HS English Course Descriptions
Students must earn four credits in English for both the Standard and Advanced Studies diplomas. Students in LCPS must take an English course each year of high school.
English High School Courses: high school English courses (Honors and Academic) are organized in thematic units that address “essential questions.” In these units, students engage with and analyze a wide range of literary and non-fiction texts; evaluate other’s ideas; and synthesize, support, and articulate their own ideas, preparing them to participate in thoughtful, civil dialogue with others. These texts include both canonical works and contemporary works with diverse characters and by authors representing diverse backgrounds. Students also have the opportunity to select their own books throughout the year in book clubs and independent reading, and these activities are tied to the curriculum in meaningful ways. Beyond basic literacy skills, engagement with rich, varied literary works helps students make sense of their own experience, appreciate the universality of the human experience, and gain an understanding of the ways in which others’ experiences may differ from their own. Students not only develop critical reading and writing skills in these units, but also learn important research skills and oral language skills, giving presentations and participating in small group discussions and structured dialogue activities. Information- and media literacy skills are also emphasized, helping students to evaluate the validity and reliability of information they find or persuasive arguments they encounter. Explicit instruction in vocabulary development and grammar are integrated into these units and support students’ development as readers and writers. Vocabulary instruction draws from the texts as well as from a study of roots and affixes that is coherently mapped out across all four grades, helping students develop the skills to make sense of unfamiliar words in the future.
Academic courses challenge students to master rigorous standards while providing individualized support.
Honors courses are offered in Grades 9, 10, and 11. While they focus on the same skills as academic courses, honors courses are distinguished by a more rigorous and inquiry-based study of literature and nonfiction texts. Honors courses receive a weight of 0.5 and move at an accelerated pace, cover a greater breadth and depth of textual study, and require more independent work. Honors students must complete an independent Big Question Project in which they bring research-, analysis-, and synthesis skills to bear in articulating and supporting their own responses to a “big question” of their own.
Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment Courses are offered at the higher grade levels and may allow students to earn college credit. Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses may earn college credit and are governed by the content objectives of our partners, the College Board and Northern Virginia Community College. LCPS teachers will provide a comprehensive syllabus and identify novels and informational texts that may contain sexually explicit content as outlined in Policy 5055. Families should note per section E (4), “Alternative materials may not be available for content associated with standardized national or state assessments, such as AP, SOL, Dual Enrollment, and/or IB exams.” This should be considered when enrolling in an AP or DE course.
English 9
Course Code 140300 Academic
Course Code 140200 Honors
Course Code 140V00 Virtual Loudoun
Prerequisite: English 8
1 Credit
In ninth grade, students continue to build upon skills previously learned in earlier grades. There is a continued emphasis on reading comprehension by comparing fiction and nonfiction texts. In fiction texts, students will apply knowledge of literary terms and analyze a variety of genres. In ninth grade there will be an increased emphasis on nonfiction reading, and students will make inferences and draw conclusions using explicit and implied textual evidence. The student will continue to expand vocabulary using the structural analysis of roots and affixes to understand complex words.
The student will also plan, draft, revise, and edit while writing in a variety of forms with an emphasis on analysis and persuasion while defending a position using counterclaims, reasons and evidence from credible sources. Students will analyze and interpret the social, commercial, and/or political motives behind media messages. Students will use multimodal tools to create presentations both independently and in small groups. The student will apply research techniques to analyze information gathered from diverse sources by identifying misconceptions, and possible bias citing both quoted and paraphrased information using either MLA or APA style. Students will continue to work in collaborative groups assisting with setting rules and working toward consensus. (VDOE, 2017)
English 10
Course Code 150300 Academic
Course Code 150200 Honors
Course Code 150V00 Virtual Loudoun
Prerequisite: English 9
1 Credit
In tenth grade, students continue to build upon skills learned in earlier grades. There is a sustained emphasis on reading comprehension by comparing fiction and nonfiction texts. Students will analyze the cultural and social function and universal themes of fictional texts from different cultures. Tenth grade students will analyze and synthesize information from nonfiction texts to solve problems, answer questions, and generate new knowledge. The student will continue development of vocabulary, with attention to connotations, idioms, classical allusions, and figurative language.
