Welcome to the English Department
The English / language arts program at Bosse High School develops proficient language users -- readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. It advances a foundation of effective learning tools (including new technology) that allows students to expand, discover, and gain knowledge and to work individually and cooperatively to become problem solvers. The program professes that the proper use of language forms the base upon which other learning occurs and that learning is more effective when connections are made between subjects studied and when knowledge is applicable to life. The English / language arts program, therefore, represents an integrated curriculum and encourages interdisciplinary instruction which challenges students to become life-long readers, writers, and learners. Although the English / language arts program stresses the importance of using standard English effectively, it also fosters respect for regional and multi-cultural differences within the English language and an appreciation of other languages and their contributions to a global society. Recognizing that education is the joint responsibility of the school, the home, and the community, the program reflects and influences the moral and ethical values of the community and enables and encourages children of all levels of ability to develop these values and to become productive members of society.
English Department Staff
Lori Stahl, Department Chair
English 10A
812-435-8888, ext. 41148
Hannah Wetekamp
English 10A, Yearbook, English 9H, English 10 Lab
812-435-8888, ext. 41176
Denise Dunlap
English 10A, English 10H, Junior IB, English 10 Lab
812-435-8888, ext. 42772
Eric Eades
English 11A
812-435-8888, ext. 41128
Missy Feller
English 11H CC, English 12H CC, World Mythology, English 11/12 Lab, Creative Writing
812-435-8888, ext. 41131
Jessica Thomas
English 12A, Senior IB, English 11A
812-435-8888, ext. 41127
Jennifer Martin
English 9A, English 9 Lab
812-435-8888, ext. 41618
Tony Aiken
English 9A, English 9 Lab
812-435-8888, ext. 41146
Michele Hays
English 9 Lab
812-435-8888, ext. 41139
Related Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities
English Academic Team
Please see Mr. Eades in room 221
Yearbook
Please see Ms. Wetekamp in room 244
Spell Bowl
Please see Mr. Eades in room 221
Writers Guild
Please see Mrs. Feller in room 231
Course Offerings
English 9
English 9, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts in
Grades 9-10, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, focusing on literature within
an appropriate level of complexity for this grade band. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons,
and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance in classic and
contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write, responses to literature, expository
(informative), narrative, and argumentative/persuasive compositions, and sustained research assignments., .
Students deliver grade-appropriate oral presentations with attention to audience and purpose and access,
analyze, and evaluate online information.
• Recommended Grade Level: 9
• Recommended Prerequisites: none
• Credits: 2 semester course , 1 credit per semester
• Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas
English 9H
The Discovery of Self is the theme of the year-long, integrated, honors, ninth-grade course. Students investigate various genres of literature, including poetry, nonfiction, novel, and drama to develop the theme. Students develop skills in paragraph and multi-paragraph writing, including descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository essays. They, also, develop creative writing skills and consistently practice critical, creative and affective thinking. Students refine Indiana language arts proficiencies/essential skills/content standards, as well as test-taking strategies, to ensure excellence in application of skills. (The course is designed for students gifted and talented in language arts and self motivated to meet academic challenges. High achievers who wish admittance to this course but do not meet gifted and talented requirements may apply for admission.)
English 10
English 10, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts in
Grades 9- 10, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, focusing on literature with
an appropriate level of complexity for this grade band. Students use literary interpretation, analysis,
comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance in
classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write responses to literature, expository
(informative) and argumentative/persuasive compositions, and sustained research assignments. . Students
deliver grade-appropriate oral presentations with attention to audience and purpose and access, analyze, and
evaluate online information.
• Recommended Grade Level: 10
• Recommended Prerequisites: English 9 or teacher recommendation
• Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester
• Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas
English 10H
The Uniqueness of Self is the theme of this year-long, integrated, honors, tenth-grade course, designed to improve students’ oral communication skills, strengthen composition skills, and develop an understanding of the history of theater and an appreciation of dramatic and American literature. Students refine Indiana language arts proficiencies/essential skills/content standards, as well as test-taking strategies, to ensure excellence in application of skills. (The course is designed for students gifted and talented in language arts and self motivated to meet academic challenges. High achievers who wish admittance to this course but do not meet gifted and talented requirements may apply for admission.)
English 11
English 11, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts in
Grades 11-12, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication focusing on literature with
an appropriate level of complexity for this grade band. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons,
and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance appropriate in
classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write narratives, responses to literature,
academic essays (e.g. analytical, persuasive, expository, summary), and more sustained research assignments
incorporating visual information in the form of pictures, graphs, charts and tables. Students write and deliver
grade-appropriate multimedia presentations and access, analyze, and evaluate online information.
• Recommended Grade Level: 11
• Recommended Prerequisites: English 9 and English 10 or teacher recommendation
• Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester
• Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas
English 11H CC
Students in this college-level course are expected to meet the demands of a rigorous curriculum, carefully analyze a broad range of literary works, and deepen their awareness of rhetoric and how language works. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy, while strengthening their own writing and rhetorical abilities. Course readings feature expository, analytical, personal, and argumentative texts from a variety of authors and historical contexts. Students examine and compose essays, letters, reflections, interpersonal communications, presentations, images, and imaginative literature.
