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English

  • GN English 9

    210-GENERAL ENGLISH 9                                       1 CR
                                                                                             9
    General English 9 integrates the study of world literature with a writing, vocabulary and grammar curriculum. Students critically examine ideas and literary techniques in poetry, short stories, drama, non-fiction and novels. Their study of language and literature emphasizes a strong review of grammar and usage, as well as vocabulary, sentence structure and paragraph form. Students practice writing, speaking and listening in small and whole group projects. Their reading, writing, and digital literacy skills are strengthened throughout the year. Students are introduced to MLA Style documentation through research-based projects.
    PREREQUISITES: Placement is determined by the Academic Dean. Student scores below the 40th percentile on reading and language sections of the HSPT.

  • CP English 9

    212-COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 9                            1 CR
                                                                                       9
    CP English 9 integrates the study of world literature with the writing process focusing on vocabulary, grammar mechanics and usage, sentence structure, and paragraph form. Students critically examine ideas and literary techniques in poetry, short stories, drama, nonfiction, and novels. The course stresses strong critical reading and writing skills in a variety of literary genres and a broad range of composition tasks. The course emphasizes personal writing through study and composition of narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository compositions, as well as essays of literary analysis. Class discussions and writing are utilized as a means of exploring literature. Students are introduced to MLA Style documentation through research-based projects.
    PREREQUISITES: Placement is determined by the Academic Dean. Student scores between the 40th and 90th percentile on reading and language sections of the HSPT.

  • HN English 9

    214-HONORS ENGLISH 9                                            1 CR
                                                                                       9
    HN English 9 is designed for students who are self-motivated and willing to work at an accelerated pace on tasks requiring high level and critical thinking.  HN English 9 integrates the study of world literature with the writing process focusing on vocabulary, grammar mechanics and usage, sentence structure, and paragraph form. Students critically examine ideas and literary techniques in poetry, short stories, drama, nonfiction, and novels. The course stresses strong critical reading and writing skills in a variety of literary genres and a broad range of composition tasks, including narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository compositions, as well as essays of literary analysis. Class discussions and writing are utilized as a means of exploring literature. Students also engage in creative writing and oral presentations in small and whole group settings. Students are introduced to MLA Style documentation through research-based projects.

    PREREQUISITES: Minimum score of 90% on reading and language sections of the HSPT Diocesan Placement Examination. Placement is determined by the Academic Dean.

  • GN English 10

    220-GENERAL ENGLISH 10                                        1 CR
                                                                                     10
    General English 10 students continue to study world literature with a concentration on literary movements, such as Renaissance Drama, Realism, and Modernism.  The genres covered include short story, novel, poetry, and drama (including Shakespeare). The writing program focuses on the thesis and argumentative essays, literary analysis, literary criticism, and research writing with an emphasis on the proper documentation of sources using MLA format. Students participate in a writing program which emphasizes the writing process and digital literacy skills. Additional skill development includes vocabulary, grammar review, note-taking, small and large group work, problem solving, reading comprehension, collaboration and both formal and informal oral presentations.
    PREREQUISITES: General English 9 and placement by department.

  • CP English 10

    222-COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 10                            1 CR
                                                                                     10
    English 10 students continue to study world literature with a concentration on literary movements, such as Renaissance Drama, Realism, and Modernism.  The genres covered include short story, novel, poetry, and drama (including Shakespeare). The writing program focuses on the thesis essay, literary analysis, literary criticism, the persuasive and argumentative essays, and research writing with an emphasis on the proper documentation of sources using MLA format. Additional skill development includes vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar review, note-taking, small and large group work, problem solving, digital literacy skills, collaboration and both formal and informal oral presentations.
    PREREQUISITES: English 9.