The student will continue to use the writing process to write/compose with an emphasis on persuasion and analysis while showing relationships among claims, reasons, and evidence from reliable sources. The student will create media messages and analyze the cause and effect relationships between mass media coverage and public opinion trends. Students will continue to use multimodal tools to create presentations both independently and in small groups. The student will continue to build research skills presenting information gathered from diverse sources, identifying misconceptions and possible bias while crediting sources using MLA or APA style. The tenth-grade student will continue to become a skilled communicator, working both independently and in collaborative groups while presenting alternate views and working toward common goals. (VDOE, 2017)
English 11
Course Code 160300 Academic
Course Code 160200 Honors
Course Code 160V00 Virtual Loudoun
Prerequisite: English 9
1 Credit
2 SOL Tests The eleventh-grade student continues to build communication skills working both independently and in collaborative groups. Students will continue to demonstrate the In eleventh grade, there is a sustained emphasis on reading comprehension of fiction and nonfiction texts. Students will conduct comparative analyses of multiple texts that address the same topic to determine how authors reach similar or different conclusions. The students will examine and analyze fiction texts by American authors describing the contributions of other cultures and identifying prevalent themes and characterizations, which are reflective of American history and culture. The student will continue development of vocabulary, with attention to connotations, idioms, classical allusions, and figurative language.
The grade-eleven student will continue to use the writing process to write/compose with an emphasis on persuasion/argumentation for multiple purposes and audiences to create focused, organized, and coherent writing. The student will create media messages and analyze the cause and effect relationships between mass media coverage and public opinion trends. Students will create persuasive multimodal presentations that address alternative perspectives. The student will produce a research product synthesizing information from primary and secondary sources while maintaining ethical and legal guidelines for gathering ability to work within collaborative groups while presenting alternate views and working toward common goals. (VDOE, 2017)
AP English Language and Composition
Course Code 160100
Grade(s): 11
Prerequisite: English 10
1 Credit
2 SOL Tests AP Language and Composition is recommended for students who want a challenging course that emphasizes the analysis of nonfiction. Students read a variety of works from several genres, time periods, and cultures, including a focus on texts by American authors. Varied and frequent composition assignments require close reading, rhetorical analysis, exposition of ideas, and the understanding of particular rhetorical forms and terms. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Language and Composition exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.
English 12
Course Code 170300 Academic
Course Code 170V00 Virtual Loudoun
Prerequisite: English 11
1 Credit
In twelfth grade, there is a sustained emphasis on reading comprehension of fiction and nonfiction texts. Students will review multiple texts to identify and evaluate resources to make decisions and solve problems. The students will examine and analyze fiction texts evaluating how authors use key elements to contribute to meaning and interpreting how themes are connected across texts. The student will continue development of vocabulary, with attention to connotations, idioms, classical allusions, and figurative language.
The grade-twelve student will continue to use the writing process to write/compose with an emphasis on persuasion/argumentation for multiple purposes and audiences to create focused, organized, and coherent writing. Students will write to a standard acceptable to both the workplace and to postsecondary education. The student will create media messages and analyze the cause and effect relationships between mass media coverage and public opinion trends. Students will create persuasive/argumentative multimodal presentations both independently and in collaborative groups. The student will produce a research product synthesizing information from primary and secondary sources while maintaining ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using information. Students will continue to demonstrate the ability to work within diverse teams and collaborative groups working toward common goals. (VDOE, 2017)
AP English Literature and Composition
Course Code 170100
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite: English 11 or English Language and Composition Advanced Placement
1 Credit
AP Literature and Composition is recommended for students who want a challenging course that emphasizes the study and practice of writing and the analysis of literature (prose, fiction, poetry, and drama). Students read a variety of works from several genres and cultures. Varied and frequent composition assignments require close reading, literary analysis, exposition of ideas, and the understanding of particular literary forms and terms. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Literature and Composition exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.
English 12 DE
Course Code 170006
Prerequisite: English 11 or English Language and Composition Advanced Placement
1 Credit
LCPS provides students the opportunity to earn college credit while fulfilling their English 12 course requirement. English 12 Dual Enrollment (DE) is a rigorous, college-level course that focuses on composition, argumentation, and critical reading skills. It is a fast-paced course that covers not only the Virginia English 12 SOL, but also two full semesters of college-level composition and reading. English 12 DE is taught by LCPS teachers who are also adjunct faculty members at participating colleges.
English Electives
African American Literature H
Course Code 183000
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Elective This course builds on students' abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through the exploration of a variety of literature that demonstrates and celebrates voices from a diverse, Black American perspective. The course, through texts and media, will emphasize interpretiv and critical analysis skills developed through close reading and consideration of historical and cultural contexts.
Creative Writing
Course Code 160700 (One Semester); 160000 (Full Year)
Grade(s): 9-12
Prerequisite: None
0.5 Credit (One Semester), 1 Credit (Full Year)
Elective Creative Writing is a one-semester English elective that provides a supportive environment in which students write prose, poetry, and drama and read examples of various genres. This course focuses on the study of the fundamental elements of creative writing, including developing strategies for writing creatively, practicing aspects of narrative writing, using poetic devices, and developing voice. Students maintain a writing portfolio, collaborate to critique and improve their work for final review and seek opportunities for publishing their writing.
