English 9 integrates the language arts skills of reading, writing, speaking, and thinking. You will develop and study these skills to increase your understanding of the literature and material covered in English 9. Part A includes the study of the short story, drama, novel and nonfiction. Part B covers the study of short stories and mythology, and C covers the study of poetry and a Shakespearean play.

307/308/309 ENGLISH 10 A, B & C

Open to: Grade 10 ONLY 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: None

English 10 integrates the language arts skills of reading and thinking with a focus on writing. Expository, persuasive and extemporaneous writing will be a focus, in addition to the study of research procedures (gathering information and evaluating credibility). Students develop rough drafts, revise for content, edit for mechanics and usage, and extend work to an audience. Students will also analyze some essays and fiction writing, focusing on American and world literature. These skills are essential for classes across the disciplines and are a prerequisite to all other writing courses.

322/323 UNITED STATES LITERATURE A & B

Open to: Grades 11 & 12 by alpha 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: None

In these courses, you are introduced to a variety of cultures through a study of American Literature. You read selections (essays, short stories, novels, poems, biographies, and plays) from writers from the following eras: Colonial/Revolutionary, Romantic, Realistic and Modern. You are involved in writing, speaking, reading, and listening activities.

340 COMMUNICATIONS

Open to: Grade 11 & 12 by alpha 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

Communications is a performance class designed to help all students become better speakers and listeners. Activities include both analyzing and practicing non-verbal communication, persuasion techniques, oral interpretation, storytelling, demonstrations, debate, and large discussion groups.

ELECTIVE COURSES - At least one credit must be taken for graduation.

310 SHORT STORY

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

Do you enjoy reading but never have time to finish long books? In this course you will read many short stories which present human problems, conflicts, and accomplishments in a concise manner. You will explore the elements of plot, character, tone, setting, and point of view that provide you with a writer's insight.

311 COMING OF AGE

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 9 A, B & C
Coming of Age can be used as a general elective ONLY, not as a Language Arts elective.

Students will identify, investigate and interpret various viewpoints in relation to race, culture, gender and disability. This English course, which also emphasizes essay writing, addresses these topics through a novel, play and multimedia materials. In addition, the course includes an Individual Reading component consisting of reading, reacting and analyzing a b book that is about a different race, culture, gender or ability than the student.

312 THE NOVEL - READING FOR PLEASURE

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

If you like to read but don't have as much time as you’d like, this course is for you. During the first part of the term, we will read a novel together, studying the novel as a literary form. We will concentrate on setting, character, theme and plot. During the second part of the term, you will, with the help of the instructor develop an independent reading program of novels of your choice. You will discuss novels and share ideas in small and large groups.

313 AMERICAN CLASSICS

Open to: Grades 11 & 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 10

This is a class for students who love to read and discuss great literature. Students will read and analyze full-length works by great American authors. Through discussion, reading and writing, students will expand on their language arts skills. Reading outside of class will be required.

314 FANTASY

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

In Fantasy, you read exciting stories which take place in unusual settings. To enjoy these novels you must be at least a steady reader and be willing to spend time reading outside of class. We will study Middle Earth and its heroes in J.R.R. Tolkien's wonderful classic The Hobbit. Other novels, like Harry Potter and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe capture your imagination and curiosity as you read them.

315 MYTH AND LEGEND

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

Famous heroes like Jason and Hercules, ancient gods and goddesses like Zeus and Venus will be studied in this course on Greek and Roman mythology. A translation of the play “Antigone” by Sophocles will be read, and the influence of Greek myths and culture on our own 21st century society will be explored as well. Students of all abilities will enjoy hearing these timeless stories told and retold.

316 HEROES: THEN AND NOW

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Myth and Legend

In this course we will discuss heroes. We will continue the study of the greatest Greek and Roman heroes: Achilles, Ulysses, and Hector. We will read The Iliad, The Odyssey, and the Aeneid and use them to discover the qualities that are found in heroic men and women of old. We will then identify modern heroes and decide if their qualities are the same as those of the ancients.

317 SHAKESPEARE, LIVE!

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

Learn about Shakespeare and his plays the way the Elizabethan people did – from performance! We will use storytelling, costuming, scene design and presentation to bring the characters and stories of four Shakespeare plays (two comedies, one tragedy and one history play) to life. We will study film versions of plays, attend live performances when possible, and we’ll share our stories in a festival atmosphere. Students need no previous acting experience or talent! All you need is a willingness to set aside all Shakesfear and join the group! Where there’s a Will, there’s a play

329 FILM STUDIES

Open to: Grades 11 & 12 ONLY 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 10
Film Studies can be used as a general elective ONLY, not as a Language Arts elective.

What the play was for Shakespeare’s audience and the novel was for Dickens’ readers, the film is for us; namely, the most vibrant, popular and important form of narrative art. In this class, you will learn how to view movies with a more critical eye, how film has grown as an art form, and how we can use films as vehicles for understanding contemporary society. Note: No films will be shown in their entirety during class time. Students will be responsible for viewing the film on their own using copies provided by the instructor.

334 CREATIVE WRITING

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 10 A

This course gives the serious English student an opportunity to learn valuable writing skills and the chance to practice those in a variety of daily writing assignments such as description, poetry, short story, and personal essay. Your writing will be assessed through peer response groups and frequent student-teacher conferences.

