English

The English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1 sequence is intended for students whose post-secondary plans may include university study. The English  10-2, 20-2, 30-2 sequence is designed for students whose language skills are average to below average and who do not require university entrance English for their post-secondary training. We also offer the International Baccalaureate Program to intellectually curious students whose language skills are strong and who enjoy the challenge of literature.

English 10-1
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 65% in L.A. 9 recommended
English 10-1 is for students whose plans may include attending university.  While this course includes the five areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening and representing, there is an emphasis on the analysis of literature.  The analytical, literary essay is a major component of this course, as is the development of critical thinking skills. What do actors Tommy Lee Jones, Jodie Foster, film producer Steven Spielberg and authors Stephen King and Toni Morrison have in common? They all majored in English at University!

English 10-2
5 Credits
Prerequisite: L.A. 9
Many companies list effective communication, critical thinking skills and creative problem solving skills as being top priorities when they are hiring new employees.  Where can you work on these skills?  In English class, of course! English 10-2 is for students who are not planning on attending university.  Some programs at NAIT and MacEwan, for instance, accept students that take English 10-2, 20-2 and 30-2. While there is a focus on persuasive and functional writing, the course includes work in all five areas of the English Language Arts Program: reading, writing, speaking, listening and representing.

English 20-1
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 60% in English 10-1
English 20-1 adds to and builds on the skills that have been acquired in English 10-1.  The texts that senior high school students study and create in the English 20-1 course include works of literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms.  Literature-based texts are the foundation for extensive study of the novel, works of non-fiction, the modern play, Shakespearean drama, poetry, the short story and the essay.  Other areas of study include feature film, visual and multimedia text and informative non-fiction. There is an emphasis placed on critical and analytical thinking which is required in reading comprehension and in the written response.  Formal essay writing is a major component of evaluation.  Understanding and appreciation of literature are also taught and assessed through listening, speaking, viewing and representing.  The course assumes a standard of correctness in writing and an ability to use specific supporting details from literature.  The course is essential preparation for English 30-1.  To be successful in English 30-1, a student should obtain 60% or higher in English 20-1.

English 20-2
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 50% in English 10-2 or 40% in English 10-1

English 20-2 adds to and builds on the skills that have been acquired in English 10-2.  The texts that senior high school students study and create in the English 20-2 course include works of literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms.  Literature-based studies include the novel, non-fiction, a modern play and/or a Shakespearean drama, poetry and the short story.  Other areas of study include feature film, visual and multimedia text and informative non-fiction.  The Literary Exploration is a standard component of evaluation and is enhanced by the critical and analytical study of literature.  Further development in communication skills is emphasized as students respond to informative non-fiction and visual text.  Understanding and appreciation of literature are taught and assessed through listening, speaking, viewing and representing.  The course is essential preparation for English 30-2.

English 30-1
5 Credits Prerequisite:  60% in English 20-1
English 30-1 is the culmination of ideas and skills acquired in previous English courses.  The student continues to refine his or her writing and interpretive skills by applying them to all writing. Full participation in oral discussion is expected.  Students are required to write the Alberta Diploma Examination.  English 30-1 is required for entrance into university and many other post-secondary institutions.

English 30-2
5 Credits
Prerequisite: 50% in English 20-2 or 40% in English 20-1
English 30-2 is a course designed to further develop communication skills through writing exercises with emphasis on the appreciation and enjoyment of literature.  Instruction in writing the Literary Exploration, functional and persuasive pieces is emphasized.  Students are taught to analyse and respond to visual communication.  Evaluation is based on a variety of oral and written assignments.  Students are required to write the Alberta Diploma Examination.

History of Cinema 35
3 Credits
Prerequiste:  English 20-1/20-2 or Social 20/23 and Consent of Instructor.
It has been argued that film is the pre-eminent art form of the 20th century.  Students grow up in a culture that defines and examines itself primarily by the telling of stories through the moving image.  The goal of this course is to help students understand the history of this art form and to enable them to understand how the makers of film structure their work to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience.  By looking at the traditions of the form we seek to have the students find the connections between the past and the present creators of cinema.  We seek to help them develop a sensibility that will encourage them to appreciate the best in film and then to recognize and cherish real innovation and talent when it is demonstrated.