as editors, and brainstorm ideas to write and publish six issues of The Explorer newspaper. Students will learn how to use the publishing program, Adobe InDesign, and how to design paper layouts during their first quarter. Students are required to solicit advertising to support the paper. Some after-school time will be required to help meet deadlines during productions periods.


ADVANCED JOURNALISM NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION
(Full year, 1 credit, Grade 12)
Prerequisite: Newspaper Production

These seniors learn advanced editing and page design skills, serve as editors, and brainstorm ideas to write and publish six issues of The Explorers newspaper, in conjunction with the journalism II class. Students are required to solicit advertising to support the paper. Some after-school time also will be required to help meet deadlines during production periods.


SCIENCE FICTION
(1 semester, ½ credit, Grades 10-12)

What if the government manufactured people on assembly lines like automobiles? What if the humans of the future split into two different races? What if the military genetically engineered genius children to fight an alien race? Science fiction is the speculative genre that explores limitless possibilities and is often based on current events. Major works include The Time Machine and Brave New World, and a choice novel unit. Writing consists of literary analysis, a short story, and various writing responses. So if you really want to understand the ending of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, science fiction is the class for you.

Fee: Students purchase paperbacks not to exceed $35.00

DRAMA AS LITERATURE
(Semester, ½ credit, Grades 10-12)

This course, supporting the common core standards, is designed to enhance student understanding of dramatic literature. Students will read works and their analysis with a critical lens, with specific focus on higher level thinking and writing. Students will engage in intensive analysis in plot, characterization, style, tone, and other literary devices through writing and class discussions. Readings include, but not limited to Oedipus, a Shakespearean comedy or tragedy, Chekhov plays, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and a play by either Wilder, O’Neill or Williams. Assessments include literary analysis, persuasion essays, personal responses, Socratic seminars, and technology-based presentations.

Does not meet NCAA Clearinghouse status
Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed $35.00.





SENIOR LITERATURE
(Semester, ½ credit, Grades 10-12)

Are you someone who loves to read? Do you have a book (or several) you’ve been wanting to read but just haven’t had the time? Then Senior Literature is the perfect course for you. This semester course is designed to promote a love of reading, student voice, and student choice through reading and discussion of all types of literature chosen specifically by the individual student or class. Genres could include, but are not limited to, contemporary literature, graphic novels, science fiction, memoir, fantasy, NY Times bestseller, and young adult literature. The course will teach students how to choose books they will enjoy and be challenged by, how to collaborate with their peers, how to discuss literature, and how to connect and share the books they’ve enjoyed through written and verbal responses. Senior Literature will also help students master the reading skills expected by colleges and universities. Join us, and be prepared to rekindle your love of reading.

Does not meet NCAA Clearinghouse status
Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed $35.00.

SPEECH
(1 semester, ½ credit, Grades 11-12)
This course provides an opportunity for students to enhance their writing and speaking skills through a variety of activities. Students learn to research, organize and write speeches using logic, reasoning and effective language. Activities are designed to enhance skills in delivery through performances of informative and persuasive speeches, formal and informal debates, group discussion, parliamentary procedure, and the oral interpretation of speeches and dramatic literature.

HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOCIETY
(Single period, 1 semester, ½ credit, Grades 10-12)

Human Rights in Society is a junior/senior semester elective which focuses on twentieth century works that deal with issues of social justice. We will examine the social, historical, and political context in which these pieces take place in order to gain a full understanding of the writers’ struggle to understand their identity in the face of adversity. This is not necessarily a course about racism, sexism, or classism, but we will address these issues in order to learn more about ourselves individually and collectively as members of a democratic society. Topics of interest will be explored through daily discussion and debate, research, and reflective writing. Students will study how the above issues are displayed through the context of art, video, essays and memoirs, and the primary texts include but are not limited to A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah, The Color of Water, James McBride, and The Other Wes Moore, Wes Moore.

Fee: Student will purchase paperbacks not to exceed $25.00

SERVICE LEARNING
(3 consecutive periods per day for full year, 3 credits; 1 English; 1 Social Studies; 1 for Service Learning, Grade 12)
Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation, and interview.

Service Learning is a unique course that combines the disciplines of Social Studies and English with application in service to the community. Three-days a week, Service Learning offers students selections from classical and contemporary literature that focus on the nature of humankind and society, the human condition, the philosophical basis of American government, and participatory citizenship. The course additionally focuses on the contemporary issues of discussions, and debates. The other two days a week students are engaged in meaningful human-centered service at a community agency. It is through this agency that students receive a “hands-on” experience of what the academic component has been focusing on through in-depth research projects and real world experience. Finally, in this class, students have the rare opportunity to develop collegial relationships with diverse professionals that further enhance their personal and educational development.

Fee: Students purchase paperbacks not to exceed $15

NEW DIMENSIONS
(Full year, 2 Honors-level Credits; 1 English, 1 Social Studies, Grade 12)
Prerequisite: Evaluation of student application, Interview.

New Dimensions is a rigorous, interdisciplinary Humanities course that consists of psychology, philosophy, anthropology and sociology. This selective program, taught by Social Studies and English faculty, is composed of seniors chosen through application/interview. The intense coursework stresses critical thinking and debate, primary research, and the attendance of cultural events; students earn Social Studies and an English credit.

One quarter of the school year is dedicated to studying each of the following disciplines: psychology, philosophy, anthropology and sociology. Corresponding literature and writing components complement each discipline. This intense course is student-centered with a strong emphasis on discussion, debate, critical thinking skills and research. The class meets for a double period daily, or 100 minutes.

Under the guidance of an advisor, students will complete an extensive, 40-50 page research paper over a period of four months on a controversial issue of his/her choice. Students conduct both primary and secondary research.

Students are required to attend a minimum of three cultural events per quarter. These cultural events consist of experiences outside of Hudson such as attending plays and lectures or touring museums. The culminating cultural event is a weeklong educational class trip to New York City.
Students who wish to apply for New Dimensions are evaluated first by the Hudson High School staff members. Students are then evaluated by the New Dimensions team and are selected following an interview. The faculty feedback and interview help determine the student’s maturity, integrity and academic curiosity to participate in a challenging discussion and research-based course.

Fee: Students purchase paperbacks not to exceed $30
The student is responsible for the cost of the NYC trip (travel, hotel & meals).

ACTIVE LITERACY
(1 semester, ½ credit, Grade 9)

This course is required for students in ninth grade and any other new students to the high school whose Ohio Achievement Reading Test and/or teacher recommendation indicates that they would benefit from additional reading strategies, focusing on increasing comprehension in all subject areas.

ELL-ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING
(Full year, 0 credit, Grades 9-12)

English Language Learning is a tutorial course designed for the student with limited English proficiency. Students work on skills that are essential for learning new language and culture. The main purpose of this full-year course is to increase the student’s success in other content area classes. Students are identified based on need.

 

ASSISTANCE IN ENGLISH
• Writing Lab (next to the library in C202): The Writing Lab is open every period of the day, with additional times before and after school. English teachers are available to provide assistance and resources for students with writing in any academic area, as well as college essays.
• Academic Resource Center (room A106) ARC is staffed with volunteers during the school day and for after school tutoring every day except Friday. Check with the ARC staff for times and availability of volunteers.