English/ Language Arts
Profile of a Successful Advanced Placement Level Student: Students who are successful in advanced placement language arts are self-directed learners who exhibit a growth mindset, love to read and choose classics as well as contemporary texts that provide a challenge. They also enjoy writing, refining and revising their work. Students will be asked to read more frequently (including summer reading), read texts that are more complex, and analyze what they read in greater depth, complexity, and independence using tools of literary analysis. Students will write more frequently, be expected to write more skillfully, and do so with more sophistication and independence.
Advanced Placement ELA courses are open to any student and there are no prerequisites, however, courses must be taken in the corresponding school year (shown in the Course Pathways graphic). Edina ELA course titles do not directly correlate to Advanced Placement exam titles. Students who take English 9, English 10 and one or both ELA AP courses in grades 11-12 will be well prepared to take either (or both) of the ELA AP exams offered. Two AP ELA exams are offered: 1) AP English Language and Composition (non-fiction based) 2) AP English Literature and Composition (fiction-based). Students are advised to consult their English teacher(s) to determine which exam(s) to take.
Pre-AP English 9
LA4F08S1 and LA4F08S2 Preview Video for Pre-AP English 9 PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 9OUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None Through both classic and contemporary texts, Pre-AP English 9 prepares students for the writing, reading, and critical thinking required in Advanced Placement courses. The depth, rigor, and pacing are demanding in Pre-AP English 9; it is a writing-intensive course, with an emphasis on growing students’ skills in crafting strong arguments. The chosen texts reflect rich themes, varied perspectives, fiction and non-fiction, and exemplary literary craft. The literature explores the universal themes of coming of age, identity, and the hero’s journey. In examining these works, students will study the structure of the work and techniques specific to the genre, and develop close reading and literary analysis skills. The course will focus on thesis-driven writing that is well-organized, concise, and free from grammatical and mechanical errors. Students will practice revision skills to fine tune ideas and develop an engaging style. Students receive additional practice in research skills, vocabulary acquisition, and grammar and usage. Students will regularly participate in small group and whole class discussionsPre-AP English 10
LA4S08S1 and LA4S08S2 Preview Video for Pre-AP English 10 PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 9; Summer reading *GRADE: 10LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 10OUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None This course will continue to build on the work students did in Pre-AP English 9. Pre-Advanced Placement English 10 will encompass the language arts skills of literary analysis, writing, research, speaking, listening and media/digital literacy. Students will read contemporary and classic texts including novels, poetry, drama, short stories and non-fiction selections that reflect diversity in race, gender, age, economics, and geography. Students will develop critical thinking skills through text-based discussions, Thinking Maps, and other research-based cognition strategies. Differentiation for personalized learning through process, product and content will be a major component of this course so that all students have an opportunity for success. Intensive writing instruction will help students develop analytical skills and a personal voice. Students will write in multiple genres including descriptive, narrative, persuasive and critical analysis. Grammar and usage review will be both explicit and authentic, focusing on application of conventions to student writing. Research skills will be taught throughout the course. Regular instruction in vocabulary will use lessons and contextualized vocabulary to improve reading comprehension, oral and written expression, as well as ACT/SAT test scores. Students will also develop and practice effective speaking skills in individual presentations and group discussions. Specific instruction and practice essays for the ACT Writing test are included in both semesters.
US Literature and Composition
LA4J21S1 and LA4J21S2 Preview Video for US Literature and Composition PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10 *GRADE: 11LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: US LiteratureOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None United States Literature and Composition fulfills the junior year English requirement. Students will read and analyze fiction, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and film representative of the United States. By looking at texts through the framework of The Examined Life, they will understand how to look closely at literature and what its examination reveals about the diverse values and experiences of this country.
AP US Literature and Language
LA4J83S1 and LA4J83S2 Preview Video for AP US Literature and Language PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10; Summer reading *GRADE: 11LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: US LiteratureOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None
This full-year course is more rigorous in all ways. Works from authors from the United States before 1700 to the present include Hemingway, Ellison, Franklin, Paine, Hawthorne, Melville, Emerson, Thoreau, Dickinson, Whitman, Hurston, Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Steinbeck, Frost, Morrison, Wilson, O’Brien, Miller, and others. The study of literature is more academic, abstract, and theoretical, and students will work more independently, often at a faster pace. To further develop their skills in complex analysis, interpretation and evaluation of literature, students will use several analytical tools. AP level expectations in writing emphasize depth and quality of ideas in students’ analysis of literature and fluency and grace in their presentation. Research and oral presentations are important components of this course. Rehearsals for the AP test(s) will occur throughout the year. This course is intended to prepare students for taking the National Advanced Placement test in the spring. Summer reading is required.
World Literature 1
LA4R28S1 Preview Video for World Literature 1 PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10 and US Literature *GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group A or BOUT OF CLASS WORK: MinimalFEE: None
Through significant, college-level reading in all genres (fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry), multi-modal writing, class discussions, presentations/speeches, research, and the creation of their own pieces of literature, students will develop their proficiency as clear thinkers, readers, writers and speakers. Literature will be used as the means to examine historical, as well as current ideas regarding essential questions of what it means to be human and what it means to be a contributing member of the global community. Major units of study include: Introductions and creating the essential questions, critical reading, thinking and analysis, visual analysis, poetry, and Writer’s Workshop (end of each unit).
