English / Communications

English 1 is designed to introduce students to critical analysis of literature and help them develop self-directed reading and writing skills. In this course, students will study a variety of literature, including short fiction, drama, novels, and poetry. Critical thinking, writing conventions, and listening and speaking skills are emphasized and developed throughout the course of the year with a focus on inquiry-based learning. Students will apply these skills to a variety of writing assignments, both expository and creative. Students will also develop vocabulary skills and research skills, including writing a research paper.

Grades 9

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

Honors English 1 has a twofold purpose: to improve student’s ability to read critically and interpret different forms of literature and to develop a student’s ability to write effectively. Through careful reading of a variety of literature, students develop skills in analysis and interpretation, with a sharp focus on author intent, use of literary devices, and developing original, critical claims. Students will participate in meaningful discussions using their own analysis and interpretations, guiding their own learning through the Socratic Method. In addition, this course introduces students to the sophisticated style of analytical writing. Extensive writing is required for this course. Students will work to improve their writing through a structured and focused process, including thorough draft revisions. Finally, students will continue to develop their ability to comprehend challenging texts and communicate effectively through the study of college-level vocabulary. Students must pass Honors English 1 with an 80 or above in order to enroll in Honors English 2.

Grades 9

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

This course places emphasis on research, literature and writing. Students can expect to read sophisticated selections from a variety of genres. A strong emphasis is placed on academic writing, including expository, argumentative, and research papers. Students will be provided with many opportunities to improve and enhance their writing techniques, with a focus on sentence structure, grammar, and organization. Continued development of vocabulary is stressed for life skills, as well as preparation for the SATs.

Grades 10

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

This course emphasizes literary analysis and expository writing. Students can expect to read sophisticated selections from a variety of genres, including novels, drama, short fiction, and poetry. A strong emphasis is placed on formal writing including literary analysis and a research paper. Students are provided with many opportunities to improve and enhance their writing techniques, with a focus on understanding the components of the writing process and strengthening their understanding of grammar and usage. Students develop vocabulary, through the study of word roots and prefixes.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors English 1 or with instructor recommendation

Grades 10

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

This is an 11th grade English class with an emphasis on American literature. Ample opportunity is provided for students to study major authors, periods, and genres. Students will be encouraged to make connections to the world in which they live by examining both fiction and nonfiction works from both past and present, while improving their reading comprehension skills. A strong emphasis is placed on the improvement of writing skills. Students will be given numerous writing opportunities that will include, but not be limited to, various forms of literary analyses.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 2

Grades 11

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods.

College Course Equivalent - The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum.

Students who enroll in the AP English Language & Composition course should be aware that taking the AP Exam is expected. High achievement on the Advanced Placement Exam may qualify students for college credits and/or placement. The exam fee is paid for by the student and costs approximately $90.

Prerequisite: A minimum of an 85 in English 2

Grades 11

AP

Full year  1 HS Credit, 3 College Credits

Students will explore literature from across the globe and throughout time. Students can expect to read sophisticated selections from a variety of genres, including novels, drama, short fiction, and poetry. Throughout the year, students will also strengthen writing and revising skills, particularly in the area of expository writing. Students will learn the components of the writing process, and as students develop as writers, they will be encouraged to incorporate the processes of writing as a necessary part of academic writing. Literary analysis and research are important parts of this college preparatory course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 3

Grades 12

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

This course is a 4-credit UConn First-Year Writing course with the same goals and practices as on-campus courses. According to UConn’s ECE website, “The goal of a FYW/ECE seminar is to provide a site for students to do the intellectual work of academic writing, including research, drafting, revising, and reflecting.” This course provides instruction in academic writing, using literary readings as a lens. In this course, students will engage in academic inquiry, focusing on strengthening their skills as readers, thinkers, and writers. Writing assignments emphasize inquiry, argumentation, and reflection. Understanding that writing is a process is a core principle of this course. To meet the university requirement of 30 or more pages of polished prose, students will produce a variety of academic essays. A regular part of the course will be in-class writing periods, including one-to-one conferences with the instructor, peer review, and small group writing workshops. Individual conferences can be arranged at any time during the course of the school year.

This course is dependent upon instructor approval by the University of Connecticut. Specific course prerequisites must be met. Check with your current English instructor for more information. There is a small fee for this class. Students must meet UCONN requirements for class registration. Students may be required to purchase some additional texts.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American Studies or with instructor recommendation

UConn Early College Experience (UConn ECE) provides academically motivated students with the opportunity to take university courses while in high school. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and a financial head start on a college degree and other postsecondary opportunities. UConn ECE Instructors are high school teachers certified by the University. UConn ECE Instructors foster independent learning, creativity, and critical thinking - all important for success in college and careers. Tourtellotte Memorial High School offers this UConn ECE course in English Language Arts. To support rigorous learning, University of Connecticut academic resources, including library and online classroom access, are available to all UConn ECE Students.

Grades 12

ECE

Full year  1 HS Credit, 3 College Credits

Creative writing students will study examples of successful work in a variety of genres, and then synthesize examples of their own design and creation. Students will complete analytical exercises writing original prose, poetry, and scriptwriting in fiction and nonfiction modes. Students will be challenged to write outside of their past experiences on an individual and differentiated basis. Intensive writing outside of class is necessary to successfully earn credit for this class.

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

In this semester course, students will watch and analyze films for the basic elements of story including plot, character development, point of view (perspective), and theme, as well as for literary elements such as mood and tone. Students will learn about the different genres of film and the film industry. Students will also examine the films to form an understanding of the culture and the period in which the films were produced. Students will engage in writing assignments, including script writing, and they will produce their own short film.

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

In this course, students will examine issues and concerns of adolescence, focusing on identity and the many different forces and factors that shape who we are and how we got here. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to high interest fiction consisting of relatable adolescent/young adult characters, plots that reflect their own experiences, and themes that are of interest to them. The majority of the course will be conducted in literature circles and students will have a voice in which texts are selected to read and analyze. Regular engagement in literary discussion and several analytical/reflective writing pieces will be necessary to successfully earn credit for this course.

Grades 8 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

The goal of this elective semester course is to teach students how to speak formally on a variety of topics using a variety of styles and effective methods of delivery. Students will have opportunities to analyze the causes of speech anxiety and how to manage it, use technology as a tool to research their topics and organize their findings Students will learn how to effectively incorporate supporting materials from reliable sources to communicate both orally and in writing. Grading will be based on preparation of speeches as well as on oral presentation. Students in the College Career Pathways program will be given preference.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 1

Grades 9 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit