010 English 1                       Honors                  5 Credits
011 English l                         CP1                         5 Credits
012 English l                         CP2                         5 Credits 

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The English 1 course is designed to develop a student’s ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a wide range of increasingly more complex works of fiction and non-fiction; to interpret word meanings through  context, word analysis, and research; to write effectively using clear, logical arguments and supporting  evidence; to communicate effectively through speech; to listen critically, and to use standard English  conventions when writing and speaking. The course is divided into two sections. The first semester  focuses on developing core writing skills, emphasizing argument, synthesis, and narrative writing through  the study of model texts and frequent writing assignments. The second semester focuses on literary  analysis of texts centered around self-discovery and identity. Significant works may include Solo by  Kwame Alexander, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 

 

010 English 1           Honors           5 Credits

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required.  Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic 

 

011 English l             CP1             5 Credits

Students in CP1 are expected to work independently with teacher support. Students must demonstrate  strong organizational skills and work ethic to complete assignments outside of class. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 

 

012 English l             CP2             5 Credits

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who require more support and structure to meet  rigorous reading and writing expectations. By using materials appropriate for students’ skill levels and at  a pace that allows for the use of multiple approaches, students will strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation
 

020 English 2                         Honors                 5 Credits
021 English 2                        CP1                     5 Credits
022 English 2                        CP2                    5 Credits

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Students read a wide range of works of contemporary and traditional literature centered around the course theme of family, culture, and tradition. Students will continue to develop their ability to read closely and  analytically, interpret implications of meaning, and assess how literary elements and genre affect theme  and purpose. Students also learn to analyze the way authors use language to persuade and, in turn, apply  their understanding of rhetorical strategies as they write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Central  to the course is the skill of synthesizing texts to answer a question, solve a problem, or defend an  argument. Students support their interpretations with solid evidence from the text, explaining their ideas  in clear, fluent prose, and editing their expression by applying language conventions with control and  accuracy. Significant works may include Fahrenheit 451, The House on Mango Street, When I Was  Puerto Rican, Much Ado about Nothing, Fences, and A Tale of Two Cities (Honors). In addition to the  major works, students read persuasive non-fiction pieces selected short stories and poems by a wide range  of writers of various backgrounds, perspectives, and periods.

020 English 2                         Honors                 5 Credits 

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required. 
Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic 

021 English 2             CP1           5 Credits

Students in CP1 are expected to work independently with teacher support. Students must demonstrate  strong organizational skills and work ethic to complete assignments outside of class. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 

022 English 2             CP2           5 Credits 

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who require more support and structure to meet  rigorous reading and writing expectations. By using materials appropriate for students’ skill levels and at  a pace that allows for the use of multiple approaches, students will strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills.   Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 
 

030 English 3                         Honors                 5 Credits
031 English 3                        CP1                     5 Credits
032 English 3                        CP2                    5 Credits

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Through an extensive study of American literature and other media, students develop their ability to read closely and analytically and to cultivate an understanding of the major philosophical trends and cultural values in American thought. Central to the course is examining the individual’s relationship to society.  Writing assignments are frequent; students write narrative, argument, and synthesis pieces for various purposes and audiences. Extensive vocabulary study and independent reading are also course  requirements. Major works may include The Great Gatsby, Behold the Dreamers, Walden, A Raisin in  the Sun, The Crucible, The Catcher in the Rye, and American Street. In addition to the major works,  students study selected essays, short stories, and poems by a wide range of American writers of various  backgrounds, perspectives, and periods. 

030 English 3                 Honors   

The junior honors program is designed for those students who demonstrate a capacity for independent  study. Through an extensive study of challenging American literature, students develop their ability to  read closely and analytically and cultivate an understanding of American thought's major philosophical  trends and cultural values. Writing assignments are frequent and varied. Peer editing and revision skills  are stressed. Extensive vocabulary study and independent reading are also course requirements.  Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic.

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required. 
Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic 
 

031 English 3                        CP1                     5 Credits 

Students in CP1 are expected to work independently with teacher support. Students must demonstrate  strong organizational skills and work ethic to complete assignments outside of class. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation

032 English 3             CP2           5 Credits

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who require more support and structure to meet  rigorous reading and writing expectations. By using materials appropriate for students’ skill levels and at  a pace that allows for the use of multiple approaches, students will strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills.  Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 
 

 

035 English 3 Language and Composition         AP                5 Credits 

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This course is designed for students who want the challenge of an AP curriculum to “emphasize the  expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional  communication,” and the reading selections from American Literature provide models for such writing.  The course works within the framework of American literature and honors many great American writers,  but the choices of texts and their sequencing are based on reading skills, not the canon.