Creative Writing II
Course Code 160002
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: Creative Writing I
1 Credit
Elective Creative Writing II is a full-year English elective that provides a supportive environment in which students write prose, poetry, and drama. The course focuses on the study and development of writing practices including voice, poetic devices, and varied text structures. Students maintain a writing portfolio, collaborate to critique and improve their craft and seek opportunities for publication.
Fundamentals of Writing
Course Code 160702
Grade(s): 9-12
Prerequisite: None
0.5 Credit
Elective Fundamentals of Writing is a writing refresher course for writers of all ability levels who would like to develop their skills. This one-semester course provides a supportive environment in which students engage in various activities to improve their writing skills, particularly for expository and technical writing. This course focuses on the study of the fundamental elements of writing, including strategies for writing and aspects of nonfiction writing. Students maintain a writing portfolio and collaborate to critique and improve their work for final review.
Etymology
Course Code 185700
Grade(s): 9-12
Prerequisite: None
0.5 Credit
Elective Etymology is the study of language families, root words, prefixes, suffixes, semantic changes, and word elements. Students study the meanings and derivations of English words to broaden their knowledge and command of the English language.
Film Studies Analysis
Course Code 248300
Grade(s): 10 – 12
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
Elective This course involves the study of classic and award-winning films. Students critique both the artistic and technical merits of the films, and they study the development of theme, plot, characterization, and setting in each production. Students will learn the vocabulary associated with film and use this vocabulary when creating movies and analyzing films. Key objectives for the course include the following:
· Critically view important films from various historical periods and genres
· Write analytically about the films you watch and about topics related to film
· Appreciate the artistic aspects of filmmaking and visual storytelling
· Learn and use the vocabulary of the filmmaker
· Learn about important people who have and do populate the movie industry
· Learn about how films move from idea to finished product
· Create your own films using what you learn by studying for this course
21st Century Literacy Strategies I
Course Code 192000
Grade(s): 9-12
1 Credit per year
21st Century Literacy Strategies I
Course code 192700
Grade(s): 9-12
0.5 Credits per semester; students may take two semesters
Prerequisite: None
Elective This course is designed for students who will benefit from specific instruction in reading secondary content material and strengthening reading and writing skills and strategies. Instruction supports literacy development with instruction in skills related to the alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, viewing, critical thinking, and preparation for SOL exams. Teaching strategies increase motivation by making reading relevant to students’ lives.
21st Century Literacy Strategies II
Course Code 193000
Grade(s): 10-12
1 Credit per year
21st Century Literacy Strategies II
Course Code 193700
Grade(s): 10-12
0.5 Credits per semester; students may take two semesters
Prerequisite: 21st Century Literacy Strategies I
Elective This course is a continuation of 21st Century Literacy Strategies I. Instruction builds upon students’ reading and writing competencies and support students’ efforts to analyze, compare, evaluate, and interpret information from a variety of disciplines including texts, visual representations, and media. This course is particularly useful for students preparing to take the SAT and ACT.
21st Century Literacy Strategies III
Course Code 192003
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: 21st Century Literacy Strategies II
1 Credit
Elective This course is a continuation of 21st Century Literacy Strategies II. Instruction continues to build upon students’ reading and writing competencies and support students’ efforts to analyze, compare, evaluate, and interpret information from a variety of disciplines including texts, visual representations, and media.
21st Century Literacy Strategies IV
Course Code 193004
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: 21st Century Literacy Strategies III
1 Credit
Elective This course is a continuation of 21st Century Literacy Strategies III. Instruction continues to build upon students’ reading and writing competencies and support students’ efforts to analyze, compare, evaluate, and interpret information from a variety of disciplines including texts, visual representations, and media.
Mythology
Course Code 195000
Grade(s): 9-12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Elective This course introduces students to myths and legends from past and present world cultures. It is designed to help students recognize cultural and societal archetypes, acquire tools for comparing and understanding diverse cultures, and appreciate the underlying power of myths in stimulating human imagination, art, and cultural development. Students will read, discuss, and analyze various myths and legends from around the world. Expectations and Assessments: Students will complete journals, quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations that relate to mythology to earn credit for the course.
Women’s Studies
Course Code 191500
Grade(s): 11-12
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
Elective Women’s Studies will examine women and their changing roles in society throughout time. There is an interdisciplinary focus in the elective including English (reading and writing), history, research, and public speaking. Students will explore historical and contemporary groundbreaking women and review the cultural norms, expectations, policies and laws that affected their contributions and lived experiences.
