Langford Area School District 45-5 2013
English/Literature/Speech/Reading Course
Descriptions
British Literature-Required for seniors, this class focuses on the study of British literature.
Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the drama read in this class. Charles Dickens and Victorian England are
studied as students read A Christmas Carol. Writing, including research and descriptive, is also practiced.
Completion of vocabulary units helps prepare the learner to use context clues and synonyms and
antonyms to define words. The second semester focuses mainly on post-secondary planning (career
research, college prep), and students work on building a cover letter, resume, and reference sheet.
Students select guest speakers who share information about their careers to the class. Other writing
activities include letters of complaint, thank yous, and job applications.
American Literature- Required for juniors, this class focuses on American literature.
Literary
selections date back from Native American origin myths and historical documents to current pieces. The
Crucible is read as a drama and explored in historical context. Students also complete an extensive unit
of grammar which they implement into various writing activities. Research writing is explored.
Vocabulary is also completed. At the end of the second semester, students read The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn and complete a project based on the story.
Speech/Literature of a Genre- Required for all sophomores, this class is split between two
semesters. The first semester focuses on Public Speaking/Speech. Students learn not only how the
communication process works but also how to outline, prepare, and present numerous speeches. From
settling stage fright to creating notecards and visual aids, the goal is to see each student grow as a
speaker and become more confident in his or her skills. Speeches included are informative, persuasive,
demonstration, career, decade, business proposal, and impromptu, just to name a few. The second
semester of this class is focused on literature and writing. Students read several selections of literature
from around the world. Students also hone in on their writing skills and produce various pieces of
writing. Vocabulary is also completed. At the end of the second semester, students read To Kill a
Mockingbird and complete a project about the story.
English Literature-English Literature, required for all freshmen, focuses on literature and grammar.
Several selections are covered including short stories, poetry, and drama. Students in this class study
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and complete projects based on the play. An extensive study of
grammar is also taught and practiced. Students complete vocabulary as well as various writing activities.
At the end of the second semester, students read The Giver and complete projects based on the story.
Scope magazine, a literary magazine for students, is also used.
Langford Area School District 45-5 2013
English/Literature/Speech/Reading Course
Descriptions
8th English-Eighth graders spend the year learning about the different parts of speech and how they
work together to create fluent sentences. Students also work on their writing skills by completing
various writing activities.
8th Reading-Eighth graders spend one semester reading various genres of literature including
poetry, short stories, folk tales, and legends. The class also spends time reading The Diary of Anne Frank
and completing a project about the concentration camps. Each month Scope magazine is used to
incorporate literature that is aligned to the common core standards.
7th Reading-Seventh graders spend one semester reading various genres of literature including
poetry, short stories, folk tales, and legends. Students read A Christmas Carol, written as a play in the
textbook. Each month Scope magazine is used to incorporate literature that is aligned to the common
core standards.
7th Language Arts –This is a year-long required course for all 7th grade students.
The focus will be
on the improvement in five areas: grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking and listening, and
communicating in our informational age.