English

English 11A: Writing

Course # 0015

Grade Offered: 11

Credits: 1 

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Writing credit

• Also register for English 11: Themes in American Literature if you take this course.

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: This on-level course is designed to develop writing skills for the typical college-bound student. Students will work on skills and techniques that strengthen their writing ability and build the foundation they need to be prepared for the expanded expectations of college-level writing. These skills and techniques focus on and increase students’ success with writing style, diction, organization, sentence structure, mechanics, and usage. In addition, students will build on the 10th grade English skills of argumentation, evidence selection, analysis, and research. Assignments will include various types of expository writing, such as description, narration, analysis, and persuasion. Emphasis will be placed on the editing and revising process. Students may expect to share some of the writing with a peer, in small groups, or in large class discussion as a means of receiving constructive feedback in a supportive atmosphere.

English 11A: Writing Online

Course # 0015L

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Writing credit

• Also register for English 11 Themes in American Literature (either online or in person) if you take this course.

Please Note

This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.

Description: This on-level course is designed to develop writing skills for the typical college-bound student. Students will work on skills and techniques that strengthen their writing ability and build the foundation they need to be prepared for the expanded expectations of college-level writing. These skills and techniques focus on and increase students’ success with writing style, diction, organization, sentence structure, mechanics, and usage. In addition, students will build on the 10th grade English skills of argumentation, evidence selection, analysis, and research. Assignments will include various types of expository writing, such as description, narration, analysis, and persuasion. Emphasis will be placed on the editing and revising process. Students may expect to share some of the writing with a peer, in small groups, or in large class discussion as a means of receiving constructive feedback in a supportive atmosphere.

English 11B: American Literature

Course # 0009

Grade Offered: 11

Credits: 1 

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Literature credit

• Also register for English 11: Advanced Composition if you take this course.

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: Storytelling in America helps to define who we are. This on-level overview of American literature will acquaint typical college-bound students with well-known American authors whose writings reflect American culture, ideas, and literary forms. Students will focus their study around selected themes. This overview will emphasize writings from a variety of eras as well as multicultural perspectives. A variety of assignments and types of literature will be used to develop a broader and more diverse understanding of the American literary tradition. This course meets the American Literature requirement, and students registered for this course should not register for American Short Stories or AP Language and Composition.

English 11B: American Literature Online

Course # 0009L

Grade Offered: 11

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Literature credit

• Also register for English 11: Advanced Composition (either online or in person) if you take this course. 

Please Note

This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.

Description: Storytelling in America helps to define who we are. This overview of American literature will acquaint motivated students with well-known American authors whose writings reflect American culture, ideas, and literary forms. Students will focus their study around selected themes. This overview will emphasize writings from a variety of eras as well as multicultural perspectives. A variety of assignments and types of literature will be used to develop a broader and more diverse understanding of the American literary tradition. This course meets the American Literature requirement, and students registered for this course should not register for American Short Stories or AP Language and Composition. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. 

English 11: Composition

Course # 0102

Grade Offered: 11

Credits: 1 

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Writing credit

 • Also register for English 11: American Short Stories if you take this course.

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: This writing course is for students who seriously struggle with writing, and is intended to supplement the writing instruction of English 9, English 10, Short Stories, Legends or Sheltered Content 4/5. This course will focus on the development of analytical writing required by any post-secondary institution. Paper focus, thesis statements, logical organization, note-taking, use of specific evidence, grammar skills, revision, and research will be the skills developed in this class. This course meets the writing requirement, and students registered for this course should not should not register for Advanced Composition. 

English 11: American Short Stories

Course # 0035

Grade Offered: 11

Credits: 1 

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Literature credit

 • Also register for English 11: Composition if you take this course.

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: This course is designed for students who seriously struggled with reading literature and writing in English 10. Experience the power of a novel in the space of a few pages. A variety of stories will be read with emphasis placed on the understanding of plot, setting, character, and theme. Written assignments will be based on assigned readings and class discussions. This course meets the American Literature requirement, and students registered for this course should not should not register for Themes in American Literature. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. 

AP English Language & Composition A, B, C*

Course # 0010, 0011, 012

Grade Offered: 11

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills BOTH Literature and Writing credit requirements for grade 11

• Meets NCAA requirements

• College credit opportunity

Description: This AP course focuses on the study of American literature, with a particular focus on literary non-fiction in all its forms. Students will read a variety of essays, letters, speeches, short stories, and novels from a wide range of political, historical and cultural perspectives. Students will also be asked to complete various writing assignments that align with the College Board's AP Language and Composition writing standards. Students taking this class should welcome the challenge of high-level reading, writing and collaborative discussion. Students who take both trimesters of this course will meet both the junior literature and communications requirements for language arts.  This course is post-secondary credit bearing; the third trimester, which covers contemporary American (including Latin American) literature after 1945, is optional. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. Course is post-secondary credit bearing. Third Trimester is optional.

