ENGLISH 9/ENGLISH 9 HONORS

This course is a survey of world literature featuring well-known American and British writings spanning the Elizabethan to the Modern periods and representative works from a wide range of cultural perspectives. The goal is to develop an appreciation, through comparative analysis, of the author’s structure, style, and purposes and the social and historical relevance these texts represent. Complex literary devices such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, mood and tone are addressed. Students will write a variety of compositions as long as 1,000 words, following both academic and business models, in order to develop skills of research, reasoning and argumentation.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

Prerequisite for Honors: Students must have a grade of B or better in Advanced English 8, or a grade of A in English 8 and teacher recommendation. Summer reading will be required.

ENGLISH 10/ENGLISH 10 HONORS

This course is a survey of world literature featuring well-known American and British writings spanning the Elizabethan to the Modern periods and representative works from a wide range of cultural perspectives. The goal is to develop an appreciation, through comparative analysis, of the author’s structure, style, and purposes, and the social and historical relevance these texts represent. Complex literary devices such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, mood and tone are addressed. Students will write a variety of compositions as long as 1,500 words, following both academic and business models, in order to develop skills of research, reasoning, and argumentation. Students will also be expected to develop speaking and listening skills and to learn new vocabulary.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

Honors Prerequisite: Students must have a grade of B or better in English 9 Honors, or grade of A in English 9 and teacher recommendation. Students must also complete a summer reading assignment prior to the fall of their 10^th grade year. Students must also attend an informational meeting during the Spring of their 9^th grade year, prior to the Fall they will be in the class.

ENGLISH 11

These are courses in the critical reading of American literature and effective writing of a variety of types of composition. The reflective essay is emphasized. Students study literary texts, both fiction and nonfiction, focusing on The American Dream. They evaluate how authors express their ideas and, in their own writing, try to emulate these models as they work through the writing process. They are encouraged to integrate their learning with American history, a parallel course. Major core works may include non-fiction books, fiction novels, and drama selections.

Academy Requirement: Students must complete integrated mastery projects that are developed between the English, social science, and industrial technology classes.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

AP ENGLISH 11 - LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION

The focus of this course is on nonfiction prose, rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. Students read widely about a topic before crafting a position of their own. Arguments and language are deconstructed so that the elements of effective communication become transparent, accessible, and replicable. Students are expected to read independently, conduct research, and write both informal and formal responses to class readings and to current issues. Formal essays are both on demand timed quick writes and multi-draft essays ranging between 500 and 3500 words in length. In addition to the study of rhetoric, students read works of American literature and consider the issues raised by these texts from an argumentative stance. Successful completion of class requirements will prepare students for the AP Language and Composition exam administered by the College Board in May. Because this course often serves as a substitute for the first-year composition course in many colleges and universities, it models college work in both content and pacing. Students passing the AP Language Composition exam may earn college credit.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

Recommended: Students who pass the AP English 11 class may receive college credit. Therefore, this course models college level work in both content and pacing. It is recommended for students who earn a grade of B or better in English 10 Honors, and/or obtain a teacher recommendation.

ENGLISH 12

This course focuses on British literature studied through the theme of The Individual and Society. Major core works studied include non-fiction books, fiction novels, and drama selections. Students study a variety of the extended works of British literature. This course focuses on close reading, careful analysis, and extensive writing.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

ERW (EXPOSITORY READING & WRITING) ENGLISH 12

The goal of the Expository Reading and Writing Course is to prepare college-bound seniors for the literacy demands of higher education. Through a sequence of several rigorous instructional modules, students in this year long, rhetoric-based course develop advanced proficiencies in expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing. Modules provide instruction in research methods and documentation conventions. Students will be expected to increase their awareness of the rhetorical strategies employed by authors, and to apply those strategies in their own writing. They will read closely to examine the relationship between an author's argument or theme and his or her audience and purpose, to analyze the impact of structural and rhetorical strategies, and to examine the social, political, and philosophical and assumptions that underlie the text. In the spring of the junior year, students take standardized tests in English and math; their test results are evaluated for college readiness. Students who test “conditionally” college ready in English at the end of their junior year may demonstrate college readiness during the senior year by taking ERWC and earning a “C” or better during both semesters.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

AP ENGLISH 12 - LITERATURE & COMPOSITION

This college level course will prepare students to take the AP English Literature and Composition examination. Students in this course will learn techniques for the analysis of prose, poetry, and drama, including rhetorical devices, literary elements, literary devices, (such as metaphor and metonymy), sound devices, and literary modes of expression. The course will focus on analysis of style and thematic connections in major novels and poetry through a variety of genres including drama, fiction, narratives, nonfiction and persuasive essays, epics, and sonnets. Students write using a variety of prompts to hone upper level writing skills including thesis statements, organization, pacing, and mechanics. This course may serve as a substitute for first year college literature in some universities; therefore, it models a college course in both content and pacing.

This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (b) – English.

Recommended: Students who pass the AP English 12 class may receive college credit. Therefore, this course models college level work in both content and pacing.