At Community High School, the English Department takes an integrated approach to language arts instruction. In most English classes, students study reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the context of examining a limited number of themes which can be derived from the literature. We take an integrated approach because our English teachers recognize that language processes are reciprocal and can support each other: Reading helps one develop as a writer; experience as a careful listener prepares one to be sensitive to the needs of an audience. In addition, we recognize the importance of presenting a curriculum which students can find coherent. In most cases, teachers achieve the coherence by relating the several language activities to a unifying theme. The idea is to help students to recognize the big picture and see how the variety of activities from week to week and month to month are related. Teachers follow an integrated, thematic approach both in required English courses and in electives. Here are the general themes for the required courses:
English I:
- How are all citizens equal?
- What are the sources for prejudice and intolerance?
- What are the manifestations of prejudice?
- What can we do to discourage intolerance?
English II:
- The Hero's Journey:
- What are the predictable stages in an individual's growth into adulthood?
- How are the stages of growth represented in the stages of the hero's journey?
English III:
- What does it mean to be an American?
- What is the balance between individual rights and social responsibility?
- What is the American Dream?
- What are the challenges to the American Dream?
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