The course will  rely heavily on documents from American literature as students learn about rhetoric, using words and  grammatical structures to achieve specific effects in writing, and understanding other writers’ use of these  same techniques. Students will focus on the Four Appeals and numerous rhetorical devices found in  speeches, narratives, and other forms of writing. Students will also produce original writing that reflects  their ability to employ rhetorical devices and strategies effectively. The course will involve rereading  passages to analyze and understand the powerful impact of a properly placed punctuation, such as the  comma.

Major works may include The Great Gatsby, Behold the Dreamers, Walden, A Raisin in the Sun,  The Crucible. Requirements include the willingness to meet a challenge and possession of a strong work  ethic. Students and parents must sign a contract delineating the students’ responsibilities involving  Summer Reading. Students also agree to attend the department-sponsored AP mock exam in December.

Prerequisites: Any student who has passed English I and English II is eligible and is encouraged to  take the AP course.
 

• 045 English 4  - Honors - 5 Credits

• 043 English 4 Villains and Monsters - CP - 2.5 Credits

• 044 English 4 The Short Story - CP - 2.5 Credits

• 046 English 4 Dystopian Worlds - CP - 2.5 Credits

• 047 English 4 Power and the Individual - CP -  2.5 Credits

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College-bound seniors focus on honing their literary skills through a wide variety of traditional and  contemporary works of world literature with emphasis on how literature provides insights into the nature  of human beings and their relationship to the world. This course is designed for students who will learn  to interpret and evaluate works of world literature by expanding and developing sophisticated reading  strategies. Through frequent and varied writing assignments, they will also learn to synthesize complex  ideas into concise, fluent prose, reflecting confidence and a strong personal voice. Vocabulary study and  independent reading are also course requirements. Depending upon a selected level, major works may  include Macbeth, Purple Hibiscus, and Persepolis. In addition to the major works, students study  selected essays, short stories, and poems by a wide range of global writers of various backgrounds,  perspectives, and periods. 

• 045 English 4  - Honors - 5 Credits

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required. 
Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic

CP 
Students at the CP level will complete two English 4 CP classes (each lasting one semester) to earn credit  for English 4. CP semester classes will all cover similar skills (narrative and synthesis writing  assignments, as well as research-based argument writing) through a diverse variety of content offerings. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 

• 043 English 4 Villains and Monsters - CP - 2.5 Credits

We often celebrate the heroes of literature, but it’s hard to make a hero without an evil villain or monster  for them to fight and destroy. Sometimes the most compelling characters are the ones we’re not supposed  to like reading about, because their motivations, psychologies, and criminal actions can drive the plot of a  story. Through literature and other media, we will explore how society portrays and defines villains and  monsters and delve into the depths of these characters who (deservedly or not) take a thrashing century  after century, story after story, for the sake of humanity. So if you want to know more about the bad guys  of literature, “Villains and Monsters” will be the course for you. Semester I will focus on narrative and  synthesis writing assignments, while Semester II will highlight research-based argument writing. 

• 044 English 4 The Short Story - CP - 2.5 Credits

Let's face it: as a 21st century student, you have a busy life. There's no shortage of tasks competing for  your time. Herein lies the benefit of short stories: they're SHORT! This means you're guaranteed the  certainty and pleasure of finishing what you begin. The primary goal of this course is to read short stories  with understanding and pleasure. Over the course of a semester, we will read and discuss short fiction  with the aim of enabling you to approach this genre with a greater awareness. Students will develop skills  in literary analysis and interpretation. Classes will be characterized by reading, writing, and discussion,  but we’ll also take time to listen to some music and view other types of media. Semester I will focus on  narrative and synthesis writing assignments, while  Semester II will highlight research-based argument  writing. 

• 046 English 4 Dystopian Worlds - CP - 2.5 Credits

If you are intrigued by the nightmarish worlds that creative minds can dream up to explore rebellion,  oppression, revolutions, wars, overpopulation, and disaster, then “Dystopian Worlds” is a course for you.  We’ll read the works and examine other forms of media that explore grim realities created to highlight ills  and misfortunes of contemporary societies, and that make alarming warnings about the future. We will  explore the bad places writers and filmmakers create while tracking topics like identity, power,  government, love, freedom, and art. Semester I will focus on narrative and synthesis writing assignments,  while Semester II will highlight research-based argument writing. 