English 12
English 12, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts for
Grades 11- 12, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication focusing on an exploration
of point of view or perspective across a wide variety of genres. Students use literary interpretation, analysis,
comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance in
classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write narratives, responses to literature,
academic essays (e.g. analytical, persuasive, expository, summary), and more sustained research assignments
incorporating visual information in the form of pictures, graphs, charts and tables. Students write and deliver
grade-appropriate multimedia presentations and access, analyze, and evaluate online information
• Recommended Grade Level: 12
• Recommended Prerequisites: English 9, English 10, and English 11 or teacher recommendation
• Credits: 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester
• Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas
English 12H CC
English 12 H for College Credit Literature and Composition is a yearlong course designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literature of different genres and from different cultural and historical perspectives. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language aesthetically and rhetorically to create meaning. Students read major pieces of canonical literature and works of literary criticism that illuminate that literature. As they read, students participate in active discussions and independent inquiry, using the accepted language related to the study of literature. Students are challenged critically and creatively compose works of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students write and re-write multiple analytical, expository, research, and argumentative pieces. Students also hone the logical and mental skills related to test preparation and college success.
IB English Courses for 11 and 12
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly respected programs of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. Schools must be authorized, by the IB organization, to offer any of the programs. The IB has a hard-earned reputation for high standards of teaching, pedagogical leadership and student achievement. We work with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. The course is organized into four parts, each focused on the study of either literary or non-literary texts. Together, the four parts of the course allow the student to explore language through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim is the development of critical literacy.
Language Arts Lab
Language Arts Lab is a supplemental course that provides students with individualized or small group instruction
designed to support success in completing course work aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards for English
Language/Arts focusing on the writing standards. All students should be concurrently enrolled in an English
course in which class work will address all of the Indiana Academic Standards.
• Recommended Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
• Recommended Prerequisites: none
• Credits: 1 to 8 credits. This course allows for successive semesters of instruction for students who need
additional support in any or all aspects of the writing standards.
• Counts as an elective for all diplomas
Creative Writing
Creative Writing, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study and
application of the rhetorical writing strategies for prose and poetry. Using the writing process, students
demonstrate a command of vocabulary, the nuances of language and vocabulary, English language conventions,
an awareness of the audience, the purposes for writing, and the style of their own writing. CREATIVE WRITING
PROJECT: Students complete a project, such as a short story, a narrative or epic poem, a persuasive speech or
letter, a book review, a script or short play, or other creative compositions, which demonstrates knowledge,
application, and writing progress in the Creative Writing course content.
• Recommended Grade Level: 11, 12
• Recommended Prerequisites: English 9, English 10, or teacher recommendation
• Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit per semester
• Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas
• This course is available for a 1-hour elective CAP credit through the University of Southern Indiana.
Genres 1 (World Mythology)
Genres of Literature, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of
various literary genres, such as poetry, dramas, novels, short stories, biographies, journals, diaries, essays, and
others. Students examine a set or sets of literary works written in different genres that address similar topics or
themes. Students analyze how each genre shapes literary understanding or experiences differently, how different
genres enable or constrain the expression of ideas, how certain genres have had stronger impact on the culture
than others in different historical time periods, and what the most influential genres are in contemporary times.
• Recommended Grade Level: 11, 12
• Recommended Prerequisites: English 9, English 10, or teacher recommendation
• Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit per semester
• Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas
Journalism
Journalism, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of news
elements, journalism history, First Amendment law, ethics, fact and opinion, copy editing, news, and features as
they apply to print and digital media products. It includes a comparison study of journalistic writing to other types
of English writing with practical application of news, features, editorials, reviews, columns and digital media
writing forms. For the second credit: Students continue to develop journalistic writing skills in addition to studying
graphic design, advertising, public relations, photojournalism and emerging media development and design. By
the end of the semester, students write, shoot and design stories for print and digital media products.
• Recommended Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
• Recommended Prerequisites: 2 credits in English Language Arts
• Credits: 1 or 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester. Second credit may be subtitled Advanced to allow
for a successive semester of instruction at an advanced level.
• Counts as an Elective for all diplomas
Student Media
Student Media, a course based on the High School Journalism Standards and the Student Media Standards, is the
continuation of the study of journalism. Students demonstrate their ability to do journalistic writing and design
for high school media, including school newspapers and yearbooks, and a variety of other media formats.
Students follow the ethical principles and legal boundaries that guide scholastic journalism. Students express
themselves publicly with meaning and clarity for the purpose of informing, entertaining, or persuading. Students
work on high school media staffs so that they may prepare themselves for career paths in journalism,
communications, writing, or related fields.
• Recommended Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
• Recommended Prerequisites: Journalism, Mass Media, or teacher recommendation
• Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit per semester, 8 credits maximum. The nature of this course allows for
successive semesters of instruction at advanced levels. May be offered over three or four years by
subtitling the course Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced.
• Counts as a Directed Elective or Elective for all diplomas
• Fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for the Core 40 with Academic Honors