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- Indiana Core 40
- Honors Diploma
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Skills encompass the
study of our language and all of its components with the purpose of developing
and improving the ability to communicate more effectively and to think
more critically. The focused course work includes the study of literature,
composition, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and related computer work.
At a specific level, it also includes speech. Elective courses emphasize
the study of film as literature, computer composition, speech and developmental
reading.
Computer Composition
(1 credit) Grades 10-12
Computer Composition is a one-semester elective course. It is designed
to assist in self-expression through clear writing. Emphasis is placed
on the significance and clarity of content, as well as on the value of
stylistic elements. Word processing and computer tools will be used extensively
to enhance the writing process. Whenever possible, local, state, and national
contest topics will be utilized. The course focuses on writing skills,
problem solving, critical thinking skills, computer application, logic,
and verbal skills. Valuable for both a college and/or a technical prep
program. Prerequisite: None.
Film as Literature
(1 credit) Grades 10-12
Film as Literature is a one-semester, elective course. It provides an
opportunity to view, discuss, and interpret the classics of today's film,
such as "Rebel Without a Cause", "Rear Window", "October
Sky", "Of Mice and Men", Japanese anime and more. Video
production and editing is introduced to the student using digital camcorders
and editors. Technology and aesthetics of movies, as well as the language
of film (shot, angle, color, sound, special effects, motion, editing,
lighting, etc.) are emphasized. Opportunity for the comparative analysis
of literature and film is provided. The course utilizes the basic communication
skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking and visual literacy. It
takes advantage of contemporary trends and class personality. The course
focuses on visual, spatial, writing, critical thinking, listening, and
verbal skills. Valuable for both a college and/or a technical prep program.
Prerequisite: None.
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Science Fiction
(1 credit) Grades 10-12
Science Fiction is a one-semester elective course. It examines the specific
genres of science fiction and fantasy through the study of novels, short
stories, poetry, and film by well-known writers in this field, such as
Wells, Clarke, Asimov, Bradbury, Heinlein, Orwell, and Huxley. In addition
to the world of the future, the world of fantasy and the imagination will
be explored and discussed through the works of Tolkien, Lewis, and Adams.
Required is the completion of specific reading assignments and a variety
of other activities such as group discussions, creative and expository
writing, and independent projects which are related to the world of tomorrow
and to the world of fantasy. The course focuses on writing, critical thinking,
listening, and verbal skills. Valuable for both a college and/or a technical
prep program. Prerequisite: None.
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Mass Media
(1 credit) Grades 10-12
Mass Media is a one-semester elective course. It explores the role and
influence of the electronic and print media on individuals in order to
enhance critical awareness as a media consumer. Emphasis is placed on
the study of television, magazines, advertising, radio, and film. Critical
and creative thinking projects, in-depth reading, and hands-on projects
and field trips are integral aspects of this course. Interdisciplinary
study includes exploration of the various elements of media control in
America: economics, audience, government, and self-censorship. The course
focuses on hands-on application, writing skills, problem solving, critical
thinking skills, listening skills, and verbal skills. Valuable for both
a college and/or a technical prep program. Prerequisite:
None.
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Speech for Effective
Communication (1 credit) Grades 9-12
Speech for Effective Communication is a one-semester course that answers
the student's need for communicating in daily life and includes strategies
needed for public speaking, group discussion, debate, parliamentary procedure,
and the performing arts. This course offers a "how-to" approach
that builds students' self-confidence while strengthening their abilities
to communicate in a wide variety of situations. Students are empowered
to make speaking and listening choices to communicate effectively. Hands-on
activities apply new concepts in a cooperative, interactive setting. Prerequisite:
None.
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Journalism
(2 credits) Grades 9-12
Journalism is a full-year elective course. This course provides skills
needed for producing the school newspaper and yearbook. Newspaper skills
include the gathering of news information, interviewing, writing, editing,
selling ads, planning and organizing layouts, proofreading, and designing
information for submission to the printer. Yearbook skills include layout,
design, photography, copywriting, theme development, and business procedures.
The course focuses on the development of writing skills, computer application,
verbal skills and a variety of lab experiences. Valuable for both a college
and/or a technical prep program. Prerequisite: Good English
skills with a grade of "B" or better preferred. Familiarity
with Page Maker, a desktop publishing application, is recommended. After
school hours may be necessary when meeting publication deadlines.
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African American
Literature (1 credit) Grades 10-12
African American Literature is a one-semester English elective which will
survey Afro-American culture in order to promote awareness and understanding
for all Gavit students. A wide range of experience will be shared through
reading, writing, and videos focusing in on literature and works dealing
with historical events, personal tragedies, personal successes, families,
and cultural traditions. Appropriate novels, short stories, poetry, and
non-fiction will be read and discussed. The course will focus on reading,
writing, critical thinking, and verbal skills. Prerequisite:
None.