• 047 English 4 Power and the Individual - CP -  2.5 Credits

From families to friends, from corporations to countries, power structures exist throughout all parts of our  world. But who gets to decide the rules of power? If one defies an existing power structure, is that person  a criminal? Or a hero? Do systems of power help individuals by keeping society working? Or harm  individuals by creating corruption and forcing people to fight over power? If you are interested in these  types of questions, as well as more deeply exploring the intersection of power, individuals and society,  then “Power and the Individual'' is a course for you. This course will examine how individuals manage  different power structures while considering the role history, culture and individual difference play in  power and society. We’ll read works and examine other forms of media so that we can better understand  systems of power, how power systems differ across cultures, and the role individuals play in maintaining  (or destroying) power structures. Semester I will focus on narrative and synthesis writing assignments,  while Semester II will highlight research-based argument writing.  

This course is designed for students who have shown superior aptitude and achievement in their previous  English courses. As they study challenging traditional and contemporary literature, they delve deeply into  a text’s meaning to unravel complex passages and develop sophisticated interpretations. In their composition assignments, students are expected to synthesize complex ideas into concise, fluent prose  and develop individual styles that reflect confidence and a strong personal voice. Vocabulary study and  review for the AP exam are also course requirements. All students in this course are expected to take the  AP exam. Major works may include Beowulf. Macbeth, Purple Hibiscus, Lord of the Flies, and  Persepolis. Students in this course also read additional texts independently. Requirements include the  willingness to meet a challenge and possession of a strong work ethic. Students and parents must sign a  contract delineating the students’ responsibilities involving Summer Reading. Students also agree to  attend the department-sponsored AP mock exam in December. 
Prerequisite: Any student who has passed English I, English II, and English III is eligible and is  encouraged to take the AP Literature course 
 

• 071 Journalism 1                Honors                     5 Credits

• 072 Journalism 1                CP1                         5 Credits

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Journalism, an elective for grades 9-12, provides students with the skills to write, edit, and evaluate  features, sports stories, straight news stories, and editorials. Students will also be introduced to copy editing, layout, and the ethical responsibilities of the journalist. Students will get hands-on experience  with digital forms of engagement and learn how to use a wide range of social media tools. Throughout  the year, these skills are applied as the class helps to provide copy for the school newspaper, The Dedham  Mirror.

Journalism 1 Honors students will be expected to work at a rigorous pace and be  responsible for independent writing and other related assignments to earn Honors credit.
 

• 073 Journalism 2                Honors                    5 Credits

• 074 Journalism 2                CP1                    5 Credits

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This course reviews and further develops the skills acquired in Journalism 1. It also introduces the  students to desktop publishing, headline and caption writing, photography, magazine writing, advertising,  public relations, the law, ethics, and the history of journalism. There is a heavy emphasis on writing,  editing, and analyzing the professional press. Students are responsible for the production of the high  school paper, The Dedham Mirror, and training inexperienced staff members. The cooperative team  approach to this course helps prepare students for the workplace.

Honors credit will be given to those  students who serve on the editorial staff of The Dedham Mirror. This duty will require up to 72  hours of service beyond scheduled class meetings. Editors will be chosen based on skill level,  experience, work ethic, and leadership. 
 

• 075 Journalism 3                Honors                    5 Credits

• 076 Journalism 3                CP1                    5 Credits

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This course builds on skills developed from Journalism 1 and Journalism 2. Emphasis is on proofreading,  copy-editing, layout techniques, desktop publishing, and editorial writing. The course develops  leadership skills for those interested in major editorships associated with the high school newspaper, The  Dedham Mirror. Students in this project-oriented course will be expected to complete independent study  beyond the high school classroom.

Honors credit will be given to those students who serve on the  editorial staff of The Dedham Mirror. This duty will require up to 72 hours of service beyond  scheduled class meetings. Editors will be selected based on skill level, experience, work ethic, and  leadership.
 