World Literature 2
LA4R29S2PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10 and US Literature *GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S2 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group A or BOUT OF CLASS WORK: MinimalFEE: None Through significant, college-level reading in all genre (fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry), multi-modal writing, class discussions, presentations/speeches, research, and the creation of their own pieces of literature, students will develop their proficiency as clear thinkers, readers, writers and speakers. Literature will be used as the means to examine historical, as well as current ideas regarding essential questions of what it means to be human and what it means to be a contributing member of the global community. Major units of study include: Introductions and creating the essential questions, critical reading, thinking and analysis, visual analysis, poetry, and Writer’s Workshop (end of each unit).
AP World Literature & Language (Pending Sufficient Enrollment)
LA4R81S1 and LA4R81S2 Preview Video for AP World Literature and Language PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10; US Literature or AP US Literature and Language *GRADE: 12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group A or BOUT OF CLASS WORK: DailyFEE: None
“Every person who knows how to read has it in their power to magnify themselves, to multiply the ways in which they exist, to make their life full, significant and interesting.” - Aldous Huxley. This is the essence of AP World Literature and Language, a full-year course for seniors reading, writing and thinking at the college (Advanced Placement) level. Through significant, college-level reading in all genre (fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry), multi-modal writing, class discussions, presentations/speeches, research, and the creation of their own pieces of literature, students will develop their proficiency as clear thinkers, readers, writers and speakers. Literature will be used as the means to examine historical, as well as current ideas regarding essential questions of what it means to be human and what it means to be a contributing member of the global community. In addition to their focus in these areas, students will rehearse for the AP test(s) in English. This course is intended to prepare students for taking the National Advanced Placement test in the spring.
Speech 1 (formerly Public Speaking 1)
LA4X44S1 or LA4X44S2 Preview Video for SpeechPREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group BOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
In this course students will study, practice, and apply the theory and techniques of formal public speaking. Informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches are included. Students will employ research, organization, reasoning, writing strategies, and delivery skills in a variety of speaking situations. Through the writing composition and oral presentation of speeches, students will learn techniques to increase confidence, methods of adapting to a variety of audiences, and ways to support ideas with sound evidence and logic.
Speech 2 (formerly, Public Speaking 2)
LA4X45S1 or LA4X45S2PREREQUISITE: Speech 1 *GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group BOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None In this course students will build on their knowledge and experience of effective formal public speaking in a multitude of situations using multiple delivery methods. Students will utilize in-depth research skills, effective organization and writing strategies, and refine established mechanics of speech delivery throughout the course. Presentation include impromptu speaking, informative speaking, special occasion speaking, persuasive speaking, and group presentations.
Genre Studies and Analysis (formerly Film and Lit 1)
LA4X55S1 or LA4X55S2 Preview Video for Genre Studies and Analysis PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group AOUT OF CLASS WORK: RegularlyFEE: None
This course is an opportunity for students to learn how to become active participants in the viewing of film, rather than passive observers – critical thinking is a must. Students will learn the specialized language of cinema and apply it to the films they watch in class. In addition to the films themselves, students will read complex fictional texts, making meaningful connections between them and the films. Students will write both analytical and creative essays and create their own media content to show their understanding of cinematic concepts. In this semester, units are organized around either genre or thematic content. Genres studied have included the western and film noir.
Film and Literature 2
LA4X54S2 Preview Video for Film and Literature 2 PREREQUISITE: Genre Studies and Analysis*GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S2 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group BOUT OF CLASS WORK: RegularlyFEE: None Students will build on their knowledge of film technique and sharpen their critical viewing skills developed in Genre Studies and Analysis by studying in-depth the films of several important directors past and present, American and international. Students will analyze multiple works from each director, identifying and interpreting common styles and themes throughout the director's work, while learning about the film's cinematic and cultural significance. In addition to the films themselves, students will be expected to read complex non-fiction texts, including literary non-fiction, making meaningful connections between them and the films. Students are also expected to write both analytical and informative/explanatory essays, and create their own media content to show their understanding of cinematic concepts. Possible directors to be studied in class include Alfred Hitchcock, Akira Kurosawa, Kathryn Bigelow, the Coen Brothers, and Spike Lee.
Mass Media
LA4X52S1 or LA4X52S2 Preview Video for Mass Media PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group BOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This course introduces students to the various forms of mass media and their effects on modern life. Students will build writing and research skills as they produce media projects using various web tools. Topics include Media Consumption, Internet and Social Media, Television, Advertising, and 21st Century Global Citizenship.
Creative Writing
LA4X15S1 or LA4X15S2 Preview Video for Creative Writing PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 12 - Group AOUT OF CLASS WORK: PeriodicallyFEE: None
This semester-long workshop helps students refine creative writing skills and processes. The workshop structure allows students substantial independent writing time that is guided through mini-lessons and individual conferences with small groups and the teacher. The class focuses on exercises that lead students to complete a collection of nonfiction, fiction and poetry writing. Their own pieces will demonstrate their knowledge of the writing process and overall individual growth. Students will maintain a writing journal and read literature that will model various techniques and help them expand their imaginative repertoire. At the end of the semester, students will have an extensive writing portfolio