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Literature for
Life (1 credit) Grade 10-12
Literature for Life is a one-semester English elective course that focuses
on the "Positive Characteristics of Life." The class will utilize
literature, writing, media, technology, and discussion to analyze examples
of good and bad character. The major life traits to be covered include:
honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, initiative, responsibility, contemplation,
respect, compassion, adaptability, courage, perseverance, and optimism.
The course makes available to students a wide variety of multi-cultural
works of literature and media that includes all genres and both contemporary
and classic authors. Examples of media include: "October Sky",
"Rudy" and more. Prerequisite: None.
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English 1-2
(2 credits) Grade 9
English 1-2 is a full-year required course. It allows the student to improve
reading and language arts skills. It is designed to combine the study
of literature, grammar, writing, spelling, and vocabulary. The literature
covers narrative fiction, poetry, and drama. The course focuses on the
development of writing, critical thinking, and verbal skills. Valuable
for both a college and/or technical prep program. Prerequisite:
None.
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Honors English
1-2 (2 credits) Grade 9
Honors English 1-2 is a full-year elective course. It allows the advanced
skilled student to improve reading and language arts skills. The course
combines the study of literature, grammar, writing, spelling, and vocabulary
with the incorporation of additional supplementary reading and comprehensive
vocabulary, as well as writing involvement. The literature covers narrative
fiction, poetry, and drama. The course focuses on the development of writing,
critical thinking, and verbal skills. Valuable for a college prep program.
Prerequisite: Recommendation from the 8th grade teachers.
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English 3-4
(2 credits) Grade 10
English 3-4 is a full-year required course. It focuses on writing skills
and literature appreciation and interpretation. A speech unit is also
included. Concentration is on correct grammar, spelling, punctuation,
and capitalization. The course focuses on the development of writing,
critical thinking, listening, and verbal skills. Valuable for both a college
and/or technical prep program. Prerequisite: None.
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Honors English
3-4 (2 credits) Grade 10
Honors English 3-4 is a full-year elective course. This fused course includes
the basic work of English 3-4 with additional emphasis on writing, critical
thinking and literature. Four novels of a challenging nature are required.
The course focuses on the development of writing, critical thinking, and
verbal skills. Valuable for a college prep program. Prerequisite:
English 1-2.
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English 5-6
(2 credits) Grade 11
English 5-6 is a full-year required course. It is a study of literature,
composition, grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Attention is focused on
a survey of American literature from colonial times through the 20th century.
Composition is primarily the outgrowth of reading and current experiences,
culminating in manuscript writing. Library skills and research methods
are included to aid in manuscript writing. The course focuses on the development
of writing, critical thinking, research methods, and verbal skills. Valuable
for both a college and/or a technical prep program. Prerequisite:
English 3-4.
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Advanced Placement
English,
Language and Composition 5-6 (2 credits) Grade 11
Advanced Placement English 5-6 is a full-year elective course. It prepares
the junior college-bound student for senior Advanced Placement English.
It incorporates more "other" literature (other than fiction,
poetry, drama), especially the essay. This course focuses on the analysis
of literature and the skills of reading critically and writing logically.
Writing is based on the literature read. Also included is the study of
library skills and research methods, culminating in the production of
a research paper on an American author. Upon completion of the course,
students are eligible to take the AP test offered by the college board
and may earn college credit. The course focuses on the development of
writing, critical thinking, research methods, and verbal skills. Valuable
for a college prep program. Prerequisite: Grades of "A"
or "B" for each semester of the sophomore year.
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English 7-8
(2 credits) Grade 12
English 7-8 is a full-year required course. It provides a study of selected
readings of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period through the
20th century with emphasis placed on poetry, epic, satire, narrative fiction,
and drama. Interdisciplinary study includes the historical background
of various literary periods. Several novels are read as supplemental works.
The course includes an understanding and appreciation of style, theme,
tone, structure, mood, specific literary techniques, and language used
as a tool for effective expression. The course focuses on the development
of writing, critical thinking, listening, and verbal skills. Valuable
for both a college and/or a technical prep program. Prerequisite:
English 5-6.
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Advanced Placement
English,
Literature and Composition 7-8 (2 credits) Grade 12
Advanced Placement English 7-8 is a full-year elective course. It is designed
for the senior who is willing to accept the challenge of a course which
will probe deeply into the content and analysis of literature: It emphasizes
the development of skills in reading critically and writing logically.
Representative works from various genres and periods are included. Composition
focuses on an analysis of the literature read. The course focuses on the
development of writing, critical thinking, and verbal skills. Valuable
for a college prep program. Upon completion of the course students are
eligible to take the AP test offered by the
college board and may earn college credit. Prerequisite:
Grade of "A" or "B" for each semester of the junior
year.
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Last Updated: November
5, 2001
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