• 077 Journalism 4                Honors                    5 Credits

• 078 Journalism 4                CP1                    5 Credits

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This course builds on skills developed from Journalism 1, 2, and 3. Students at this level will have  mastered proofreading, copy editing, layout techniques, desktop publishing, and news and editorial  writing. Emphasis is placed on management and leadership skills for those interested in major editorships  associated with the high school newspaper, The Dedham Mirror. Students in this project-oriented course  will be expected to complete independent study beyond the high school classroom.

Honors credit will be given to those students who serve on the editorial staff of The Dedham Mirror.  This position will require up to 72 hours of service beyond scheduled class meetings. Editors will be  chosen based on skill level, experience, work ethic, and leadership. 
 

• 013 Creative Writing  - Honors  - 5 Credits

• 014 Creative Writing - CP1 - 5 Credits

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The Creative Writing Honors course is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It provides students with  the opportunity to develop their writing skills and literary talents. This course requires students to read  and reflect upon various literary genres, including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Students will also  reflect upon these professional models and use what they have learned in creating their work. Students  will write creatively in different genres, learn about and use the writing process of drafting, editing, and  revising, participate in the workshop model of offering feedback on each other’s work, produce a  portfolio of original pieces, and actively contribute to the school’s literary magazine, Echo. 
 

• 092     Strategies for Success ELL - Unleveled - 5 Credits

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This course is intended for students identified as English Language Learners. Instruction is aligned with the WIDA standards to improve students' reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending the English  language across content areas. Strategies are also introduced that enable students to learn content material and meet with success in mainstream classes. 
 

• 017     ELL English                 CP2                     5 Credits

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This course is designed for students, including SLIFE, who have recently arrived in the United States and have little or no knowledge of the English Language. The course focuses on developing reading  comprehension and writing skills in English. Reading instruction is strategically scaffolded to build  vocabulary and fundamental reading strategies. Texts include both fiction and nonfiction. Writing  instruction consists of both academic and personal assignments. Students learn to write strong paragraphs  using basic writing structures. The course fulfills the graduation requirement for English.  Prerequisite: Approval of the ELL teacher and a qualifying WIDA MODEL literacy score below 2.5.
 

010 English 1                       Honors                  5 Credits
011 English l                         CP1                         5 Credits
012 English l                         CP2                         5 Credits 

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The English 1 course is designed to develop a student’s ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a wide range of increasingly more complex works of fiction and non-fiction; to interpret word meanings through  context, word analysis, and research; to write effectively using clear, logical arguments and supporting  evidence; to communicate effectively through speech; to listen critically, and to use standard English  conventions when writing and speaking. The course is divided into two sections. The first semester  focuses on developing core writing skills, emphasizing argument, synthesis, and narrative writing through  the study of model texts and frequent writing assignments. The second semester focuses on literary  analysis of texts centered around self-discovery and identity. Significant works may include Solo by  Kwame Alexander, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 

 

010 English 1           Honors           5 Credits

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required.  Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic 

 

011 English l             CP1             5 Credits

Students in CP1 are expected to work independently with teacher support. Students must demonstrate  strong organizational skills and work ethic to complete assignments outside of class. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 

 

012 English l             CP2             5 Credits

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who require more support and structure to meet  rigorous reading and writing expectations. By using materials appropriate for students’ skill levels and at  a pace that allows for the use of multiple approaches, students will strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation
 

020 English 2                         Honors                 5 Credits
021 English 2                        CP1                     5 Credits
022 English 2                        CP2                    5 Credits

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Students read a wide range of works of contemporary and traditional literature centered around the course theme of family, culture, and tradition. Students will continue to develop their ability to read closely and  analytically, interpret implications of meaning, and assess how literary elements and genre affect theme  and purpose. Students also learn to analyze the way authors use language to persuade and, in turn, apply  their understanding of rhetorical strategies as they write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Central  to the course is the skill of synthesizing texts to answer a question, solve a problem, or defend an  argument. Students support their interpretations with solid evidence from the text, explaining their ideas  in clear, fluent prose, and editing their expression by applying language conventions with control and  accuracy. Significant works may include Fahrenheit 451, The House on Mango Street, When I Was  Puerto Rican, Much Ado about Nothing, Fences, and A Tale of Two Cities (Honors). In addition to the  major works, students read persuasive non-fiction pieces selected short stories and poems by a wide range  of writers of various backgrounds, perspectives, and periods.

