Central Bucks High School students are required to take four credits of English during grades 9-12. The required sequence of courses provides students with instruction in each basic area of language arts: reading, composition, literature, and oral communication.
All seniors must take a one-credit course, English 12: The Modern World or Advanced Placement English Literature. For students with a special interest in English and communications, enrichment electives are recommended rather than the acceleration of course sequence.
The honors program is for college-bound students applying to colleges designated as most competitive, especially if students are planning to major in English, communications, or law. Students in the most rigorous program should also consider electives such as SAT preparation.
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Contemporary World Literature (18 weeks, 1 credit)
Honors (0210), Standard (0220), and Basic (0240)
English 12: Contemporary World Literature is a language arts and communications skills course which integrates literature study with oral communications, composition, and research skills. Students will study modern world literature (post World War II) to expand their global perspectives. The course begins with the essential question, "How can we use literature to help us live in the modern world where we are constantly separated by cultural differences but also united by our common humanity?" Students will study the four literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama) to refine their understanding of literary elements, to appreciate literary craft, and to analyze literature. Students will refine their oral communications skills in informative, persuasive, and oral interpretive language by researching topics and then writing and delivering formal speeches. They will receive coaching and feedback to improve their effectiveness as speakers. Students will refine their writing skills with instruction in informative writing, literary analysis, and persuasive writing, focusing on the skills of thesis development and support.
AP English Literature and Composition - 27 weeks, 1.5 credits - (0200)
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Examination. Acceptable scores on this annual exam can result in credit and/or advanced placement status at many of the nation's colleges.
Students learn how to read literature perceptively and how to express responses to it. Students will study a representative sampling of works from several genres and literary periods. Students learn to respond to language with increasing sensitivity and discrimination. |