ENGLISH

“You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” -Ray Bradbury

The English program at KCVI is designed to help students develop their communication skills, their critical thinking skills and their appreciation of artistic endeavour. The primary areas of interest in the KCVI English classroom are language, writing, literature and media studies. Core English courses from grade nine to twelve are considered compulsory credits, but elective courses such as Media Studies, Film Studies, The Writer’s Craft and Studies in Literature are offered to students who have particular interests in these areas.

ENGLISH PREREQUISITE FLOW CHART

ENGLISH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ENG1DK English, Grade 9, Academic

This course emphasizes the analytical reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school academic programs and their daily lives. Students will study and interpret text from contemporary and historical periods, including short stories, poems, and short essays, and will investigate and create media works. An important focus will be the correct and effective use of spoken and written language.

Prerequisite: None

ENGIPK English, Grade 9, Applied

This course emphasizes key reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school and their daily lives. Students will study plays, short stories, and newspaper and magazine articles, and will describe and create media works. An important focus will be the correct use of spoken and written language.

Prerequisite: None

ENG1LK English (LDCC) Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Course, Grade 9

This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the Grade 10 LDCC Course. The course is organized into strands that develop listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on developing foundational literacy skills and on using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students develop strategies and put into practice the processes involved in talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect regularly upon their growth in these areas.

Prerequisite: None

ENG2DK English, Grade 10, Academic

This course extends the range of analytic, reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school academic programs. Students will study and interpret challenging texts from contemporary and historical periods, including novels, poems, plays, and opinion pieces, and will analyze and create effective media works. An important focus will be the thoughtful use of spoken and written language.

Prerequisite: ENG1DK or ENG1PK

ENG2PK English, Grade 10, Applied

This course extends the range of key reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in all areas of the curriculum. Students will study novels, poems, magazines, and reports, and will describe, design, and produce effective media works. An important focus will be the clear and coherent use of spoken and written language.

Prerequisite: ENG1DK or ENG1PK

ENG3UK English, Grade 11, University Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students will analyse challenging texts, both contemporary and historical; conduct research and analyse the information gathered; write persuasive and literary essays; and analyse the relationship among media forms, audiences, and media industry practices. An important focus will be on understanding the development of the English language.

Prerequisite: ENG2DK

ENG3UW “Women’s Literature” English, Grade 11, University Preparation

This course introduces students to the rich tradition of women writers through the study of literary works which explore female identity and development. We consider how ideas about gender have been constructed in male-authored texts and, through the study of female-authored texts (prose fiction, poetry, film, drama) and writing practice, encourage students to develop strong, authentic voices.

Prerequisite: ENG2DK

ENG3CK English, Grade 11, College Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students will study the content, form, and style of informational texts and literary works from Canada and other countries; write reports, correspondence, and persuasive essays; and analyse media forms, audiences, and media industry practices. An important focus will be on establishing appropriate voice and using business and technical language with precision and clarity.

Prerequisite: ENG2PK

EMS3OK Media Studies, Grade 11, Open

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand media communication in the twenty-first century and to use media effectively and responsibly. Through analysing the forms and messages of a variety of media works and audience responses to them, and through creating their own media works, students will develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and ethical judgment, and skills in viewing, representing, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course does not count as a compulsory English course, but does count as a Group 1 compulsory course.

Prerequisite: ENG2PK or ENG2DK

NBE3UK Contemporary Aboriginal Voices, Grade 11, University Preparation

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Through the analysis of literary texts and media works, students will develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Aboriginal writing. Students will also conduct research and analyse the information gathered; write persuasive and literary essays; and analyse the relationship between media forms and audiences. An important focus will be the further development of students' understanding of English-language usage and conventions.

Through this course, students will develop a better understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and contemporary issues.

Prerequisite: ENG2DK

ENG4UK English, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course emphasizes consolidation of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students will analyse a range of challenging texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures; write analytical and argumentative essays and a major paper for an independent literary research project; and apply key concepts to analyse media works. An important focus will be on understanding academic language and using it coherently and confidently in discussion and argument.

Prerequisite: ENG3UK or NBE3UK

ENG4CK English, Grade 12, College Preparation

This course emphasizes consolidation of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students will analyse informational texts and literary works from various time periods, countries, and cultures; write research reports, summaries, and short analytical essays; complete an independent study project; and analyse the interactions among media forms, audiences, and media industry practices. An important focus will be on establishing appropriate style and using business and technical language effectively.

Prerequisite: ENG3CK

ETS4UK Studies in Literature, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course is for students with a special interest in literature and literary criticism. The course may focus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will analyse a range of forms and stylistic elements of literary texts and respond personally, critically, and creatively to them. They will also assess critical interpretations, write analytical essays, and complete an independent study project.

Prerequisite: ENG3UK or NBE3UK

EWC4UK The Writer's Craft, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will analyse models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and identify effective ways to improve the quality of their writing. They will also complete a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project, and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.

Prerequisite: ENG3UK or NBE3UK

FILM STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

IDC3OM Film Studies, Grade 11, Open

This course will allow students to make the necessary connections between technology, film theory and creative writing. Film studies encompasses many areas of study; some of which, are represented in this course. By analysing film as language students will learn how film is used to educate, entertain and express. Particular emphasis will be placed on learning through application as students will expected and encouraged to produce their own short films.

Prerequisite: None

IDC4UM Film Studies, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course will allow students to identify and explore various approaches discussed in film theory which are influenced by a filmmaker’s culture, religion, gender, environment, as well as sociological, political and economic trends. By analysing film movements, feature film, documentary film and directors from various decades and areas of the world, students can see the progression toward current and future technological changes in the media. Particular emphasis will be placed on learning through application as students will expected and encouraged to produce their own short films.

Prerequisite: IDC3O - Film Studies