Secondary-level English Courses

EG20 Grammar and Style of the Sentence

This is a self-paced grammar course designed to help 7^th to 12^th grade students understand the grammar of the sentence and make stylistic choices informed by their knowledge of grammar. Topics include effective subject and verb choice, active and passive voice, clause coordination and subordination, sentence fragments, comma splices and run-together sentences, and phrasal modifiers (including verbal constructions or finite verbs). The course runs over the web. We strongly recommend that students enrolled in the W10 or W11 series also take EG20 concurrently.

Completion time: 1 quarter.

W10A, W10B, W10C Intermediate Expository Writing

These courses introduce students to essay composition in the context of critical reading. These courses are intended for students aged 11 through 13, and for students who have completed W09ABC. Please note, however, that course content may not be appropriate for students under age 11. If you would like to request an exception, contact the English Supervisor. Topics include: literary analysis; argumentative essay composition; critical reading of a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts, including poems, short stories, narrative essays, a full-length dramatic work, historical nonfiction, and editorials. (Reading material can vary depending on instructor.)

Virtual classroom is mandatory. We strongly recommend that students take EG20 concurrently. All students must pass W10A with a B- or better as the prerequisite to W10B or W10C. W10B and W10C do not have to be taken sequentially.

Completion time: 1 quarter per course.

W11A, W11B, W11C Advanced Expository Writing

These courses introduce students to the finer points of expository writing and critical reading skills, focusing on the fundamentals of good writing. These courses are intended for students aged 13 through 15, and for students who have completed W10ABC. Please note, however, that course content may not be appropriate for students under age 13. If you would like to request an exception, contact the English Supervisor. Topics include: introduction to rhetoric, including analysis of audience, purpose, and rhetorical tropes; essay development; construction and analysis of argument and logical relationships; identification of fallacies in argument; profile essay writing; timed-essay strategies.

Virtual classroom is mandatory for W11A and W11B. We strongly recommend that students take EG20 concurrently. All students must pass W11A with a B- or better as the prerequisite to W11B, and W11C. W11B and W11C do not have to be taken sequentially.

Completion time: 1 quarter per course.

Topics in Creative Writing I

This course is designed for motivated and verbally talented 14-16 year old students with an interest in fiction writing. Please note that course content may not be appropriate for students under age 14. If you would like to request an exception, contact the English Supervisor. Coursework includes fiction writing exercises and assignments, and analysis of fiction by published authors and students. Work on finding a voice of your own, as well as on narrative technique, characterization, description, and dialogue. Continue work on a short story in progress or begin a new one. Presents an opportunity for close work with a master writing teacher and other young writers in a workshop atmosphere.

Virtual classroom is mandatory.

Completion time: 1 quarter.