English
In the four years of language arts instruction offered at GBN, students explore literature and language. In all English courses, teachers work with students to help them cultivate mature and complex habits of mind in the following areas:
Writing and Speaking: Students will understand and employ writing and speaking as mechanisms for discovering and testing what they think and for articulating what they understand.
Speaking and Listening: Students will understand and employ reading and listening as critical thinking tools for gathering information, interpreting data, evaluating ideas, and constructing responses.
Language: Students will understand that usage, syntax, diction, and genre shape the expression of ideas.
Literature: Students will understand that a literary work is the product of an author's craft, contains observations about the human condition, and reflects the history of ideas.
Critical Thinking: Students will work to consider alternative perspectives, identify unexamined assumptions, and build a capacity for reflection.
Staff Directory
Courses
ENGLISH GT 163 (ENG14300)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The first component of the Team program, English GT 163, is a co-taught course that provides an integrated curriculum with History of World Civilizations GT 163. Team Program courses emphasize both content and skills in appropriately paced instruction, and provide additional support with attention to individual student needs. Within this collaborative learning environment, students develop their reading, writing, and study skills by engaging in a variety of instructional methods. Thematic units include the following: aspects of civilization, religion, government, human achievement, war and conflict.
PREREQUISITE: Placement recommendation by eighth grade language arts teacher and GBN English Department
ENGLISH 163 (ENG16300)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Freshman English 163 is organized around two concepts: critical thinking and identity. Through the study of a variety of literary works and genres, students will confront questions about claiming an education, about borders and boundaries, and about the power of story. They will also explore how choices and expectations shape identity.Students are challenged to become independent readers who can distinguish between literal and figurative language and who understand the formal structures of literary language. Critical thinking tasks focus on the ability to support assertions about a text with specific evidence from the text. Students are expected to master standard English usage and to use writing and discussion for exploring problems, clarifying understanding, and demonstrating both personal insight and content mastery.
PREREQUISITE: Placement recommendation by eighth grade language arts teacher and GBN English Department
ENGLISH 173 (ENG17300)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Freshman Honors English 173 is organized around two concepts: critical thinking and identity. Through the study of a variety of literary works and genres, students will confront questions about claiming an education, about borders and boundaries, and about the power of story. They will also explore how choices and expectations shape identity. Students are challenged to develop reading skills for literary interpretation and critical thinking skills for problem solving. They will use writing and discussion to explore new ideas and complex problems, to clarify their own understanding, and to demonstrate for themselves and others their paths of reasoning. Honors students are expected to demonstrate language talent, high motivation and authentic curiosity. Enrollment in this course requires that students have already developed high level independent reading skills.
PREREQUISITE: Placement recommendation by eighth grade language arts teacher and GBN English Department
ENGLISH GT 263 (ENG24300)
GRADE: 10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The second course in the Team program, English GT 263, is a team taught course that provides an integrated curriculum with Civics GT 163. Team Program courses emphasize both content and skills in appropriately paced instruction, and provide additional support with attention to individual student needs. Within this collaborative learning environment, students further develop their reading, writing, and study skills by engaging in a variety of instructional methods. Thematic units include: the nature of society, principles of government, Constitutional rights and responsibilities, structure of government, and principles of law and justice.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 163: GT and recommendation by ninth grade Team teachers
ENGLISH 263 (ENG26300)
GRADE: 10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Sophomore English 263 builds on skills and content mastery attained in English 163. Students’ work in achieving mastery of standard English usage continues as they learn more about the complexities of language and the distinction between fact and inference. Students will pursue formal study of presentation strategies and public speaking. They will continue frequent class discussion, the basic strategy for building confidence in expression.
PREREQUISITE: English 163 or equivalent with teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 273 (ENG27300)
GRADE: 10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Sophomore Honors English 273 builds on skills and content mastery attained in English 173. Students continue to work collaboratively in interpreting literary works. Critical thinking challenges require students to identify and question assumptions and to examine alternative perspectives as they are raised in works of literature and in response to works of literature. Students both write to learn and to show learning. In addition to daily discussion for understanding, students practice formal presentation and speech skills. Because a genuine honors experience depends upon the interaction of highly motivated and demonstrably able students, enrollment in this course requires evidence of independence, enthusiasm, and follow-through in having met the challenges of English 173.