020 English 2                         Honors                 5 Credits 

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required. 
Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic 

021 English 2             CP1           5 Credits

Students in CP1 are expected to work independently with teacher support. Students must demonstrate  strong organizational skills and work ethic to complete assignments outside of class. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 

022 English 2             CP2           5 Credits 

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who require more support and structure to meet  rigorous reading and writing expectations. By using materials appropriate for students’ skill levels and at  a pace that allows for the use of multiple approaches, students will strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills.   Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 
 

030 English 3                         Honors                 5 Credits
031 English 3                        CP1                     5 Credits
032 English 3                        CP2                    5 Credits

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Through an extensive study of American literature and other media, students develop their ability to read closely and analytically and to cultivate an understanding of the major philosophical trends and cultural values in American thought. Central to the course is examining the individual’s relationship to society.  Writing assignments are frequent; students write narrative, argument, and synthesis pieces for various purposes and audiences. Extensive vocabulary study and independent reading are also course  requirements. Major works may include The Great Gatsby, Behold the Dreamers, Walden, A Raisin in  the Sun, The Crucible, The Catcher in the Rye, and American Street. In addition to the major works,  students study selected essays, short stories, and poems by a wide range of American writers of various  backgrounds, perspectives, and periods. 

030 English 3                 Honors   

The junior honors program is designed for those students who demonstrate a capacity for independent  study. Through an extensive study of challenging American literature, students develop their ability to  read closely and analytically and cultivate an understanding of American thought's major philosophical  trends and cultural values. Writing assignments are frequent and varied. Peer editing and revision skills  are stressed. Extensive vocabulary study and independent reading are also course requirements.  Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic.

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required. 
Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic 
 

031 English 3                        CP1                     5 Credits 

Students in CP1 are expected to work independently with teacher support. Students must demonstrate  strong organizational skills and work ethic to complete assignments outside of class. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation

032 English 3             CP2           5 Credits

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who require more support and structure to meet  rigorous reading and writing expectations. By using materials appropriate for students’ skill levels and at  a pace that allows for the use of multiple approaches, students will strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and language skills.  Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 
 

 

035 English 3 Language and Composition         AP                5 Credits 

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This course is designed for students who want the challenge of an AP curriculum to “emphasize the  expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional  communication,” and the reading selections from American Literature provide models for such writing.  The course works within the framework of American literature and honors many great American writers,  but the choices of texts and their sequencing are based on reading skills, not the canon.

The course will  rely heavily on documents from American literature as students learn about rhetoric, using words and  grammatical structures to achieve specific effects in writing, and understanding other writers’ use of these  same techniques. Students will focus on the Four Appeals and numerous rhetorical devices found in  speeches, narratives, and other forms of writing. Students will also produce original writing that reflects  their ability to employ rhetorical devices and strategies effectively. The course will involve rereading  passages to analyze and understand the powerful impact of a properly placed punctuation, such as the  comma.

Major works may include The Great Gatsby, Behold the Dreamers, Walden, A Raisin in the Sun,  The Crucible. Requirements include the willingness to meet a challenge and possession of a strong work  ethic. Students and parents must sign a contract delineating the students’ responsibilities involving  Summer Reading. Students also agree to attend the department-sponsored AP mock exam in December.

Prerequisites: Any student who has passed English I and English II is eligible and is encouraged to  take the AP course.
 

• 045 English 4  - Honors - 5 Credits

• 043 English 4 Villains and Monsters - CP - 2.5 Credits

• 044 English 4 The Short Story - CP - 2.5 Credits

• 046 English 4 Dystopian Worlds - CP - 2.5 Credits

• 047 English 4 Power and the Individual - CP -  2.5 Credits

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College-bound seniors focus on honing their literary skills through a wide variety of traditional and  contemporary works of world literature with emphasis on how literature provides insights into the nature  of human beings and their relationship to the world. This course is designed for students who will learn  to interpret and evaluate works of world literature by expanding and developing sophisticated reading  strategies. Through frequent and varied writing assignments, they will also learn to synthesize complex  ideas into concise, fluent prose, reflecting confidence and a strong personal voice. Vocabulary study and  independent reading are also course requirements. Depending upon a selected level, major works may  include Macbeth, Purple Hibiscus, and Persepolis. In addition to the major works, students study  selected essays, short stories, and poems by a wide range of global writers of various backgrounds,  perspectives, and periods. 

