The English Department of Central Catholic High School, following a solid tradition of Christian teaching from Catholic elementary schools, endeavors to instruct each student in reading, writing, and speaking with the goal that continuing improvement in these areas will enhance a person's social relations and responsibilities; an individual's Christian attitude, communication, and behavior; and a learner's confidence in knowledge of and faith in himself, God, and God's plan for mankind.

Four credits of English study are required for graduation.

Current English Department instructors include Mrs. Debra Toland (Dept. Chairperson), Mrs. Janet Grubler, Mrs. Paula Heagy, Mrs. Pamela Hartman, and Mrs. Michelle Sayre.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM......FOR ALL 2012-2013 CCHS STUDENTS

To encourage a child's growth in reading comprehension and vocabulary, every CCHS student is required to read TWO novels over the summer and be tested on them within a week or two of returning to class in August.

Each class member is responsible for reading the following novels:

Your encouragement and support regarding this summer assignment will greatly assist and improve the academic quality of Central Catholic High School.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT REQUIRED COURSES AND ELECTIVES:

ENGLISH  111-112      (YEAR)    WV REQUIREMENT

This course is designed to develop and to intensify important communication and critical thinking skills. Students expand vocabulary, improve spelling skills, and broaden knowledge of basic grammar and syntax. Students develop reading skills through modern and classical literature. Writing skills are enhanced through descriptive, personal, and critical essays and letter writing.
 
 
ENGLISH   113     (YEAR)  WV REQUIREMENT
 
This course is designed to improve the language skills of freshmen who have experienced difficulty with English courses in the past. The class provides a firm working knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and basic reading comprehension through sentence analysis and writing.
 
 
LANGUAGE ARTS 115      (YEAR)   ELECTIVE
 
This class is a required elective for all students enrolled in English 113. It offers students an additional opportunity to improve their reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, and oral communication skills. The class is designed to aid students who need to improve reading proficiency and comprehension through silent and oral reading of literary stories, novels, and documents. Students write essays based on their reading and personal lives and learn to communicate effectively through formal reading and speeches.
 
 
ENGLISH II  121-122     (YEAR)   WV REQUIREMENT
 
This course is designed to refine the communication skills acquired in English I. The focus of this course is critical thinking - the ability to analyze, and appreciate American literature. Students continue to expand vocabulary and spelling skills as well as syntax and grammar, applying what is learned to composition and reading assignments.
 
 
ENGLISH II  123    (YEAR)     WV REQUIREMENT
 
This course is for sophomores who need further developmental skills in grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, basic writing, and oral communication. Students read a chronology of American literature to develop mature language skills.
 
 
ENGLISH III   131-132     (YEAR)    WV  REQUIREMENT
 
This course is designed to reaffirm students' ability to read, comprehend, analyze, and enjoy literature while increasing their confidence in vocabulary utilization, writing skills, and speaking talents. Students develop abstract thinking skills and further enhance composition abilities through the study of British literature.  
 
 
ENGLISH III   133    (YEAR)    WV REQUIREMENT

 This class is designed to reaffirm students' ability to read, comprehend, analyze, and enjoy literature while strengthening their vocabulary utilization, writing, and communication skills. A study of British literature and its thematic relevance to the 21st century is emphasized.

ENGLISH IV  141-142    (YEAR)    WV REQUIREMENT
 
In this course, students critically study and discuss the philosophical and theological concerns found in global literature. Students write personal, argumentative, and literary essays. Students are required to use their knowledge of the English language in both a structural and creative way. The successful completion of a research term paper is a requirement for credit in this class.       
 
 
MYTHOLOGY   114      (SEMESTER)    ELECTIVE
 
This course is an introduction to the myths and legends of the Greek and Romans. Students study the major and minor gods and goddesses and learn to recognize allusions to mythology in literature, art, music, and other areas of culture. Individual and group presentations and writing projects are assigned in addition to class work, reading, and discussion. The overall purpose of the class is to make students aware of allusions to mythology and their significance in the modern world.
 
 
STUDY SKILLS 119     (SEMESTER)    ELECTIVE
 
This course is designed to give students the skills necessary to become better students. Topics include: homework guidelines, listening skills, note taking methods, visuals, mnemonic devices, dictionary and library skills, test preparation, and test taking skills.
 
 
SPEECH   135     (SEMESTER)    ELECTIVE
 
This course emphasizes all elements of oral communication, personal presentation, and interpersonal communication. Special emphasis is placed on articulation, pronunciation, and diction. Students speak extemporaneously on a variety of topics throughout the semester and are required to deliver at least four formal speeches.
 
 
JOURNALISM I AND I   138-148     (YEAR)       ELECTIVE
 
Students in this class produce the school yearbook. Students will learn computer-generated layout and design, and photographic composition, processing, and printing. Writing skills include novelty leads, feature writing, and straight news stories. Students gain competence in word processing and design graphics by utilizing up to date computer applications. **Instructor approval required.
 
 
CREATIVE WRITING   171     (SEMESTER)    ELECTIVE
 
This course provides a sound basis in the mechanics of good composition with the opportunity to explore various styles of writing. Students review the rules of grammar and proper structure through both prose and poetry. They learn and practice the processes of pre-writing, writing, evaluating others' work, and revising in both assigned and free composition. ** English department approval is required.
 
 
CREATIVE WRITING II 172    ( SEMESTER)    ELECTVE
 
In this course students enhance those skills practiced and mastered in Creative Writing I. The emphasis is on advanced techniques, writing for an audience, and developing sequential materials. The assignments are designed to lead to a final class project. ** Creative Writing I is a prerequisite.