Media Literacy and Composition

Class Time:  11:10- 12:10

Grade Level: 9th-12th 

Instructor: Elizabeth Nikzad

Contact Information:  enikzad121@gmail.com

Course Description: Media Literacy and Composition is a high school English course that blends literature, writing, grammar, and modern media literacy. Students will develop strong reading and writing skills while learning how information is created, communicated, and evaluated in today’s media-rich world.

Students will read both classic and contemporary texts, including Fahrenheit 451 and Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds, alongside nonfiction articles, journalism, and real-world media examples. These texts are studied not for agreement or debate, but for analysis—students learn to identify claims, evaluate evidence, recognize bias, and think critically about language and power.

Writing is a central focus of the course. Students will practice literary analysis, argumentative writing, investigative research, and reflective writing. Grammar and mechanics are taught in context, helping students strengthen clarity, structure, and style in their own work.

A major component of the course is an investigative journalism project, in which students research a media-related question, evaluate sources (including scientific studies as they appear in news reporting), and present their findings in clear, polished writing. This project emphasizes responsible research, credibility, and ethical communication.

Tuition: $400

Class Size: 8-15

Course Materials: 

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds  by Michael Knowles

Teacher Qualifications: Elizabeth Nikzad holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and brings experience across a range of educational settings. She taught for three years at St. Veronica School and spent three years observing classrooms through the Department of Education, gaining insight into diverse learning styles and instructional approaches. Last year, Elizabeth taught World Literature and Introduction to Psychology for NCHS. As the mother of three young daughters and an active member of Christ the Redeemer, Elizabeth values thoughtful discussion, respectful dialogue, and creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel confident engaging with ideas and growing as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.