  • HN English 10

    224-HONORS ENGLISH 10                                        1 CR
                                                                                     10
    Honors English 10 students continue to study world literature with a concentration on literary movements, such as Renaissance Drama, Realism, and Modernism.  The genres covered include short story, novel, poetry, and drama (including Shakespeare). Emphasis in writing focuses on responding to and analyzing literature. Students continue to learn to develop a thesis statement and support it in a multi-paragraph essay. The introduction to research skills includes the use of MLA format to properly document sources and the interpretation of literary criticism. Grammatical concepts are emphasized through writing and speaking activities. Speaking activities center around informal discussions and formal oral presentations. Additional skill development includes problem solving, digital literacy skills, reading comprehension and collaboration. This honors level course integrates more written assignments, covers more material at a faster pace, and students are expected to have more developed analytical skills and to work more independently than other students.
    PREREQUISITES: 83% or above in Honors English 9.  Current teacher recommendation and 93% or above in CP English 9 and a passing grade on the timed writing response.   

  • GN English 11

    230-GENERAL ENGLISH 11                                    1 CR
                                                                                     11
    General English 11 is a chronological survey of American literature. Students analyze writings from American authors across the genres using a variety of approaches.  Themes, literary techniques, and rhetorical techniques are examined.  Practical applications in writing include expository and argumentative essays, literary analysis, multi-media comparisons, and research papers.  Vocabulary study includes a focus on Latin and Greek roots.  The year culminates in the completion of an individual literary criticism project.
    PREREQUISITES: General English 10 and placement by department.

  • CP English 11

    232-COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 11                             1 CR
                                                                                             11
    English 11 is a chronological survey of American literature. Students analyze and interpret writings from select American authors and understand the important relationship between literature and history. Students identify themes, develop critical thinking skills, and apply literary techniques to various genres of American literature. Practical applications in writing include expository and argumentative essays, literary analysis, multi-media comparisons, and research papers. Vocabulary study consists of Latin and Greek roots, analogies, synonyms and antonyms to enhance SAT prep skills. Group work and combined oral and written reports foster student development and strengthen presentation skills.
    PREREQUISITES: English 10.

  • HN English 11

    234-HONORS ENGLISH 11                                          1 CR
                                                                                            11
    Honors English 11 follows the development of American literature from pre-colonial through contemporary works in all genres: short story, poetry, non-fiction, novel, and drama. The interaction of history and literature and the development of literary movements form the basis for the analysis of each time period. Students read extensively and write numerous papers including literary analysis and a major research paper. Skill development also includes vocabulary, grammar, documentation, textual analysis, and oral presentation instruction. This honors level course integrates more written assignments, covers more material at a faster pace, and students are expected to have more developed analytical skills and to work more independently than other students.
    PREREQUISITES: 83% or above in Honors English 10. 93% or above in CP English 10 with recommendation of the current teacher and a passing grade on the timed writing response.   

  • AP English Language and Composition

    238-ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH         
    LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION                           1 CR
                                                                                            11
    Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is an advanced writing course. It provides talented high-school juniors with a college-level seminar that prepares them to take the Advanced Placement Examination in English Language and Composition. This college level course is offered to junior students who have demonstrated a high degree of interest and proficiency in writing. Advanced Placement English has a rigorous reading requirement which gives the students a broad background. Although nonfiction is the focus of the AP exam in English Language and Composition, the American literature curriculum, including a variety of texts will be covered. Students who take this course should plan to take AP English Literature in their senior year. Rhetorical analysis, the ability to synthesize what has been learned, and composition skills are stressed.
    PREREQUISITES:  A- or above in HN English 10 and passing score on the AP writing placement test. A limited number of students will be selected from qualified applicants.
    See AP policies on page 4.

  • CP English 12

    242-COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 12                            1 CR
                                                                                            12
    English 12 presents a chronological survey of British literature in an historical context from the Anglo-Saxon period to contemporary writers. Students will learn to develop and apply literal, interpretive, and critical reading skills, to understand and appreciate the writers’ use of language and literary techniques, and to write creative and analytical compositions in a process-oriented manner. This course is designed to enrich, enhance, and encourage students in anticipation of a demanding college curriculum.
    PREREQUISITES: English 11.

