English

8th GRADE ENGLISH
Eighth Grade English focuses on grammar, vocabulary and the basics of paragraph and paper organization; the class also seeks to develop reading comprehension and basic analytical skills as they apply to literature.  Much of the reading is designed to relate to or complement the material being studied in the Eighth Grade History course, and some of the writing assignments are also cross-disciplinary.  The class is designed to challenge middle school students and prepare them for GMVS’ rigorous 9-12th grade English and History curriculums.  All eighth graders take this class unless enrolled in English as a Second Language. This class does not count towards any GMVS graduation requirements
    
LANGUAGE ARTS (9th grade)- Kerry Litchfield
Language Arts is a full-year course designed to teach students the writing and reading skills they will use throughout high school and college.  Students learn to structure essays and use a writing process to organize ideas.  Students learn grammatical rules needed to communicate clearly.   Critical reading skills and vocabulary are taught through textbooks, novels, short stories, plays, and poetry.  Students are required to write and read extensively.

LITERARY CLASSICS (10th grade)
This course is designed as a literary complement to European history.  This course emphasizes reading of novels and plays that touch upon relevant historical and political themes and events.  Readings include works by Shakespeare, Twain, Dickens, Orwell, and others.  Students are expected to write numerous papers.  Improving vocabulary and reading skills are also component's of the course.

AMERICAN LITERATURE (11th grade)
As the product of native and colonial cultures, American Literature embodies a diverse collection of work.  Students in this survey course will trace some of the significant trends in our literary history by exploring the work of major authors.  We will read texts that demonstrate pre-Civil War ideals, modern themes of moral confusion and disenchantment, characteristic of the early 20th century, and even some contemporary works that show surprising parallels to their early predecessors.  Class discussion and written assignments are critical components of this course.

SENIOR ENGLISH (1/2 year)
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to develop and practice important skills in analysis and argumentation. The focus of the course is the analysis of primary texts dealing with contemporary issues. To supplement each reading, students will research and share background information on the issues, as well as perspectives other than those of the authors.  Class discussions will help students synthesize the information.  Students will be asked to conduct their own analyses of the issues, and articulate the outcome in well argued, persuasive written essays.

MEMOIR WRITING (12th grade) ½ year class
Each of us has a story to tell.  A good memoir allows readers an intimate connection with the memoir writer; to that end, writers must learn to communicate in creative and compelling ways.  While we are each, perhaps, most knowledgeable about ourselves, speaking and writing about ourselves is sometimes among the most difficult things we are asked to do.  This course will challenge students to develop these skills through weekly writing, peer review and teacher conferences.  It is a course that will demand hard work, honesty, self-disclosure and, hopefully, a good sense of humor.

PG WRITING SEMINAR: ½ year class
In this class students will investigate and evaluate expository and fictional writing.  As this is a post-graduate class, enrolled students are expected to already have a solid command of grammar, usage and mechanics.  We will focus on the writing process for essay and paper topics typically found at the college level.  Opportunities for practice and revisions of different types of writing will abound.   Daily assignments will examine clarity, argument, and style in published and student works.  We will analyze and enjoy “good writing” daily.   


ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
This English as a Second Language course at GMVS is specifically designed for international students attending an English based academic program for the first time.  The course has two primary objectives:  to develop students’ conversational English so that they are happy and successful members of the GMVS community; and to expand students’ skills in using English so that they can participate effectively in our academic environment. This includes listening and note taking, academic writing, grammar and vocabulary, discussion skills, public speaking and developing language proficiency.  Course design is based on the individual needs of the students enrolled.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE - SUPPORT
International students enrolled in a standard GMVS English class can elect to take this class for additional language support.  The assignments of the English class are used as a basis for ESL specific lessons. ESL support is offered as a complement with an English class and one credit will be awarded for the two classes.