Top Bar

Lower Merion School District

Off-Canvas

English Electives

Students may select from the following elective English courses in addition to required English courses.

  Creative Writing or Creative Writing H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students for H only have a grade of "A" or "B" in previous Honors English courses, an "A" in previous College Preparatory English courses and current teacher recommendation.
  • Course Number: 01050102
    Course Number H: 01050203

Creative writing explores various creative literary forms including the short story, poem, essay, and script, stressing the development of a student's individual style. Students study various authors' methods and examine such techniques as plot progression, theme development, and creation of mood and atmosphere. Students explore the rich legacy of writers before them as they develop or increase their awareness of image, voice, character, setting, and story. Students read extensively from other writers as they apply that awareness in writing in a variety of forms. Students work closely in a workshop atmosphere, exchanging and critiquing the work of all group members. This course can be taken for college preparatory or honors credit. Assessments are designed accordingly.

Journalism or Journalism H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Course Number: 01050302
    Course Number H: 01050403

Students learn writing styles and skills required in journalism. Classroom activities and assignments focus on writing for news, sports, feature opinion/editorial, and arts and entertainment pages. Along with learning the skills required to research and report news, students also study the history of the media and journalistic ethics. Students learn about the commercial and economic dynamics of the news media. The course examines the continual growth of electronic media and how technology affects the content and delivery of information. This course can be taken for college preparatory or honors credit. Assessments will be designed accordingly.

IB Theatre SL (offered at Harriton High School only)

  • Length/credit: 3 periods per cycle, 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 01061005

This IB Theatre course consists of a multifaceted curriculum that engages students in the processes of creating, researching, presenting, and critically reflecting on theatre as participants and audience members. Through the study of theatre, students become aware of their own personal and cultural perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices and their processes. The course promotes international mindedness and enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place, and culture. The theatre core syllabus for IB Theatre HL and IB Theatre SL consist of three interrelated areas: Theatre in Context, which explores the various contexts of theatre and how they inform practice; Theatre Processes, in which students engage in the processes of transforming ideas into action; and Presenting Theatre, where students develop and apply theatre production, presentation and performance skills, working both independently and collaboratively. Assessment pieces include examining a play text, creating original theatre, and exploring performance practices from around the world. This course may also be taken by non-IB students. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Theatre HL (Part 1) (offered at Harriton High School only)

  • Length/credit: 3 periods per cycle, 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 01061105

This is the first year of the two-year IB Theatre HL course. The IB Theatre course consists of a multifaceted curriculum that engages students in the processes of creating, researching, presenting, and critically reflecting on theatre as participants and audience members. Through the study of theatre, students become aware of their own personal and cultural perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices and their processes. The course promotes international mindedness and enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place, and culture. The theatre core syllabus for IB Theatre HL and IB Theatre SL consists of three interrelated areas: Theatre in Context, which explores the various contexts of theatre and how they inform practice; Theatre Processes, in which students engage in the processes of transforming ideas into Action; and Presenting Theatre, where students develop and apply theatre production, presentation, and performance skills, working both independently and collaboratively. Assessment pieces include examining a play text, creating original theatre, and exploring performance practices from around the world. This course may also be taken by non-IB students. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Theatre HL (Part 2) (offered at Harriton High School only)

  • Length/credit: 3 periods per cycle, 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: Theatre HL (Part 1)
  • Course Number: 01061205

This is the second year of the two-year IB Theatre HL course. The IB Theatre HL course consists of a multifaceted curriculum that engages students in the processes of creating, researching, presenting, and critically reflecting on theatre as participants and audience members. Through the study of theatre, students become aware of their own personal and cultural perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices and their processes. The course promotes international mindedness and enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place, and culture. The theatre core syllabus for IB Theatre HL and IB Theatre SL consist of three interrelated areas: Theatre in Context, which explores the various contexts of theatre and how they inform practice; Theatre Processes, in which students engage in the processes of transforming ideas into action; and Presenting Theatre, where students develop and apply theatre production, presentation and performance skills, working both independently and collaboratively. Assessment pieces include examining a play text, creating original theatre, and exploring performance practices from around the world. This course may also be taken by non-IB students. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.