English
6th - ELA I - Through Many Voices: Discovering the Art of the English Language
In this course, students will investigate English Language Arts from a variety of perspectives. Students will learn not only to strengthen their reading and writing skills, but also to connect their literary experiences to other curricular areas. The course uses a multicultural approach to literature to enable students to incorporate their own experiences into their learning and to think critically about themselves, their community, and the world. With a focus on communication through language, students will explore their voice as a writer, reader, critical thinker, and member of the CSS community.
Through a series of reading workshops, students will be exposed to a variety of types and genres of literature, including short stories, novels, dramatic literature, poetry, essays, and reports. Reading workshops will emphasize the art of discussion – how to formulate and share responses to a text. Students will learn how to bring literary terms to life in their reading comprehension, exploring ideas such as theme, conflict, perspective, purpose, and symbolism. Students will explore various authors’ voices as a means to strengthen their own voice as an author. Texts will be drawn from the Prentice Hall Literature Anthology, as well as from supplementary novels, articles, and other sources.
In writing workshop, students will develop their individual “author’s voice” as a means to express themselves and use their own experience to fuel their understanding of the world around them. Students will practice writing in a variety of genres, from creative writing to research reports. Writing will be practiced as a means of literary analysis and response, narration, exposition, and research. Students will be guided through the process of authorship from the beginning steps of brainstorming and drafting to final
“publication.” In all writing exercises, students will be encouraged to incorporate their own ideas, background, and opinions into their craft.
“publication.” In all writing exercises, students will be encouraged to incorporate their own ideas, background, and opinions into their craft.
The technical aspects of writing – spelling, grammar, and structure – will also be incorporated into English Language Arts. Continual practice of these mechanics of writing will allow students to improve their ability to convey ideas through language and provide them with the necessary tools for further language study.
Course material and objectives are aligned with the New York State Core Curriculum in English Language Arts. Test preparation integrated into the curriculum will provide students with practice in the skills assessed for New York English Language Arts Tests and national ELA-focused exams.
7th grade - English Language Arts 2:
In this course, you will explore English Language Arts through the lens of the hero and the quest. Whether a quest is traced in literature or experienced as a writer, you will investigate the wisdom gained facing a plethora of trials experienced in search of something of value—figuratively or metaphorically. You will not only strengthen your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, but also connect your literary experiences to other curricular areas in order to fortify your written and verbal communication skills.
Course material and objectives are aligned with the New York State Core Curriculum in English Language Arts. Test preparation integrated into the curriculum will provide students with practice in the skills assessed for New York English Language Arts Tests and national ELA-focused exams.
8th grade - English Language Arts 3:
Adolescence is defined at the transitory period between childhood and adulthood. But what does it mean to be an adult? And what journey must one take to get there? This course explores these questions through the reading of ‘coming of age’ literature. Through a series of diverse novels, short stories, and poetry, we will examine the complex nature of transitioning into adulthood and the essential realizations and shifts that ultimately change one’s perspective. We will consider our own unique path towards maturity and explore the issues, choices, and factors influencing who we ultimately become.
In addition to our thematic concentration, this class will strengthen your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and connect your literary experiences to other curricular areas in order to fortify your written and verbal communication skills.
Course material and objectives are aligned with the New York State Core Curriculum in English Language Arts. Test preparation integrated into the curriculum will provide students with practice in the skills assessed for New York English Language Arts Tests and national ELA-focused exams.
In addition to our thematic concentration, this class will strengthen your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and connect your literary experiences to other curricular areas in order to fortify your written and verbal communication skills.
Course material and objectives are aligned with the New York State Core Curriculum in English Language Arts. Test preparation integrated into the curriculum will provide students with practice in the skills assessed for New York English Language Arts Tests and national ELA-focused exams.
8th - ELA III
Upper School
9th - World Literature I - Regents level
10th - World Literature II - AP American Literature
11th - AP American Literature / Latinamerican Literature / Short Story / Nobel Novels / Creative Writing / Poetry
12th - British Literature/ Science Literature /
or Columbia University Literature course
