English

English 9, Level 1

1010    Grade 9    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This literature-based course will utilize experiences that include higher level thinking processes while exploring a wide range of genres. Students will be required to use diverse resources throughout the course as they continue to develop their perspective, self-knowledge, and empathy for others. Writing assignments will focus on developing and organizing ideas in a range of modes including literary analysis, researched argument, and self-reflection. Speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills will also be emphasized through formal and informal class discussions. Students will complete performance tasks that require them to apply the skills and understandings focused on throughout the course.

English 9, Level 2

1020    Grade 9    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This literature-based course will utilize experiences that include higher level thinking processes while exploring a wide range of genres. Students will be required to use diverse resources throughout the course as they continue to develop their perspective, self-knowledge, and empathy for others. Writing assignments will focus on developing and organizing ideas in a range of modes including literary analysis, argument, and self-reflection. Speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills will also be emphasized through class discussions and multimedia presentations. Students will complete performance tasks that require them to apply the skills and understandings focused on throughout the course. 

English 9, Level 3

1030    Grade 9    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students who need remedial work in English. The students explore a wide range of genres with the emphasis on practical comprehension and communication skills including speaking and listening in group discussions and in presentations, writing clearly with a specific audience in mind, and using research skills to find and evaluate information from a variety of sources. This course does not prepare students for the rigors of higher education. 

English 10, Level 1

1041    Grade 10    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This literature-based course will utilize experiences that include higher level thinking processes while exploring a wide range of genres. Students will be required to use diverse resources throughout the course as they continue to develop their perspective, self-knowledge, and empathy for others. Writing assignments will focus on developing and organizing ideas in a range of modes including literary analysis, argument, and self-reflection. Speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills will also be emphasized through class discussions and multimedia presentations. Students will complete performance tasks that require them to apply the skills and understandings focused on throughout the course.

English 10, Level 2

1042    Grade 10    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This literature-based course will utilize experiences that include higher level thinking processes while exploring a wide range of genres. Students will be required to use diverse resources throughout the course as they continue to develop their perspective, self-knowledge, and empathy for others. Writing assignments will focus on developing and organizing ideas in a range of modes including literary analysis, argument, and self-reflection. Speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills will also be emphasized through class discussions and multimedia presentations. Students will complete performance tasks that require them to apply the skills and understandings focused on throughout the course. 

English 10, Level 3

1043    Grade 10    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students who need remedial work in English. The students explore a wide range of genres with the emphasis on practical comprehension and communication skills including speaking and listening in group discussions and in presentations, writing clearly with a specific audience in mind, and using research skills to find and evaluate information from a variety of sources. This course does not prepare students for the rigors of higher education. 

English 11, Level 1

1051    Grade 11    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

In this course, students critically examine the American experience through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition to analyzing literature, students will also be challenged to apply skills through a variety of performance tasks that include writing a personal narrative, designing a social media campaign, composing a literature comparison, and presenting in both group and individual formats.

English 11, Level 2

1052    Grade 11    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

In this course, students critically examine the American experience through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition to analyzing literature, students will also be challenged to apply skills through a variety of performance tasks that include creating an original allegory, writing a persuasive piece for an authentic audience, composing a personal narrative, and participating in Socratic Seminars.

English 11, Level 3

1053    Grade 11    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

In this course, students critically examine the American experience through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition to analyzing literature, students will also be challenged to apply skills through a variety of performance tasks that include writing a personal narrative, designing a social media campaign, composing a literature comparison, and presenting in both group and individual formats.

Capstone Communications, Level 1

1061    Grade 12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   Teacher recommendation.

This class equips students with the skills they need to be successful communicators in the 21st Century. In both creative and practical ways, students will apply and hone skills related to critical reading, clear and concise writing, active listening, and public speaking. They will work individually and collaboratively as they grow to understand the relationship between context, audience, and form in both written and verbal communications. Assessments for this course are performance based: speeches, writings, and other small projects. The course culminates in a final performance-based assessment that will reflect the skills they have practiced and the understanding that clear and effective communication is vital to their post-high school lives. 

Capstone Communications, Level 2

1062    Grade 12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Although the course material and assessments typically mirror that of the Level 1 course and is designed for college-bound students, the course includes additional teacher scaffolding. 

