Speech and Theater
Speech and Theater Graduation Requirement
Each course in this section counts as ½ credit towards the graduation requirement of Speech, Theater, or English Elective.
Acting - 06240
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Description: This is a performance class in which students will learn the art of acting through scene study and improvisation. It is an elective course that meets the requirements for one semester of Theater, English, or Fine Arts credit. The Stanislavski method is taught to help students create and sustain interesting, believable characters. Students will read and analyze plays, receive scene assignments for in‐class rehearsal and performance, and eventually select their own scenes to present to the class. Note: Heavy memorization will be required. It is recommended, but not required, that students pursuing acting courses have a C average or better in English courses. 9th graders will be offered this course only if there is availability. Priority is given to 10, 11, and 12th grade students.
Communicating - 06010
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Description: In this one-semester course, various aspects of communication will be studied, including the communication model, active listening, group communication, perception and prejudice, verbal and nonverbal communication, intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, and public speaking. This class will prepare students for future endeavors beyond high school through real-life scenarios, interactions, and applications. Video recording will be implemented for individuals to self-reflect on verbal and nonverbal speaking skills. While all assignments are considered necessary for understanding effective communication, an informative speech is required to complete this course.
Discussion & Debate Honors - 06080
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Communicating.
Description: This course is elective and meets the requirement in English. Students will learn and apply principles of public speaking, group discussion and debate. Students will develop reasoning and presentation skills, including providing support for expressions of opinion and analyzing the opinions of others. Students will engage in sophisticated research techniques: discovering, organizing, and processing information. They will be expected to develop extensive, fully‐supported case arguments as part of the debate brief. Students will present in group discussions and formal debates. It is recommended, but not required, to have taken public speaking prior to this course.
Introduction to Theater - 06230
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Description: This class is for students who have an interest in live theater: the performance and reading of plays, theater production, theater history, and the development of the modern theater. It is an elective course and meets the requirements for one semester of Theater, English, or Fine Arts credit. Students will explore the process of taking plays from “page to stage,” learning the steps involved in bringing a script to life. During the first quarter, students will study the history of theater and read and analyze plays of different types (comic vs. dramatic, realistic vs. highly stylized), from various periods in history, with an emphasis on more recent works. In the second quarter, we will broaden theater. Students will benefit from extensive note taking, in‐ depth reading, and critical viewing of recorded materials. Grades are based on test scores, performances, the writing of papers, and work on group and independent projects. 9th graders will be offered this course only if there is availability. Priority is given to 10, 11, and 12th grade students.
Mass Media - 06110
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Description: Mass Media is a basic survey course dealing with the mass communications media: newspapers, magazines, radio, television, motion pictures, books, technology, and advertising. The history of each media will be studied and vocabulary terms related to each media will be mastered. There will be written assignments, projects, and tests.
History of Motion Pictures - 06120
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Description: “Media Study” – The History of Motion Pictures is a one-semester course open to all juniors and seniors. Students will do a historical study of motion pictures and will view many classic films starting with the silent pictures of the 1920’s and ending with movies of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Students will take quizzes over most of the movies and write critiques of various types of motion pictures. Common Core writing skills will be emphasized. Students will also study the advancements made within the motion picture industry. To be successful in this class, students should be interested in vintage cinema. Good attendance is also absolutely necessary for success in this class as all movie viewing and assessments are completed in class. Sufficient note-taking is also an essential element for success. This course is recommended for students interested in Media Theater or those needing an elective course to graduate
Public Speaking Honors - 06175
Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 Semester Credits: 1/2
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Communicating.
Description: This course is an elective and meets requirements in English. This course gives students experience in preparing and presenting many different types of speeches: informative, persuasive, process, sales pitch, and commemorative. Units in organization, delivery of the speech, reasoning, and audience analysis are incorporated into the speaking schedule. Students will research, outline, and organize each speech before it is presented.