  • DE College Composition 1 (ENG 111)

    DE COLLEGE COMPOSITION 1 (ENG 111)          .5 CR

    DE COLLEGE COMPOSITION 2 (ENG 112)          .5 CR

                                                                                       12

    Students in Dual Enrollment ENG 111 and ENG 112 offered through Northern Virginia Community College complete College Composition I and College Composition II back-to-back, over the fall and spring semesters respectively, for a total of 6 college credits. These writing-intensive courses focus on critical thinking, argumentation, research, and the fundamentals of academic writing. Students learn to refine sophisticated topics and employ a clear focus that guides the appropriate selection of evidence, language, organization, and rhetorical and persuasive strategies.  Students develop well-structured prose that considers context, audience, and purpose, in order to best facilitate compelling analysis and thoughtful investigation.  ENG 111 and ENG 112 assists students with the development of their writing process, refining their stance through concise evaluations and assertions, as well as cultivating original ideas, substantiated with proper documentation.  Students study the full scope of compositional craft in order to create digital products and presentations in addition to written word texts. They will hone their public speaking skills.

    PREREQUISITES: 3.0 or above cumulative GPA.  If in HN English 11, student must have 87% or above. If in CP English 11, student must have 93% or above, recommendation from current teacher, and a passing score on the College Composition writing placement test. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 41.

  • DE College Composition 2 (ENG 112)

    DE COLLEGE COMPOSITION 1 (ENG 111)          .5 CR

    DE COLLEGE COMPOSITION 2 (ENG 112)          .5 CR

                                                                                       12

    Students in Dual Enrollment ENG 111 and ENG 112 offered through Northern Virginia Community College complete College Composition I and College Composition II back-to-back, over the fall and spring semesters respectively, for a total of 6 college credits. These writing-intensive courses focus on critical thinking, argumentation, research, and the fundamentals of academic writing. Students learn to refine sophisticated topics and employ a clear focus that guides the appropriate selection of evidence, language, organization, and rhetorical and persuasive strategies.  Students develop well-structured prose that considers context, audience, and purpose, in order to best facilitate compelling analysis and thoughtful investigation.  ENG 111 and ENG 112 assists students with the development of their writing process, refining their stance through concise evaluations and assertions, as well as cultivating original ideas, substantiated with proper documentation.  Students study the full scope of compositional craft in order to create digital products and presentations in addition to written word texts. They will hone their public speaking skills.

    PREREQUISITES: 3.0 or above cumulative GPA.  If in HN English 11, student must have 87% or above. If in CP English 11, student must have 93% or above, recommendation from current teacher, and a passing score on the College Composition writing placement test. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 41.

  • AP English Literature and Composition

    244-ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH         
    LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION                           1 CR
                                                                                            12
    Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition provides motivated high-school seniors with a college-level course that prepares them to take the Advanced Placement Examination. The Advanced Placement test includes both objective and essay sections and challenges students’ ability to read prose and poetry. Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition has a rigorous reading requirement which gives the students a broad background in the three major genres of fiction, poetry, and drama. Analytical skills, the ability to synthesize what has been learned, and composition skills are stressed. Students are provided with a stimulating atmosphere through activities that challenge and help develop their logic, creativity, insight and technology skills.
    PREREQUISITES:   Completion of AP English Language or A- or above in HN English 11 with teacher recommendation and a passing score on an AP Literature writing placement test. See AP policies on page 5.

  • Intro to Journalism

    261-INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM AND NEWS LITERACY                                                             .5 CR
                                                                       9, 10, 11, 12
    This course introduces the history and responsibility of the press, the concept of mass media, as well as interviewing and newsgathering techniques.  Students write multimedia news, editorial, feature, and sports articles in Associated Press style.  Students will write, edit, and add images and graphics to articles which will be published in various school publications.   Additionally, students learn copy-editing and headline writing techniques. Students also learn how to evaluate news they consume in order to become better informed readers and writers.

    PREREQUISITES: None.

  • HN Creative Writing

     

    HONORS CREATIVE WRITING AND EXPRESSION          .5 CR

                                                                                             10, 11, 12

    Create vivid new worlds, dynamic characters and thrilling plot twists as you explore the craft of creative expression in different forms. Whether it be writing short stories or composing a graphic novel, recording a short film or writing a play, here is the chance to be the storyteller instead of just the one reading or watching a performance. You can take a real-life story and turn it into a thrilling piece of narrative nonfiction or try your hand at something completely original. Students will dabble in all these styles of creative expression as they build a portfolio of work by year’s end. You can take this Honors level class for a semester or for the whole year, growing in creativity and originality. As Walt Whitman wrote, “The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.” What will your verse be?

