Courses

  • English 1
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 9
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description: English 1 combines reading and literature; writing; speaking; listening and media literacy activities. Students will learn the basics of public speaking, drafting a structured composition, the value of a rich vocabulary, and appreciation of a variety of genres. Freshmen may earn an honors designation on an individual basis.
     
    English 2
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 10
    Prerequisite: English 1
    Course Description: English 2 students study a variety of genres to appreciate literature; to refine their comprehension, fluency and vocabulary skills; and to obtain information. Students plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. Students refine their researching, speaking and listening skills through a variety of activities, including presentations. English 2 Honors sections include a greater depth and breadth of required student activities.

     
     
    English 2 Honors
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 10
    Prerequisite: English 1
    Course Description: Honors students will cover more material in a slightly shorter time frame which requires a desire to really engage in text. Students in honors focus on greater time management skills, prioritizing their tasks, and engaging with text on a deeper and more structured level. In class students are expected to participate, read assignments on time, ask questions, and propose and defend alternative interpretations. If students plan to take challenging courses in their junior and senior years, this class will help prepare them. At the end of the course, students should be able to write a compelling essay, speak confidently in a public setting, and appreciate a wide variety of literature.
     
    English 3
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 11
    Prerequisite: English 2 or English 2 Honors
    Course Description: English 3 students study a variety of genres to appreciate literature; to refine their comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills; and to obtain information. Students plan, draft and complete various written compositions. Students refine their researching, speaking, and listening skills through a variety of activities. Students explore global perspectives and narratives and make connections to their own lives. 
     
    IB English 3
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 11
    Prerequisite: English 2 or English 2 Honors
    Course Description: Students in IB classes will explore global perspectives through a variety of genres. Emphasis is placed on authors of various background, ethnicity, genders, etc., and at least one work is studied in translation. Discussion and student directed learning are priorities in this class. Students will work on strategies to manage their time and work collaboratively. Students will complete multiple presentations, learn to engage with text on a more complex level, and articulate their ideas fluently and concisely. This course is required for the IB diploma program, but any student may enroll in this class. Students who wish to take the exam and earn college credit, must take this class prior to IB English IV their senior year. 
     
    English 4
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level:12
    Prerequisite: English 3 
    Course Description: In English 4 students write extensively, including research, literary analysis, critical review and creative forms. English 4 students read in multiple genres to appreciate literature; to refine their comprehension, fluency and vocabulary; and to obtain information. English 4 students produce and respond to a variety of media, refining their speaking, listening and critical thinking skills. Students complete the course with a culminating, oral project/presentation. 
     
    IB English 4
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Year
    Level:12
    Prerequisite: English III, IB English III (this is required in order to test for college credit)  
    Course Description: Students will explore a variety of genres in depth, learning content specific vocabulary. Students will also study rhetoric, non-fiction, and literary and rhetorical devices to discuss text on multiple levels. Students will engage in discussion and group activities, and write frequently to hone their ability to convey their ideas in an organized and engaging manner. Students will increase their vocabulary, and frequently practice defending their claims, learning to engage with opposing viewpoints and expand their knowledge of strategies authors use to convey ideas. 
     
     
     
    Introduction to Creative Writing
    Credit: .50 per Semester
    Length: 1 Semester
    Level: 9,10,11,12
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description: This course is the gateway to Aerie Big Sky or Aerie International Literary Magazines. Become a member of a writing community and explore the possibilities of creative writing. Play with words. Become a better writer. Work with other inspired students to sharpen your skills, find your voice, and create an anthology of your own work. Count on writing, rewriting, and rewriting some more. Make your work ready for the world. Maybe even get published.
     
    Introduction to Journalism
    Credit: .50 per Semester (Elective)
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 9,10,11,12
    Prerequisite: none
    Course Description: The class introduces basic concepts in journalism and prepares students to write, especially in preparation for work on publications (newspaper and yearbook). There will be intensive emphasis on writing with some required reading of literature related to journalism. In addition students learn photography, publication technology and broadcast technology.
     
    Journalism 2/Newspaper
    Credit: .50 per Semester (Elective)
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 10,11,12
    Prerequisite: Intro to Journalism and/or consent of Instructor
    Course Description: This class may be taken for up to three years for elective credit only. It is a laboratory class in intensive writing which produces the school newspaper. Students in Journalism 2 (newspaper) will learn vocational aspects of running a newspaper, discuss the media, and read literature related to media and journalism.
     
    Journalism 3/Yearbook
    Credit: .50 per Semester (Elective)
    Length: 1 Year
    Level: 10,11,12
    Prerequisite: "B" or higher in Intro to Journalism and/or consent of Instructor
    Course Description: This class may be taken up to three years for elective credit only. It is a laboratory class that produces the school yearbook. Students in this class will learn vocational aspects of running a publication, photography, and layout design. They will be responsible for producing the book of record for the school for that year.