Introduction to Journalism
Course Code 187000
Grade(s): 9-12
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
Elective This year-long elective introduces students to many facets of newspaper and mass media: production, history, and writing. Students learn to use a variety of journalism skills to write in journalistic style, recognize the role of mass communication in modern society, and understand the First Amendment. Students selecting this course should have strong writing skills or should have an interest in developing their writing skills. This course is designed to prepare students to serve on the newspaper staff (Newspaper Journalism I) or the yearbook staff (Photojournalism I).
Newspaper Journalism I
Course Code 188000
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
Elective Students learn the basics of newspaper production while serving as staff writers for the school newspaper. Units of study include school press law and ethics, layout and design, basic photography, basic publication technology, journalistic research, interviewing, plant preparation, and advertising. Students are introduced to publication software.
Newspaper Journalism II
Course Code 188002
Grade(s): 11-12
Prerequisite: Newspaper Journalism I
1 Credit
Elective Students serve as staff writers and page editors for the school newspaper. Units of study expand upon those introduced in Newspaper Journalism I and add on-line publication, polls and statistics, and newspaper evaluation. Students use publication software to produce the school newspaper.
Newspaper Journalism III H
Course Code 188100
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite: Newspaper Journalism II
1 Credit
Elective Students serve as editors for the school newspaper. Units of study expand upon those introduced in Newspaper Journalism I and II and add software and on-line services, press law, photo management, and video interviewing. Students use publication software to produce the school newspaper.
Photojournalism I
Course Code 189001
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
Elective Students learn the basics of yearbook production while serving as staff members for the school yearbook. Units of study include school press law and ethics, layout and design, basic photography, basic publication technology, journalistic research, interviewing, unifying concept, plant preparation, and advertising. Students are introduced to publication software.
Photojournalism II
Course Code 189002
Grade(s): 11-12
Prerequisite: Photojournalism I
1 Credit
Elective Students serve as staff members and page editors for the school yearbook. Units of study expand upon those introduced in Photojournalism I and add inclusion, accuracy, and fairness; polls and statistics; and yearbook management. Students use publication software to produce the school yearbook.
Photojournalism III H
Course Code 189100
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite: Photojournalism II
1 Credit
Elective Students serve as editors for the school yearbook. Units of study expand upon those introduced in Photojournalism I and II and add press law, yearbook evaluation, video interviewing, and public relations. Students use publication software to produce the school yearbook.
Public Speaking
Course Code 194700
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite: None
0.5 Credit
Elective Students explore the process of generating, transmitting, receiving, and evaluating ideas and feelings through intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, oral interpretation, group discussion, and public speaking. This course cultivates personal growth and development, develops oral communication skills to other academic disciplines and to life experiences.
Reading Workshop Strategies
Strategies 1 Course Code 101100
Strategies 2 Course Code 101200
Strategies 3 Course Code 101300
Strategies 4 Course Code 101400
Grade(s): 9-12
Prerequisite: None
1 Credit
Elective Reading Strategies is an elective course for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) who need specific instruction in reading and reading strategies. This course is taught based upon students’ individual needs.
Writing Center I
Course Code 160801
Grade(s): 10-12 1
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
1 Credit
Elective This course provides students with an in-depth study of writing in the academic disciplines through tutoring at a high school Writing Center. Students prepare to be peer tutors through an intense examination of the rules of compositions, critical reading, and analytical thinking about writing. Students are expected to refine and develop their own writing abilities through peer tutoring and reflective essays about their tutoring experiences.
Writing Center II
Course Code 160802
Grade(s): 11-12
Prerequisite: Writing Center I
1 Credit
Elective This course provides students with continued in-depth study of writing in the academic disciplines through tutoring at a high school Writing Center. Students prepare to be peer tutors through an intense examination of the rules of composition, critical reading, and analytical thinking about writing. Students are expected to refine and develop their own writing abilities through peer tutoring and reflective essays about their tutoring experiences. In addition, Writing Center II students are expected to hold leadership roles in the daily operation of the Writing Center, and complete a research project and presentation on writing in a career of discipline.
Writing Center III
Course Code 160803
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite: Writing Center II
1 Credit
Elective This course provides students with continued in-depth study of writing in the academic disciplines through tutoring at a high school Writing Center. Students prepare to be peer tutors through an intense examination of the rules of composition, critical reading, and analytical thinking about writing. Students are expected to refine and develop their own writing abilities through peer tutoring and reflective essays about their tutoring experiences. In addition, Writing Center III students are expected to hold leadership roles in the daily operation of the Writing Center, and complete a research project and presentation on writing in a career of discipline.