336 GRAMMAR

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

This class is an in-depth study of the science of the English language. Syntax, inflection, parts of speech, phrases and clauses, types of sentences, punctuation, and a variety of grammar idiosyncrasies will be the focus of this course. Understanding English grammar has been helpful is raising verbal ACT/SAT scores. Knowledge of English grammar will also give you the “language tools” you need to talk about and understand the complex language we know as English.

337 WRITING FOR COLLEGE

Open to: Grade 12 ONLY 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 10

This course provides writing designed to help students develop strategies for the process of writing. Students will observe, analyze, critique and evaluate writing, and will be expected to participate actively by sharing ideas and helping one another as readers and writers. At least three to four major papers are required. This is a good class for all students who want to improve their writing and who want to prepare for the type of writing expected in college courses.

341 PERSUASIVE RHETORIC

Open to: Grades 11 and 12 ONLY 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Communications and recommendation from any previous English teacher (Communication teacher if possible). Forms are available in the Guidance Office

An elective which explores in more depth the field of communications, this course is designed for students who have successfully completed the required Communications class and who are interested in more advanced opportunities to improve their oral communications skills. The class will include small group interaction, persuasion techniques, and an in depth look at and practice of the debate process. Students who enroll must be self-motivated, capable of working at an advanced level in group settings, and comfortable speaking in front of others

342 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE ARTS

Open to: grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Theatre Arts is a survey class. Students will improve their self-confidence through he use of acting and speaking skills. Students are expected to build a positive classroom environment through active participation and self-discipline. Creative, positive teamwork is essential. Topics include: pantomime, improvisation, basic stagecraft, theatre history, character development, basic makeup, scriptwriting, and monologue work. No previous experience is necessary.

348 THEATRE ARTS:ACTING

Open to: grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts: Acting gives students who enjoyed Introduction to Theatre Arts an opportunity to use their performance skills at a more advanced level. Deep exploration of improvisational and characterization techniques will allow students to bring scripts to life. Students will produce three scenes (classic, contemporary tragic and contemporary comedic) after extensive text analysis and historical research. Other topics may include Theatre History, Stage Management and Direction. Final scene work may be videotaped.

349 THEATRE ARTS: TECHNICAL

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts: Technical gives students who enjoyed Introduction to Theatre Arts an opportunity to explore the techniques used in Stagecraft. Technical elements such as lighting, sound scenery and costumes will be explored. Students will learn how to program and operate technical equipment. They will also learn how to analyze a script from the designer’s perspective and have an opportunity to collaborate on an original design project, which will be formally presented in class.

355 JOURNALISM I

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 10 A

Journalism I explores techniques and styles of journalistic writing and examines ethical issues facing professional journalists, the structure of news organizations, the origins of American journalism, and the role of media in society. Students will learn about journalistic writing while producing a variety of news, sports, editorial and entertainment stories. Student work might be published in the Polar Prints. All writing assignments in this class must be word-processed.

356 JOURNALISM II

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Journalism I

Journalism II is a class for advanced writers. This course will focus on techniques and production of in-depth feature writing. Students will also develop advanced copy editing skills and analyze and research journalism case studies. Student work might be published in the Polar Prints. All writing assignments in this class must be word-processed.

364/365/366 LITERACY ACADEMY A, B & C

Open to: 9th grade ONLY 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: Recommendation from Middle School staff

Literacy Academy is a year-long elective course offered to sharpen reading and writing skills and is taken with English 9A, 9B and 9C. Students will work to improve these skills through the study of phonics, fluency, spelling, vocabulary and grammar. Interactive computer programs will be utilized to accomplish this.

The following courses are designed to help you learn the skills and strategies needed to succeed in college. In addition, you will learn the analytic and interpretive skills necessary to successfully complete the AP test in Language Arts if you choose to take it. However, success in these courses does not rely on taking the AP test.

324 BRITISH LITERATURE

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

In British Literature you will be introduced to great English writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens, and others. You will read poetry, plays, and a novel or two. You will work with other students to respond to your reading, to collaborate on written work, and to prepare creative projects. Because the reading material is challenging and the assignments are designed to prepare you for college, British Lit. will be a helpful class for those who plan to continue their education beyond high school.

British Literature and World Literature are offered alternate years. World Literature will next be offered during the 2008-2009 year.

*** WORLD LITERATURE (Next offered ’08-’09)

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None

The focus of World Literature is on the understanding, enjoyment, and analysis of great and lively literature, and the World cultures from which it comes. In addition to the challenge of reading and writing designed to prepare you for college, there are opportunities for you to work on group projects and independent study

338/339 COLLEGE COMPOSITION AND INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

(must register for both. They are taught concurrently for 2 trimesters.)
Open to: Grade 12 only 2 Credits
Prerequisite: Class rank in the top 20%

College Composition provides writing practice which, combined with reading and discussion, is designed to help students develop strategies for the process of writing. Students will observe, analyze, critique and evaluate writing, and will be expected to participate actively by sharing ideas and helping one another as readers and writers. At least four major papers are required. At completion, students will receive 4 semester Honors credits at the University of MN.

Introduction to Literature (A College In The Schools class) offers North High students the opportunity to read seven to eight stimulating works of 20th Century fiction. Students will also read contemporary poetry, essays, and drama. A literary response journal and participation in small and large group discussions will be course requirements. At completion, students will receive 4 semester credits at the University of MN.

Because these are college courses, awarding a total of 8 university credits, students will have a great deal of independence and responsibility. In past years, the school district has paid the tuition costs for these credits.