English Department

English Language Arts at the sixth grade level consists of five major areas of study. These areas are vocabulary, literature, grammar, composition and spelling. Because these areas often overlap they are seldom taught in isolation. For example, weekly vocabulary words come directly from the weekly literature story or novel the students are currently reading. Grammar lessons are combined with follow up composition/speaking activities reinforcing the link between the newly learned grammar rule and written and oral expression. Spelling words, though tested in isolation, are often used in a written assignment. Cooperative learning is also a major component to this course, allowing students to constructively critique their own and each others’ writings. Composition activities are an important part of our language arts course, allowing students to reflect and summarize. A variety of creative book report formats are used at the completion of each of the novels read during the year. Whenever possible these book reports are displayed so the students may learn from each others’ work. Literature circles and guided reading activities are used to expand and enhance the students' understanding and appreciation of the novels and the various literature stories we read and discuss throughout the year. Technology, study skills, library research, and the creative arts are all infused in the components of this course.

Seventh grade English is a course that works on improving student's fundamentals in vocabulary, grammar, literature, and composition. Within the material of the course, a student will expand his/her vocabulary, write freely in journals as well as on assigned topics, diagram eight parts of speech, identify subject compliments, and phrases, apply a variety of reading strategies to construct and extend meaning, and memorize a literary work and declaim it to feel comfortable speaking in front of others. All types of writing are taught including narrative, expository, creative, drama, and research writing.

The eighth grade English course employs a variety of anthology selections to acquaint students with their rich literary heritage. Novels are interspersed throughout the year to increase students' understanding, and thereby enjoyment of literature. In grammar, the course polishes the skills established in grades 5 7. The use of a creative writing journal is continued, and opportunities for extended expository papers, group projects, and individual library research is presented. Organizational skills are reinforced through the keeping of a well organized notebook and vocabulary cards.

The goals of AP English Language and composition are to develop students' skill at reading complex texts from a variety of disciplines and time periods, as well as to develop their skill in writing expository, analytical, and persuasive essays. Ultimately, this course will prepare students for the kind of writing and reading expected on the AP exam and on college assignments. In this course, students will learn to analyze and write with an understanding of "the elements of rhetoric" which make for effective communication. With this understanding of rhetoric, students will improve their ability to create appropriate messages, whether visual or written, that are adapted to specific audiences in specific contexts.

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam and to introduce them to the rigors of a college level lit class. This course focuses heavily on reading and students' ability to thoroughly analyze and appreciate a wide range of texts. The reading load is substantial, and students are expected to come to class each day having completed the assigned readings.  Students will respond to readings during class discussions as well as through numerous writing assignments, including in class essays. These writing assignments will require thoughtful word choice, style, proper mechanics, organization, and quality content. The writing skills taught in this class will prepare students for the AP exam and for college level writing assignments.

This activities based course emphasizes the practice of effective communication skills in public speaking and interview settings. Students will study the nature of human communication in these contexts and then practice effective communication through practical assignments such as informative, persuasive, and ceremonial speeches, mock job interviews, and presentations using technology. While this course will focus on practice and refinement of communication skills, it will also heighten students' understanding of the strategies that contribute to effective communication.

This course is for the student who is interested in writing for personal enjoyment. Using a variety of sub‑genres within creative writing, students will explore the writing process. By the close of the semester, they will have created a broad portfolio of short stories, poems, plays, and creative non‑fiction, a collection that demonstrates their growth as writers.

English I combines a review of the principles of grammar and composition with an introduction to various literary genre. It is the students’ first step in guided independent learning. The program includes vocabulary building, writing with an emphasis on the paragraph, short essay, and the research paper. A study of grammar and its correct usage are highly stressed. Students are highly exposed to journal writing, speaking opportunities and challenging vocabulary in preparation for the PSAT and the SAT. Organizational skills are highly encouraged through the keeping of a well organized notebook and the making of vocabulary cards to aid the student in his mastery of the vocabulary.

The scope and sequence of the course segments into four integrated and cooperative sections: vocabulary, grammar, rhetoric & composition, and literature. During the first semester, we examine American writing to 1860 with particular emphasis on colonial writing, writing of the American Revolution and the American Enlightenment, Romantic writing, and Transcendentalist writing. In the second semester we shift our focus to American writing from 1860 to the present time. Our primary concerns in that context include American Realism—including local color and regional writing, Naturalism, Modernism, Beat writing, ethnic writing, and Postmodernism. While some specific drill instruction on writing mechanics, grammar, and vocabulary is necessary, the course works to integrate all of these activities into a unified, coherent experience.

English Studies I is designed to support non native speakers in an English curriculum focusing on skills needed for academic success as well as language development and support. Students will learn the importance of thorough reading of texts to interpret and analyze, the wide use of most utilized vocabulary to construct meaning, written structures and strategies to develop their writing, as well as listening and speaking approaches to grow their skill sets in the English language. All students will experience opportunities daily to engage with literature, meaningful vocabulary, constructive writing, and other necessary skills to competently articulate issues that routinely impact their lives. English Studies I will incorporate the foundational skills needed for academic success in reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and the research process.

English Studies II is designed to support non native speakers in a rigorous English curriculum focusing on skills needed for academic success as well as language development and support as they work through a wide variety of materials designed to hone skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will use their skills and knowledge to interpret, analyze, compare and connect different readings, vocabulary to construct meaning, written structures and strategies to develop their writing, as well as listening and speaking approaches to grow their skill sets in the English language. All students will experience opportunities daily to engage with literature, meaningful vocabulary, constructive writing, and other necessary skills to competently articulate issues that routinely impact their lives. English Studies II will incorporate the use of higher order skills needed for academic success in reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and the research process.

Film as Art would introduce students to a brief history of film, film theory, and the cultural importance of “the movies.” We would view approximately 12 films from around the world and use them to examine narrative techniques, formal innovative, and visual aspects of the art form.

This course in newspaper publication produces the Linsly newspaper several times a year. Students learn a wide range of journalistic skills: reporting, editing, layout, and production. Furthermore, students study how to write interviews, news stories, editorials, reviews, and features, and discuss journalistic ethics.

Television as Art would have many of the aims detailed above but focus on the medium of television. Another key difference would be that this course will focus on American television. Given the length of many series, students would be expected to do some viewing outside of class. We would address approximately five series that defined their genre, shaped the larger culture, and advanced the medium.

This year long course covers the skills necessary to create the Linsly Yearbook, an annual student designed, computer generated publication. Students are accountable for timely, satisfactory completion of specific tasks assigned by the faculty advisor and/or the student editors in chief. Dedication and time commitment are important staff requirements. Journalistic skills taught include design concepts, layout, copy writing and editing, photography, and desktop publishing. Computer related skills taught include use of digital cameras to obtain images and manipulation of those images in various graphic software programs.