PREREQUISITE: English 173 with teacher recommendation and Instructional Supervisor approval
ENGLISH GT 363 (ENG34300)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
The third course in the Team program, English GT 363, is a co-taught course that provides an integrated curriculum with U.S. History GT 163. Team Program courses emphasize both content and skills in appropriately paced instruction, and provide additional support with attention to individual student needs. Within this collaborative learning environment, students further develop their reading, writing, and study skills by engaging in a variety of instructional methods. Thematic units include consciousness, identity, the American dream, and war and conflict.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 263: GT and recommendation by tenth grade Team teachers
ENGLISH 363 (ENG36300)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Junior English 363 explores American culture, ideas, and identity. Through a study of American literary works, students confront questions about who we are as a people, what values define us, and what historical experiences have shaped us. The critical thinking focus is on how context shapes perspective and on the need then to test personal, national, and historical assumptions against alternative experiences and perspectives. Reading and writing serve dual purposes: personal reflection and mastery of analytical response. Students complete both personal and expositional writing as well as a formal research paper.
PREREQUISITE: English 263 or equivalent with teacher recommendation
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: ENGLISH 373 (ENG3730AN)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
American Experience is an honors, interdisciplinary option for juniors to fulfill their English and U.S. History requirements. The American Experience curriculum explores the relationships among American history, literature, culture, art, and music. The course has both a thematic and chronological structure. Students enrolled in American Experience have American Experience US History 173 and American Experience English 373 on their schedules as distinct courses, but the schedules are coordinated so that the same group of teachers and students are able to meet together for interdisciplinary instruction. The critical thinking focus is on how history shapes perspective and on the need to test personal, national, and historical assumptions against alternative experiences and perspectives. Reading and writing serve dual purposes: personal reflection and mastery of analytical response. Students complete at least three research projects. This course fulfills one year of the four-year Illinois state requirement for English.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 273 and/or teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 383: AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION (ENG38300N)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
A.P. Language and Composition 383 is devoted to an exploration of American culture, ideas, and identity. Through a study of American literary works and non-fiction texts, students confront questions about who we are as a people, what values define us, and what historical experiences have shaped us. Reading and critical thinking focuses on how context shapes perspective and on the need then to test personal, national, and historical assumptions against alternative experiences and perspectives. Study of analytical strategies and rhetorical techniques are a part of this course in preparation for the AP Language and Composition exam. Students complete both personal and expositional writing as well as a formal research paper. Because a genuine honors experience depends upon the interaction of highly motivated and demonstrably able students, enrollment in this course requires evidence of independence, enthusiasm, and follow-through in having met the challenges of English 273. Students with lower than a “B” average in English 273 should not expect to continue in English 383.
PREREQUISITE: English 273 or equivalent with teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 463: SEMINAR LITERATURE & COMPOSITION (ENW163R0)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
English Seminar 463 is college preparatory English for students who have completed English 363 GT. Reading instruction focuses on skill development while exposing students to a variety of texts and tasks that address four concept clusters: truth, trust, and certainty; self, others, and responsibility; history, family, and legacy; and time, imagination, and the future. Writing instruction focuses on mastery of standard English usage through short, exploratory writings and longer, fully developed essays. In preparation for college, students address study skills and habits of mind to support successful reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and researching.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 363: GT and recommendation of 11th grade Team Teachers
ENGLISH 463: LITERATURE & COMPOSITION (ENW263R0)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
English 463 is college preparatory English for students who have completed English 363. Students begin the year exploring the way school has shaped their attitudes and habits of learning. As they reflect on their journey through school, students develop observation skills and explore the ways nature and technology play a role in both their personal lives and in contemporary American society as a whole. The final strand of the course is ethics, a topic which encourages students to think critically about the implications individual actions have on people and ecosystems. In the fall students take a service oriented field trip to a Cook County forest preserve, working with Forest Preserve Stewards to collect seeds, remove invasive plants, and learn about the flora and fauna of the specific preserve. In preparation for college, students continue to develop their writing, speaking, reading, and critical thinking skills. All students are required to engage in self directed learning projects quarterly.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 363 and teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 463: HUMANITIES (ENH16300)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Humanities students begin with an exploration of the nature and purpose
