ENGLISH I A:
For English I A, the literature text follows a genre approach and features short stories, poems, and full-length plays (The Miracle Workers and Romeo and Juliet).  While discussion questions emphasize insights about life experiences, the text also highlights those literary forms and devices which develop meaning.  Two novels usually complete the literature portion of the course.  In grammar, the focus falls on the fundamentals: the parts of speech, the parts of a sentence, the types of phrases, the kinds of clauses, the correct use of punctuation, and the elimination of sentence errors.  Composition work stresses proper paragraph development, and vocabulary work helps to expand student work choice.

ENGLISH I B:
Designed for students who need reinforcement in basic skills, this course stresses fundamental competence in the areas of grammar, usage, spelling, and vocabulary.  The literature units, used to develop reading skills, include short stories, poems, and plays dealing with multicultural experiences.  One or two novels usually complete the literature portion of the class.  (Because of the demands of class size, freshmen and sophomores may be together in a combined class; the books for the freshman and sophomore years then alternate.)

HONORS ENGLISH II:
Designed for sophomore honors, this course includes a survey of American authors from the 1500's to the 1900's and the introduction and application of several literary terms.  Students read two classical American novels selected by the instructor.  The grammar and composition sections of the class comprise the following area of concentration: agreement of the subject and verb and of pronoun and antecedent; correct use of pronoun case, of modifiers, and of punctuation; coordination and subordination of ideas; use of transition sentences; and the proper development of a paragraph and of a theme.  Vocabulary study continues to form an integral part of the course.

ENGLISH II A:
This course for average sophomores includes several literature units ranging from the short story to the novella and incorporating the use of a number of literary terms.  In addition, students read two novels selected by the instructor.  In grammar, the focus centers on the identification of the parts of speech, of the parts of a sentence, of phrases, and of clauses.  Exercises in mechanics review capitalization, manuscript form, spelling rules, and punctuation while usage study covers subject/verb agreement, pronoun/antecedent agreement, pronoun reference and usage, person and tense shifts, correct verb form usage, and comparison and placement of modifiers.  Composition assignments concentrate on promoting mastery of the following skills as a preparation for the term-paper projects of the junior and senior years: sentence structure, effective outlining, paragraph development, and theme development.  Vocabulary work continues to expand the word use of freshman year.

ENGLISH II B:
In this course, the literature text seeks to expand reading experience by providing high-interest level selections.  These selections, comprised of short stories, plays, poems, and novellas, also aim, by their variety, to promote an enjoyment of the different genres.  At least one novel, chosen with the student's interest and needs in mind, reinforces the course's literature objectives.  Study of traditional grammar and of correct usage continues as a means of developing acceptable skills for adult employment.

HONORS ENGLISH III:
Designed for honors juniors, this course comprises a comprehensive study of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the Twentieth Century.  The survey highlights the historical and literary background of each period and emphasizes the characteristics of the different literary forms.  Composition continues and stresses unity, coherence, and emphasis in 500-word essays as well as proper development of a paragraph.  As an option, the course may include term-paper work as a preliminary experience for the required, literary paper in the senior year.  Review of grammar, punctuation, and usage occurs as necessary, but emphasis falls on modifier errors, pronoun reference errors, and faulty writing errors.  Vocabulary units supplement the work of earlier years.  Two modern novels, chosen for their student appeal and for their moral and literary values, complete the course.

ENGLISH III A:
Designed for average juniors, this course includes a survey of American authors from the 1500's to the 1900's and the introduction and application of several literary terms. Students read two, classical American novels selected by the instructor. The grammar portion of the class serves as a review of some grammatical and composition fundamentals in preparation for the production of the term paper. Areas of concentration comprise the following items: agreement of subject and verb and of pronoun and antecedent; correct use of pronoun case, of modifiers, and of punctuation; coordination and subordination of ideas; use of transition sentences; and the proper development of a paragraph and of a theme. The term-paper topic is somewhat broad so that students may perfect their research skills and accurately document their sources. Vocabulary study continues to form an integral part of the course.

