HS English Courses

Grade: 9                Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1008            PEIMS: 03220100

        1359 ESL*

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

The knowledge and skills in English Language Arts and Reading are integrated and progressive with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance to think critically. English 1 specific content, skills, and processes include but are not limited to: analyzing how themes are developed through characterization and plot in a variety of literary texts, analyzing various types of evidence and treatment of counterarguments, including concessions and rebuttals, explaining the purpose of rhetorical devices such as understatement and overstatement, revising drafts to improve clarity, development, organization, style, diction, and sentence effectiveness, including the use of parallel constructions and placement of phrases and dependent clauses.

*Note – ESL English 1 is designed for LEP students who are at beginner language proficiency level who have prior formal schooling.

Grade: 9                Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1119            PEIMS: 03220100

           W1119 (RHS Magnet ONLY)

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 5

The knowledge and skills in English Language Arts and Reading are integrated and progressive

with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance

to think critically. English 1 specific content, skills, and processes include but are not limited to:

analyzing how themes are developed through characterization and plot in a variety of literary

texts, analyzing various types of evidence and treatment of counterarguments, including

concessions and rebuttals, explaining the purpose of rhetorical devices such as understatement

and overstatement, revising drafts to improve clarity, development, organization, style, diction,

and sentence effectiveness, including the use of parallel constructions and placement of

phrases and dependent clauses. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college credit courses such as Advanced Placement (AP), University of

Texas OnRamps and dual credit and future college success.

Grade: 9                Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1119G         PEIMS: 03220100

Prerequisite: Identified GT - humanities

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

English 1 Advanced GT allows students further opportunities for self-directed study, advanced

research, and expository writing. Through innovative instruction, students think critically, solve

problems, and develop both collaborative and individual presentation skills. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college credit courses such as

Advanced Placement (AP), University of Texas OnRamps and dual credit and future college

success.

Grade: 10                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1011               PEIMS: 03220200

       1362 ESL

Prerequisite: Eng. 1 or Eng. 1 Pre-AP

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

The knowledge and skills in English Language Arts and Reading are integrated and progressive with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance to think critically. English 2 specific content, skills, and processes include but are not limited to: analyzing how themes are developed through characterization and plot, including comparing similar themes in a variety of literary texts representing different cultures, analyzing how authors develop complex yet believable characters, including archetypes, through historical and cultural settings and events, analyzing the purpose of rhetorical devices such as appeals, antithesis, and parallelism, and revising drafts to improve clarity, development, organization, style, diction, and sentence effectiveness, including the use of parallel constructions and placement of phrases and dependent clauses. 

*Note - ESL English 2 is designed for LEP students who are at beginner language proficiency level who have prior formal schooling.

Grade: 10                Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1120              PEIMS: 03220200

Prerequisite: Eng. 1 or Eng. 1 Advanced

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 5

The knowledge and skills in English Language Arts and Reading are integrated and progressive with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance to think critically. English 2 specific content, skills, and processes include but are not limited to: analyzing how themes are developed through characterization and plot, including comparing similar themes in a variety of literary texts representing different cultures, analyzing how authors develop complex yet believable characters, including archetypes, through historical and cultural settings and events, analyzing the purpose of rhetorical devices such as appeals, antithesis, and parallelism, and revising drafts to improve clarity, development, organization, style, diction, and sentence effectiveness, including the use of parallel constructions and placement of phrases and dependent clauses. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college credit courses such as Advanced Placement (AP), University of Texas OnRamps and dual credit and future college success.

Grade: 10                          Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1120G                   PEIMS: 03220200

Prerequisite: Identified GT - humanities

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 5

English 2 Advanced GT allows students further opportunities for self-directed study, advanced

research, and expository writing. Through innovative instruction, students think critically, solve

problems, and develop both collaborative and individual presentation skills. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college credit courses such as

Advanced Placement (AP), University of Texas OnRamps and dual credit and future college

success.

Grade: 11                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1014               PEIMS: 03220300

Prerequisite: Eng. 2 or Eng. 2 Advanced

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

The knowledge and skills in English Language Arts and Reading are integrated and progressive with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance to think critically. English 3 specific content, skills, and processes include but are not limited to: analyzing relationships among thematic development, characterization, point of view, the significance of setting, and plot in a variety of literary texts, analyzing how characters’ behaviors and underlying motivations contribute to moral dilemmas that influence the plot and theme, analyzing how the historical, social, and economic context of setting(s) influences the plot, characterization, and theme, and revising drafts to improve clarity, development, style, diction, and sentence effectiveness including use of parallel constructions and placement of phrases and dependent clauses.

Grade: 11                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1016               PEIMS: A3220100

Prerequisite: Eng. 2 or Eng. 2 Advanced

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

Students participate in all the content of the English 3 curriculum while emphasizing the analysis

and synthesis of literature through multiple forms of writing and classroom discussion. Students

continue to work with the core skills of the College Board AP program while reading multiple

genres of literature extensively. Focus is given to language and composition skills. Upon conclusion of this course, students are expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement exam for AP English Language.

Grade: 11                Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1016G            PEIMS: A3220100

Prerequisite: Eng. 2 or Eng. 2 Advanced

Endorsement: Multi

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

English 3 AP GT allows students further opportunities for self-directed study, advanced research, and expository writing. Through innovative instruction, students think critically, solve problems, and develop both collaborative and individual presentation skills. Upon conclusion of this course, students are expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement exam for AP English Language.