of art. These philosophical discussions, primarily grounded in the works of Leo Tolstoy and Maxine Greene, allow students to launch into the second thread of exploration: ethical behavior and human rights. Through a critical study of contemporary global literature, film, and art, students learn to ask questions from a human rights perspective and see themselves as part of a larger community. The course design encourages students to express their understanding in both traditional and alternative modes; in addition to writing papers and taking quizzes and tests, students create a sketchbook in which they record their responses to print, visual and audio texts by drawing and writing. Students may take field trips to visit museums, cultural institutions and exhibits, as well as attend plays, concerts, speeches and other events. In preparation for college, students continue to hone study skills and habits of mind to support successful reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and researching.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 363 and teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 463: CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEMES (ENL16300)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Students in Contemporary Social Themes (CST) begin the year learning about the formation of individual and communal identity, socialization, and ethical reasoning. As the course progresses, students use these frameworks to explore contemporary literature – plays, graphic novels, and poetry – as well as current events and contemporary American culture. Students explore the ways gender, class, sexual orientation, and race impact how people experience and understand the world around them. Through the course of the year students write about their experiences and insights on a public blog. During the fourth quarter, CST students research a socially relevant topic of their choice and create a research-based installation that engages and informs an audience of their high school peers in the school’s “Gallery of Conscience.”
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 363 and teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 473: HONORS HUMANITIES (ENH17300)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Humanities students begin with an exploration of the nature and purpose of art. These philosophical discussions, primarily grounded in the works of Leo Tolstoy and Maxine Green, allow students to launch into the second thread of exploration: ethical behavior and human rights. Through a critical study of contemporary global literature, film, and art, students learn to ask questions from a human rights perspective and see themselves as part of a larger community. The course design encourages students to express their understanding in both traditional and alternative modes; in addition to writing papers and taking quizzes and tests, students create a sketchbook in which they record their responses to print, visual and audio texts by drawing and writing. Students may take field trips to visit museums, cultural institutions and exhibits, as well as attend plays, concerts, speeches and other events. In preparation for college, students continue to hone both literacy skills and habits of mind, and must be prepared for intellectual tasks which require higher-level critical thinking skills.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 383 and teacher recommendation
ENGLISH 473: HONORS CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEMES (ENL17300)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Students in Honors Contemporary Social Themes (CST) begin the year learning about the formation of individual and communal identity, socialization, and ethical reasoning. As the course progresses, students use these frameworks to explore contemporary literature – plays, graphic novels, and poetry – as well as current events and contemporary American culture. Students explore the ways gender, class, sexual orientation, and race impact how people experience and understand the world around them. Through the course of the year students write about their experiences and insights on a public blog. During the fourth quarter, CST students research a socially relevant topic of their choice and create a research-based installation that engages and informs an audience of their high school peers in the school’s “Gallery of Conscience.”
PREREQUISITE: English 383 or equivalent with teacher recommendation and Instructional Supervisor approval
ENGLISH 483: AP LITERATURE (ENG48300)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
AP Literature 483 emphasizes the development of literacy skills and habits of mind for independent literary analysis and interpretation. Reading instruction focuses on representative selections from the College Board's list of recommended texts; students must, therefore, be willing and able to read a substantial number of challenging novels, plays, and poems. Because a genuine Advanced Placement experience depends upon the interaction of highly motivated and demonstrably able students, enrollment in this course requires evidence of independence, enthusiasm, and follow-through as demonstrated in English 383.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of English 383 and teacher recommendation
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 193 GRADE 9 (ENG19300)
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 293 GRADE 10 (ENG29300)
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 393 GRADE 11 (ENG39300)
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 493 GRADE 12 (ENG49300)
LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Academy English is an integral element of the overall Academy program. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the interrelatedness of knowledge. Students study works of great literature toward the larger aim of understanding the history, values and beliefs of various cultures. Reading and writing skills are taught as pieces of critical thinking. Students have many opportunities for independent work, completing creative projects or research experiences. The concepts of culture and global awareness are the topics which organize Academy study, an educational experience designed for the motivated and capable student. PREREQUISITE: Original placement by selection process at the end of eighth grade; continued enrollment dependent upon subsequent successful completion of preceding course
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE COURSES
ESL 163 (ESL16300)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Non-native speakers of English with minimal fluency are provided with English language instruction and support for content area courses. During the course of this instruction, students develop their understanding of written and spoken English. Initially, the goal is to provide students with language survival skills. As the course progresses, the student comprehends both written and spoken English at increasingly higher levels of difficulty. The ELL experience provides a means by which non-native speakers may make the transition into regular English classes and other classes in which English fluency is necessary. Placement subject to recommendation by the ELL Coordinator.
