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Home > Academics > English
English Department
The English Department strives to incorporate positive moral and spiritual values through the teaching of all areas of communication: reading, writing, listening, visual literacy, and oral communication. Unlike any academic field, the study of literature and composition provides the unique opportunity to explore values, choices, and the human condition in light of the Gospel and the philosophy of Ursuline High School. The department strives to develop important analytical and composition skills, as well as an appreciation of literature.
Faculty
Mrs. Karen Leetch - Chairperson
A.B. in English – Youngstown State University
M.S. in Education – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 24
Courses: Introduction to Literature & Composition, Honors Introduction to Literature & Composition
Extracurricular Duties: English Festival Coordinator
Ms. Patricia Fleming - Principal
B.A. in English – Youngstown State University
M.S. in Educational Administration – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 26
Courses: AP Literature & Composition
Extracurricular Duties: Cheerleading Advisor
Mrs. Aimee Morrison, ‘79
B.S. in Education – Bowling Green State University
Years at Ursuline: 12
Courses: American Literature & Composition, Honors American Literature & Composition
Extracurricular Duties: Students of Stewardship (S.O.S.), Sophomore Class Advisor
Miss Mary Bess George, ‘74
B.S. in Education – Youngstown State University
M.S. in Education- Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 25
Courses: Honors British Literature & Composition, World Literature & Composition
Extracurricular Duties: Students of Stewardship (S.O.S), The Irish Times Advisor
Ms. Barbara J. McVicker
A.B. in Italian – Youngstown State University
M.A. in Educational Administration – Westminster College
Years at Ursuline: 31
Courses: British Literature & Composition, Italian I, II, III, IV
Extracurricular Duties: Italian Heritage Club
Mrs. Nancy Stolle
B.A. in Education – Westminster College
M.S. in Education – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 25
Courses: French I, II, Advanced Placement French III, IV, British Literature & Composition
Extracurricular Duties: French Club
Miss Glenda West
B.S. in Education – Youngstown State University
Years at Ursuline: 30
Courses: Development Reading, Vocabulary for the ACT/SAT
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Course Descriptions
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INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
GRADE 9 REQUIRED 1 credit
The required English program in ninth grade emphasizes the study of composition and literature. Other skills such as critical and creative thinking, information processing, vocabulary development, speaking, listening and reading will be developed primarily through the examination of literature and the teaching of composition. Students will be introduced to the major genres of literature for examination and critical analysis. The teaching of composition will focus on the multi-paragraph theme developed through exposition, argumentation, narration and description.
Students who exhibit superior reading, vocabulary and language skills as evidenced on the High School Placement Test and through past performance will be invited by the department into HONORS LITERATURE & COMPOSITION. PREREQUISITE: 95th percentile or better on the READING and LANGUAGE sections of the Ursuline Placement Test
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AMERICAN LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
GRADE 10 REQUIRED 1 credit
The major focus of the tenth grade program will be to read, discuss and analyze selections of American Literature from the Native American period through the Twentieth Century. The major genres of literature will be studied chronologically by period to trace the historical and cultural development of the United States as reflected in its literature. Composition skills will include creative writing, development of the multi-paragraph expository composition and the introduction of the multi-paragraph essay on a literary topic. Creative and critical thinking, information retrieval and information processing, listening, reading and speaking skills will continue to be developed through the study of literature.
Students with superior skills in reading, vocabulary, composition and literary analysis will be invited by the English department into HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE & COMPOSITION. The research paper is introduced and required in this course. PREREQUISITE: "B" or better in Honors Literature & Composition; "A" average in Introduction to Literature and Composition and passing grade on the Honors English entry exam.
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BRITISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
GRADE 11 REQUIRED 1 credit
The required course for all juniors is a survey course of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the Twentieth Century. It traces the historical and cultural development of Great Britain as reflected in literature. The course is primarily designed to meet the needs of the college-bound student and emphasizes the development of composition skills and literary analysis. The research paper is introduced and required in this course.
Students who are identified by the English Department as having superior skills in reading, vocabulary, literary analysis and composition will be invited into HONORS BRITISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION. Students will continue to develop research skills and apply them in producing a required research paper. PREREQUISITE: "B" or better in Honors American Literature & Composition; "A" average in American Literature and Composition and passing grade on the Honors English entry exam.
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WORLD LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
GRADE 12 REQUIRED 1 credit
All seniors are required a survey English course in World Literature from its beginning in the ancient East through the twentieth century. Literary selections are representative of various historical periods, various cultural traditions and various literary genres. The course is primarily designed to meet the needs of the college bound student and emphasizes the development of composition skills, literary analysis and critical thinking. Students will continue to develop research skills and apply them in producing a required research paper that focuses on argumentation.
Students who are identified by members of the English Department as having superior skills in reading, vocabulary, literary analysis and writing will be invited into AP LITERATURE & COMPOSITION which prepares students for the Advanced Placement test in English Literature and Composition. PREREQUISITE: "B" or better in Honors British Literature & Composition; "A" average in British Literature and passing grade on the Advanced Placement entry exam.
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FILM STUDY
GRADES 11-12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
Film Study is a one semester elective, open to juniors and seniors. Students will be introduced to the technical, historical and theoretical aspects of filmmaking. Units to be covered include the following: Cinematography and Image, Movement, Editing, Sound, Acting, The Documentary, The Director, Film Criticism and Contemporary Issues in Film. This course also meets the criteria for a Fine Arts requirement.
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INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM
GRADES 10 -12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
Introduction to Journalism will expose students to the fields of print and broadcast journalism through hands-on experience with news writing. Students will learn how to interview and write for a variety of audiences as they practice constructing news articles, feature articles, editorials and sports pieces. Part of the course will include gathering news and writing for the newspaper, The Irish Times. Students will also learn how to analyze articles from local, state and national newspapers as well as from news magazines for content and style. Guest speakers and field trips to local newsrooms will give students the opportunity to consider a career in print or broadcast journalism.
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DEVELOPMENTAL READING
GRADES 9 -12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
This course is designed for students who experience difficulty in reading. Students will concentrate on building vocabulary and comprehension skills. The students’ current textbooks will be part of the reading material used. The course will be graded on a PASS/FAIL basis. Because the course is individualized to meet the needs of students, the course can be repeated for credit multiple times. STUDENTS WHO HAVE SCORED BELOW THE 10TH PERCENTILE ON THE 9TH GRADE PLACEMENT TEST OR WHO HAVE FAILED THE READING SECTION OF THE OHIO PROFICIENCY EXAM OR THE OHIO GRADUATION TEST WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASS
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VOCABULARY FOR THE ACT/SAT
GRADES 11 -12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
This course is designed for students who would like to enhance their vocabulary in preparation for college admission tests such as the ACT and SAT. The course will be graded on a PASS/FAIL basis.
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