English
AP English Literature & Composition (English III)
This course focuses on the advanced study of traditional and contemporary American Literature and nonfiction/ informational reading materials. There is an emphasis on writing, including response to literature, and reflective writing. Students will also develop speaking, listening and vocabulary skills. This AP course engages students in becoming skilled readers of poetry and prose written in a variety of historical periods, disciplines, and contexts. Students also become skillful writers who compose for a variety of purposes which prepares them to become effective and confident writers not only in their college courses but in their professional and personal lives as well. The purpose of this course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. AP English Language & Composition (English IV)
This AP course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of historical periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Students also become skillful writers who compose for a variety of purposes which prepares them to become effective and confident writers not only in their college courses but in their professional and personal lives as well. The purpose of this course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. Students will experience the process of composing while writing in a variety of genres emphasizing the expository, analytical, and argumentative modes which form the basis of academic and professional communications. They also will engage in personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing in any context. Students will become increasingly aware of themselves as writers and techniques employed by the writers they read. ***NORTHGATE STUDENTS MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AND PASS THE ENTIRE SENIOR PROJECT, UNDER THE NORTHGATE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT’S SUPERVISION, IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY, AND RECEIVE A NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.*** ELD (English Language Development)
This course is designed for English learners as determined by their CELDT level. The direct English instruction contained in this course will move students from their current level to the next.). The course objectives include basic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through lessons and activities that promote and allow students to demonstrate mastery of basic grammar, vocabulary, and other language elements in various receptive and productive contexts. Students will gain an awareness of a variety of career opportunities as they learn the English Language. Students will receive ten credits for English Language Arts their first year and ten credits for Electives towards their high school graduation requirements in succeeding years. |
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English I
English I is a required one-year freshman class designed to help students continue development in the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course includes instruction in composition, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and the interpretation of literature. Skills and concepts are taught in an integrated way to be mutually reinforcing. |
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English II
English II is a required one-year sophomore class. This course continues the emphasis on the four language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additional exposure to various types of literature and continued emphasis on developing written expression are stressed. Skills and concepts are taught in an integrated way to be mutually reinforcing. |
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English III
This course focuses on the advanced study of traditional and contemporary American Literature and nonfiction/ informational reading materials. There is an emphasis on writing, including response to literature, and reflective writing. Students will also develop speaking, listening and vocabulary skills. |
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American Threads (English III)
English III and US History are linked and fulfill both the junior English and U.S. History requirements through an interdisciplinary approach, which emphasizes the multicultural nature of American society. The course combines these two primary disciplines while weaving other elements of the humanities into the curriculum. Students will gain a holistic sense of the American experience. |
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English IV
English IV is a required one-year senior class. In this course students will expand their knowledge of the classics, modern works of world literature, and non-fiction. This course focuses on close reading of literacy works and on advanced forms of composition with development of both style and precision. Skills and concepts are taught in an integrated way to be mutually reinforcing. Northgate's senior English curriculum includes guidance through a required culminating Senior Project that consists of an experiential hands-on project with a community connection; a multi-sourced research paper centered on a related topic including personal interview; and a formal presentation of the student's findings and experience. ***NORTHGATE STUDENTS MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AND PASS THE ENTIRE SENIOR PROJECT, UNDER THE NORTHGATE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT’S SUPERVISION, IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY, AND RECEIVE A NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.*** |
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Electives
Introduction to Film Study
Film is one of the major collaborative art forms of the 20th century. This course will examine the many aspects of this art form, such as the history and aesthetics of film and other moving images. It will examine film in terms of vocabulary, criticism, grammar, production elements, genre, collaboration, acting, modes of music, historical context, and career opportunities. |
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Advanced Film Study
This course is designed for students who have a serious interest in cinema as a major art form of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will use the language and tools learned in Introduction to Film Study to focus on the work of outstanding directors of the past and present. All of the directors studied have made a significant contribution to the development of film, have a compelling vision and unique style, and have a personal stamp that cuts across films, genres, and decades. |
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Yearbook
This course introduces students to a variety of writing and layout skills involved in creating the school yearbook. Students will study design theories, the aesthetics of composition, and the evolution of visual communication. These elements will then be applied to learning in other art forms across the curriculum. The pace and setting of the course will simulate the professional work environment, preparing students for a variety of post-graduation careers. Students will be using InDesign software, which is a professional page-layout program used industry-wide in newspapers and magazines. |
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ROP Journalism
This course is devoted to the development and publication of the school newspaper. Students will use a variety of writing and editorial skills; communication strategies and knowledge of aesthetics in newspaper design; and will assume traditional staff roles related to newspaper production. Students will practice journalistic integrity recognizing their rights and responsibilities as members of the press. In addition, they will examine in depth careers related to journalism. |
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