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 based upon student requests and teacher recommendations utilizing school and district criteria. Parents/Guardians who disagree with the recommended course will be asked to complete an override form as part of the IGP & Scheduling process.

English Language Arts Courses

English 1 (Yearlong)

3099U2CW-1st semester

302401CW-2nd semester

Prerequisite: HCS placement rubric

Students will be provided with focused training in writing and a thorough review of grammar and usage in this course. Students will review punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage and will work on logical thinking and various modes of composition including research. This course is an introduction to college level writing and is excellent preparation for college or technical studies. This course offers instruction in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research. Reading is student, teacher, and district-selected.

English 1

302401CW

Prerequisite: HCS placement rubric

This course covers the same scope and sequence as the yearlong English 1 course above, but teaching and learning is accelerated to be completed in a single semester.

English 1 Honors

302403HW

Prerequisite: HCS placement rubric

The English 1 standards are covered, but required reading selections differ and are characterized by a high degree of complexity and more in-depth study. A research paper, a portfolio of student writing, and other work are required.

English 2

302501CW

Prerequisite: English 1

This course offers study of the major literary genres and universal themes. Students read selections from HCS ELA curriculum map and write for a variety of purposes. Vocabulary and research skills are extended. Students add to their portfolios to build upon the work collected in English 1. Students take the SC End-of-Course Exam for English 2 at the end of this course.

English 2 Honors

302503HW

Prerequisite: English 1

The English 2 standards are covered with a higher degree of complexity and in-depth study. A research project is required. Students add to their portfolios to build upon the work collected in English 1. Students take the SC End-of-Course Exam for English 2 at the end of this course.


English 3

302601CW

Prerequisite: English 2

This is a college-preparatory course surveying American literature. Students write for a variety of purposes, complete a research paper, and develop public speaking skills. Vocabulary skills and knowledge are also extended. Students add to their portfolios to build upon the work collected in previous English classes.

English 3 - CC

3026CCCW

Prerequisite: English 2

This course covers the same American Literature content and standards that are addressed in college-prep English 3, but greater emphasis is placed on providing students with learning experiences and assessments that mirror workplace skills students will be required to demonstrate following high school.

English 3 Honors

302603HW

Prerequisite: English 2

This course incorporates the standards of English 3 with a higher degree of complexity and in-depth study. A research paper is required. Students add to their portfolios to build upon the work collected in previous English classes.

English 4

302701CW

Prerequisite: English 3

This course focuses on British literature. Students write for a variety of purposes and develop public speaking skills. Vocabulary skills are also extended. Students continue to add to their work portfolios. Finally, a culminating Senior Project is required.

English 4 - CC

3027CCCW

Prerequisite: English 3

This course covers the same British Literature content and standards that are addressed in college-prep English 4, but greater emphasis is placed on providing students with learning experiences and assessments that mirror workplace skills students will be required to demonstrate following high school.

English 4 Honors

302703HW

Prerequisite: English 3

This course incorporates the standards of English 4 with a higher degree of complexity and in-depth study. Students must read independently and write complex literary analyses. Students continue to add to their work portfolios. Finally, a culminating Senior Project is required.

AP English - Language (Yearlong)

30992KHW-1st semester

307112AW-2nd semester

Prerequisite: English 3 Honors

Grade Level: 11th

Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.

AP English Language guides students to become curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse (mostly non-fiction) texts, and become flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to a diverse audience for a diverse purpose. The reading and writing students complete in the course will deepen their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses. Through project based learning, students will evaluate the content and explore their connection to the world around them. Students take the AP English—Language examination in May.

AP English - Literature (Yearlong)

30992LHW-1st semester

307022AW-2nd semester

Prerequisite: AP English Language or

English 3 Honors

Grade Level: 12th

Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.

This course is designed to inspire critical thinking, reading, and writing skills in students who are looking to prepare for college level English courses. Through class discussions, personal explorations, and group assignments, students will develop an appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. An in-depth approach to an array of novels, poetry, drama, and nonfiction will reveal how literature is a reflection of social, historical, cultural, and philosophical experiences and values. This course is intended to guide students through higher thinking and intellectual pursuits; however, students can also expect to pursue their own intellectual curiosities through self-selected texts, essay topics, and a variety of projects throughout the year. Reading, speaking, and presenting are critical elements of this course. Students take the AP English-Literature examination in May.

Suggested Sequence for English Language Arts Courses