• 045 English 4  - Honors - 5 Credits

Students at the Honors level should be willing to grapple with challenging and complex concepts and a  desire to complete higher-level work independently at a fast pace. In addition to the core literary works,  extensive outside reading and independent projects are required. 
Prerequisites: Current English teacher recommendation and willingness to meet a challenge with a  strong work ethic

CP 
Students at the CP level will complete two English 4 CP classes (each lasting one semester) to earn credit  for English 4. CP semester classes will all cover similar skills (narrative and synthesis writing  assignments, as well as research-based argument writing) through a diverse variety of content offerings. Prerequisite: Current English teacher recommendation 

• 043 English 4 Villains and Monsters - CP - 2.5 Credits

We often celebrate the heroes of literature, but it’s hard to make a hero without an evil villain or monster  for them to fight and destroy. Sometimes the most compelling characters are the ones we’re not supposed  to like reading about, because their motivations, psychologies, and criminal actions can drive the plot of a  story. Through literature and other media, we will explore how society portrays and defines villains and  monsters and delve into the depths of these characters who (deservedly or not) take a thrashing century  after century, story after story, for the sake of humanity. So if you want to know more about the bad guys  of literature, “Villains and Monsters” will be the course for you. Semester I will focus on narrative and  synthesis writing assignments, while Semester II will highlight research-based argument writing. 

• 044 English 4 The Short Story - CP - 2.5 Credits

Let's face it: as a 21st century student, you have a busy life. There's no shortage of tasks competing for  your time. Herein lies the benefit of short stories: they're SHORT! This means you're guaranteed the  certainty and pleasure of finishing what you begin. The primary goal of this course is to read short stories  with understanding and pleasure. Over the course of a semester, we will read and discuss short fiction  with the aim of enabling you to approach this genre with a greater awareness. Students will develop skills  in literary analysis and interpretation. Classes will be characterized by reading, writing, and discussion,  but we’ll also take time to listen to some music and view other types of media. Semester I will focus on  narrative and synthesis writing assignments, while  Semester II will highlight research-based argument  writing. 

• 046 English 4 Dystopian Worlds - CP - 2.5 Credits

If you are intrigued by the nightmarish worlds that creative minds can dream up to explore rebellion,  oppression, revolutions, wars, overpopulation, and disaster, then “Dystopian Worlds” is a course for you.  We’ll read the works and examine other forms of media that explore grim realities created to highlight ills  and misfortunes of contemporary societies, and that make alarming warnings about the future. We will  explore the bad places writers and filmmakers create while tracking topics like identity, power,  government, love, freedom, and art. Semester I will focus on narrative and synthesis writing assignments,  while Semester II will highlight research-based argument writing. 

• 047 English 4 Power and the Individual - CP -  2.5 Credits

From families to friends, from corporations to countries, power structures exist throughout all parts of our  world. But who gets to decide the rules of power? If one defies an existing power structure, is that person  a criminal? Or a hero? Do systems of power help individuals by keeping society working? Or harm  individuals by creating corruption and forcing people to fight over power? If you are interested in these  types of questions, as well as more deeply exploring the intersection of power, individuals and society,  then “Power and the Individual'' is a course for you. This course will examine how individuals manage  different power structures while considering the role history, culture and individual difference play in  power and society. We’ll read works and examine other forms of media so that we can better understand  systems of power, how power systems differ across cultures, and the role individuals play in maintaining  (or destroying) power structures. Semester I will focus on narrative and synthesis writing assignments,  while Semester II will highlight research-based argument writing.  

This course is designed for students who have shown superior aptitude and achievement in their previous  English courses. As they study challenging traditional and contemporary literature, they delve deeply into  a text’s meaning to unravel complex passages and develop sophisticated interpretations. In their composition assignments, students are expected to synthesize complex ideas into concise, fluent prose  and develop individual styles that reflect confidence and a strong personal voice. Vocabulary study and  review for the AP exam are also course requirements. All students in this course are expected to take the  AP exam. Major works may include Beowulf. Macbeth, Purple Hibiscus, Lord of the Flies, and  Persepolis. Students in this course also read additional texts independently. Requirements include the  willingness to meet a challenge and possession of a strong work ethic. Students and parents must sign a  contract delineating the students’ responsibilities involving Summer Reading. Students also agree to  attend the department-sponsored AP mock exam in December. 
Prerequisite: Any student who has passed English I, English II, and English III is eligible and is  encouraged to take the AP Literature course 
 

• 071 Journalism 1                Honors                     5 Credits

• 072 Journalism 1                CP1                         5 Credits

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Journalism, an elective for grades 9-12, provides students with the skills to write, edit, and evaluate  features, sports stories, straight news stories, and editorials. Students will also be introduced to copy editing, layout, and the ethical responsibilities of the journalist. Students will get hands-on experience  with digital forms of engagement and learn how to use a wide range of social media tools. Throughout  the year, these skills are applied as the class helps to provide copy for the school newspaper, The Dedham  Mirror.

