Student Registration Information for Language Arts Courses

* courses requiring departmental permission for registration

† elective credit only

English/Language Arts Courses

Eastview High School Language Arts Department

Elective Courses

Writing Courses

This course will focus on writing in a variety of modes. Assignments and activities include a research-based informal proposal, blogging, creation and use of a wiki page, podcasting, and writing for different audiences.

This course is intended for the student in interested integrating technology with classroom, business and social writing.

Writing for the Twenty-first CenturyGrades 11 & 12

Journalism &Media Studies

This course will introduce basic journalism skills and the role of the press in our society. Students will study interviewing and sports, news, feature and editorial writing. Work done by students in these areas may be published in the school newspaper, the school website and on other Internet sites. In addition, students will study the role and impact of media in today’s society and learn how technology is impacting journalism today. Grades 10-12.

Students will read, post and interact on www.eastviewnews.blogspot.com

Students will create convergent mediafor Eastview’s dynamic web page.

Who: Juniors and SeniorsWhat: This course teaches the skills of writing short fiction and poetry through practice, discussion, and sharing. Writing is a discipline, so we will write

each day.Why:You have important things to say and an important time in your life to record. We’ll offer a method

turn your ideas into the art of written expression.

Advanced Composition-grade 12 This course focuses on expository (informative) writing and emphasizes the process approach to writing. Students will actively engage in the writing process by prewriting, producing multiple drafts, giving and receiving peer and teacher feedback, revising, and producing a final product.

Advanced Comp. is excellent preparation for all seniors who plan to attend a post-secondary institution.

Students will write four formal 1-4 page papers in addition to frequent, informal journal writing.

Research Paper-Grade 12• Over the quarter you will write ONE 10-page

paper on a topic of your choosing.• The class takes you through all the steps of the

research process.• There are many deadlines. This is not a class for

students who have trouble turning work in on time.

• Most students say the paper is not difficult to write as long as you follow the steps and DO NOT FALL BEHIND.

• Excellent college-prep class.

College in the Schools CompositionUniversity of Minnesota Writing 1301

Introduction to College Composition is a semester-long, four-credit college course offered through the University of Minnesota’s College in the School Program. Students in the top 20 percent of their high school class may earn these credits. An application is required for this course.

The focus of this course is on the process of writing: forming strategies for inventing, focusing, drafting, conferencing, revising and editing.

Active participation in the writing community of this class is essential.

Reading/literature Courses

Reading Lab Having trouble with those pesky MCA-II reading tests, MAP tests, or the

reading passages on the ACT or SAT?

Do you read for your classes and not remember much of anything when you are done?

Having trouble retaining the information you read or was presented in class and end up getting low test scores?

Wishing you had an opportunity to read during the day and get some help with your comprehension skills?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, ask your English teacher if your past reading scores would qualify you for this 9 week course. Reading Lab is open to students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.

Contemporary Fiction and Nonfiction

Grades 11, 12

Promoting lifelong reading habits is the main objective of this course. Students will read, write about, and discuss a wide range of contemporary works of both fiction and non-fiction.

Students will be expected to read critically, comprehend thoroughly, and respond actively to the literature in both class discussions and written assignments.

ShakespeareWho: Juniors and Seniors who enjoyed reading Romeo and Juliet.What: Read, discuss, and watch selections

from Shakespeare’s Comedies, Tragedies, and sonnets. Learn

about his life and his theatre.

Why: Like playwrights and screenplay writers of today, Shakespeare seems to know the right mixture of elements to make a story memorable and meaningful. His plots ring true for

all time.

MYTHOLOGYA JUNIOR/SENIOR ELECTIVE

MYTHOLOGY is a quarter-long study of Classical Greek Myths, from Zeus to Apollo to Aphrodite.It is a course about learning and enjoying ancient stories but

even more so, it is a course that emphasizes the universalhuman needs that fueled the creation of these great stories.

Students study… - how cultural myths evolve. - the pantheon of the famous, not-so-famous and infamous Greek Gods and how

they came into being. - the great Greek mythological heroes, like mighty Hercules, brave Perseus, and

glory-seeking Theseus.

British Literature-grades 11 &12• We read snippets of classic British works starting in the

year 1000 and ending in the 1900s• The idea is to explore how the literature reflects the

people and ideas of England (and by extension, the U.S.) throughout history.

• Reading assignments are SHORT but require digesting…• Grade is made up of balance between quizzes and

reasonable assignments. (Even if you are not great at quizzes, you can do well on the assignments if you put effort into them).

LITERATURE & STRATEGIES FOR STUDYING –Grades 11 & 12

This one quarter class focuses on four practical Learning Goals:

1. To increase reading speed and comprehension-weekly articles-timed readings-independent reading outside of class

2. To expand vocabulary through the study of roots and prefixes-roots and prefixes

3. To provide practical tips to improve study skills-student research and presentations

4. To prepare students for the SAT/ACT tests and rigors of college-all of the above PLUS-analogies and literary terms

Advanced Placement

English Language and Composition – Grade 11All students enrolled in this course must also take AP European History.

A rigorous, college-level course for students who are independent readers and proficient in written composition. Students will study the art of rhetorical analysis - understanding how language is used.

As directed by the College Board, this course “engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.”

