English Department
GRADE 9
Elements of Literature (College Prep) [01001CP]
Credit: 1.0
This course is designed to provide instruction and practice in critical thinking that is provided through the study of literary genres: novels, plays, short stories and poems. Independent reading and writing skills are required. Along with writing assignments related to the readings, students will learn research and speaking skills. Instructional preparation for the SATs will include review and development of standard usage, grammar and mechanics. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Elements of Literature (Honors) [01001H]
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and historical data sets
This course is the first in the sequence of courses designed to accommodate those students whose reading abilities, writing skills and critical thinking skills function at a higher level. The pace of the course is accelerated and the workload increased. Students who register should be consistent and self-motivated workers. The course is designed to concentrate on higher-level analytical writing skills and the development of an understanding of literature. This course is geared to prepare students for courses that rely heavily on superior verbal and composition skills and a broad knowledge of literature. Summer reading will be encouraged.
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Elements of Literature (Gifted) [01001G]
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Students must meet state-mandated guidelines for placement in the Gifted Program.
​The 9th grade gifted English curriculum emphasizes project-based instruction, group instruction, and guided discussion. Students study parallel units with the 9th grade gifted World Cultures course focusing on world literature. Students will engage in independent research studies and learn about a diverse array of authors. Students also concentrate on developing focused, clear, and well-organized writing in all formats. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Academic Writing: Foundations of Thought and Composition (College Prep) [01101]
Credit: 0.5
This course provides foundations for students to write in an academic setting and succeed in writing across all subject areas. Students will engage in a variety of writing tasks and will explore the different categories of writing as well as the various types of writing assignments they can expect to see at the high school level and later in their academic careers. Students will perform a variety of writing tasks focused on measurable writing goals and skills. This course is built to enhance student writing through the use of the narrative, literary analysis, argumentative writing, culminating in a final portfolio. Ultimately, this course is designed to develop students’ writing abilities in an effort to have all students “college and career ready.”
Academic Writing: Foundations of Thought and Composition (Honors) [01101H]
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: enrollment in Honors or Gifted Elements of Literature
This course provides foundations for students to write in an academic setting and succeed in writing across all subject areas. Students will engage in a variety of writing tasks and will explore the different categories of writing as well as the various types of writing assignments they can expect to see at the high school level and later in their academic careers. Students will perform a variety of writing tasks focused on measurable writing goals and skills. This course is built to enhance student writing through the use of the narrative, literary analysis, argumentative writing, culminating in a final portfolio. Ultimately, this course is designed to develop students’ writing abilities in an effort to have all students “college and career ready.”
GRADE 10
Survey of Literature (College Prep) [K01053CP]
Credit: 1.0
* Students will participate in the Keystone Literature Test while in this course.
This course is designed to provide instruction and practice in critical thinking through the study of literary genres: novels, plays, short stories, and poems. Independent reading and writing skills are required for this course. Along with writing assignments related to reading, students will continue to develop research and speaking skills. Instructional preparation for the SATs will further develop the standard usage, grammar and mechanical skills presented in 9th grade. Students will explore possible career paths and educational institutions through the use of research and on-line databases, such as Naviance. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Survey of Literature (Honors) [K01053H]
Credit: 1.0
* Students will participate in the Keystone Literature Test while in this course.
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and historical data sets
This course is the second in the sequence of courses designed to accommodate those students whose reading abilities, writing skills and critical thinking skills function at a higher level. The pace of the course is accelerated and the workload increased. Students who register should be consistent and self-motivated workers. The course is designed to concentrate on higher-level analytical writing skills and the development of an understanding of literature. This course is geared to prepare students to complete those courses that rely heavily on verbal and composition skills and a broad knowledge of literature. Students will explore possible career paths and educational institutions through the use of research and on-line databases, such as Naviance. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Survey of Literature (Gifted) [K01053G]
Credit: 1.0
* Students will participate in the Keystone Literature Test while in this course.
Prerequisite: Students must meet state-mandated guidelines for placement in the Gifted Program.
The creative use of critical thinking skills in reading, writing, and discussion is vital here. World literature, as presented in a variety of literary genres, centers on these themes: individuality; moral dilemma of conscience versus authority; appearance versus reality; social injustices and abuse of power. There is continued emphasis on the correlation between history, literature, and the arts. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Honors Humanities Seminar (K01052HU)
Credits: 2.0 (1 English, 1 Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Only open to 10th grade students
Honors Humanities Seminar is a co-taught, two period course that integrates US History concepts and Literature. The course covers a wide range of philosophical, political, and historical aspects of American History between 1877 and the present with a connection to the written texts/sources of the time period. Students will utilize scholarly nonfiction and fictional texts, discern reliable sources, and learn to write an effective argument. Emphasis will be placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, project-based learning, composition, and interpretation of various texts. This honors level course fulfills 10th Grade English and History requirements and is designed for students who welcome the challenge of connecting their knowledge of American History through their understanding of literature.
