English 4 classes offer choices, variety

Posted Apr. 18, 2024

Ava McRae

Sports Editor

David Douglas has a variety of English 4 options for seniors to  choose from, including English 4, Black Studies, Gender Studies, College English 4, and AP Literature & Composition.

English 4 is the last required English course for seniors, which expects students to continue developing reading, writing, discussion, and research skills in preparation for college. This differs from College English 4 in that the latter delves into college concepts such as the writing and drafting of expository and persuasive essays.  In second semester, the class focuses on definition, analytical, and research writing. This class is also available for credit on the Mt. Hood Community College website, with a C or higher in both semesters granting the taker 8 college credits. Both English 4 and College English 4 require English 3 as a prerequisite.

AP Literature and Composition differs from both of these courses as it requires an AP exam at the end of the year in May, and college credit is awarded if the taker earns a 3 or higher on a grading scale of 1-5. Success in both the class and the exam rely on students’ understanding of concepts such as engaged reading practices, critical thinking skills, and commitment to quality written expression.  It is open to all students who took English 3, and focuses on the reading and analysis of short stories, plays, and novels, as well as other artistic forms such as films and paintings.

Black Studies and Gender Studies are optional courses taken as alternatives to other English 4 classes, both with prerequisites of English 3. They can also be taken along with other courses. Black studies focuses on the history, contribution, and literature of Black Americans, as well as continuing to develop the reading, writing, discussion, and research skills built in English 3. The class also prepares students for college-level courses in Ethnic Studies, Writing, and Literature. Students are expected to read, discuss, and write about ideas and themes derived from selected literature or nonfiction texts by black authors and journalists, as well as completing one long-term research paper.

Gender Studies helps students explore the social concept of gender, covering topics such as gender norms, sexism, institutionalized power, and the portrayal of gender in media, literature, culture, and history. Students are expected to read about and discuss themes that arise from literature and nonfiction pieces addressing gender. Similarly to Black Studies, Gender Studies also requires one long-term research paper and focuses on reading, writing, discussion and research skills, as well as preparation for college-level courses in Writing, Literature, and Gender Studies.

These classes are all unique options, and when deciding which to take, students should prioritize their interests and talk to their counselors about which would work best in their schedule.