English Language Arts

Four units of English are required for a SC High School Diploma.

English I Yearlong (Seminar & Semester)

Credit: 1 Elective (for Seminar) & 1 English (for Semester)

This course offers a study of literary genres (novel, short story, poetry, nonfiction, and drama), develops previously learned reading and writing skills, and enhances vocabulary and research skills gained in previous English courses. Students will write in many forms, including the HCS 4 writing domains: argument, narrative, expository, and analysis. The course text focuses on world literature; however, teacher-selected and self-selected readings may also be a part of this course. A variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

English I

Credit: 1 English

English I Honors

Credit: 1 English

This course is required for students who wish to pursue the IB Diploma. The course incorporates the standards of English I but is characterized by a high degree of complexity and more in-depth study. Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self-directed and teacher assigned. The course text focuses on world literature; however, teacher-selected and self-selected readings may also be a part of this course. A variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

English II

Credit: 1 English / EOC

This course offers a comprehensive study of literary genres (novel, short story, poetry, non-fiction and drama), develops previously learned reading and writing skills, and enhances vocabulary and research skills gained in previous English courses. Students will write in many forms, including the HCS 4 writing domains: argument, narrative, expository, and analysis. The course text focuses on world literature; however, teacher-selected and self-selected readings may also be a part of this course. A variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated to prepare students for a state end-of-course exam, which will account for 20 percent of students’ final grades, so students should expect frequent test preparation activities. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

English II Honors

Credit: 1 English / EOC

This course incorporates the standards of English 2 but is characterized by a high degree of complexity and in-depth study. Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self-directed and teacher assigned. Teacher recommendation is encouraged, as a high level of success in prior English courses is a marker of success in this course. The course text focuses on world literature; however, teacher-selected and self-selected readings may also be a part of this course. A variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated to prepare students for a state end-of-course exam, which will account for 20 percent of students’ final grades, so students should expect frequent test preparation activities. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

English III

Credit: 1 English

This course offers a study of literary genres (novel, short story, poetry, nonfiction, and drama), develops previously learned reading and writing skills, and enhances vocabulary and research skills gained in previous English courses. Students will write in many forms, including the HCS 4 writing domains: argument, narrative, expository, and analysis. The course text focuses on American literature and basic postsecondary education skills; however, teacher-selected and self-selected readings may also be a part of this course. A variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated. In addition, this course will incorporate a variety of learning assessments. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

English III Honors

Credit: 1 English

This course incorporates the standards of English 3 but is characterized by a high degree of complexity and in-depth study. Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self-directed and teacher assigned. Teacher recommendation is encouraged, as a high level of success in prior English courses is a marker of success in this course. The course text focuses on American literature; however, teacher-selected and self-selected readings may also be a part of this course. A variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

English IV

Credit: 1 English

English IV is a college-preparatory course in British literature and post-secondary education skills. This course offers a study of literary genres (novel, short story, poetry, nonfiction, and drama), develops previously learned reading and writing skills, and enhances vocabulary and research skills gained in previous English courses. Students will write in many forms, including the HCS 4 writing domains: argument, narrative, expository, and analysis. Teacher-selected and self-selected readings may be a part of this course, and a variety of formative and summative learning assessments will be incorporated. All units have been developed in accordance with the Horry County Schools English Language Arts Initiatives and the South Carolina Department of Education College- and Career-Ready English Language Arts Standards.

Advanced Grammar & Composition Honors

Credit: 1 Elective

This course has been designed to develop student’s writing skills and increase awareness of style and rhetoric. Composition emphasis is on expository, analytical, and argumentative essays; however, students will write in a variety of genres and will also receive practice in writing timed essays in preparation for the AP exam that is given free to AP students.

IB English I HL (Equivalent to English III)

Credit: 1 unit per course / AP Exam

IB English I HL focuses on world literature and develops the student’s understanding and appreciation of a variety of cultures, including his/her own. Students will analyze various text types and literary forms, examining how authors’ choices may convey meaning. Teacher-selected and self-selected readings may be a part of this course. Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self-directed and teacher assigned, as this is a rigorous course.

IB English II HL (Equivalent to English IV)

Credit: 1 unit per course / IB Exam and AP Exam

The program promotes fluent expression of ideas in both written and oral communication in order to prepare the student for the Higher Level IB examination. Teacher-selected and self-selected readings may be a part of this course. Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self-directed and teacher assigned, as this is a rigorous course.

*See International Baccalaureate section of this guide for more information regarding IB Courses.