    This course may be taken 1 or 2 semesters.

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Science Fiction Literature

    Science Fiction Literature
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    The course would contain a brief survey of science fiction literature, beginning with Jules Verne and continuing through the Golden Age with authors like Asimov and Bradbury, then its influence on other media through texts like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. In the course of looking at these works, students will examine both imagination and commentary contained therein.
    Prerequisites: None

  • Fantasy Literature

    Fantasy Literature
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    The course will contain a brief survey of modern fantasy literature, beginning with mythological pastiches and fairytales, then continuing with the "weird fiction" of the pulps before addressing Tolkien and his influence, concluding with fantasy's modern influence in other media such as tabletop games.
    Prerequisites: None

  • Photojournalism/Yearbook Production

    268-PHOTOJOURNALISM/YEARBOOK PRODUCTION                                                                                                               1 CR
                                                                           10, 11, 12
    Students learn the purpose of each section of the yearbook, how to write an effective yearbook article, how to organize and conduct student and faculty surveys, and how to collect information relevant and meaningful for the current year’s yearbook. Students also learn how to write yearbook captions and headlines. In addition, students learn and apply the techniques of layout design on the computer and assemble pages to meet structured production deadlines. They will also learn the skills involved in effective editing, revising and photography. Students interested in assuming editorial positions the next year will be trained by current editors.  Advanced students will assume the highest editorial positions on the yearbook and continue to develop their skills in management, writing, design and photography. This course satisfies the PVI computer requirement.

    PREREQUISITES:  Recommendation of current English teacher and permission of the yearbook advisor.  B or above in English. Priority in enrollment will be given to 10th and 11th graders who intend to assume future editorial positions.

  • Screenwriting

    SCREENWRITING                                                   .5 CR

                                                                           10, 11, 12

    Students will become experts in the unique artform of writing a screenplay. They will learn about the process of conceiving and pitching an idea for a screenplay or teleplay; this includes writing loglines, treatments, TV bibles, etc. Students will write several short scripts in class that will eventually lead to larger works. After becoming familiar with the act structures of a feature, a sitcom, and an hour-long drama, they will collaborate in a writing group to produce either a pilot teleplay or a screenplay; for ambitious students, these final projects could become marketable products.

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Film Literacy and History

    FILM LITERACY AND HISTORY                                .5 CR

                                                                           10, 11, 12

    Students will study film as an original narrative form, learning how to read and interpret this artform using the unique language of film. Students will critique movies from various lenses: literary, technical, political, historical, and of course entertainment. Over the course of the semester, they will trace the history and evolution of film from the silent era through the present day, focusing on important advances, revolutionary and significant directors/cinematographers, and important genres and mediums.

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Literature on Film: Modern Adaptations of Classic Texts

    LITERATURE ON FILM: MODERN ADAPTATIONS OF CLASSIC TEXTS                                                .5 CR

                                                                       10, 11, 12

    This semester-long elective explores the intersection of classic literature and modern film, examining how timeless stories are reimagined for contemporary audiences. Through works like The Taming of the Shrew (10 Things I Hate About You), Hamlet (The Lion King), Emma (Clueless), Twelfth Night (She's The Man), Romeo and Juliet (The West Side Story), and Pygmalion (She’s All That, My Fair Lady), students will analyze how themes, characters, and cultural messages are adapted and transformed. Activities include comparative analysis, creative projects, and discussions on the art of adaptation, culminating in a student-designed film proposal or scene performance. This course invites students to critically engage with both literature and film, exploring the power of storytelling across mediums. 

