Program of Studies
Core Sequence Course Descriptions
Non-Academic Credit Assistantships
The English Department provides broad coverage of the texts of English and American literature. Through sequential course offerings students develop an extensive knowledge of literature, academic and creative writing skills as well as enhancing their knowledge and use of grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. [Back to Top]
Note: Exceptions to these rules are made at the discretion of the English Department Chair. These exceptions shall not be precedents for future decisions. [Back to Top]
College-bound students are strongly recommended to take English IV (a fourth year of English). Many colleges and universities require a fourth year of high school English for admission. This fourth year of English may be completed through one of the elective courses offered within the department. However, students need to check with the specific college to find out if such elective course work would be accepted as the fourth year English requirement. [Back to Top]
English I - College Prep (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9
English I is an introduction to world literature and
the short story. Included in this course is an introduction to the
study of literature, grammar, composition, vocabulary, and oral communication.
The writing process is introduced to prepare students for writing varied
forms of essays.
English I - Academic (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9
English I Academic Level classes are expected to accomplish
the same breadth of material as the college prep level classes but at a
decelerated pace. Students in these classes are generally below grade
level in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the development
of skills, oral reading, and building individual confidence and esteem.
English I - Honors (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9
English I Honors Level classes cover the same material
as the college prep classes; however, more emphasis is placed on additional
outside reading and writing projects. Honor students need to be highly
motivated and demonstrate skills at a higher level of proficiency.
World Cultures - College Prep (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9
World Cultures is a double-period team-taught course
that fulfills Lake Zurich High School's graduation requirement for English
I and World History. This is a freshman course that enables students
to appreciate the richness and diversity of the world's cultures from an
interdisciplinary perspective. The content of this course is structured
around common themes found in both history and literature. Major
content areas will include a study of ancient civilizations, three major
religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism), the Middle Ages, the Renaissance,
the Reformation, revolutions (scientific, political, and cultural), modern
wars and thought.
English II - College Prep (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: English I
Open To: 10
English II is a survey of literary forms, interpretations,
and personal and critical reactions to world literature. The various
forms of composition in this course consist of persuasive, expository,
and narrative writing along with a research project that utilizes library
resources. A continuation of English grammar and a study of vocabulary
will build upon those skills introduced in English I.
English II - Academic (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: English I
Open To: 10
English II Academic Level classes are expected to accomplish
the same breadth of material as the college prep level classes but at a
decelerated pace. Students in these classes are generally below grade
level in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the development
of skills, oral reading, and building individual confidence and esteem.
English II - Honors (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: English I
Open To: 10
English II Honors Level classes cover the same material
as the college prep classes; however, more emphasis is placed on additional
outside reading and writing projects. Honor students need to be highly
motivated and demonstrate skills at a higher level of proficiency.
English III - College Prep (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: English I, II
Open To: 11
English III is an introduction and examination of American
literature. This course explores all types of American literature
including short stories, essays, poetry, and novels. This course
continues to build upon the skills of vocabulary, grammar, and writing
techniques taught in English I and II. A major research project utilizing
library and computer facilities is also a requirement of this course.
English III - Academic (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: English I, II
Open To: 11
English III Academic Level classes are expected to accomplish
the same breadth of material as the college prep level classes but at a
decelerated pace. Students in these classes are generally below grade
level in reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the development
of skills, oral reading, and building individual confidence and esteem.
English III - Honors (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: English I, II
Open To: 11
English III Honors Level classes cover the same material
as the college prep classes; however, more emphasis is placed on additional
outside reading and writing projects. Honor students need to be highly
motivated and demonstrate skills at a higher level of proficiency.
American Studies - College Prep (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: English I, II
Open To: 11
American Studies is a year-long program for juniors.
This course enables students to appreciate the richness and diversity of
American culture. Students will synthesize elements of the American
experience through the study of American literature, history, art, music,
architecture, and film. This two-period team-taught course fulfills
Lake Zurich High School's graduation requirements for English III and United
States History. Students who have been successful in this course
have typically maintained a "C" average or higher in previous English courses.
American Studies - Honors (2 Credits)
Prerequisites: English I, II
Open To: 11
American Studies Honors is a year-long program for juniors.
Honors level classes demand that students be self-motivated with the ability
to quickly process and analyze large amounts of information. This
course joins together Honors English III and Honors American History.
The class will combine the elements of both courses and explore more deeply
American culture. American art, music, architecture and film will
also be studied. The interdisciplinary class allows the students
to go past facts and have more time for discussion and analysis.
Honors American Studies is a double-period course that fulfills Lake Zurich
High School's graduation requirements for both English III and United States
History.
English IV - College Prep (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English
I, II, III
Open To: 12
English IV offers students an opportunity to examine
a potpourri of various literatures and is designed for the college-bound
student. This course is primarily based in British Literature.
However, other forms of literature such as fantasy, science fiction, mystery
writing, and short stories are explored at length. The writing content
of this course is focused on expository, persuasive, and narrative writing.
