List of 1 items.

  • Elizabeth Seton High School

    Owned and operated by the Daughters of Charity since 1959

Elizabeth Seton Curriculum

Select a Department

English

  • English 1: Literature, Grammar, and Composition

    In this course, students read many different kinds of texts, including fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. These texts are written by and about people of various races, ethnicities, genders, religions, nationalities, and classes, and the course allows students to explore how various aspects of our identities impact our lives. This course also emphasizes the development and enhancement of reading, writing, and grammar skills, with a specific focus on sentence structure and paragraph development. In addition, students begin a multi-year vocabulary program designed to prepare them for the SAT.
    Grade 9: 1 credit



     

  • English 1: Honors Literature, Grammar, and Composition

    This course provides an in-depth study of the topics and works of English 1. Students read fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction by and about people of various races, ethnicities, genders, religions, nationalities, and classes, and the course allows students to explore how various aspects of our identities impact our lives. Students study literature, grammar, and vocabulary at an accelerated pace and advance from single to multi-paragraph essays. In addition, students begin a multi-year vocabulary program designed to prepare them for the SAT. Honors students also complete an independent reading project in the spring.
    Grade 9:  1 Honors credit
    Prerequisite: English Department approval.

  • English 2: World Literature

    The second year of literature is an in-depth study of major literary genres (poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel) through literature from various cultures from around the world. Specific focus is given to the analysis of literary elements such as theme, setting, point of view, characterization, and plot. Terminology specific to each of the genres is examined. In addition, students continue to develop the grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills studied the previous year, with a particular emphasis on preparation for the SAT. Writing, including the literary essay and multi-paragraph papers, is based on the readings.
    Grade 10: 1 credit

  • English 2: Honors World Literature

    This honors course provides a more in-depth study of major literary genres (poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel) through literature from various cultures from around the world. Specific focus is given to the analysis of literary elements such as theme, setting, point of view, characterization, and plot. Terminology specific to each genre is examined. In addition, students continue to develop the grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills studied the previous year, with a particular emphasis on preparation for the SAT. Writing skills are honed as students continue with multi-paragraph compositions. Student writing is held to a high honors-level standard, and students also complete an independent reading project in the spring.
    Grade 10:  1 Honors Credit
    Prerequisites:English 1 with a minimum grade of A- and current instructor approval, plus a timed writing assignment, OR Honors English 1 with a minimum grade of B and current instructor approval.

     

  • English 3: American Literature

    In this survey course, students continue their study of literary genres, specifically poetry, the short story, the novel, drama, and non-fiction, through texts written in different periods of American literature. The chosen texts reflect the diversity of American literature and allow students to explore the complex experiences of Americans of various identities. The course also focuses on refinement and further development of grammar, vocabulary, composition, and SAT skills. Mastery of the multi-paragraph literary essay is an important course goal.
    Grade 11:  1 credit
    Prerequisites: English 2 with a minimum grade of A and current teacher approval, plus completion of a timed writing assignment, OR Honors English 2 with a minimum grade of A- and current teacher approval.

  • English 3: Honors American Literature

    This honors course provides a more in-depth study of literary genres, specifically poetry, short story, novel, drama, and non-fiction, through texts written in different periods of American literature. The chosen texts reflect the diversity of American literature and allow students to explore the complex experiences of Americans of various identities. The course also focuses on refinement and further development of grammar, vocabulary, composition, and SAT skills, at an accelerated pace. Mastery of the multi-paragraph literary essay and the introduction of adding research to analytical writing are important course goals. Student writing and reading is held to a high honors-level standard.
    Grade 11:  Honors credit
    Prerequisites: English 2 with a minimum grade of A- and current instructor approval, plus a timed writing assignment, OR Honors English 2 with a minimum grade of B and current instructor approval.

  • English 3: AP Language and Composition

    This is a course on rhetorical analysis, meaning that students will analyze the strategies writers use to create effective texts. While we will read some creative literature by American authors, most of the readings will be nonfiction: books like autobiographies and memoirs, speeches, essays, and informative articles. By studying these texts, students will hone their skills at identifying why texts work, and they will learn to incorporate strategies used by the authors into their own writing. This is a writing-heavy class; assessments will include timed essays as well as papers. Students also will continue developing SAT, vocabulary, and writing skills. This course is designed to fulfill the requirements of the College Board's Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Course Description, and students are expected to take the national exam.
    Grade 11:  1 AP Credit
    $96 fee for AP Exam
    Prerequisites: English 2 with a minimum grade of A and current teacher approval, plus completion of a timed writing assignment, OR Honors English 2 with a minimum grade of A- and current teacher approval.

