Language Arts
English 9
English/Language Arts I (9th grade) courses build upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These courses introduce and define various genres of literature, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.
Grade Level(s): 9
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 English Credit
English 10
English/Language Arts II (10th grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.activities.
Grade Level: 10
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: English 9 or Counselor Approval
Credit: 1 English Credit
English 11
English/Language Arts III (11th grade) courses continue to develop students’ writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.
Grade Level: 11
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: English 10 or Counselor Approval
Credit: 1 English Credit
English 12
English/Language Arts IV (12th grade) courses blend composition and literature into a cohesive whole as students write critical and comparative analyses of selected literature, continuing to develop their language arts skills. Typically, students primarily write multi-paragraph essays, but they may also write one or more major research papers.
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: English 11 or Counselor Approval
Credit: 1 English Credit
Spanish I
Designed to introduce students to Spanish language and culture, Spanish I courses emphasize basic grammar and syntax, simple vocabulary, and the spoken accent so that students can read, write, speak, and understand the language at a basic level within predictable areas of need, using customary courtesies and conventions. Spanish culture is introduced through the art, literature, customs, and history of Spanish-speaking people.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 Foreign Language Credit
Spanish II
Spanish II courses build upon skills developed in Spanish I, extending students’ ability to understand and express themselves in Spanish and increasing their vocabulary. Typically, students learn how to engage in discourse for informative or social purposes, write expressions or passages that show understanding of sentence construction and the rules of grammar, and comprehend the language when spoken slowly. Students usually explore the customs, history, and art forms of Spanish-speaking people to deepen their understanding of the culture(s).
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Credit: 1 Foreign Language Credit