English Language Arts

English Language Arts Requirements

Students must complete 4 English Language Arts credits to graduate with a South Carolina diploma.

English Language Arts core courses will be scheduled upon teacher recommendation utilizing school and district criteria. Parents/Guardians who disagree with the recommended course must contact their student's teacher to initiate the override process.

English Language Arts Courses

English 1

Prerequisite: 8th Grade English Language Arts (ELA)

Credit: 1 credit

This course provides a comprehensive study of World literature, grammar, composition, vocabulary development, speaking, listening skills, and reference skills.

English 1 Honors

Prerequisite: 8th Grade English Language Arts Honors (ELA)

Credit: 1 credit

This course provides a comprehensive study of World literature with a focus on critical reading skills specific to the short story, novel, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. There will be continued application of reference usage, vocabulary development, and essay development. This is an in-depth study that extends beyond the required curriculum.

English 2 EOC

Prerequisite: English 1

Credit: 1 credit

This course offers study of World Literature genres and universal themes. Students will continue to build on the skills acquired in English I, with continued focus on argument, literary analysis, interpretation of purpose within a variety of communication formats, extensive reading within different genres, grammar, and development of a personal voice in writing. The South Carolina End-of-Course exam will be given to all students.

English 2 Honors EOC

Prerequisite: English 1 Honors or English 1 w/ teacher rec.

Credit: 1 credit

This course will continue to build on the skills acquired in English I Honors with a reading focus on World Literature. Using in-depth study that extends beyond the required curriculum, students will continue to focus on argument, literary analysis, interpretation of purpose within a variety of communication formats, extensive reading within different genres, and development of a personal voice in writing. There will be continued application of reference usage, vocabulary development, grammar, and essay development. The South Carolina End-of-Course exam will be given to all students at the end of this course.

English 3

Prerequisite: English 2

Credit: 1 credit

This course surveys American literature beginning with the Native American period. Students will refine skills in the areas of literary analysis, grammar, composition, research, vocabulary development, and public speaking in order to receive credit for the course.

English 3 Honors

Prerequisite: English 2 Honors or English 2 w/ teacher rec.

Credit: 1 credit

This course is a comprehensive survey of American literature with an emphasis on argument and literary analysis. Expository and persuasive writing are stressed to promote critical writing skills as well as critical thinking skills.

English 4

Prerequisite: English 3

Credit: 1 credit

This course offers an in-depth study of British literature. Literary criticism, expository and persuasive writing, critical thinking, vocabulary, and research are emphasized.

English 4 Honors

Prerequisite: English 3 Honors, AP English Lang, or English 3 w/ teacher rec.

Credit: 1 credit

This course offers an in-depth study of British literature. Literary criticism, expository and persuasive writing, critical thinking, vocabulary, and research are emphasized. The work in this class is characterized by a high degree of complexity and study. Students must read independently and write complex literary analyses.

AP English Language & Composition

Prerequisite: English 2 Honors, English 2 w/ teacher rec.

Credit: 1 English credit

The AP English Language and Composition course follows the curriculum prescribed by the College Board. It is designed for juniors who have developed their writing skills and their awareness of style and rhetoric. The focus of study is non-fiction by various authors and essayists. In order to receive credit for the course, students must successfully complete a research paper/project. Students will take the corresponding AP Examinations in May. (yearlong course)

NOTE: Taken in conjunction w/ AP Capstone Seminar

AP Capstone Seminar

Prerequisite: English 2 Honors or English 2 w/ teacher rec.

Credit: 1 credit

In AP Seminar, students investigate real –world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence-based arguments.

NOTE: AP Capstone Seminar is currently taken in conjunction with AP English Language & composition in a yearlong format.

AP Capstone Research

Prerequisite: AP Capstone Seminar

Credit: 1 elective credit (fall) / 1 English credit (spring)

In AP Research, students cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research and inquiry in order to produce and defend their scholarly work.

AP English Literature

Prerequisite: English 3 Honors, AP English Language & Composition, or English 3 w/ teacher rec.

Credit: 1 elective credit (fall) / 1 English credit (spring)

Advanced Placement English is designed to involve students in the study of composition and literature at the college level. Students must possess strong skills in analytical reading and written expression. Course content requires extensive reading outside of the course. Students will take the AP Examination in May. (2 semester course)

English Language Arts Electives

Grammar & Composition

Determined by 8th grade SC READY ELA scores

Credit: 1 credit

Designed to emphasize the study of grammar and composition to help strengthen student’s writing and communication skills. Students will review punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, spelling and usage as well as work on logical thinking and various modes of composition. The course also focuses on the writing process, the study of language, as well as listening and speaking skills. This class is intended to prepare students for English I.

Journalism 1

Credit: 1 credit

This course focuses on two aspects of journalism: broadcasting and print. In the broadcasting strand, you will be exposed to the past, present, and future of mass media. You will analyze a variety of mass media including comics, animation, film, radio, television, and the internet. You will also explore the effects of mass media on society. The print strand encompasses intensive instruction in writing, design, and desktop publishing for newspapers and yearbooks. Issues such as ethics, responsibility, and publication laws will also be covered. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills.

Newspaper Production: Broadcast Journalism

Prerequisite: Journalism 1

Grades 10-12

Credit: 1 credit

Students work in class to create and publish the CFHS Prowler in an online form. Working on a regular production schedule, students write articles, conduct interviews, take photographs, record video segments, design layouts, and generate online multimedia content as well as social media content.

Yearbook Production

Prerequisite: Journalism 1, Grades 10-12

Credit: 1 credit

This course expands office computing by incorporating the use of a microcomputer-based system and software with graphic capabilities to produce publication materials in which typeset text and graphics have been integrated on the page using accepted journalism and presentation techniques. The major objective of the course is to produce the school yearbook. Students must agree to work outside of class and to sell ads. (This course can be repeated as space allows, however; only the first credit earned will be counted towards total credits earned).

Creative Writing

Credit: 1 credit

This course is designed to help improve skills in creative writing in the areas of poetry, short story, drama, and nonfiction. Students should enjoy writing and will be encouraged to enter contests and submit writing for publications.

Public Speaking

Prerequisite: Grades 10-12

Credit: 1 credit

Learn practical approaches to conquering the number one fear for many people: speaking in front of a group. This course provides experiences that prepare students for everything from sharing ideas in a class discussion to giving prepared speeches.

Suggested Sequence for English Language Art Courses

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