  • English 4: AP Literature and Composition

    This course is designed as a college-level class that complies with the requirements prescribed by the College Board’s Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Course Description, and students are expected to take the national exam in May or to enroll for dual credit. A reading-heavy syllabus includes novels, short stories, plays, and poems from a wide range of authors, styles, and time periods. Special focus is placed on the development of analytical reading and writing skills, especially the essay and research paper. Students can expect frequent formal and informal writing assignments. Students write a Senior Research Paper on a poet of their choice (subject to teacher approval).
    Grade 12:  1 AP Credit
    $96 for AP Exam
    Prerequisites: English 3 with a minimum grade of A and current instructor approval, plus a timed writing assignment, OR Honors English 3 with a minimum grade of A- and current instructor approval, OR AP Language with a minimum grade of B and current instructor approval.


  • English 4: British Literature and African American Literature

    This class explores British literature in various genres, including poetry, drama, and novels. It also includes literature written by authors from a range of places, races, and ethnic groups, with a special emphasis on African American writers. Students practice reading and writing skills that are important for the completion of their Senior Research Papers in the spring, including finding secondary sources and incorporating information from them into their literary arguments. Each student writes a Senior Research Paper on a book of their choice (pending instructor approval). The fall semester also includes a unit on the college application essay.
    Grade 12:  1 Credit

  • English 4: British Literature and LatinĂ© American Literature

    This class explores British literature in various genres, including poetry, drama, and fiction. It also includes literature written by Latiné authors living in the United States. Together, we will examine perceptions of what it means to be Latiné in America across historical, cultural, political, and pop cultural contexts. The chosen texts will reflect diverse and complex experiences yet be used to develop an understanding of how Latiné people have negotiated space as a community with collective memory, heritage, and goals since the 1900s. Students will read novels, short stories, poetry, and essays while also refining the development of comprehensive and analytical writing skills. Students practice reading and writing skills that are important for the completion of their Senior Research Papers in the spring, including finding secondary sources and incorporating information from them into their literary arguments. Each student writes a Senior Research Paper on a book of their choice (pending instructor approval). The fall semester also includes a unit on the college application essay. 
    Grade 12: 1 credit

  • English 4: Honors British Literature and African American Literature

    This honors class focuses on how various aspects of identity affect people’s experiences, exploring this issue through texts written by British writers and African American writers. Texts include works in various genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. This course also includes a unit on the college application essay in the fall. Students practice reading and writing skills that are important for the completion of their Senior Research Papers in the spring, including finding secondary sources and incorporating information from them into their literary arguments. Each student writes their SRP on a book of their choice by a British or African American writer (subject to teacher approval). Student writing and reading are held to a high honors-level standard, and students also complete an independent reading project in the spring.
    Grade 12:  1 Honors Credit
    Course Fee:  Book fee TBD
    Prerequisites: English 3 with a minimum grade of A- and current instructor approval, plus a timed writing assignment, OR Honors English 3 with a minimum grade of B and current instructor approval.

  • English Elective: Creative Writing

    This class introduces students to the process of and techniques for creative writing. Students experiment with various types of writing, including fiction, drama, and poetry. Class readings expose students to various writing styles and enable students to discover their own voice and find inspiration for creating their own material. Class time is spent discussing the writer's craft, the assigned readings, and student writing. Students are also encouraged to enter writing contests for prizes and/or publishing their work.
    10th, 11th, 12th Grade: 0.5 credit

  • English Elective: Elements of Effective Writing

    This class is meant for students who would like extra support with their writing. For some class periods, direct instruction will be offered on writing skills, including grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph and paper development. For other class periods, students will be able to work on writing assignments for other classes. If students have questions about whether this class would be helpful for them, they should consult their current English teacher.
    Grade 10, 11, 12: 0.5 credit

Elizabeth Seton High School

5715 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710 | TEL: (301) 864 4532