ESL 263 (ESL26300)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This intermediate course for English language learners builds on basic skills to further develop proficiency in English. Progress in listening, speaking, reading and writing is promoted as students continue to work toward the goals of communicative competence in English and expanded participation in mainstream curricular offerings. Placement subject to recommendation by the ELL Coordinator.
ESL 363 (ESL36300)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
An advanced course for students who do not speak English as their native language, this class provides a “bridge” between the ELL program and mainstream English classes. Reading and writing activities focus on a variety of literary works, and activities reinforce those skills that are most challenging to English language learners. Placement subject to recommendation by the ELL Coordinator.
ESL READING/WRITING (ESR16300)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
ESL Reading/Writing provides additional reinforcement of skills for ESL students. While listening and speaking skills are involved, there is particular emphasis on literacy development in English. Placement subject to recommendation by the ELL Coordinator.
SKILL ENRICHMENT OPTIONS
FOUNDATIONS OF WRITING (ENR1430FN, ENR1430SN)
GRADE: 9,10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Foundations of Writing is a support course offered to students in need of writing enrichment. Lessons provide instruction in the core areas of writing development: Focus, Organization, Fluency, Conventions, and Voice. In this workshop environment, students will develop their academic writing skills through a variety of writing projects. In addition, students work on critical thinking skills and writing strategies using both in-class assignments and writing assignments from other subject areas. For this course, students receive 1.00 of elective credit. This course may not be used toward the four-year English graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Placement recommendation by eighth or ninth grade language arts/English teacher
READING SKILL DEVELOPMENT 163 (ENR16300)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Reading Skill Development (RSD) is a support program offered to students in need of reading enrichment. Lessons provide instruction in vocabulary and comprehension strategies to be applied in all disciplines. Specifically, RSD teachers give reading support for the coursework in English 163 and History of World Civilization. Students work with both a teacher and instructional assistant to complete homework assignments and practice successful study habits. Prior to semester exams, RSD teachers also model test-taking strategies. For this course, students receive 1.00 of elective credit. This course may not be used toward the four-year English graduation requirement. PREREQUISITE: Placement recommendation by eighth grade language arts teachers, the Instructional Supervisor of English, and the GBN reading specialist
READING SKILL DEVELOPMENT 263 (ENR26300)
GRADE: 10,11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Reading Skill Development (RSD) is a support program offered to students in need of reading enrichment. Lessons provide instruction in vocabulary and comprehension strategies to be applied in all disciplines. RSD 263 teachers give additional support to students preparing for ACT testing and junior year research projects. Students work with both a teacher and instructional assistant to complete homework assignments and practice successful study habits. Prior to semester exams, RSD teachers also model test-taking strategies. For this course, students receive 1.00 of elective credit (which does not count toward the required four years of English) and all subject rank.
