English Department

*Students in any grade can access all courses. The grades listed are recommended age ranges, so students below this range should consult with their counselor prior to enrollment. ** = Courses with no prerequisite requirements

Literature and Composition 9 **

Recommended for Grade 9 • Year Course – 61051/61052 • 1 Credit 

This one-year course required for graduation will emphasize improvement in reading and writing skills. Thought organization, essay writing, writing mechanics, grammar, as well as exposure to a variety of written literature will be included in this course. The course will also cover listening, speaking, and research skills.

Honors Literature and Composition 9 **

Recommended for Grade 9 • Year Course – 61101/61102  • 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Summer reading  

This one-year course fulfills the graduation requirement for ninth grade and will cover the curriculum of Literature and Composition plus additional novels and essays. The composition of this course is very challenging in nature and is intended for students who have a passion for literature and/or for students who wish to pursue Advanced Placement English in their twelfth-grade year. The assigned summer reading novels must be read prior to the start of school. These will be assessed within the first few weeks of school, and those grades will be applied during the school year.

American Literature and Composition 

Recommended for Grade 10 • Year Course – 61471/61472 • 1 Credit 

This one-year course is required for graduation. Emphasis in this class is placed upon improving reading, writing, speaking and research skills. Writing skills covered include a literary analysis, imaginative, and reflective writing. The literature of this course explores the disposition of Critical Response and Stance. In addition to the required readings, connecting pieces of poetry, short stories, drama, and non-fiction will be explored. 

Honors American Literature and Composition 

Recommended for Grade 10 • Year Course – 61481/61482 • 1 Credit 

Prerequisite: Summer reading 

This one-year course fulfills the graduation requirement for tenth grade and will cover the same curriculum as American Literature and Composition, plus additional novels and essays. The composition of this course is very challenging in nature and is intended for students passionate about literature and/or students who wish to enroll in Advanced Placement English senior year. The assigned summer reading novels must be read prior to the start of school. These will be assessed within the first few weeks of school, and those grades will be applied during the school year.

Literature and Composition 11 

Recommended for Grade 11 • Year Course – 61673/61674 • 1 Credit 

This one-year course is required for graduation and is designed to meet the Common Core standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening and research. Students will engage in close-reading of literature and non-fiction and will write for a variety of purposes. Emphasis will be placed on rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, and research/expository writing as SAT and college preparation.

World Literature: A Cultural Experience 

Recommended for Grade 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1– 61691; Semester 2 - 61692 • 1/2 Credit 

Prerequisites: Completion of all required English classes (9th, 10th, 11th grade years) 

World Literature will allow students to experience cultures from around the world through literature Modern novels will be the catapult for getting students to analyze literature and cultural connections within their own society. There will be rich classroom discussions on narrative-based reading. This one-semester course will count toward the English requirement for graduation and is recommended for the college-bound senior.

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition 

Recommended for Grade 12 • Year Course – 61701/61702 • 1 Credit 

Prerequisite: Summer reading 

This course follows the guidelines of the College Examination Board and is designed to prepare students for the AP English Literature and Composition test given in May (taking this AP test is NOT a requirement for the course). This course is for the exceptional English student who is willing to direct time and energy toward serious study of drama, poetry, prose and fiction. Background in writing mechanics must be sound Students are encouraged, but not required, to supply their own texts. 

Advanced Placement Language and Composition 

Recommended for Grade 11 - 12 - Year Course • 61801/61802 • 1 Credit 

Prerequisite: Summer reading 

This course follows the guidelines of the College Examination Board and is designed to prepare students for the AP English Language and Composition test given in May (taking this AP test is NOT a requirement for the course). This course is for the exceptional English student who is willing to direct time and energy toward serious study of non-fiction texts, including synthesis and research. Students will develop skills in expository, analytical and argumentative writing. Background in writing mechanics must be sound. Students are encouraged, but not required, to supply their own texts.

Speech **

Recommended for Grades 9 – 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61275; Semester 2 – 61276 • 1⁄2 Credit 

Through the use of practical experiences, students will acquire the essential speaking and listening skills so critical in the modern day workplace. Students will work to relieve the anxiety and stress, which the average person encounters in public speaking. As a collaborative environment we will learn organizational skills and gain awareness of the relationship between the speaker and the audience. Assignments may include informal speeches, group discussion, oral readings and persuasive speeches. 

Art and Composition of Arguments 

Recommended for Grades 10 – 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61085; Semester 2 – 61086 • 1 ⁄2 Credit 

This course is a study of oral communication skills. The class will stress critical thinking, research, organized writing and public address speaking skills. Speech class is recommended prior to taking this class, but not required.