AP English Literature & Composition - Humanities 

 A, B, C*

Course #  0050, 0051, 0052

Grade Offered: 12

Credits:  2-3

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills BOTH Literature and Elective requirements for grade 12

• Meets NCAA requirements

• College credit opportunity

Description:  What does it mean to be human? Explore the literary answer to this question in AP Humanities. With an emphasis on texts from Western civilization, this course integrates the study of literature, history, art, architecture, music, and philosophy both as reflections of the time periods from which they come and as influences on modern day life and thought. Students in this class will experience college level work in writing, thinking, and reading. This course will help prepare students for the optional AP exam offered each May. Students who are planning to take the AP Literature and Composition exam are urged to sign up for AP Modern Humanities, a course that offers a third trimester of this kind of integrated study, ensuring thorough preparation for the exam. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. Course is post-secondary credit bearing. Third Trimester is optional.

Black Literature

Course # 0036

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

• Fulfills Literature credit

Description: This course will explore the dynamic and diverse tradition of Black literature from slave narratives to contemporary issues that unite and celebrate differences that make Black culture unique. Works by Black diaspora authors focus on social and historical contexts that inform different texts that will be read.  There will be courageous conversations about representation and identity, oppression and resistance, stereotyping and self-definition, social justice, and racial equality. The course culminates with a research project that attempts to find student-led solutions to contemporary issues that resonate in the Black diaspora and the quest for Black excellence. This course welcomes all.

Critical Reading Of Literature

Course # 0025

Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Literature credit

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: Students who go on to college (2 year or 4 year programs) often have difficulty doing the reading they are assigned. This struggle is one of the main reasons students drop out. This course helps students improve their reading skills - no matter what subject they choose to study. Through the use of videos, activities, and silent sustained reading time, students will increase their reading rates, improve comprehension, and examine vocabulary. They will practice identifying main ideas, appropriate evidence, and applying critical patterns of analysis. The reading assigned in the class covers a wide variety of subjects, formats, and genres. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. 

English 12: Practical Applications

Course # 0103

Grade Offered: 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Literature credit

Description: This course is designed for students who found themselves struggling in English 11 Composition and/or Short stories, or students who took English 11 Fundamentals but are ready for a new challenge. This class will concentrate on building confidence and proficiency in reading, writing, and communication skills for practical application after high school. This class will teach you effective reading strategies to increase comprehension and efficiency, to use your interpersonal communication skills to build successful personal and professional relationships, and to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Real-world contexts, such as job searches, government documents, newspaper and nonfiction reading, media literacy, community leadership roles, and persuasive/opinion arguments will be used to practice the language skills necessary for success in "the real world" after high school. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. 

Legends & Short Stories

Course # 0049

Grade Offered: 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none 

• Fulfills Literature credit

• Do not register for this course if you have taken Literature and Mythology 

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: Students who took American Short Stories and want a similar challenge should take this course. The course is designed to help students who struggle significantly with reading and writing assignments in all their classes. As we work with reading and writing skills, you will learn about superhuman heroes, epic adventures, and mysterious dimensions. You will read legends and myths from the dawn of civilization and connect these old stories to modern life and films. You will work to improve your reading and writing skills to help you prepare for life after high school. This course meets the senior literature requirement, and students registered for this course should not register for Literature and Mythology. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. 

Literature & Mythology

Course # 0029

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none 

• Fulfills Literature credit

• Do not register for this course if you have taken Legends and Short Stories

• Meets NCAA requirements

 Description: Myths are stories that use fantasy or imagination to explore important questions about life. In this class, you will study myths from around the world and learn about archetypal patterns that show up in many different times and places. You will read tales from ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt, and elsewhere, explore Native American legends, and connect these stories to your life and the world. We'll examine the framework of the hero's journey and consider diverse representations of heroes and heroines in ancient and modern societies. All the while we will work to improve your reading and writing skills so you will be ready for college-level work. If you took Themes in American Lit and are looking for a similar challenge, you should take this class. This course fulfills the senior literature requirement. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. 

Memoir

Course # 0038

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none

• Fulfills Literature credit

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description: "Memoir" is a genre of literature that can at first seem difficult to define. Most of us have heard of the word, but don't know what it means. In this class, you will learn to identify, interpret, and create your own memoir. In other words, you will learn to write about yourself and your own experiences, and how those experiences have shaped you. This means you will learn to write in a whole new way ASIDE from academic essays! We will analyze many works in many different styles (creative, non-fiction, letter, stand-up comedy, long-form journalism) to help us foster a curiosity and desire to seek out absent and non-dominant narratives in American culture. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options.

