English 9
An introduction to the high school language arts courses, this course provides a genre-based study of literature with surveys of short stories, poetry, drama, novels and non-fiction selections. It includes intense preparation for the OGT. Composition includes refining the expository essay, business writing and continued study of the research process.

English 9 College Prep
This course provides the same genre-based study of literature as English 9 with more selections and a greater degree of difficulty of material. Composition skills will include more focus on literary analysis and argument. OGT preparation, as well as, preparation for the PSAT will be emphasized.

English 9 Honors
Students who plan to take the AP courses in the 11th and 12th grades should take this course. In addition to the regular 9th grade curriculum, a strong emphasis is placed on reading and analyzing full works beyond the text excerpts. An introduction to the analytical writing skills required of AP students is provided. This course will not be calculated as an AP class for Valedictorian/Salutatorian determination. Teacher recommendation and a placement test are required.

English 10
A survey of American Literature is the basis of this course with a continuation of composition and grammar instruction. Further development of the essay will include symbolism, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect papers. OGT skills will be emphasized. A research paper is required and must be completed in order to receive credit for the course.

English 10 College Prep
A survey of American literature is the basis of this course with a continuation of composition and grammar instruction. Further development of the essay will include symbolism, comparison/contrast and cause/effect papers. More literary selections of a difficult level will be used and a greater number of compositions will be written. OGT preparation, as well as, preparation for the PSAT will be emphasized. A research paper is required and must be completed in order to receive credit for the course.

English 10 Honors
This course is a continuation of pre-AP preparation with American Literature as a basic source. Composition focus will be on analyzing and answering the essay question and a continued study of literary analysis. OGT preparation, as well as, preparation for the PSAT will be emphasized. Research skills are continued and students will write a comprehensive research paper. This course will not be calculated as an AP class for Valedictorian/Salutatorian determination. Teacher recommendation and English 9 College Prep or Honors are required.

Themes in Literature 1
This one semester junior level course will offer a wide variety of literature from different cultures and time periods. Poetry, short stories, novels, and essays will be discussed with an emphasis on using literary analysis skills to explore common themes. NOTE: Students must also take a semester of Composition 1. This course is designed to prepare students for entrance to associate degree programs or technical schools but will not satisfy NCAA college entrance requirements or some scholarship requirements. Teacher recommendation is required.

British Literature 1
This one semester course will offer a survey of the major works of British Literature from 500-1600. Writing skills will emphasize essay answers and literary analysis. This class is recommended for college bound juniors. NOTE: Students must also take a semester of Composition 3.

AP English Literature (11AP)
A wide selection of literature (primarily from British and World authors) will be read and written about, with an emphasis on poetry and drama. Elements of grammatical and stylistic structure as well as diction, tone, and style will be studied. The methods of analysis necessary for success on the AP Literature exam will be stressed. Teacher recommendation and placement test are required. Students may take the AP exam at the end of the course.

Themes in Literature 2
This one semester senior level course will continue the variety of literature from different cultures and time periods studied in Themes in Literature 1. NOTE: Students must take a semester of Composition 2. This course is designed to prepare students for entrance to associate degree programs or technical schools, but will not satisfy NCAA college requirements or some scholarship requirements. Teacher recommendation is required.

British Literature 2
This one semester course will offer a survey of major works of British Literature from 1600-present. Writing skills will emphasize essay answers and literary analysis. Recommended for college bound seniors. NOTE: Students must also take a semester of Composition 4. World Literature This one semester course will explore some major works of world literature including folk myths and legends of various cultures including Africa, Native America, and classical mythology. The great epic literature of Greece, Rome, India, China, Japan, and the Middle East will be studied and twentieth century selections from Russia, Europe, and South America are also included. This course is recommended for college bound students who enjoy literature. Not for AP students. NOTE: Students must also take a semester of Composition.

AP English Language (12AP)
The course provides a review of American and British literature, literary analysis terms and techniques. Additional study of world authors and writing for the AP test will be included. Special emphasis will be given to terms and skills related to the AP Language test. Teacher recommendation and placement test are required. Students may take the AP test in May.

Composition 1
A continuation of the study of the expository essay with emphasis on improving sentence and paragraph structure will be offered. Process, definition, argumentative and research essays will be written. NOTE: Students must also take British Literature or Themes in Literature 1. This course is designed to prepare junior students for entrance to associate degree programs or technical schools but will not satisfy NCAA college requirements or some scholarship requirements. Teacher recommendation is required.

Composition 3
This course offers continued study of literary analysis and essay writing with emphasis on character analysis, persuasion/argument, explanation through example and the research paper. This course is recommended for college bound juniors. NOTE: Students must also take British Literature 1 or Themes in Literature. A research paper is required and must be completed in order to receive credit for the course

Composition 2
Further development of essay writing and report writing, advanced letter writing, and research skills culminating in a report/presentation will be taught. NOTE: Students must be seniors and also take British Literature or Themes in Literature 2. NCAA requirements same as above. Teacher recommendation is required.

Composition 4
Literary analysis focusing on elements of fiction (plot, character, theme, setting) and stylistic devices (tone, symbol, point of view, irony) will be emphasized. Other types of essays including summary, synthesis, and critique of non-fiction will be offered. This course is recommended for college bound seniors. NOTE: Students must be seniors and also take World Literature or British Literature 2.

Mythology
This one semester course is a study of archetypal myths, legends, and fairy tales from around the world for the purpose of recognizing the cross-cultural similarity of the human condition.

Public Speaking
This semester course provides experiences in public speaking including organization and presentation of a variety of platform speeches, group discussion and oral presentations for business or technical purposes. Student performance is stressed.

Yearbook/Newspaper
This year long course will produce the yearbook and newspaper. Course work involves writing, computer skills, photography and design. Students are accepted by application only.

Test Preparation
This one semester class is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors who want to prepare for SAT and ACT tests with a review of English, Math and Science Reasoning and practice tests. Course fee $50.00

Shakespeare
This one semester course will be an in depth study of William Shakespeare, his plays and his impact on culture and literature. Students will read several plays, view adaptations of Shakespeare’s work, read a modern novel adapted from Shakespeare’s work (Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres). Students may also be asked to perform Shakespeare for their classmates; no acting talent is required! Juniors and seniors who are taking college prep or AP classes may choose this course. It may not be used to replace the core English courses. Teacher recommendation required.

*English Connections
English Connections is a course designed to prepare students for state mandated testing in reading and writing. The focus is to enhance student knowledge in the English content area and to improve student study skills for greater academic success.

Summer Reading
Because we believe that reading is one of the most important skills that determine a student’s success in school, summer reading is required of all students at Bellbrook High School. Reading skills play a huge role in success on placement tests including the Ohio Graduation Test, the SAT and ACT and in college or work environments. Summer reading is one way to reinforce those skills. The books and assignments vary from year to year and the list will be given to students before the last day of school. If your son or daughter does not receive a packet for summer reading, please contact the Guidance Office. Assignments are due when school begins.