GRADE 11
American Literature (College Prep) [01003CP]
Credit: 1.0
This course is designed to provide instruction and practice in critical thinking which is provided through the study of American literature, including novels, plays, short stories, and poems. Independent reading and writing skills are required. Along with writing assignments related to the reading, students will extend their research skills. This course includes activities designed to review and to strengthen SAT test-taking skills such as the SAT Vocabulary Program. Summer reading will be encouraged.
American Literature (Honors) [01003H]
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and historical data sets
This course is the third in the sequence of courses designed to accommodate those students whose reading abilities, writing skills and critical thinking skills function at a more challenging level. The pace of the course is accelerated and the workload is increased. Students who register should be consistent and self-motivated workers. The course is designed to concentrate on higher-level analytical writing skills and the development of an understanding of American literature. Summer reading will be encouraged.
American Literature (Gifted) [01003G]
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Students must meet state-mandated guidelines for placement in the Gifted Program.
Thematic study of American literature incorporates the genres of essays, poetry, short stories and novels to illustrate and stress the themes being covered. The approach encourages students to see the relationships among literature, art and history of America. Students strive for excellence in communication skills with various group and individual assignments. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition (01005)
Credit: 1.0
The AP English Language and Composition course teaches and requires students to write in several forms such as narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays and also in informal contexts about a variety of subjects (pop culture, politics, science, technology, etc.). The course requires various composition assignments that are based on readings that represent a variety of prose styles and genres. Students are taught the basic elements of rhetoric: writing with purpose, addressing and appealing to an audience, creating effective text structures, and adopting an appropriate style. Students write essays that proceed through several stages or drafts with multiple revisions. Summer reading and a follow-up assignment are required. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.
GRADE 12
World Literature (College Prep) [01004CP]
Credit: 1.0
This course is the final year of a sequential program. Instruction and practice in critical thinking are provided through the study of World literature, including novels, plays, short stories, and poems. Independent reading and writing skills are required. This course includes activities designed to review and to strengthen SAT test-taking skills and vocabulary development. Summer reading will be encouraged.
World Literature (Honors) [01004H]
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and historical data sets
This course is designed to accommodate those students whose reading abilities, writing skills and critical thinking skills function at a more challenging level. The pace of the course is accelerated and the workload increased. Students who register should be consistent and self-motivated workers. The course is designed to concentrate on high-level analytical writing skills and the development of an understanding of literature. This course is geared to prepare students to successfully complete those courses which rely heavily on verbal and composition skills and a broad knowledge of world literature. Summer reading will be encouraged.
World Literature (Gifted) [01004G]
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Students must meet state-mandated guidelines for placement in the Gifted Program
The goal of this course is to consciously examine man and his beliefs as they are reflected in the humanities: philosophy, literature, and the arts. In a seminar approach, students examine the basic elements of philosophical and critical characteristics of the mature hero in his quest for love and honor and of the anti-hero, his isolation, violence and aggression. Students will continue to perfect their critical thinking and communication skills. Summer reading will be encouraged.
Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition (01006)
Credit: 1.0
The AP English: Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways that writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students will consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Summer reading and a follow-up assignment are required. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.
ELECTIVES
Introduction to Acting (05051)
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic techniques of acting through theater games and improvisation. The essential skills necessary for acting, staging, and stage directing will be explored through a variety of exercises. Students will be required to improvise situations and pantomimes, and prepare monologues and scenes for this class.
Acting 2: The Page to the Stage (05055)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Introduction to Acting
This course is for students looking to deepen their acting skills, with a focus on techniques for both stage and film performance. Students will learn to memorize lines, practice staging, and perform a variety of scenes, developing their versatility and confidence as actors.
Audio Engineering (11051)
Credit: 0.5​
This course will provide students with the basic background and technical knowledge required to record, mix, and master audio for both music and video applications as well as provide an understanding of the technology and innovations that have allowed the industry to develop. This has wide applications from a college and career readiness standpoint and provides students with the necessary information to get started in this industry. Additionally, this course will help develop real word problem solving skills and may serve as an interdisciplinary study combining elements of A/V, History, Language Arts, and Computer Technology.
The Bard and The Box Office: Shakespeare’s Influence on Film (01099)
Credits: 0.5
This course is designed for students interested in exploring what defines an author’s unique voice or the essence of a literary genre. Through an in-depth study of one particularly influential author or genre, students will analyze its distinct themes, style, and impact. This journey includes examining the works of the author’s contemporaries, predecessors, and successors—or authors across a genre—to understand how ideas are expressed uniquely and how they influence future literature. Students will gain insight into the lasting influence of these voices on writers and genres that follow.
Creative Writing (01104)
Credit: 0.5
This course is for students with solid writing skills who want to expand their abilities across different forms of creative writing. Students will experiment with poetry, drama, short fiction, and nonfiction, developing versatility and depth in their writing. Please note, this is not a basic or remedial course in composition.
Film Study: Lights, Camera, Literature (05168)
Credit: 0.5
In this course, students will explore the art of storytelling through film, studying the techniques and processes involved in building compelling narratives on screen. The curriculum includes a balanced mix of contemporary and classic films to provide a broad perspective on cinematic storytelling.
