LIT & COMP 9 – L6051 & L6052
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 LA credit
Grade(s): 9
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved

Through a wide variety of literature in short stories, poems, plays, and novel-length fiction and non-fiction, students will be introduced to the concepts and terminology that will be used during their high school studies in English. Students will practice narrative and expository writing, poetry, and note-taking. The basic principles of public speaking will be presented as students prepare and give speeches.

LIT & COMP 10 – L6101 & L6102
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 LA credit
Grade(s): 10
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved

This course will concentrate on developing students’ understanding and appreciation of all major literary elements (e.g. plot, theme, characterization, symbolism) within the framework of plays, poetry, novels, and non-fiction texts. Students will participate in oral discussions that analyze and evaluate an author’s work. In addition, the course emphasizes the development of expository and persuasive writing skills. Importance is placed on using the elements of the writing process, i.e., pre-writing, writing, and revising. Students will continue to develop their speaking skills as they prepare and deliver several formal speeches.

LIT & COMP 11 – L6151 & L6152
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 LA credit
Grade(s): 11
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved

This course for 11th graders builds on the reading, writing, and speaking skills introduced in previous years. Students will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. Writing instruction will emphasize persuasive/argument essays and research papers. Students will also prepare for the state writing test, which juniors typically take in the spring. 

LIT & COMP 12 – L6171 & L6172
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 LA credit
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved

Students will further develop their skills in literary analysis and narrative and argumentative writing. In preparation for the expectations of college and career environments, emphasis is placed on the development of independent analysis of two or more works, writing and revision, and discussion.

AP ENGLISH – LANGUAGE & COMP* – L8101 & L8102
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 LA credit
Grade(s): 11 or 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved

Unlike more literature-based English classes, this course concentrates almost exclusively on nonfiction. You will learn the differences between rhetorical and literary analysis (we’ll be focusing on the former) and develop critical thinking and writing skills that will serve you academically across disciplines. You will have the opportunity to analyze writing in new ways and will work on crafting your own opinions on topics that affect contemporary society. This practice encourages you to become lifelong thinkers and members of an educated audience, which in turn helps you to be successful in college and beyond. Reading material may include mature subjects and themes. Students are expected to register and pay in the fall to take the national AP Exam in May.

*Weighted Grade Course

AP ENGLISH – LITERATURE & COMP* – L8201 & L8202

Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 LA credit
Grade(s): 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved

The AP program in English Literature is a national program designed to serve students who wish to pursue college-level studies while in high school. AP English Literature encourages high achievement in English and offers students the opportunity to receive college credit and placement. The course focuses on close readings of novels, plays, and poetry from the Renaissance to the present. Students will respond in class discussions and in essays to authors such as Donne, Shakespeare, Spenser, Milton, Bronte, Dickinson, and Hurston. Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the fall to take the national AP Exam in the spring.

*weighted grade course

JOURNALISM, CREATIVE WRITING, AND YEARBOOK DO NOT COUNT TOWARDS YOUR REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES CREDITS, HOWEVER YOU CAN EARN ELECTIVE CREDIT. 

JOURNALISM – L3501 & L3502
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 EL credit
Grade(s) 9, 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite(s): None

Students who take journalism will experience a “real-world” learning environment through the publication of the student newspaper. This class will teach students the skills needed to produce a student publication. This includes story generation, interviewing, writing, editing, design, layout, and photography. A background in these areas is not needed to be successful in this class. Self-directed learning is necessary. This class serves as preparation for higher-level positions within the newspaper and helps to foster leadership skills needed in this class, in school, and in life. This class is ideal for students who want to be an active part of the school community and help to affect the school in a positive way. As a collaborative workshop, students will learn and demonstrate communication skills in a group setting and with students and staff, decision-making and leadership, organization and time management, and civic engagement. These transferable skills will serve students well beyond high school and are needed in all career fields. Note: This course counts for elective credit only.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP - L410X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 EL credit
Grade(s) 9, 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved

This semester course offers students who enjoy writing an opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of creative assignments. Students explore poetry, short stories, dialogues, literary nonfiction, and other types of imaginative, original work.  Note: This course counts for elective credit only.

YEARBOOK - A2061 & A2062
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 EL credit
Grade(s): 10, 11 and 12 (9th grade instructor approval)
Prerequisite(s): Potential interview

This class will teach students the skills needed to produce the Aloha yearbook, including basic photography techniques, interviewing, writing, editing, and basic principles of design (using the Herff Jones eDesign program). A background in these areas is helpful but not necessary to be successful in this class. This class is ideal for students who want to be an active part of the school community and help to affect the school in a positive way. It also involves significant responsibility, as we work under deadlines set by an external company. Students must demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate in groups of students from all grade levels, and to manage their time to meet deadlines. Interviews may be required for entrance into the course. Note: this course counts for elective credit only.