Course Catalog - Oswego Community Unit School District 308

Honors British Literature – 1/2 credit, weighted (1 semester)
Prerequisite: English 3 (any level)
Grade Level: 12
Lab Fee: Cost of paperback books
Skill Focus: W RL SL
The Honors level course is designed for students with an identified ability in the English 4 skill sets; this need is determined by reading level
and teacher recommendation. This course fosters college-ready critical reading and analytical skills, as well as develops college-level
writing skills. Course texts are at senior-to-college reading levels. Students will enhance reading, writing, and research skills through the
study of a representative collection of British literature essays, poems, short stories, novels, and plays in this course. The course focuses
on the central themes shaping the evolution of British literature from the Anglo-Saxons to more contemporary works. This Honors level
course requires disciplined reading outside of school as well as an ability to analyze and discuss literature in-depth. Students will purchase
paperback copies of major texts in which to practice annotation. Submission of essays and major projects is required to pass the course.
Honors Humanities– 1/2 credit, weighted (1 semester)
Prerequisite: English 3 (any level); summer reading includes The Odyssey by Homer (Robert Fagles translation); additional
texts will be added by the instructor and will be communicated via letter.
Grade Level: 12
Lab Fee: Cost of paperback books
Skill Focus: W R RL RI
Students will enhance reading, writing, and research skills through a critical examination of major writings in world literature, events and
personalities in world history, and influential works in art and music. This course fosters college-ready critical reading and analytical skills,
as well as develops college-level writing skills. Course texts are at senior-to-college reading levels. Students will be introduced to
philosophy as well. The arts, history, and philosophy will be presented in a fashion that will enable students to discover influences and
connections. Students will reflect on and respond to the ideas that continue to shape western civilization. As an Honors course, students
in this course must expect a rigorous challenge and demonstrate strong thinking and writing skills. Students will purchase paperback
copies of major texts in which to practice annotation. Submission of essays and major projects is required to pass the course.
English 4 AP Literature & Composition – 1 credit, weighted (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: English 3 (any level); Students must demonstrate strong writing and critical thinking skills. During the summer
prior to the course, students must read and respond to two works selected from the Advanced Placement
reading list. (The specific titles will be selected by the instructor each year.) In addition, summer reading of
reputable newspapers and newsmagazines to develop familiarity with current affairs, thought, and style is
recommended.
Grade Level: 12
Lab Fee: Cost of paperback books
Skill Focus: W RL RI
In this companion course to Advanced Placement Language and Composition, students will engage in a rigorous study of literary genres,
styles, and themes as they generate both oral and written critical discussion and analysis. They will examine materials by major American,
British, and world authors such as Faulkner, Joyce, and Sophocles. Readings are developed within the suggested framework of the
Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. This course requires disciplined reading outside of school.
Students who enroll in this course are encouraged to sign up for and take the AP Language and Composition exam in the spring. Students
will purchase paperback copies of major texts in which to practice annotation. Submission of essays and major projects is required to pass
the course.
Note: While this course is open to any student wishing to enroll in it, students who have been in the Accelerated Honors/AP program will be
the most prepared for this course as it is the final course in this sequence.
Creative Writing - 1/2 credit (1 semester)
Prerequisite: English 2
Grade Level: 11, 12
Lab Fee: None
Skill Focus: W L RI
This course will teach the student to use imagination deliberately and to channel it with purpose to achieve specific writing goals. It will
concentrate on tools and techniques that other writers have used and allows the student an opportunity to use original techniques in writing
short stories, poems, descriptive sketches, scripts, and reviews.
College Composition - 1/2 credit (1 semester)
Prerequisite: English 3 (any level), college-bound
Grade Level: 12
Lab Fee: None
Skill Focus: W R L RI
This course will provide students the opportunity to develop writing skills in preparation for college-level writing. The course focuses on
writing for a variety of audiences and on sophisticated formal writing (expository and argumentative essays). Major emphasis will be placed
on the further development of grammar skills gained in previous English courses. Submission of essays and major projects is required to
pass the course.