Journalism 1 Honors students will be expected to work at a rigorous pace and be  responsible for independent writing and other related assignments to earn Honors credit.
 

• 073 Journalism 2                Honors                    5 Credits

• 074 Journalism 2                CP1                    5 Credits

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This course reviews and further develops the skills acquired in Journalism 1. It also introduces the  students to desktop publishing, headline and caption writing, photography, magazine writing, advertising,  public relations, the law, ethics, and the history of journalism. There is a heavy emphasis on writing,  editing, and analyzing the professional press. Students are responsible for the production of the high  school paper, The Dedham Mirror, and training inexperienced staff members. The cooperative team  approach to this course helps prepare students for the workplace.

Honors credit will be given to those  students who serve on the editorial staff of The Dedham Mirror. This duty will require up to 72  hours of service beyond scheduled class meetings. Editors will be chosen based on skill level,  experience, work ethic, and leadership. 
 

• 075 Journalism 3                Honors                    5 Credits

• 076 Journalism 3                CP1                    5 Credits

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This course builds on skills developed from Journalism 1 and Journalism 2. Emphasis is on proofreading,  copy-editing, layout techniques, desktop publishing, and editorial writing. The course develops  leadership skills for those interested in major editorships associated with the high school newspaper, The  Dedham Mirror. Students in this project-oriented course will be expected to complete independent study  beyond the high school classroom.

Honors credit will be given to those students who serve on the  editorial staff of The Dedham Mirror. This duty will require up to 72 hours of service beyond  scheduled class meetings. Editors will be selected based on skill level, experience, work ethic, and  leadership.
 

• 077 Journalism 4                Honors                    5 Credits

• 078 Journalism 4                CP1                    5 Credits

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This course builds on skills developed from Journalism 1, 2, and 3. Students at this level will have  mastered proofreading, copy editing, layout techniques, desktop publishing, and news and editorial  writing. Emphasis is placed on management and leadership skills for those interested in major editorships  associated with the high school newspaper, The Dedham Mirror. Students in this project-oriented course  will be expected to complete independent study beyond the high school classroom.

Honors credit will be given to those students who serve on the editorial staff of The Dedham Mirror.  This position will require up to 72 hours of service beyond scheduled class meetings. Editors will be  chosen based on skill level, experience, work ethic, and leadership. 
 

• 013 Creative Writing  - Honors  - 5 Credits

• 014 Creative Writing - CP1 - 5 Credits

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The Creative Writing Honors course is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It provides students with  the opportunity to develop their writing skills and literary talents. This course requires students to read  and reflect upon various literary genres, including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Students will also  reflect upon these professional models and use what they have learned in creating their work. Students  will write creatively in different genres, learn about and use the writing process of drafting, editing, and  revising, participate in the workshop model of offering feedback on each other’s work, produce a  portfolio of original pieces, and actively contribute to the school’s literary magazine, Echo. 
 

• 092     Strategies for Success ELL - Unleveled - 5 Credits

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This course is intended for students identified as English Language Learners. Instruction is aligned with the WIDA standards to improve students' reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending the English  language across content areas. Strategies are also introduced that enable students to learn content material and meet with success in mainstream classes. 
 

• 017     ELL English                 CP2                     5 Credits

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This course is designed for students, including SLIFE, who have recently arrived in the United States and have little or no knowledge of the English Language. The course focuses on developing reading  comprehension and writing skills in English. Reading instruction is strategically scaffolded to build  vocabulary and fundamental reading strategies. Texts include both fiction and nonfiction. Writing  instruction consists of both academic and personal assignments. Students learn to write strong paragraphs  using basic writing structures. The course fulfills the graduation requirement for English.  Prerequisite: Approval of the ELL teacher and a qualifying WIDA MODEL literacy score below 2.5.