Phone: 3935
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Degrees and Certifications:
Denise Weis
I have been teaching for 32 years, and have been at RHS since the 1989-90 school year. I am currently the English Department co-chair, the RHS faculty advocate and the RHS testing coordinator. I earned BA’s in both English and Social Science, with a minor in Education from UC Davis. I have a single subject CLEAR credential in English and Social Science, also from UC Davis. When I’m not grading essays I like traveling with my family, hiking, gardening and reading.
English 12 CP Period 4: This class uses British literature to expand on multiple themes, including the hero's journey (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight), the consequencese of evil (Macbeth), the universal experience of war (All Quiet on the Western Front), and the dangers of a totalitarian society (1984). Through the explication of these themes, and the motifs that make up those themes, students will use both the novels and outside source material to argue their claims about the characters experience with those themes. In addition to the writing tasks, students will review SAT/ACT style vocabulary and grammar. This course is preparation for college level English.
AP Language and Composition Period 3: The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods.
AP Language and Composition Classroom
Honors English 10: This stand alone course is designed for students who want a bit more of challenge in English and prepare for the rigors of AP Language and Compostion in the 11th grade year. The course focuses on close reading skills, in depth analysis, varied writing opportunies, and developing criticial thinking skills. Studnets read a wide selection of fiction from several genres and time periods.
English 9/10 Period 1: This class is designed specifically for upper classmen (juniors and seniors) who need to repeat parts of English 9 or English 10 or both. Students have targeted instruction in reading and writing standards to fill in academic gaps. This semester this class will be guest taught by Troy Kusanovich.
