Modern Plays(Level 2) Includes British and American plays such as the Theater of the Absurd, Black Comedy, and plays of revolt and protest, with detailed study of Edward Albee, Harold Pinter, John Osborne, William Inge, Tennessee Williams, and others.

Modern World Literature (Level 2)Examines current themes and concerns through global literature. Internationally known writers are read and discussed. Major literary themes and styles of the 20th Century are covered. Composition is stressed.

Musical Theater (Level 2)Explores the purposes and creators of musicals. The course involves many individual readings, written research, and possible field trips. Students may write and perform in their own musicals. Form as an indicator of social changes is studied. Musicals ranging from the past to the present are analyzed in regard to type, intent, and structure.

Mythology (Level 2)Concentrates on mythology, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and interpreting literary materials. Library skills are stressed; vocabulary development is enhanced. Various world mythologies are sampled.

Mythology (Level 3) Closely replicates the level 2 Mythology course. It will include primarily classical mythology with a focus on creation myths, heroes, lovers, and related stories. Some attention may be given to ways in which those stories influence our current culture. Some myths from Native American, Nordic, and African c, ultures may be included. This will differ from level 2 in the amount and level of read, ings; instead of, a formal research paper, a research project will be required.

Newspapers and Magazines(Level 3)Emphasizes reading and enables the student to analyze and evaluate the information presented in newspapers and magazines. The newspaper is introduced as an instructional aid and a vehicle for critical and analytical thinking as well as enjoyable informational fact-finding. Each student will be required to participate in a variety of activities including silent and oral reading activities, written and oral presentations and a final cumulative written project.

Nobel Authors(Level 2)Studies authors who have won the Nobel prize for literature. Students read some of their works and analyze their styles and themes to see what makes them superior.

Poetry(Level 2)Includes many forms of poetry: narrative, descriptive, sonnet, ode, limerick, riddle, etc. Students interpret poems orally and in writing. The writing of original poems may be required.

Popular Reading (Level 2)Emphasizes reading as a pleasurable activity. Swift-moving, high-interest, current novels and periodicals have been selected for class reading and discussion. Reports are required. Popular Reading (Level 3) As above with greater emphasis on the basic skills.

Public Speaking (Level 2)Helps students acquire confidence and poise before an audience. Emphasis is on organization, structure, research, and delivery of speeches. Techniques for effective speaking are stressed. Students are encouraged to develop original thoughts into effective public messages. Public Speaking (Level 3) As above with greater emphasis on the basic skills.

Research Paper(Level 2)Traces the steps in producing a research paper from choosing a topic to preparing the finished copy. Organization, development of ideas, and substantiation of a thesis are covered, as are the problems of selecting, evaluating, and interpreting facts. Students write research papers which are graded for procedure and content.

SAT Prep(Level 2)Prepares students for the verbal and math sections of the SAT. Nine weeks will be spent on verbal and nine weeks on math. The critical reading, writing, vocabulary, and logical reasoning skills needed on the SAT will be addressed. Specific test-taking strategies for the SAT will also be presented. Completing this course is in no way a guarantee of desired results on the SAT. Open to second semester sophomores, all juniors, and first semester seniors. Credits will not count toward English or Math requirements for graduation.

Science Fiction(Level 2)Focuses on fiction based on some imagined development of science or some fantastical idea. The course includes readings about the future and the effects of technology in terms of their social and psychological possibilities. Science fiction provides a forum for discussion (verbal and written) of social problems, ecological concerns, overpopulation, mind manipulation, biological engineering, etc. Science Fiction (Level 3) As above with greater emphasis on the basic skills.

Seminar in Ideas(Level 2)For students who are self-motivated and intellectually alert. It requires much individual initiative and effort. Students will argue, discuss, and evaluate religion, philosophy, culture, psychology, education and social problems.

Shakespeare(Level 2)Why is Shakespeare the worlds most popular playwright? This course attempts to answer that question by reading, discussing, and writing about his plays: their themes, conflicts, and characters. Background reading and written critical analyses are required. Research and films are used to get the feel of Shakespeare.

Sports Literature(Level 3)Continues to build English skills by using stories about athletic competition and sports figures. Reading selections will include short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, and biography.

Strategies for Success in High School and Life(Level 2&3)Designed primarily as an elective for freshmen, although any student in any grade may take it. Designed to foster appreciation for cultural diversity and individualism as well as teach study skills at an early stage to be applied throughout high school and higher learning. Taught by English and History departments. Credits will not count toward English or History requirements for graduation.

Vocabulary Enrichment(Level 2)Suited for serious college-bound juniors and seniors who seek to improve their reading comprehension and writing skills through word study. Special emphasis is placed on word origin, research, and the application of new vocabulary while reading both fiction and non-fiction. Supplemental readings are integral to the course. Vocabulary Enrichment (Level 3) As above with greater emphasis on the basic skills.

Vocational English(Level 3)Explores career planning with emphasis on self-awareness, the understanding of job opportunities available and the process of decision-making. The skills stressed include the writing of resumes, various types of business letters, and application forms.

Women in Literature(Level 2)Examines writing by and about women. Selections are taken from British and American literature and represent all genre. A variety of critical approaches will be used. Students will be expected to respond both orally and in writing to the reading selections assigned.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The three year program of study presented by the Lenape District is designed to meet the needs of all students whose first language is not English and who qualify as limited English proficient according to state guidelines. These guidelines not only determine whether or not a student is placed in the program, but at which level he/she will be receiving instruction.

The district believes that the development of the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing is contingent upon the assimilation of LEP students into American society. Therefore, the course aims to teach English by helping students assimilate into our culture while encouraging them to respect and continue their home traditions, customs, and language.

ESL I ESL I is an introduction to the phonetic and grammatical construction of the English language. All activities are centered around improving listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Emphasis is on students becoming communicative and able to function in everyday situations. If it is determined that the student needs two periods of English a day, 10 credits can be obtained by taking ESL I as a high intensity course.

ESL II ESL II builds on knowledge acquired either in ESL I or background experience. It will introduce new grammar based on students needs. Techniques will be practiced to improve reading comprehension, speaking skills through directed conversation, listening skills through audio materials, and writing short paragraphs. Cultural information will be dispensed and discussed.

ESL III Advanced ESL addresses the needs of those students who are competent enough in English to excel at high content level courses but have not passed state guidelines to be exited from ESL. High level grammar points are practiced as well as challenging listening and speaking exercises. Much emphasis is placed on writing and some literature is read. Some work is completed for TOEFL preparation as the need arises. Final exiting from the program will be individually based using tools recommended by state requirements.