English Department Courses

English 1 is a college prep class which integrates composition, grammar, and literature. It covers the writing process; the development of vocabulary, speaking, listening, and researching skills. English 1 will focus on literature from all around the world and will discuss elements of stories, such as characters, setting, point of view, plot, and theme. The purpose of this course is for students to use grade-level skills to help them develop an appreciation for and deeper understanding of literature. 

English 2 introduces literary global perspectives focusing on literary texts from the Americas (Caribbean, Central, South,and North), Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Mid-dle East. This is a college prep course which surveys the earliest literature of the world’s cultures through the present day. An emphasis will be placed on developing deeper analytical skills within reading and writing. The English 2 End-of-Course exam is required at the end of this course, which counts for 20% of the student's final grade. 

English 2 Honors is designed to help the student prepare for future Honors and AP English courses while introducing students to literary global perspectives focusing on literary texts from World Literature, ancient and modern.  Emphasis will be on continuing an in-depth study of literary genres, composition related to the literature, grammar and usage skills, oral and written communication skills, and research related to literary topics. Students will be expected to complete wide independent reading and writing. The English 2 End-of-Course exam is required at the end of this course, which counts for 20% of the student's final grade. 

English III  incorporates the study of literature, writing, vocabulary, and grammar to strengthen student reading, writing, and higher level thinking skills. Students will read and discuss a variety of literary works from the following genres: short story, non-fiction, drama, novel, and poetry. Students will plan, organize, create, and edit a wide variety of writing assignments including essays, open-ended response questions, daily assignments,and  and major projects.

English 3 Honors is designed to help students prepare for AP and college level coursework. The course focuses predominantly on literature from the Americas and includes a variety of literary genres and cultures. Students will hone their reading, writing, and analytical skills to better prepare them for life after high school. 

English 4 completes the global perspective and is a chronological study of the development of British literature through various genres including: non-fiction, poetry, short stories, and excerpts from various dramas, and novels. Students will analyze and evaluate informational and literary works from Old English and Medieval periods continuing into the Post-modern period. Students will explore the relationship between literature and setting and literature as a reflection of society and tradition. Students will also sharpen vocabulary and grammar skills through interactive activities and writing assignments including an argumentative research paper. The course will conclude with a mini-unit on non-fiction readings related to life after high school such as insurance, mortgage, conflict resolution, etc. 

English 4 completes an in-depth global perspective and is a chronological study of the development of British literature through various genres including: non-fiction, poetry, short stories, and excerpts from various dramas, and novels. Students will analyze and evaluate informational and literary works from Old English and Medieval periods continuing into the Post-modern period. Students will explore the relationship between literature and setting and literature as a reflection of society and tradition. Students will also sharpen vocabulary and grammar skills through interactive activities and writing assignments including an argumentative research paper to better prepare students for academics post secondary education. The course will conclude with a mini-unit on non-fiction readings related to life after high school such as insurance, mortgage, conflict resolution, etc. 

AP English Language and Composition is a college-level course that conforms to the College Board recommendations for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Examination. The course emphasizes critical thinking, reading, and writing through the study and discussion of expository, analytical, argumentation and rhetoric. The course stresses the connection between reading and writing mature prose. 

The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of literature to deepen understanding of the ways writers use language to provide meaning. Students will consider structure, style, themes, figurative language and tone through analysis of literature. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. 

Advanced Composition is designed for college bound seniors. It concentrates on various types of writing and requires a formal research paper on a selected Senior Capstone Project. Students will select a topic that relates to one of the Schools of Study endorsed by Pendleton High School and Anderson School District Four. Students will be immersed in a personalized learning environment that promotes academic achievement and personal development while being equipped with a variety of skills that will have direct application after high school graduation. Skills will be mastered through the Senior Capstone project which includes a series of rigorous assignments with high expectations. Skills addressed will include grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and business writing and rely on the skills they have acquired over the past twelve years including problem-solving and time management. 

Creative Writing is an elective course focusing on the writing process in various forms, including, nonfiction, poetry, and script writing. Students will study model texts from published writers for ideas and inspiration. At least once a semester, students will participate in a writer workshop, in which they will present a draft of writing to the class and receive feedback on their writing. The class will also publish selected pieces from their writing portfolio in a class anthology.

Film criticism is an elective course that will expose students to film and cinematography. Students will learn the techniques and terminology of filmmaking and viewing. They will analyze and study the language systems of film (photography, sound, editing, acting, story, etc.). Students will critique films and be exposed to film theory. The course will be organized by genre focusing on genre conventions.

Yearbook production explores journalistic writing and production through the analysis of yearbooks. It concentrates on purpose, audience, structure, and language use. It also covers research, ethics, editing, and revising. The course include photography, layout, and marketing. Students will be involved in the publication of the school yearbook, The Landmark. Students are required to meet deadlines, sell advertising, and participate in staff development and fundraising activities.  

Yearbook 3 Honors and 4 Honors is an application-based learning experience where students utilize the basic skills learned in Yearbook 1 and 2 to design the yearbook, manage the advertising campaigns, and lead a staff. Tasks include (but are not limited to) designing the yearbook theme, creating advertising campaigns, planning staff development, implementing fundraisers, and monitoring deadline progress.