A library research project consisting of a critical review of a work of
literature is a requirement.
English IV - Honors (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: Recommended that students have
previous honors course experience. Successful completion of English
I, II, III
Open To: 12
English IV Honors is a course that stresses advanced
literary forms, advanced interpretations of literature, and effective communication
skills. This course emphasizes British literature and outside reading
in world literature. Analytical and expository writing will be the
focus of the writing portion of this course. Intensive outside reading
and extensive use of library resources is required.
English IV - Advanced Placement (1 Credit)
Prerequisites: Recommended that students have
previous honors course experience. Successful completion of English
I, II, III
Open To: 12
Advanced Placement English is designed to prepare students
for the
Advanced
Placement English Literature and Composition Exam in an attempt to
receive advanced placement and/or credit in the freshman year of college.
The Advanced Placement student's course of study concentrates on acquiring
knowledge and information, reading and studying key works to gain additional
background, analyzing sample student responses to learn what is acceptable
to the examiners, and completing a series of writing assignments and exercises
to refine skills of analysis and expression.
Creative Writing - College Prep (0.5 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 10, 11, 12
Creative Writing is a semester-long course for the imaginative
and creative writer. Students who have been successful in the course
have typically maintained a "C" average or better in their English courses.
Required student writings will take the form of poems, short stories, and
plays. Classroom discussions will focus on the evaluation of published
writings of professional authors, an examination of the use of literary
devices in writing, and workshops that examine and critique the writing
of classroom participants.
Drama - College Prep (0.5 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9, 10, 11, 12
Drama consists of seven different one-semester classes
introducing various aspects of theatre production. These classes
are for students who enjoy studying, reading, and performing a variety
of genre and periods of drama. This seven-part series is divided
into the following categories: American Musicals, Shakespearean Comedies,
Children's Theatre, Acting in Modern Theatre, Radio plays and Reader's
Theatre, Acting: Theatre of the Absurd, and Radio and Television Commercial
Production. This course may be repeated eight times for a total of
four full credits, but no individual course may be repeated at any time.
Journalism - College Prep (0.5 Credit)
Prerequisites: Journalism may be repeated as
a course selection no more than four times for a total of two credits.
Recommendation of instructor required to enroll.
Open To: 9, 10, 11, 12
Journalism is a course in written and oral communication.
Journalism combines narrative, descriptive, analytic, argumentative, and
expository writing through varied and frequent writing exercises.
Class members function as part of the staff of the school
newspaper reporting on school-related events. Students are eligible
to be considered for executive editorial positions on the school newspaper
staff on successful completion of the course. This course makes extensive
use of the various computer labs and publishing software.
Advanced Journalism (0.5 Credit)
Prerequisites: Advanced Journalism may be repeated
as a course selection no more than four times for a total of two credits.
Recommendation of instructor required to enroll.
Open To: 9, 10, 11, 12
Advanced Journalism is a course in written communication
and graphic design. It combines writing with work in speech, discussion,
leadership, and public relations. The course emphasizes editing skills.
Students will explore the use of desktop publishing and utilize these concepts
by producing the school newspaper. This
course makes extensive use of the various computer labs and publishing
software.
Public Speaking - College Prep (0.5 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 10, 11, 12
Public Speaking is a course designed to give the student
poise and confidence in speaking before an audience. This course
stresses a variety of speaking exercises such as developing outlines for
speeches, effective library research, as well as verbal presentations.
Students participate both as presenters and evaluators.
Speech and Media - College Prep (0.5 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 10, 11, 12
Speech and Media is a course that provides advanced experiences
in speech including effective voice production, an examination of the origins
of language, a study of effective debate, radio broadcasting, and oral interpretation.
Requirements for the successful completion of this course include library
research, written reports, and oral presentations.
Reading - Academic (0.5 to 1 Credit)
Prerequisites: Recommendation of instructor
Open To: 9, 10, 11, 12
Reading is a remedial course designed to develop basic
reading skill and effective study habits. Individualized assistance
and small group instruction are stressed.
Library Assistant (0.25 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9, 10, 11
Library Assistant is a position in which students serve
in place of study hall. This is a non-academic credit. Responsibilities
include checking out materials, creating book and bulletin board displays,
delivering passes, and filing. Because the school does not grant
.25 credit, two semesters of being an aide is necessary to achieve .5 credit.
Student Aide (0.25 Credit)
Prerequisites: None
Open To: 9, 10, 11
Student Aide is a position in which students serve in
place of study hall. Aide positions are available in the Dean's Office,
Guidance Office, and Nurse's Office. This is a non-academic credit.
Responsibilities include delivering passes and filing. Because the
school does not grant .25 credit, two semesters of being an aide is necessary
to achieve .5 credit.
English Department Chair ● English Resources ● English Faculty and Staff● Interdisciplinary Studies● English Department Information ● Home ● Summer Reading List ● The Writing Center ● English Handbook for Students ● Lake Zurich High School ● District 95