This class equips students with the skills they need to be successful communicators in the 21st Century. In both creative and practical ways, students will apply and hone skills related to critical reading, clear and concise writing, active listening, and public speaking. They will work individually and collaboratively as they grow to understand the relationship between context, audience, and form in both written and verbal communications. Assessments for this course are performance based: speeches, writings, and other small projects. The course culminates in a final performance based assessment that will reflect the skills they have practiced and the understanding that clear and effective communication is vital to their post-high school lives. 

Capstone Communications, Level 3

1063    Grade 12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

This course is designed for students who need remedial work in English. The students explore a wide range of genres with the emphasis on practical comprehension and communication skills including speaking and listening in group discussions and in presentations, writing clearly with a specific audience in mind, and using research skills to find and evaluate information from a variety of sources. This course does not prepare students for the rigors of higher education.

Accelerated English

1298    Grade 10    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   Placement based upon high achievement in ninth grade Level 1 English and faculty recommendation. 

Accelerated English combines the core content of tenth and eleventh grade Level 1 English. Students enrolled in this course will complete summer reading assignments, which will be covered during the school year along with other pieces of literature at a pace, which is suitable for a student who has a high aptitude in English. The course will include a study of non-fiction and fiction in the form of short stories, poetry, novels, and plays with an emphasis on the study of literature in a historical context and literary analysis. Students will also receive instruction on a wide variety of writing assignments including analysis, research, and creative response. Students who take this course must enroll in AP Language and Composition during their junior year. 

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition

1300    Grade 11    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   Strong recommendation from previous year’s English teacher.

This course emphasizes close reading and rhetorical analysis of non-fiction, as well as a study of argument, synthesis, and composition. The course trains high school students to become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. It mirrors the goals of a first year college composition course, which primarily is intended to prepare students to write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives. As such, it requires students to perform college-level work and to approach the class with a college-level attitude. This course is intended for students prepared and willing to go beyond the expectations of the Level 1 English course. Students have the option to take the AP English Language and Composition exam in May but are not required to do so to receive academic credit for the course. Dual enrollment credit is also available through Harrisburg University’s College in the High School program. Details will be provided at the beginning of the semester. 

While strong academic performance in previous English classes is advantageous, grades are not the only prerequisite for acceptance. Self-motivated, intellectually curious students with strong independent reading backgrounds and solid writing skills will be considered. Interested students should complete an application and submit written application responses via Google Classroom. Students who are accepted into the class will receive an invitation to attend a mandatory introductory meeting to review summer reading and writing assignments. Failure to complete these assignments over the summer will not be acceptable reasons for dropping the course. 

Advanced Placement English Literature And Composition

1305    Grade 12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   Strong teacher recommendation from 10th and 11th grade English and primarily A’s in 10th and 11th grade English, or A’s and B’s in AP Language and Composition.

The course provides intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, focusing on works of recognized literary merit and encouraging the development of literary analysis through close readings and analytical writings. Writing is an integral part of the course and involves explaining judgments about a work’s artistry and exploring underlying social and cultural values through analysis, interpretation, and argument. It is for students who are capable of doing college-level work in English and willing to devote the energy necessary to complete a course more rigorous and demanding than other high school English courses designed for the college-bound student. 

It is preferred that the student have primarily “A’s” in Level I English classes or “A’s” and “B’s” in AP Language and Composition. However, success in this class is not solely determined by previous performance in English classes. A student who enjoys reading challenging literature and can keep up with the rigorous expectations may be successful in the class. Interested students must complete an application. Students will receive summer reading and writing assignments involving multiple works of literature prior to the end of the school year. Failure to complete these assignments over the summer will not be acceptable reasons for dropping the course.

Science Fiction

1150  Grades 10-12  1 Credit    1 Semester   Weight of 1.1

This elective course is for students who are interested in examining science fiction and exploring the topics within, including artificial intelligence, time travel, extraterrestrial intelligent life, space travel, dystopian societies, and fantasy. This course explores the emergence of science fiction, especially from the late 19th century to the present, with some attention to the cultural and historical issues that shaped its development. Students will read at least four significant texts from the genre along with numerous short stories, films, and other works. 

Reading/Writing Workshop

1180  Grades 10-12  1 Credit   1 Semester  Weight of 1.2

This elective course is for students who are passionate about reading and writing and have a desire to hone those skills. This course will allow for independent choice reading in addition to focused, guided whole class examination of a variety of mentor texts. Students will also complete a number of written assignments in a variety of genres. Writing instruction will include emphasis on the revision process with consideration of craft, style, and conventions.

