English/Language Arts Course Descriptions

ENGLISH I (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 9th grade)

This course will focus on literature and composition, reinforcing a study of standard grammar usage, mechanics, and vocabulary. In literature, the course includes the short story, the novel, drama, poetry, mythology and nonfiction.

ENGLISH I HONORS (Fulfills English I Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 9th grade)

This course will focus on the study of literature and composition by concentrating on the development of critical thinking and study skills. Emphasis is given to the development of written and oral communication skills with a focus on paragraph and essay writing, creative writing, principles of research and debating, and a comprehensive review of grammar and mechanics. Independent projects, enrichment activities, and reading will be a major part of the course work. This course is designed for those students who are academically gifted, achieving beyond grade level or are motivated to do so.

COMPOSITION (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 10th grade)

This course is designed to be a transition course for tenth grade students needing reinforcement of the skills necessary to be successful in English II and future English courses. This course will emphasize expository writing in preparation for the English II End-of-Course exam. Grammar usage and vocabulary will also be included. Students will read world literature selections as a focus to model and analyze in writing. 

COMPOSITION HONORS (Fulfills Composition Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 10th grade)

This course is designed for the academically advanced, highly motivated, gifted and/or talented student. This course will emphasize the finer points of composition, focusing on expository, descriptive and argumentative writing. A variety of literary works will serve as a resource for writing compositions. Grammar, usage, and vocabulary will be included.

ENGLISH II- Prerequisite: English I or English 1 Honors, Composition or Composition Honors (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 10th grade) 

This course will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in composition and to analyze a variety of literary works. It will focus on poetry, drama, short stories, and novels from world literature. Students are required to take the English II End-of-Course exam for this course. 

ENGLISH II HONORS- Prerequisite: English I or English 1 Honors, Composition or Composition Honors (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 10th grade) 

This course emphasizes composition, analysis, independent study and research, and specific thinking and vocabulary skills. Focus is also on oral and written communication skills and the building of interpretive and critical reading/thinking skills with emphasis placed on analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of world literature. 

ENGLISH III- Prerequisite: English II or English II Honors (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 11th grade) 

This course will focus on the historical and literary aspects of American literature with emphasis on selections by major American authors. Students will read independently, write papers, and conduct research. Attention is given to students’ ACT and SAT verbal skills. Independent reading is required. 

ENGLISH III HONORS- Prerequisite: English II or English II Honors (Fulfills English III Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 11th grade) 

This course is designed for the academically advanced, highly motivated, gifted and/or talented students. This course will survey the history of American literature to develop analytical and interpretive skills. There will also be a focus on enhancing writing skills and vocabulary development. Independent reading is required.  

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION- Prerequisite: English II or English II Honors. Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 required. (Fulfills English III Graduation Requirement: Taken in 11th grade)
This 1-semester course is a college level course and is offered for students who will take the AP exam. An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. 

AP SEMINAR  (Fulfills Composition Graduation Requirement; required for the AP Capstone Diploma) Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 required.  AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. This course will paired with Honors English II on an A-B schedule. Those students wishing to take this course after the 10th grade, will choose an online course to pair with it in place of the English II. 

AP RESEARCH (Elective) Prerequisite: AP Seminar.  Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 required.

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. Students enrolled in this course will take the College Board Advanced Placement test in the spring. This course will be taken along with AP Language and Composition on an A/B Schedule.

ENGLISH IV- Prerequisite: English III or English III Honors (Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 12th grade)   This course will emphasize the study of the literature of England and the development of the English language. It will include composition study from essays to major research projects as well as vocabulary development. The senior project will be completed during this course. 

ENGLISH IV HONORS- Prerequisite: English III or English III Honors (Fulfills English IV Graduation Requirement: Typically taken in 12th grade) 

This course will concentrate on comprehensive grammar skills, a critical and analytical study of British literature selections, outside reading of novels, and proficiency in composition. It is designed for seniors who possess advanced communication skills. 

AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Prerequisite: English III or English III Honors, Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 required. (Fulfills English IV Graduation Requirement: Taken in 12th grade) 

This 1-semester course is a college-level course and is offered for students who will take the AP exam. There will be independent, analytical readings, and critical analysis of important American and British works. Students must be self-motivated, avid, and critical readers who possess superior skills in reading and writing. Advance reading is required before starting this course. 

JOURNALISM/YEARBOOK I-IV (FALL) (Elective) Application Required. Prerequisite: English I or English 1 Honors  This course is designed to teach the procedures and concepts involved in producing and creating a yearbook. Students will be asked to participate in all aspects of production, including layout and design, copywriting, photography, advertising, finance, and business. 

JOURNALISM/YEARBOOK I-IV (SPRING) (Elective) Application Required. Prerequisite: English I or English 1 Honors. This course is designed to complete the school yearbook, edit copy, and help produce any other journalism-related documents. Basic journalism skills will be enhanced and practiced.