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Finding Truth in Literature

    FINDING TRUTH IN LITERATURE                              .5 CR

                                                                                             11, 12

    This course will explore truth, beauty, and goodness reflected in imaginative fiction that has helped shape a modern Christian worldview in a secular society. Students will read and discuss great stories as they are unfolded by Christian writers revealing what it means to be a human made in the image and likeness of God, yet fallen with the hope of Redemptive Grace. We will explore fictional works and films from authors such as Flannery O’Connor, C.S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, J. R. R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), and more. 
    PREREQUISITES: None

  • The American Dream in Film: History and Heroism

    THE AMERICAN DREAM ON FILM: History and Heroism                                                                           .5 CR

                                                                                       10, 11, 12

    Almost since the nation’s founding, the idea of the American Dream has driven debate and dissent, inspiring millions of new arrivals and countless portrayals in the arts. But just what is the American Dream? Is it as vague an idea as “the pursuit of happiness” or as concrete an image as a comfortable house in the suburbs with a nice car in the driveway? Or is it something more? Hollywood has certainly had plenty to say about the American Dream over the last century, helping to create a global image of the nation and its people. But what do you say it is? In this class, we will explore the concept through a variety of films portraying the national consciousness across two and a half centuries. Featured films include: 1776, A League of Their Own, Casablanca, Hidden Figures, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Remember the Titans, Rudy, Selma, To Kill a Mockingbird, Top Gun: Maverick, War Games; Saving Private Ryan: Little Women: Zero Dark Thirty

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • The American Dream on Film: Fame, Fate and Fortune

    THE AMERICAN DREAM ON FILM: Fame, Fate and Fortune                                                                      .5 CR

                                                                                       10, 11, 12

    Almost since the nation’s founding, the idea of the American Dream has driven debate and dissent, inspiring millions of new arrivals and countless portrayals in the arts. But just what is the American Dream? Is it as vague an idea as “the pursuit of happiness” or as concrete an image as a comfortable house in the suburbs with a nice car in the driveway? Or is it something more? Hollywood has certainly had plenty to say about the American Dream over the last century, helping to create a global image of the nation and its people. But what do you say it is? In this class, we will explore the concept through a variety of films portraying the national consciousness across two and a half centuries. Featured films include: Brooklyn, Castaway, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Field of Dreams, Forrest Gump, Joe vs. the Volcano, Quiz Show, Rocky, Seabiscuit, Sleepless in Seattle, The Princess Bride, The Social Network, That Thing You Do, The Truman Show.

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • PVI-TV Broadcasting

    PVI-TV BROADCASTING                                            .5 CR

                                                                                       10, 11, 12

    In this semester-long course, students will record feature videos and in-studio broadcasts for the weekly magazine show seen by all PVI students, faculty and staff. Learn what makes good content and compelling stories. Discover the basics of writing a good script, recording, editing, and delivering a story on camera. Here’s your chance to grow in confidence and composure while promoting all the great activities and programs at PVI.

    This course satisfies the PVI Fine arts requirement.

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Shakespeare

    SHAKESPEARE                                                  .5 CR

                                                                                 11, 12

    Enjoy this additional opportunity to appreciate Shakespeare's creative genius. Students will: 1) read a handful of sonnets closely and discuss structure, wordplay, literary effect, and message; 2) perform famous scenes from a few of the plays; and 3) engage in review of and research on one of the most famous debates in literary history - the authorship question. Learn in this passionate appreciation of the magical metaphor maker, and be the group that resolves the authorship question!
    PREREQUISITES: None

     

  • Digital Video Design and Production

    Digital Video Design and Production
    1 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    This course features a collaborative project-based approach wherein students learn and hone communication skills crucial to digital video literacy. While many digital media courses focus solely on journalism or cinematography, this introductory course gives students well-rounded exposure to various projects as they learn how to film and edit. These collaborative projects include interviews, commercials, public services announcements, event filming, short films, and mini-documentaries.
    This course satisfies both the fine arts and computer science requirements.
    Prerequisites: None

Faculty


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St. Paul VI Catholic High School is a private Diocesan Catholic preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9-12 in Chantilly, Virginia, seeking to help our students Grow in Grace and Wisdom. Our school is part of the Diocese of Arlington and offers rigorous academics, an inclusive community focused on spiritual and leadership formation, and a proud athletic tradition featuring nationally renowned programs competing in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.

St. Paul VI Catholic High School is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.