ENGLISH III B:
This course for juniors basics stresses fundamental grammatical competence and, thus, emphasizes common rules of grammar, punctuation, and usage. In writing, paragraph work concentrates on unity and coherence. The literature text, arranged thematically, includes poems, short stories, and plays. By content, the text highlights moral values, an appreciation of diverse cultures, and an understanding of universal, human problems. One or two high-interest novels conclude the literary experience. (Because of the demands of class size, juniors and seniors are often together in a combined class, and the books for the junior and senior years then alternate.)

AP ENGLISH:
Advanced Placement English for Seniors is designed for the more advanced students of literature. In-depth studies of literary techniques, including diction, syntax, tone, mode, etc. and evaluation of literary style are the prompts for writing assignments that bring the advanced high school student to a college level of proficiency in literary analysis. At the end of the two-semester course, students take the national AP exam, which may qualify them for college credit at a number of universities nationwide.

HONORS ENGLISH IV:
Structured for honors seniors, this course stresses in-depth analyses of selected literary works - novels, plays and poems and focuses on the integral nature of form and content. As a result, students examine how literary devises reinforce or become the meaning. Writing becomes extensive and varied, as students design essay-test answers of composition and paragraph length as well as construct standard, 500 word compositions. The term paper features a literary topic and focuses on research techniques, accurate documentation, content depth, and careful organization. Review of grammar takes place as necessary, and vocabulary study skill occurs.

ENGLISH IV A:
This literary survey course for average seniors emphasizes the historical and literary background of each age, the characteristics of the various literary forms, and the purpose of literary devices. Composition continues and stresses 500 word compositions that display strong organization and complete development of ideas with supporting reasons or examples. The term paper emphasizes research techniques, accurate documentation, and careful organization. However, the term-paper topic itself is somewhat broad so that students may perfect their mastery of research skills and of accurate documentation of sources. Two modern novels, chosen for their student appeal and for their moral and literary values, complete the course.

ENGLISH IV B:
Designed for senior basics, this course seeks to reinforce and to intensify the basic grammatical and composition skills taught the previous three years. The literature text continues to promote an understanding of other people and of other cultures and to inculcate an awareness of moral values. One or two high-interest novels also form part of the literary study.

READING:
This freshmen course seeks to reinforce the reading skills involved in vocabulary development, reading comprehension, research work, and literary appreciation. Materials consist of reading-skills text, various workbooks, and a high-interest novel chosen by the instructor.

SPEECH:
Required for all sophomores, this public-speaking course emphasizes both speech writing, and delivery. Accordingly, the class concentrates on many different types of speeches and on methods of writing and of delivery. One semester course.

JOURNALISM/CREATIVE WRITING
Journalism/Creative Writing is a lab course where students are responsible for the publication of both the Teresian yearbook and The Tatoo, the school online literary journal. This is a course where heavy emphasis is placed on writing and production skills. These include the ability to successfully master advertising, sales, budget, and layout design, as well as the writing of both a journalistic and literary nature. Although, these publications are open to submissions from outside sources, all students in Journalism/Creative Writing are responsible for a significant portion of the material gathered and published. Therefore, students are accepted based on writing and composition skills, teachers' evaluations, and permission of the instructor. Journalism/Creative Writing is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Advanced students who demonstrate skill and enterprise assume leadership roles in terms of production and management.  Prerequisites for enrollment include:  Honors or AP English status (Academic English students carrying an A or B average might also be considered.); successful demonstration of writing ability; and the permission of the instructor.

COMPOSITION:
This one semester course is designed to expand the writing experience of the average student. Paragraph construction, purpose, context, and audience will be considered in various assignments that use one of several modes of writing. Essays will range from personal experience to argumentation, all of which will lend experience in preparation for college writing. This course is an elective and not designed to replace a required course.  

Drama I and II:

These are full year academic classes designed to train and develop the skills of the student actor in a single performance, in duet performance and in small group performance.  Students will gain an understanding of the necessary stagecraft skills neeed to produce a play with students taking responsibilities for various concentrated areas of the production.  Students will also study and analyze a history of Greek, Renaissance, Elizabethan, Modern and Realism theatre.