Modern Literature- College in the Schools

Course # 0043

Grade Offered: 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: University of Minnesota class ranking/GPA minimum

•  Fulfills Literature credit

• Meets NCAA requirements

• College credit opportunity

Description: What can great literature tell us about our minds and the world that we can't learn from reading the newspaper or watching television? This rigorous, discussion-based course is designed for the highly motivated senior student who loves reading and thinking. While reading a diverse selection of modern fiction, students will explore provocative perspectives on nature, culture, and the human imagination, and get a taste of how literature is studied at the university level. In addition to practicing close reading and analysis, students will become familiar with various literary theories that will enable them to understand literature and culture in new and challenging ways. Students earn college credit for ENGL 1001W through the University of Minnesota upon completion of this course. Students are encouraged to read two of the Summer Reading options. Course is post secondary credit bearing.

Art of Film

Course # 0020

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1 Fine Arts

Prerequisites: None

Counts as a Fine Arts Credit towards graduation

Description: Art of Film is an elective course for juniors and seniors who would like to learn more about the history and art of motion pictures. During the opening part of the course, students will watch, analyze and discuss clips, short films and feature-length works from the 20th and 21st century. In the final month of the course, students will work together in groups to write, produce, direct and edit a short film.   

Black Literature

Course # 0036

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

• Fulfills Literature credit

Description: This course will explore the dynamic and diverse tradition of Black literature from slave narratives to contemporary issues that unite and celebrate differences that make Black culture unique. Works by Black diaspora authors focus on social and historical contexts that inform different texts that will be read.  There will be courageous conversations about representation and identity, oppression and resistance, stereotyping and self-definition, social justice, and racial equality. The course culminates with a research project that attempts to find student-led solutions to contemporary issues that resonate in the Black diaspora and the quest for Black excellence. This course welcomes all.

Creative Writing

Course # 0023

Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: none

• Meets NCAA requirements

Description:  If you like to write creatively, this one-trimester course is for you. You will develop discipline, confidence, and your writing voice while learning skills related to poetry, and fiction. Imagery, voice, diction, characterization, conflict, point of view, line breaks, sound devices, figurative language, dialogue, and setting will be explored. You will share your work to get feedback from your classmates. Writers from the community may be additional resources for you. Who knows? You might even get published!

Critical Reading Of Literature

Course # 0025

Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

Meets NCAA requirements

Description: Students who go on to college (2 year or 4 year programs) often have difficulty doing the reading they are assigned. This struggle is one of the main reasons students drop out. This course addresses that struggle and helps students improve their reading skills - no matter what subject they choose to study. Through the use of videos, activities, and silent sustained reading time, students will increase their reading rates, improve comprehension, and examine vocabulary. They will practice identifying main ideas, appropriate evidence, and applying critical patterns of analysis. The reading assigned in the class covers a wide variety of subjects, formats, and genres. 

Debate

Course # 5802

Grade Offered: 10 - 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

Description: Persuasion and communication skills are critical for college, the workplace, and as citizens of the world. In this course, we will study argument, rhetoric, logic, and philosophy. Students will learn how to identify and understand different types of arguments, research and prepare arguments, and present them in different formats. Students will participate in informal discussions and more formal debate activities to practice and showcase the skills we learn in class. Everyone is welcome in this class; team participation is not a requirement. This class is especially applicable for those considering a career in law, politics, marketing, business, education, or community organization.

Drama Workshop I

Course # 0024

Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credits: 1 Fine Arts

Prerequisites: None

Description: This course provides an introduction to theater with a focus on examining the makeup of the theatrical text. Students will be given a wide variety of performance opportunities and will be expected to work collaboratively towards the construction of the theatrical text. 

Drama Workshop II

Course # 0037

Grade Offered:10, 11, 12

Credits: 1 Fine Arts

Prerequisites: [0024] Drama Workshop I 

Description: This course provides an introduction to theater with a focus on examining the makeup of the theatrical text. Students will be given a wide variety of performance opportunities and will be expected to work collaboratively towards the construction of the theatrical text. Students will continue their exploration of the history of theater and the fundamentals of theatrical production. 

Individualized Reading

Course # 0031

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: None

Description: Students who enjoy reading will appreciate this course which provides time to read self-selected books for pleasure. Daily reading will be monitored and assessed to encourage the reading habit and to ensure a quiet reading environment. Students will also study the characteristics of popular contemporary fiction/non-fiction and the techniques of writing informative and interesting book reviews. Assignments may include written and oral book reviews, reflective journals, daily reading logs, and projects.