English [EN]
English is one of those subject areas that can go either way -- textbooks are abundant, but self-designs seem to flow easily, too. Some students prefer the structure of a textbook, and for those students these course descriptions may contain too much flexibility. But for others, the self-designed courses could offer more “engagement” of the student’s interest and willingness to participate.
This section offers self-designed English courses. They are examples for your consideration, and we hope they stimulate ideas and become starting points for you.
This section contains 25 examples of self-designed courses:Academic English
Academic English: Classification: EN
This course is a fundamental course in English grammar and composition, and a literature survey course. It includes the study of grammar, usage, mechanics, sentence structure and paragraph formation as well as the critical analysis of a number of literature selections. It is usually considered a college preparatory course. Document time as you read and study this topic.
Accelerated Reading
Accelerated Reading: Classification: EN
This course is for college-bound students and should be structured to teach study skills, learning strategies and increased reading skills so that they can read large amounts of information in short periods of time. Students should read numerous written materials on a variety of topics. Students should be prepared to read, read, and then read some more in this course. Document time as you read and study this topic.
African-American Literature
African-American Literature: Classification: EN
This course is a survey of African-American literature from its beginnings to contemporary times. Exploring the historical, political, and cultural basis of African American Literature could be a focus as well. Students should be exposed to a wide array of genres that make up this topic: fiction, non-fiction, poems, essays, biographies, autobiography/slave narratives, memoirs, spirituals, folklore, and drama. If you choose to read individuals works, twelve (12) books and accompanying writing assignments equals one (1) credit. Otherwise, document time as you read and study this topic.
American Folktales
American Folktales: Classification: EN
"Folklore perpetuates the patterns of culture, and through its study we can often explain the motifs and the meaning of culture. The science of folklore, therefore, contributes in a great measure to the history and interpretation of human life," writes Aurelio M. Espinosa. This course should explore the diversity of folktales, myths, and legends that have permeated literature throughout the years.
American Literature
American Literature: Classification: EN
Much of the information that you are going to look for can be found in American literature anthologies or specific works by individual authors. The Internet will provide a wealth of information. Document time as you read and study this topic. If you choose to read individuals works, twelve (12) books and writing assignments equals one (1) credit. Otherwise, document time as you read and study this topic. Students may wish to use this course to prepare for the CLEP American Literature exam.
American Short Stories
American Short Story: Classification: EN
Much of the information that you may want to investigate can be found in American literature or short story anthologies, or, in specific works by individual authors. The Internet can provide a wealth of information.
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Classification: EN
This course should introduce students to genres of fiction, drama, and poetry. By studying important works, students will gain experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting literature. This course may also serve to prepare a student for taking the CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature test. Document time as you read and study this topic.
Ancient Literature
Ancient Literature: Classsification: EN
This course includes the study of the ancient literature of the area surrounding the Mediterranean basin from approximately 2000 B.C. to 500 A.D. Document time as you read and study this topic. If you choose to read individual works, there is a formula for determining one high school credit: twelve (12) books plus accompanying writing assignments equals one (1) credit.
Ancient Literature from the Bible
Ancient Literature from the Bible: Classification: EN
This course should provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the literary genres in the Jewish Scriptures and in the New Testament. It could also include a study of themes, and other literary elements, and incorporate readings of secular works for comparison. Also included could be a study of the influence of the Bible on art and music.
Annotated Bibliography and Pathfinders
This is not a course description. This is a process that many people interested in writing find helpful.
In many of the course descriptions provided in this guide, annotated bibliographies and pathfinders are suggested as possible activities. Since many college courses require students to produce these, it would be good practice to become familiar with them and understand what they are and how to create them.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES
The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to help a person learn as much as possible about a topic. Not only an excellent preparation for a research paper, preparing such a bibliography is excellent documentation of all the materials that were used in a self-designed course.
Bibliographies are lists of all the sources one has used researching a specific topic. These sources include books, journals, web sites, periodicals, articles, brochures, multimedia sources, reference materials, pamphlets, interviews, and any other sources one has accessed.
PATHFINDERS
A pathfinder is similar to a bibliography. It is a bibliographic tool that allows a person to locate information on a specific topic in a systematic way, using a wide range of resources. Unlike an annotated bibliography, a pathfinder does not give an analysis of a source, but the author should include a sentence or two summarizing the content and usefulness of the source. Sources cited should follow standard bibliographic formats.
For both, the book entitled, First Great Book of High School Course Descritpions contains several clear examples for each.
Applied English
Applied English: Classification: EN
This is a basic course in applying the fundamental concepts of English for non-college bound students. Grammar, composition, mechanics, usage, spelling, vocabulary skills, reading and responding to a variety of literary genres, and basic research techniques should all be explored in this course.
Biblical Studies from the New Testament
Biblical Studies, New Testament: Classification: EN
An introduction to the writings of the New Testament, this course offers primary methods of study (literary, theological, and historical) which are appropriate to them. It should also give a brief introduction to the types of literature found in the New Testament and the historical life setting of the New Testament. Students may also want to study a variety of topics related to Biblical studies such as NT History, Biblical Genres, and Mediterranean Geography. Document time as you read and study this topic.