Dramatic Influences

1230  Grades 10-12   1 Credit   1 Semester   Weight of 1.2

This elective course explores how plays and drama have affected and reflected cultural shifts, political work, and global progress throughout history. The class will focus on plays exploring many times and issues, including ancient Greece and politics, the English renaissance and power, Scandinavian realism and self-realization, mid-century America and equality, and the modern immigrant experience. This is not a performance class, and is open to all experience levels. 

Digital Storytelling

1380  Grades 10-12  1 Credit   1 Semester  Weight of 1.2

Contemporary Storytelling is a media studies and media production course. Over the course of the semester, students will develop an understanding of how writers and producers harness the power of digital media to share stories. In the beginning weeks, students will build a diverse subject vocabulary, which will empower them to move from passive viewers to critical consumers of media. Lessons within this section include basic elements of engaging scriptwriting, conversion of raw footage into a narrative arc, and crafting interview questions to mine vulnerability. Then, through studying a wide range of documentaries, political and marketing campaigns, docuseries episodes, and podcasts, students will consider the choices of the storyteller and how these decisions impact the consumers’ experience. They will write scripts, research, film, interview, and edit their digital product, ultimately creating a product to publish.

Creative Writing

1390  Grades 10-12  1 Credit   1 Semester   Weight of 1.2

This course is designed for students who would like to enhance their awareness of creative writing techniques across the following genres: memoir, fiction, poetry, and children's literature. Students in the course also serve as editorial board members of The Muse, MASH's annual literary magazine. With a variety of opportunities to workshop and critique peer writing and produce an authentic publication, students will learn how creative writers work in a community to collectively grow.

Media Communications

1515    Grades 10-12    1 Credit    1 Semester (6x Per Cycle)    Weight of 1.1

This course responds to the growing need for well-rounded, ethical, and tech-savvy journalists by providing a foundation emphasizing both traditional and modern journalistic practices. It is designed for students who aspire to pursue journalism careers and those seeking to understand how digital media shapes public discourse and societal change. Students who take this course will be expected to handle digital equipment and interact with the student body and community both in person and through digital media platforms.

Film Literacy

1520  Grades 9-12  1 Credit    1 Semester   Weight of 1.1

This course will move students beyond that of a spectator, immersing them in the art of film. Students in this course will need to have the ability to not only identify but discuss and analyze the literary, dramatic, and cinematic elements in film. Storytelling is the most common way that we communicate to one another. Stories told via film have a tremendous influence on our attitudes and perceptions of the world around us. In fact, films may be one of the most powerful tools in modern culture for shaping values and conveying information. By viewing, studying, discussing and writing about film, students will develop and demonstrate skills in technological, cultural, and media literacy, as well as critical thinking skills that will serve them well in the future.

Theatre I

1530  Grades 9-12    1 Credit   1 Semester   Weight of 1.1

This beginning level course introduces students to the various aspects of theatre: History, Improvisation, Movement, Voice and Diction, and Acting and Design. After a unit on the history of theatre, students gain first hand experience by participating in classroom activities. These activities will include performing monologues, performing in scenes and designing set and costumes.

Yearbook Publication Skills

7090    Grades 10-12    .25 Credit     Each Semester

Yearbook Publications is an elective course that provides students an invaluable experience in yearbook production. Students plan, finance, execute and distribute MASH’s annual publications, The Artisan and The Artisan Spring Supplement. Learning experiences include advertising, marketing, layout, graphic design, photography and copywriting. Students must be willing to accept the discipline of meeting deadlines and to work both individually and as a part of a team.

Language Composition I

1610    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   Diagnostic Assessment

This course is for English Language Development (ELD) with beginning English skills. The class focuses on developing a foundation in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension skills. The course content focuses on developing language for both real-world and classroom settings. Students will explore strategies that increase language and content learning in all classes. Writing skills will focus on writing clear sentences and organized paragraphs.

Language Composition II

1620    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   Diagnostic Assessment

This course is for English Language Development (ELD) with intermediate English skills. The content builds on the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of Language Composition I. There is a continued focus on developing reading comprehension strategies that help in the real-world and academic settings. Students will explore the components and organization of fiction and non-fiction literature. Writing skills developed will include writing well- organized opinion and expository essays.

Reading

1630    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   Diagnostic Assessment

This course is for English Language Development (ELD) with advanced English skills. The content builds on the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of Language Composition I and Language Composition II. Various forms of fiction and non-fiction are explored including short stories, novels and plays. Speaking skills focus on writing and delivering speeches and presentations. Writing skills focus on improving essay writing and exploring the process and organization of research writing.