English Electives

Students may choose electives from the following list to complete the fourth year of English credit graduation requirement.

0142 British Literature

• Grade Level: 12
• Credits Earned: 1.0
• Prerequisite: English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: A two semester sequence. This course focuses on British literary classics, from Beowulf to Murder on the Orient Express and 1984. Students in this course will build both their literary analysis and composition skills in preparation for their work beyond high school.

Major Topics or Themes Include: (additional topics may be covered)

• Examination of Multiple Interpretations of Beowulf
• Analysis of Word Choice in Shakespeare
• The Cultural Significance of The Canterbury Tales
• Jonathan Swift’s Satirical Works
• Using Textual Evidence to Solve The Murder on the Orient Express
• The Victorian Novel and the Impact of Serial Publication
• Exploration of Dystopian Literature and Text-To-World Analysis of 1984

State Course: 01004A000, English/Language Arts IV

0145 Advanced Placement English-Literature and Composition AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 12
• Credits Earned: 1.0
• Prerequisite: English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: This course will serve to enable students to become better readers, writers, and thinkers and will prepare students to successfully complete the AP English Literature and Composition Exam at the end of the year.

This course will build on the writing skills of each student and improve them through a series of drafts, revisions and writing conferences. AP English Literature and Composition is designed to increase student skill in reading and critical literary analysis of selected prose and poetry, analytical writing, and the application of analytical skills in major novels or other major literary works.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Good Readers and Good Writers
• Poetry Analysis
• Women in Drama
• Satirical Literature
• Romantic/Gothic Literature
• Literature in Historical Context

State Course: 01006A000, AP English Literature and Composition

01610 World Literature

• Grade Level: 11-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 11 or Concurrent enrollment in English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: This course will introduce students to influential literature from around the world. It includes studies of Shakespearean classics, as well as historical and modern literature of the major European nations. Exposure will also be given to the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Included will be discussions of the major historical, cultural, and political events that shaped this literature. Students will analyze and evaluate classical and modern world literature with respect to themselves and also analyze and evaluate world literature in relation to global contexts and settings. All forms of literature will be used: essays, drama, poetry, nonfiction and fiction.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Self-awareness
• Setting analysis
• Cultural awareness
• Problem solving

State Course: 01058A000, World Literature

01640 Contemporary Literature

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• Grade Level: 11-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 11 or Concurrent enrollment in English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: The study of contemporary literary genres through the use of novels, poetry, and drama. Students will use material from the course to develop skills in analysis and how the material connects to the real world. Students will read several novels throughout the course of the semester.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Reading for understanding
• Inferencing
• Comparison and contrasting skills
• Analysis skills

State Course: 01053A000, Literature

01650 Creative Writing

• Grade Level: 11-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 11 or Concurrent enrollment in English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: The English elective course is designed for students who wish to develop their creative writing skills. Students will read and analyze examples within the genres being studied; students will also produce original writings within the genres being studied. Students will use peer editing and peer response to provide positive support for their fellow writers and to revise their own work. Students will create a portfolio that demonstrates their growth over the course of the semester.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Narrative Writing
• Explanatory Writing
• Creates a Writing Portfolio

State Course: 01104A000, Creative Writing

01720 Speech

• Grade Level: 11-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 11 or Concurrent enrollment in English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: Advanced Oral Communication is the study of communication through the use of the spoken word connected with visual communication. Students will use technology to research and develop presentations to be delivered in class. Along with delivering speeches, students will use technology to visually enhance presentations. Several types of speeches will be focused on, including informational, persuasive, symposium and the development of real world applications (podcasts, pecha kucha, interview skills, etc.). This course is designed for students who want to improve public speaking skills and have more confidence with communicating in a public forum.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Public speaking
• Research skills
• Audience connection and understanding
• Listening skills

State Course: 01155A000, Communications

01630 World Mythology

• Grade Level: 11-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 11 or Concurrent enrollment in English 11
• NCAA Approved

Description: A study of ancient, classical, and contemporary mythologies in which students will survey myths and legends from cultures around the globe, including but not limited to Norse, Greek, Sumerian, Egyptian, Native American, and cultures of the students’ choosing. Students will learn and apply a variety of analytical techniques and lenses. The course’s scales focus on college readiness, writing development, and literary analysis.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Functions of Myths and Mythology
• Universality of Myths Across Cultures
• Critical Literary Analysis

State Course: 01099A000, Literature Other

01690 Professional Writing and Communication

• Grade Level: 12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 11

Description: This course is designed to prepare all students for the writing, reading, and speaking challenges that await them in the workplace. All students, regardless of their post-secondary educational plans, will need to communicate effectively in their place of business. This course also provides students with the 21st Century Skills (critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity) necessary to be successful in whichever field they choose. Students in this course will write a variety of workplace texts and will learn to work in teams through conflict resolution strategies and leadership skills.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Entering the job market
• Communicating Effectively
• Working as a team
• Becoming a Leader
• Business Research and Presentations

State Course: 01156A000, Applied English and Communication

04060 Debate

• Grade Level: 10-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: English 9
• NCAA Approved

Description: This course will focus on the fundamentals of argumentation. Students will learn to evaluate topics critically and address claims that can be made on both sides of an argument. Students will also work on rebuttal and counterclaims as well as argumentative writing skills and the honing of their speech abilities on both planned and more impromptu speaking.

• Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)
• Understanding the different types of arguments
• Fallacy/Fallacious Reasoning
• Argumentative writing
• Research skills
• Public speaking skills
• Listening and note-taking skills
• Critical thinking

State Course: 01153A000, Forensic Speech Debate

04050 Advanced Debate

• Grade Level: 10-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: Debate
• NCAA Approved

Description: Advanced Debate is a continuation of the Debate course. Students will be working on the same argumentative skills as the Debate course, however, at the competitive level. This course will focus on the preparation of and competition in interscholastic debate. This includes knowledge and practice of public speaking, and delivery and analysis. This class will also allow students to mentor and peer teach.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Self-Analysis and Goal-Setting
• Fallacy/Fallacious Reasoning
• Argumentative writing
• Research skills
• Public speaking skills
• Listening and note-taking skills
• Critical thinking
• Mentoring and Peer-Teaching

State Course: 01153A000, Forensic Speech Debate

0180 Introduction to Journalism

• Grade Level: 9-12
• Credits Earned: 0.5
• Prerequisite: None

Description: Students that enroll in this class will learn important journalism skills in the areas of news writing, editing, photography, layout / design and other elements of production. This class is a prerequisite and must be taken to enroll for yearbook and newspaper.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

• Ethics / History of Journalism
• Research and the interview process
• Adobe Indesign (layout and design)
• SNO (daily functions of online newspaper)
• Yearbook Avenue (functions of online yearbook site)
• Photography and multimedia

State Course: 11101A000, Journalism