Each quarter students will…• Actively read one work of fiction (Hamlet, A Tale of Two Cities, Frankenstein, novel of student’s choice)

• Actively read several works of nonfiction from various periods in history (16 th century to present)

• Write at least one prepared essay (literary analysis, rhetorical analysis, argumentation)

• Write multiple timed AP essays (rhetorical analysis, argumentation, synthesis)

• Speak in both informal and formal situations

Advanced Placement Literature Grade 12

This is a semester-long course designed for seniors with special abilities in reading and analyzing literature. Students will study a selection of poems, plays, short fiction, and novels with special emphasis on the critical skills needed in college to better understand literature.

The course also prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature.

An application is required for this course.

NOTE: Summer reading is required for this course.

Speaking Courses

DebateGrades 10, 11, 12

• We learn the basics of argumentation and students participate in various forms of debate.

• Must be willing to research various social issues, write arguments, speak in front of the class, and work with others.

• This class is designed for people with no debate experience as well as those on the Debate Team.– Instructor gives students different assignments based

on previous debate experience.

To be in The 4Cast or The Flash, you must take Broadcast Journalism A and it’s strongly

recommended that you take Broadcast Journalism B.

Most students take broadcast journalism A and B as a sophomore, The 4Cast as a junior and The Flash as a senior. You can also take broadcast journalism A and B as a junior or senior.

Broadcast Journalism BBroadcast Journalism A

Students get hands-on experience to learn the basics of cameras, editing, lighting, sound, and writing scripts. Students also learn about mass media, advertising, and film production.

Students work together to create a professional video that the entire Eastview community will see. Students also get hands-on experience to learn all of the studio equipment including directing, anchoring, audio, cameras, teleprompting, graphics, floor directing and technical directing by reproducing Flash and 4Cast shows. At the conclusion of this class, students are ready to enroll in The 4Cast and The Flash.

The 4Cast: Eastview’s Daily Announcements Show

You must take Broadcast Journalism A and it’s strongly recommended that you take Broadcast

Journalism B

Most students take broadcast journalism A and B as a sophomore, The 4Cast as a junior and The Flash as a senior.

http://www.district196.org/evhs/today/evtv/4cast/

In The 4Cast, we produce a live daily announcements show that is televised in the school, on the Internet, and on local cable. Students are responsible for all aspects of the show including reporting, anchoring, directing, cameras, sound, lighting, and directing. The best aspect ofthe class is the real world experience of meeting deadlines, problem solving, and working together to create a professional product. Several Eastview alumni are studying

video production/film in college and are currently working across the country including jobs at Pixar, WCCO, KARE 11, Star Tribune, Oprah, CSI, KFAN, ESPN, 20th Century Fox, Shop NBC, and Sons of Anarchy.

The Flash: Eastview’s Live Student-Produced News Magazine Show

You must take Broadcast Journalism A and it’s strongly recommended that you take Broadcast

Journalism B

Most students take broadcast journalism A and B as a sophomore, The 4Cast as a junior and The Flash as a senior.

http://www.theflash.tv

In The Flash, we produce a live weekly news magazine show that is televised in the school, on the Internet, and on local cable. Students are responsible for all aspects of the show including reporting, anchoring, directing, cameras, sound, lighting, and directing. The best aspect of the class is the real world experience of meeting deadlines, problem solving, and working together to create a professional product.

Eastview broadcasting students have won 17 Emmy awards and several other national contests and festivals including Student Television Network National Champions, Videomaker Award, Aegis Award, Telly Award, Communicator Award, Nashville Film Festival, and the International Student Film Festival.

Tech Theatre!Get out of your desk and make something!

Who: ANY student grades 9-12.What: This is a hands-on course where you will be out of the classroom desk and up doing things. We’ll design and build scenery, learn about stage lighting and special effects, and practice using audio technology.Why: It is seriously fun! Besides, 85% of the jobs in

theatre are technical.

Acting 1Take a class that gets you

out of the classroom!

Who: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.

What: We play on stage and learn at the same time. Through a series of interactive games, you’ll learn the skills of the stage. You’ll play some games, do some scene work with a partner, and learn how easy improv is. Since this is a speaking class, we will also develop vocal skills that transfer into any public speaking experience.

Why: It is really a nice change of pace. Even if acting isn’t your thing, the course is fun ,and the skills you’ll take with you are great. You will earn English credit for this course.

Acting 2

Who: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who have taken Acting 1.

What: Ever wanted to be in a play but the audition process and long hours of rehearsal got in the way? This course will focus on the production of a play in which all class members have an equal role while it polishes the skills we developed in Acting 1.

Why: Acting 1 was fun, and you want to turn it up a bit and perform in a play. It is a speaking class that earns you one of your 16 required elective credits.

Public Speaking-grades 11 & 12

• We work on developing verbal and nonverbal communication skills necessary for various speaking situations.

• Approximately 4 speeches a quarter– Some you write, some you don’t

• Lots of FUN in-class activities designed to work on skills and build your confidence as a speaker

College in the Schools Public SpeakingOverview:

This course is designed to help students develop their oral presentation skills and strengthen their ability to organize and express their ideas successfully.

Information:• Speeches: Introductory, Award, Informative, Persuasive, Special

Occasion, Interview, Impromptu, Closing.• Length of speeches vary. Some are five minutes; one is 8 minutes.• Semester Credit-senior course• Students earn three college credits that can transfer to most

universities.• A very practical, experiential course• Builds off of skills students learned in tenth grade• Reading, writing, research, and performance are all incorporated.• Application required (see EVHS Home Page; Registration)