English/ Language Arts

LA4F11S1 and LA4F11S2
PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 9OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None A survey course is a study of many types of literature and nonfiction. With teacher-supported reading and discussion, students will gain the critical thinking and writing skills needed to be successful in upper level English classes, including AP, CE, and College In The Schools (University of Minnesota) courses. In thematic units featuring short stories, nonfiction, poetry, plays, and novels, students will improve their reading, discussion, research, grammar, and writing skills. This course meets state graduation requirements.

English 9: Roundtable

LA4F12S1 and LA4F12S2

PREREQUISITE: noneGRADE: 9LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 9OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None A roundtable is a gathering for discussion. With a student-led accelerated format, students will read short stories, nonfiction, poetry, plays, and novels in preparation for the daily work in this class. With a higher degree of independence, students will extend their reading, discussion, research, grammar, and writing skills to prepare for the critical thinking needed to be successful in upper level English classes, including AP, CE, and College In The Schools (University of Minnesota) courses.

English 10: Survey

LA4S11S1 and LA4S11S2
PREREQUISITE: *Pre-AP English 9GRADE: 10LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 10OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None A survey course is a study of many types of literature and nonfiction. With teacher-supported reading and discussion, students will gain the critical thinking and writing skills needed to be successful in upper level English classes, including AP, CE, and College In The Schools (University of Minnesota) courses. In thematic units featuring short stories, nonfiction, poetry, plays, and novels, students will improve their reading, discussion, research, grammar, and writing skills. This course meets state graduation requirements.

English 10: Roundtable

LA4S12S1 and LA4S12S2

PREREQUISITE: *Pre-AP English 9 - English 9 Survey or Roundtable starting in 2024 and beyond.GRADE: 10LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English 10OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None A roundtable is a gathering for discussion. With a student-led accelerated format, students will read short stories, nonfiction, poetry, plays, and novels in preparation for the daily work in this class. With a higher degree of independence, students will extend their reading, discussion, research, grammar, and writing skills to prepare for the critical thinking needed to be successful in upper level English classes, including AP, CE, and College In The Schools (University of Minnesota) courses. This course meets state graduation requirements.
*Going forward, the prerequisite for this course will be English 9: Survey of English 9: Roundtable.

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: Daily as neededFEE: 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 English Language and Composition

LA4J81S1 and LA4J81S2

PREREQUISITE: *English 10 Survey or Roundtable (2024 and beyond)GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: 2 semesters of ELA credits in 11 and 12 (non-fiction category)OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None
AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situations, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. In addition to reading nonfiction, students will engage with fiction, drama, and poetry while also practicing public speaking and seminar-style discussion. This course prepares students for the AP Language and Composition Exam. *Going forward, the prerequisite for this course will be English 10: Survey or English 10: Roundtable.

World Literature 1

LA4R28S1 Preview Video for World Literature 1

PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10 and US Literature *GRADE: 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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

LA4R29S2
PREREQUISITE: Pre-AP English 10 and US Literature *GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S2 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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 English Literature and Composition

LA4X82S2 Recommended to take in sequence with Intro to Literature- CIS

PREREQUISITE: Recommended College In The Schools (University of Minnesota) Intro to LiteratureGRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 semester, S2 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: one semester ELA credit in 11 and 12 (fiction category)OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None

The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.

Speech 1

LA4X44S1 or LA4X44S2 Preview Video for Speech

PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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

LA4X45S1 or LA4X45S2
PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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

LA4X55S1 or LA4X55S2 Preview Video for Genre Studies and Analysis

PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 or S2MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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
PREREQUISITE: NoneGRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S2 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: English requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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 requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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 requirementOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: 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

College Reading Readiness

LA4F17S1 and LA4F17S2
PREREQUISITE: Referral ProcessGRADE: 9LENGTH: Full YearMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: ElectiveOUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None
The College Reading Readiness course seeks to develop skilled and critical readers. The course is intended for students who have been identified as needing extra support in reading. The purpose of the class is to assist students in improving their reading skills while also providing support with their current Pre-AP English 9 coursework.

Writing Studio - College in the Schools (CIS)

LA4X20S1 or LA4X20S2
PREREQUISITE: University of Minnesota directed: GPA of 3.0 or better; or has completed the ACT with reading and writing scores considered sufficient by the instructor; or has the recommendation of the teacher of counselor. In addition, there must be a pattern of consistent attendance.GRADE: 11-12LENGTH: SemesterMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: one semester ELA credit in 11 and 12 (non-fiction category)OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None
Writing Studio, also known as WRIT 1201 at the University of Minnesota introduces students to general writing strategies encountered at the college level. Through frequent practice and feedback, students learn to see writing as a tool for learning and a vehicle for the expression of ideas and informed views. Students also learn a working vocabulary for discussing writing.
*For the 2024-2025 school year only, juniors and seniors who enroll in College In The Schools (University of Minnesota): Writing Studio will take a 1 semester senior elective in addition to the course. In 2025-2026, students will have access to semester long courses for both 11th and 12th grades.
Implementation pending internal approval of available resources and teacher approval from the U of M.

Intro to Literature - College in the Schools (CIS)

LA4X21S1Recommended to take in sequence with AP Literature and Composition
PREREQUISITE: University of Minnesota directed: Have a cumulative GPA in previously taken English courses that exceeds a 3.25, or be in the top 20% of their high school class AND be able to demonstrate to the College In The Schools (University of Minnesota) instructor ONE of the following

The reading and writing skills necessary for success in the course, or
A passion for reading and writing about literature

GRADE: 12LENGTH: 1 Semester, S1 onlyMEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: one semester ELA credit in 11 and 12 (fiction category)OUT OF CLASS WORK: Daily as neededFEE: None
This is a writing-intensive course that also meets the University of Minnesota Literature Core requirement. From epic battles against monsters in legendary kingdoms to stories about characters in worlds similar to our own, literature engages us with the diverse perspectives and experiences that make up our communities and world. ENGL 1001W introduces students to ways of understanding and appreciating literature in English across cultures and historical periods. Throughout this course, we will develop skills to help us understand literature, especially the ability to read language closely (a skill valuable in many disciplines beyond literature). We will explore how writers use language and literary aspects, such as genre, voice, tone, symbol, motif, theme, imagery, narrative, and form. We also will learn how to write about literature, sharing our interpretations of how and why literary works have meaning for ourselves and others, while viewing them through critical cultural lenses, including ways to understand how gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and class can function in literary texts.
Implementation pending internal approval of available resources and teacher approval from the U of M.

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