Open to: 12
Credits: 1.5
Duration: Three Terms

AP English Lit.- Prerequisite: Recommendation of English 11 teacher and completion of application process. AP English provides the exceptional student with a chance to do college-level work while still in high school. The course emphasizes close reading and analysis of major literary works through class discussion and written assignments. Students will participate in an honors seminar-reading group, which will meet both in and outside of class. Completion of summer reading assignments is required. Students must take the AP test in the spring for possible college credit.

Open to: 11-12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Creative Writing- Creative Writing consists of long-term writing workshops--poetry, prose, and drama. Students examine the creative process, learn and apply the writing process, read current authors, enter contests, submit for publication, read aloud and assess their own and classmates' work. A semester independent reading project is required.

Open to: 11-12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Advanced Creative Writing- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Creative Writing. Advanced Creative Writing is an independent study course for self-disciplined students who are serious about writing. In conference with the teacher, students set long and short-term goals after examining strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Students then design and complete projects that enable them to meet their goals. Before the conclusion of this course, students are expected to attempt publication. An independent reading project is required.

Open to: 9-12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Yearbook
Prerequisite: Permission from instructor. Open to grades 9-12 who have completed the application and interview process. Twelfth grade applicants must have one year of yearbook staff experience unless approved by instructor. This is a class for students who are interested in Fruitport High School and its yearbook. Students in this class learn the principles of layout and design, caption, feature, and straight news writing. Students will design and publish the yearbook using a web-based program. Students also market and finance the yearbook; they are responsible for all aspects of yearbook production from conception to completion. The class may be repeated for credit.

Senior Options (Must choose two senior per year)

Open to: 12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Advanced Composition- Prerequisite: English 11. In Advanced Composition, students will strengthen their ability to communicate as readers and writers of nonfiction. After a self-analysis of strengths and weaknesses, they will work to reinforce skills at each state of the writing process. Students will produce a variety of collaborative and individual compositions. At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to produce a multi-genre project.

Open to: 12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Professional English- Prerequisite: English 11.
Professional English echoes the reading and writing of the commercial world through magazines, trade journals, and reports. Students will learn the basics of business writing, beginning with a basic letter and memo through more advanced forms, such as product and survey reports. Students will practice research skills, word processing, presentation software, career etiquette, interview skills, application and essay techniques, as well as teamwork and group writing. At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to produce a multi-genre project.

Open to: 12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Grammar Workshop- Prerequisite: English 11. In Grammar Workshop, students will examine examples of contemporary speaking and writing samples for effectiveness and correctness. After self-examination of writing and speaking to identify strengths and weaknesses, students will attend to individual needs through application of grammar, usage, and mechanical skills in revision and editing of their own written and spoken compositions.

Open to: 12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Shakespeare & His Contemporaries- Prerequisite: English 11. In Shakespeare and His Contemporaries, students will come to better understand Shakespeare and the times in which he wrote through examination of his contemporaries and their works. They will also explore the way in which Shakespeare transcended the values and experiences of his time and captured instead universal themes of the human experience. At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to produce a multi-genre research project.

Open to: 12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Contemporary Literature- Prerequisite: English 11. In Contemporary Literature, students will read for understanding of contemporary issues such as alienation of the individual, man's search for meaning, and stability in a constantly changing world. Students will also work on expanding their vocabulary and using a variety of insights into techniques of reading and writing. Student writing activities will be based on creative pieces, analysis of literary works, organization of research and development of communication skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to produce a multi-genre project.

Open to: 12
Credits: .5
Duration: One Term

Film as Literature- Prerequisite: English 11. In Film as Literature, students will address the examination of film as a literary form. Students will apply methods for studying literature to the study of film. Some of the films may include Plan 9 from Outer Space, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Waking Ned Devine, Dodgeball, and Almost Famous. The culminating activity will be a multi-genre research project.