Legends and Lore: The Stories that Shaped the World (01060)
Credit: 0.5
In this course, students will dive into classic literature from mythology, Native American folklore, and foundational Western texts to discover timeless stories and themes that resonate today. By exploring these works through the perspectives of diverse characters, students gain insight into how events, big and small, shape ordinary lives and reflect the values of their time. This journey fosters empathy, tolerance, and a greater understanding of society’s diversity—qualities that are especially relevant in today’s world. Students will also learn to recognize and interpret literary references that appear in modern media, movies, and everyday conversation, connecting these familiar allusions to their classic origins.
Journalism 1 (11101)
Credit: 1.0
Students will explore journalistic studies by learning the history of American journalism, debating ethics, developing skills in concise writing, and looking at modern day journalism in terms of the digital world, investigative journalism, and journalism as entertainment. Students will begin the process of learning about print and digital publications by learning to write hard news, human interest stories, editorials, reviews, and feature columns from the inception of the idea to the publishing of the content.
Journalism 2 (Yearbook) [111012]
Credit: 1.0
This journalism course dovetails with all aspects of the publishing of the high school yearbook. Students work with photography, layout and design, theme development, artistic interpretation, pagination and also written aspects of the book. Staff members become fully familiar with different publishing terms, methods and styles. A thorough knowledge of the arts as a design medium, literary expertise and computer design programs are required. Students will conduct interviews with students and staff, garner a thorough knowledge of the events occurring throughout the school year, meet real-world publishing deadlines, and take a publication from the inception of an idea to press.
Introduction to Media Communications (11001)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Sophomore level course based on application and instructor approval.
This course is designed for sophomores who are interested in pursuing a career in the communications field. This course is designed to give students a theoretical background in video and television production. The class will be held in a computer classroom setting as opposed to the media studio. Students will learn the textbook techniques needed to succeed in the more advanced Media Communications courses offered at Bensalem High School. This course will also include communicative and life skills that are important for intrapersonal communications. These will be taught through various readings by Dale Carnegie and Pat Croce, as well as through short writing assignments based on different quotes given each day as writing prompts. This course acts as a prerequisite for Media Communications 1.
Media Communications 1 (11149)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Introduction to Media Communications
Junior students who have successfully completed the introductory course, will learn the hands-on techniques associated with video and television production. Emphasis will be placed on either live television production or pre-recorded productions. In both cases, students will learn how to operate the television studio, anchor news shows, videotape events, and engage in high-end video editing. Video editing will be performed on non-linear editing systems equipped with Final Cut editing software. The aim of this course is to allow students to apply the theoretical skills learned in the introductory class as they learn the hands-on skills required to succeed in the advanced class offered to seniors. Productions are aired on close-circuited television in the high school and on the community cable channel 6. Students will be required to commit time to projects in the afternoon, evening, and occasionally during the school day to videotape events throughout the district. This course runs on even years.
Media Communications 2 (11998)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Media and Communications 1
Senior students who have successfully completed the introductory course and Media Communications 1 will apply the skills they have learned during their sophomore and junior years. Emphasis will be placed on both live television production and pre-recorded productions. Students will operate the television studio, anchor news shows, videotape events, and engage in high–end video editing, while helping junior students learn the basics. Video editing will be performed on non-linear editing systems equipped with Final Cut editing software. The aim of this course is to allow students to apply the theoretical and hands-on skills learned in the previous classes as they produce shows that aired on close-circuited television in the high school and on community cable channel. Students will be required to commit time to projects in the afternoon, evening, and occasionally during the school day to videotape events throughout the district. This course runs on odd years.
The Art of Lyrics: Poetry and Songwriting (010612)
Credits: 0.5
This course is designed for avid readers and writers interested in exploring the craft of poetry. Students will delve into various poetic traditions, examining poets' influences and their impact on future writers. The course also covers poetry in the digital age, including its intersections with digital media and music. Through supportive workshops and peer critiques, students will engage closely with each other's work, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
Speech and Debate 1 (01153)
Credit: 0.5
This course begins with several informative speeches and a review of basic public speaking skills. The middle of the course introduces the elements of persuasion and debate using a variety of current issues as topics for discussion. Some research is required. The course ends with social occasions and impromptu speeches.
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Speech and Debate 2 (01151)
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Speech & Debate 1
This course focuses on interpersonal communication and public speaking. The goal of this course is to introduce students to a wide variety of informal and formal modes of oral communication so that they may become comfortable and adept at public speaking. Students will perform a variety of speeches using different formats and strategies.
Sports and Writing (01061)
Credit: 0.5
Who is better – Jordan or LeBron? Let’s so some research and find out. This course aims to combine athletics and writing. The purpose is to enhance development of writing skills while examining the world of sports. Topics will range from reporting to persuasive writing. In our writing, we will look at what is happening in sports and its impact on society. Students should expect to complete assignments from journals to research papers. We will also look at what it takes to be a sports writer in the age of digital media.