Biblical Studies from the Old Testament
Biblical Studies, Old Testament: Classification: EN
Ancient literature and it's written context. This course is a general introduction to the Old Testament and is designed to give a broad overview of the Old Testament contents and story line. It should also give a brief introduction to the types of literature found in the Old Testament and the historical life setting of the Old Testament. Students may want to study a variety of topics related to Biblical studies such as OT History, Biblical Genres, and Mediterranean geography.
British Literature
British Literature (aka English Literature): Classification: EN
British literature anthologies contain a wealth of information and examples found in specific works by individual authors. The Internet will also provide a wealth of information. If you choose to read individual works, there is a formula for earning a high school credit through the North Atlantic Regional High School in Maine: Twelve (12) books and writing assignments equals one (1) credit. Students may use this course to prepare for the CLEP English Literature exam. Earning a passing grade on the CLEP exam will earn additional high school credit AND 3 college credits.
Children's Literature
Children’s Literature: Classification: EN
This course should present outstanding titles in literature for children in grades kindergarten through six. Topics could include authors and illustrators, and all genres of literature: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, biographies, etc. Knowledge of outstanding authors and illustrators of media for children could be emphasized.
Christian Doctrine
Christian Doctrine: Classification: EN or SS
Doctrines of the Christian churches can vary widely. These are usually reflected in the denominational differences among the churches. This course may research the fundamentals of the Christian faith and the doctrinal distinctives that make one church different from another church. This is a discovery course and does not present any dictrine in any direction. This course should help strengthen the beliefs of the family working in the subject matter.
CIvil War Literature
Civil War Literature: Classification: EN
This course will focus on literature written specifically about the American Civil War. It should examine the ways in which writers have cast the war in literature in many different genres: nonfiction, autobiographies, biographies, historical fiction, poetry, drama, short stories, speeches, memoirs, letters and diaries. Knowledge of the Civil War is not necessary.
Classical Literature
Classical Literature (aka Literature, The Classics): Classification: EN
This course explores the great literature of the world and places emphasis on the forms of literature that have withstood the test of time and are still widely read today. Students who want to earn credit for this work at NARHS (North Atlantic Regional High School) may choose to read twelve (12) books and writing assignments equals one (1) credit.
Composition, Advanced
Advanced Composition: Classification: EN
This is an advanced writing course using higher-level analysis, research techniques, and critical thinking skills. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the effective communication and documentation skills needed in academic writing. Students should read and respond analytically to a variety of texts, and learn to use research and integrate it effectively in written work. Students may also want to take the CLEP English Composition or Freshman English Composition tests.
Contemporary Literature
Contemporary Literature: Classification: EN
This course is a survey of contemporary literature: novels, short stories, plays, and poetry from world literature of the past thirty years. It should be designed to introduce students to important contemporary authors and to help students become aware of the relationship between literature and the culture which produces it. If you choose to read individuals works, twelve (12) books and writing assignments earns one (1) high school credit at NARHS (North Atlantic Regional High School).
Journalism
Journalism: Classification: EN
This course is an introduction to the basics of journalism - reporting and writing the news. Included in this subject could be information gathering, research methods, seeking and developing news sources, how to interview and find background information, and practicing how to report basic types of news stories that journalists cover on a daily basis.
Literture of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature: Classification: EN
This course offers a critical and historical survey of science fiction and fantasy in literature. Students could study the development of science fiction and fantasy as a genre since the early 1900s to the present. Students should not only study the structure and content of science fiction and fantasy literature, but also its effect on society and how it reflects the political and cultural times in which it was written. Students working on high school credits may choose to read individual works -- twelve (12) novels or major works -- and accompanying writing assignments to earn one (1) credit from North Atlantic Regional High School (NARHS).
Workplace Communications
Workplace Communications (aka Business English, Business Communications):
Classifications: EN or BU
Workplace Communications is intended to provide the student with practical experience in writing a wide variety of business communications including memos, technical reports, instructions, business letters, resumes, press releases, proposals, and research skills.
World Literature
World Literature: Classification: EN
This course is a survey of established classics of ancient, medieval, and modern literature in translation. Students may want to study the literary techniques of well-known authors and explore the similarities and differences in literature from different world cultures. A focus may be to explore common universal themes, such as love, justice, integrity, and knowledge. If you choose to read individual works, twelve (12) books and writing assignments, this is elibgible to earn one (1) high school credit through the North Atlantic Regional Schools (NARHS) in Lewiston, Maine.
Writing Lab
Writing Lab: Classification: EN
This Writing Lab course is designed to give students basic writing instruction to enhance present writing skills. The objective of this course is to help students to become better writers by practicing and using the mechanics of grammar and punctuation and should address the most troublesome areas of the student’s own work. Often, mechanics are learned, but too few opportunities are given to practice the skills. To become an effective writer takes practice. Practice comes from opportunity, so this course makes room for a full credit of practice!