PREREQUISITE: Placement recommendation by teacher, Instructional Supervisor of English, and the GBN reading specialist
PUBLICATION COURSES
NEWSPAPER STAFF (ETJ10300 ETJ20300)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject
All work on the TORCH is completed in this course. Newspaper Staff offers on-the- job training for staff reporters and editors of the student newspaper. Enrollment is limited and final selections are made by the GBN publication advisors and faculty members familiar with the applicant. Continued enrollment for subsequent years depends upon instructor review. This course may not be used toward the four-year English graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: English 163/173 and teacher recommendation. See Publication
Staff Selection Process
YEARBOOK STAFF (ETJ30300)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject
Work on the LACONIAN, the school yearbook, is completed in this course. Students work as a production team over the course of the year, creating a work that reflects a year in the life of GBN. Students enrolling for this course should be strong writers and be capable of meeting regular deadlines. Students must be recommended by a teacher. Enrollment is limited and final selections are made by the GBN publication advisors and faculty members familiar with the applicant. Continued enrollment for subsequent years depends upon instructor review. This course may not be used toward the four-year English graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: English 163/173 and teacher recommendation. See Publication
Staff Selection Process
ENGLISH ELECTIVE COURSES
CREATIVE WRITING 161 (ENW14100 ENW14200)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Creative Writing is designed for sophomore, junior, and senior students who are looking for a chance to experiment with and develop their creative writing. The course emphasizes the imaginative and effective use of language through individual writing exercises, group tasks, and journal writing. Genres of writing explored in the past have included poetry, drama, screenwriting, and short fiction. Students are provided the opportunity to revise their work based on individualized teacher and peer response in a workshop format. For this course, students receive .5 of elective credit. This course may not be used toward the four-year English graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: English 163GT, English 163, or 173 and teacher recommendation, concurrent
enrollment in English
PUBLIC SPEAKING 161 (EYU26100)
GRADE: 9, 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject
Public Speaking is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to explore different speaking and presentation situations.Students learn strategies for improving listening and developing organizational and research skills. Typically students perform seven speeches of different genres throughout the semester including procedural, biographic, informative and persuasive. In addition to these traditional speech formats, interview techniques and interpersonal skills are developed. Principles of effective public speaking are integrated throughout the course. For this course, students receive .5 of elective credit. This course may not be used toward the four-year English graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: None
Program of Studies
Team
|
FRESHMAN |
SOPHOMORE |
JUNIOR |
SENIOR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English GT 163 |
English GT 263 |
English GT 363 |
English 463: Seminar Literature & Composition |
Regular
|
FRESHMAN |
SOPHOMORE |
JUNIOR |
SENIOR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English 163 |
English 263 |
English 363 |
English 463: Literature & Composition |
|
English 463: Humanities |
|||
|
English 463: Contemporary Social Themes |
Honors/AP
|
FRESHMAN |
SOPHOMORE |
JUNIOR |
SENIOR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English 173 |
English 273 |
English 373: The American Experience |
English 473: Honors Humanities |
|
English 473: Honors Contemporary Social Themes |
|||
|
English 383: AP Language and Comp |
English 483: AP Literature |
Academy
|
FRESHMAN |
SOPHOMORE |
JUNIOR |
SENIOR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English 193 |
English 293 |
English 393 |
English 493 |
ESL
|
FRESHMAN |
SOPHOMORE |
JUNIOR |
SENIOR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beginning ESL 163 |
Beginning ESL 163 |
Beginning ESL 163 |
Beginning ESL 163 |
|
ESL 163 |
ESL 163 |
ESL 163 |
ESL 163 |
|
ESL 263 |
ESL 263 |
ESL 263 |
ESL 263 |
|
ESL 363 |
ESL 363 |
ESL 363 |
ESL 363 |
SKILL ENRICHMENT
|
FRESHMAN |
SOPHOMORE |
JUNIOR |
SENIOR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reading Skill Development 163 |
Reading Skill Development 263 - Sophomores |
Reading Skill Development 263 - Juniors |
|
|
Foundations of Writing 163 |
Foundations of Writing 263 |
||
|
ESL- Reading/Writing |
ESL- Reading/Writing |
ESL- Reading/Writing |
ESL- Reading/Writing |
Student Support
English Skill Support Classes
- Reading Skill Development
- Foundations of Writing
- ESL Reading/Writing
Additional English Department Resources:
- English Resource Center (ERC)
- Open 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- The English Resource Center is a quiet space for students to complete homework assignments in any course or to meet with classmates to complete group projects. During their office hours, English teachers are available to assist students with questions related to English course assignments.
- Academic Resource Center (ARC)
- Open 7:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- The ARC offers a welcoming environment in which students are encouraged to seek support for reading, writing, and speaking. Our goal is to help students identify, understand and refine their own learning and composing processes. ARC tutors question instead of correct, support instead of criticize, and understand instead of evaluate.