 English, Speech & TheaterDepartment Chair : Maryanne
Lenning Phone: (630) 942-6656 |
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About Our Department |
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The Glenbard South English Department uses the study of literature and language to create capable communicators, promote understanding of the human condition and develop life long readers and learners. Through a four year sequential curriculum students develop writing skills for creative, academic and professional purposes, expand research and critical skills, increase knowledge and appreciation of literature from many periods and cultures, and broaden understanding of and facility with language. |
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Department Members |
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Course Descriptions |
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ACADEMIC STRATEGIES I Fr. 1 year 1 elective credit Criteria: Standardized reading test scores, 8th grade reading scores. For students reading below grade level and in need of academic strategy development. This course will develop and strengthen academic reading strategies and skills necessary for success in all content areas. Students will improve in the areas of comprehension, Project C.R.I.S.S. strategies for learning, writing development, content area support strategies (i.e. notetaking, highlighting, and study strategies),
academic vocabulary and fluency. EXTENDED ENGLISH I Fr. Two period course – 1 English credit and 1 Elective credit Prerequisite: For students reading significantly below grade as determined by standardized reading test scores and recommendation. This double period English course is designed to support the most at-risk reader. Students will be immersed in a standard English program emphasizing vocabulary acquisition, fluency, grammar, writing, and communication skills. Importance is placed on intensive reading strategies in order to accelerate reading growth
toward grade level proficiency. ENGLISH 1 Fr. 1 year 1 credit This one-year course for freshmen combines systematic practice in composition techniques with formal study of various genres of literature. The goals of this course are to help students speak and write more effectively and to read with greater skill and appreciation. Students review grammar and vocabulary, write multi paragraph essays, develop effective library and research skills, and begin to use technology to enhance the writing process. Classes read short stories, poetry, plays, mythology,
novels, and non-fiction essays. Individual free reading is required. ENGLISH 1H Fr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Junior High recommendation, South teacher recommendation, or Department Chairperson consent. This one-year course for freshmen with above-average verbal ability enriches the basic material, purposes, and activities of English 1 and prepares students for the AP Literature and Language classes and exams. It teaches students Latin
and Greek roots of words to improve vocabulary comprehension and usage. Students review the structure of the English language and attempt to improve the writing style and literary analysis skills. To deepen an appreciation of the writer's craft, students explore writing techniques used in various literary genres. Broader reading is required, and increased opportunities for independent reading and research are offered. A "B" average in English 1H is strongly recommended in order for the student to continue in the English Honors program. ENGLISH 2 So. 1 year 1 credit This one-year course in literature explores, compares, and evaluates universal themes of initiation, growing up, and human relationships. Integrated into each unit are vocabulary development, literary analysis techniques, composition and grammar skills, and study of literary forms such as the novel, drama, poetry and the short story. After students explore the literature through discussion group activities and individual study, they evaluate and synthesize various concepts and themes through exams,
projects, and formal essays. In addition, students research related topics and read books outside of class. ENGLISH 2H So. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: English 1H (B average recommended), teacher recommendation, or Department Chairperson consent. This one-year course is designed for sophomore students with above-average reading, writing, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on analyzing works of literature from various genres with mature understanding, and then justifying
opinions about the literature in well-organized argumentative, expository, or narrative essays. Mastery of the fundamentals of thesis formation, organization, development and logic in written composition is stressed. Students also must participate extensively in class discussions and activities and select and report on independent reading each quarter. ENGLISH 3 Jr. 1 year 1 credit This one year course for juniors of average verbal abilities focuses on a study of American Literature from our native roots to the 20th century. Study of poetry, essays, novels, short stories, and plays is combined with systematic work on composition and language skills resulting in literary essays and research papers. Students also develop projects using a variety of technologies. AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION Jr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: B average required in English 2H, teacher recommendation, or Department Chairperson consent. AP English Language and Composition is a course designed for the student with excellent communication skills in English. The course focuses on narration, comparisons, analysis and argumentation using major works of
American literature and thought. Students read works in several genres and develop critical thinking, oral expression, and collaborative skills. Writing tasks highlight literary analyses, research, a college application essay, and preparation for the A.P. test. SENIOR COMPOSITION Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit This course for college bound seniors offers students practice in writing various kinds of exposition required in college. Students learn ways to organize their thinking, review and select material, arrange material strategically, develop an effective style, use correct and interesting vocabulary, and establish an appropriate tone for their subjects. Students improve their writing skills through applying sophisticated sentence patterns and revising extensively to create a polished product. Students increase research skills through use of the Learning Resource Center to complete a required research project. Evaluation is based on improvement demonstrated in writing. The final assessment for the course will include a required portfolio. JOURNALISM So., Jr., Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit Prerequisite: B average in previous English courses or Department Chairperson consent. Journalism is a semester course for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have above-average verbal ability and interest in writing. Students develop skills in reporting and writing news, editorials, features and sports. Students also learn page
design through InDesign CS. In addition, students are required to keep informed of current news events reported in both print and electronic media. Students also present a variety of journalistic projects to the class in both oral and written form. Grades are determined by the quantity and quality of assignments completed. CREATIVE WRITING Jr., Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation or Department Chairperson consent. Creative writing is a semester course, designed for capable writers who wish to polish their writing skills through imaginative literary creations. Students study the techniques and forms of poetry and prose writing, and, by following a writing process, they
demonstrate understanding of these techniques by writing poetry, informal essays, short descriptive and narrative passages, journal entries, persuasive advertising copy, and short stories. Students who enroll in this course should have a B average in their English courses. SPEECH Fr., So., Jr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit (This course fulfills the Speech requirement.) This course introduces students to the communication arts and is designed to help them develop confidence in public speaking. Students study different approaches to speech-making as well as listening, group discussion, oral interpretation, and persuasion. Library and research skills are
also taught. Preparation and presentation of all speeches is required of all students in order to successfully complete the course. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course as freshmen or sophomores. FORENSICS Fr., So., Jr., Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Discussion with the instructor is advised. This performance based course helps students develop poise in speaking before an audience. Students learn techniques to perform short stories, poetry, news, plays, and speeches and practice each different style following the rules and techniques of competitive speech
team activities. Most performances require some memorization. ACTING AND DIRECTING 1 Fr., So., Jr., Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit Prerequisite: None This course allows students to take part in learning to develop their performing abilities and a greater understanding and appreciation of drama. Students will study units in Theatre History, Improvisation, Pantomime, Acting and Directing Principles and Techniques, Play Analysis, Presenting
Acting and Directing Scenes, Support Areas of the Theatre. Class presents a play for public performance. Students will purchase a student make-up kit. ACTING AND DIRECTING 2 Fr., So., Jr., Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Acting and Directing 1 This course gives students the opportunity to develop to a greater degree their performing abilities and their appreciation and understanding of theatre. The students study Advanced Acting Principles, Styles of Acting, Advanced Directing Principles, Costuming and Make Up,
Lighting Principles for Mood and Atmosphere, Play Criticism and Evaluation, and Presentation and Evaluation of Advanced Acting and Directing Scenes. Class presents a play for public performance. RADIO AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION Fr., So., Jr., Sr. 1/2 year 1/2 credit Prerequisite: None This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding and appreciation of the impact radio and television media have in today's world. After looking at the history and development of radio and television, students produce a weekly podcast and write, tape and
edit their own videotape presentations of various lengths on a variety of subjects. |