12th Grade Writing: Practical Academic Writing and Speaking (PAWS) 

Recommended for Grade 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61455; Semester 2 – 61456 • 1⁄2 Credit 

PAWS is intended to help you prepare for writing in college and/or life. As a result, you will be expected to write the same type of papers that are expected by professors as well as practical writing you will find valuable in your adult life. We will review the writing process and cover multiple techniques for researching, writing, and revising. The class will be based on a workshop method, meaning that you will be working on your own and meeting occassionally with your classmates and teacher to receive feedback on your writing.

Creative Writing 

Recommended for Grades 10 – 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61457; Semester 2 – 61458 • 1 ⁄2 Credit 

This course focuses on writing, reading, and presentation in various formats including: vignette, short story, the novel, poetry, stage-play, and screenplay. Multiple outside reading materials will be used to comprehend style, structure and meaning of the differing genres. Students must demonstrate command of standard English in order to apply poetic license required in creative writing. Through planning, peer-editing and revision students will create a final draft of each format to contribute to a culminating portfolio. 

Humanities: Music 

Recommended for Grades 9 – 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61465; Semester 2 - 61466 • 1 ⁄2 Credit 

Music Humanities is a course that follows the thread of American music from the 1800’s to the present. Students begin by studying slave spirituals then move to the blues, jazz, rock and roll, Motown, Elvis Presley, The British Invasion, and The Beatles. Learning about these genres and artists involves reading articles, writing responses to formal and informal prompts, giving presentations, and listening to music. The goal of the class is to understand the relationship between music and society and to expose students to different types of music. The highlight of the class is a field trip to the Motown Museum in Detroit.    

Humanities: Art 

Recommended for Grades 11 – 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61467; Semester 2 - 61468 • 1 ⁄2 Credit

*Prerequisites: Passing grade in English 9 and American Literature 

Art Humanities examines visual art as a meaningful form of human storytelling, particularly in relation to the development of Western civilization. Students will engage in critical analysis, evaluating artistic elements in order to interpret the greater meaning and intent behind selected works. Reading materials for this course will delve into the historical context, artists’ backgrounds, and cultural significance of art. Through analytical and persuasive writing, students will cultivate skills of critical thinking, citing evidence, conducting research, and communicating effectively. Students will explore popular masterpieces, focusing primarily on paintings, to develop an appreciation for pivotal works and examine how artistic expression both reflects and influences the human experience.  

Mythology and Science Fiction 

Recommended for Grades 10 – 12 • Semester Course • Semester 1 – 61265; Semester 2 – 61266 • 1⁄2 Credit 

The emphasis in this course will be to examine classical mythology with emphasis on Greek Myths. Students will also study the elements of modern science fiction by reading the works of selected authors, writing, and completing tasks and projects that encourage understanding of each element. This course will focus on the improvement of reading, writing, and listening skills. Due to the mature content of this class, it is recommended for 11th or 12th grade students. 

Media Publications (Formally Yearbook/Applied Journalism)

Recommended for Grades 10 – 12 • Year Course – Semester 1 - 61291; Semester 2 - 61292 • 1 Credit 

Prerequisite: English 9 or Honors English 9. Application and teacher permission.

This is a hands-on production course. Students will be responsible for all aspects of producing the Brighton High School yearbook and BHS Times, including design, content creation, sponsor solicitation, and photography. This class accurately simulates a work environment – because it is one. Students will work collaboratively and individually to meet publisher-established deadlines as they practice journalism skills such as questioning, interviewing, writing, and photographing people in and around BHS. Students interested in studying business, communications, photography, and journalism will benefit from this class. This class is co-curricular, which means that time outside of class is expected. A strong background in English is highly recommended, as are a good work ethic, verbal communication skills, and the ability to work with others towards a common goal. 

Video Production (Media 1 & 2) 

Recommended for Grades 11 - 12 • Year Long Course • 61371/61372 • 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Must complete an application and receive approval of staff. 

This class is designed to study the technique, vocabulary, and disciplines related to video in the communication fields. This hands-on course explores camera operation, script writing, lighting, audio production, video editing and the effects of video on viewers. Students will use all the basic skills necessary to produce daily announcements, special video features, public service announcements, short films, and commercials. Students are expected to spend some time outside of the classroom to videotape projects, work in the studio/lab, and complete group work. Course credit applies to Visual, Applied or Performing Arts graduation requirements or as an elective credit. This class will NOT count as a credit toward the English graduation requirement. This class may be used towards a 4th year English credit only when taken as a senior or towards the Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts credit.