Grade: 11                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1014D         PEIMS: 03220300

Prerequisite: TSI qualifying score or exemption; College level/read.-writing

Endorsement: Multi

Advanced Course

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

Tx Common Course Number: 1301 Fall and 1302 Spring

English 3 Dual Credit is a college level course in conjunction with Richland College. Fall semester is an intensive study of and practice in writing processes from invention and researching to drafting, revision, and editing – both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis is placed on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Spring semester is an intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis is placed on effective and ethical rhetorical inquire, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.

Grade: 12                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1017               PEIMS: 03220400

Prerequisite: Eng. 3 or Eng. 3 AP

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

NCAA Approved

Students who take this course cannot take Reading Writing Rhetoric – OnRamps (U1017D).

The knowledge and skills in English Language Arts and Reading are integrated and progressive with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance to think critically. English 4 specific content, skills, and processes include but are not limited to: critiquing and evaluating how complex plot structures, such as subplots, contribute to and advance the action, evaluating how the historical, social, and economic context of setting(s) influences the plot, characterization, and theme, and revising drafts to improve clarity, development, style, diction, and sentence effectiveness including use of parallel constructions and placement of phrases and dependent clauses.

Grade: 12               Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1019            PEIMS: A3220200

Prerequisite: Eng. 3 or Eng. 3 AP

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

Students participate in all the content of the English 4 curriculum while emphasizing the analysis and synthesis of literature through multiple forms of writing and classroom discussion. Students continue to work with the core skills of the College Board AP program while reading multiple genres of literature. Literary analysis skills are developed through critical thinking application.  Upon conclusion of this course, students are expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement

exam for AP English Literature.

Grade: 12               Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1019            PEIMS: A3220200

Prerequisite: Eng. 3 or Eng. 3 AP

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

NCAA Approved

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

GT English 4 AP allows students further opportunities to use the skills of analysis and synthesis

and is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their

understanding of literature through reading and analyzing tests as they explore concepts like

character, setting , structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context

of literary works. Upon conclusion of this course, students are expected to take the College Board

Advanced Placement exam for AP English Literature.

Grade: 12               Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: U1017G     PEIMS: 03220400

Prerequisite: English 3

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

TCCN: ENGL 1301 Fall and ENGL 1302 Spring

(Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive both RISD credit for graduation and college credit from University of Texas.)

Students who take this course cannot take English 4 (1017).

GT OnRamps Reading Writing Rhetoric challenges students to develop and deepen their skills by reading, analyzing, and composing arguments. The recursive practices of invention, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading are fundamental to the curriculum. The ELA course adheres to the English Language Arts Standards outlined in the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards as it moves students into university-level work.

Grade: 12                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: U1017            PEIMS: 03220400

Prerequisite: English 3

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

Tx Common Course Number: 1301 Fall and 1302 Spring

(Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive both RISD credit for graduation and college credit from University of Texas.)

Students who take this course cannot take English 4 (1017).

Reading Writing Rhetoric challenges students to develop and deepen their skills by reading, analyzing, and composing arguments. The recursive practices of invention, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading are fundamental to the curriculum. The ELA course adheres to the English Language Arts Standards outlined in the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards as it moves students into university-level work.

Grade: 12                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1017D            PEIMS: 03220400

Prerequisite: TSI qualifying score/exempt. College level/read.-writing

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10

Tx Common Course Number: 1301 Fall and 1302 Spring

Students who take this course cannot take English 4 (1017) or English 4 World Literature Dual Credit (1020D)

English 4 Dual Credit is a college level course in conjunction with Richland College. (Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive both RISD credit for graduation and college credit from Richland College.) Fall semester is an intensive study of and practice in writing processes from invention and researching to drafting, revision, and editing – both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis is placed on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Spring semester is an intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis is placed on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.

Grade: 12                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1020D        PEIMS: 03220400

Prerequisite: TSI qualifying score/exempt; College level/reading-writing; English 3 DC

Endorsement: A&H, Multi

Advanced course

UIL Exempt Course

QP - 10 

Tx Common Course Number: 2332 Fall and 2333 Spring

Students who take this course cannot take English 4 (1017) or English 4 Dual Credit (1017D).

English 4 Dual Credit is a college level course in conjunction with Richland College. (Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive both RISD credit for graduation and college credit from Richland College.)  Fall semester is a survey of world literature from the ancient world through the sixteenth century. Spring semester is a survey of world literature from the seventeenth century to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions.

Grade: 10-12      Credit: .5 – one semester

RISD: 1029          PEIMS: 03221200

Prerequisite: English 1

Endorsement: A&H, B&I, Multi

Advanced course

NCAA Approved

Students explore the principles of creative writing. Opportunities are provided for students to produce original works in a variety of genres for a variety of audiences to submit for publication. 

Grade: 10-12      Credit: .5 – one semester

RISD: 1032          PEIMS: 03221100

Prerequisite: English 1

Endorsement: A&H, B&I, Multi

Advanced course

Students explore the principles of research and technical writing. Opportunities are provided for students to produce original works in a variety of genres for a variety of audiences to submit for publication. 

Grade: 11-12      Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1033          PEIMS: 03221600

Prerequisite: English 1; passing score in English 1 and 2 EOC

Endorsement: A&H, B&I, Multi

Advanced course

Humanities is an interdisciplinary course in which students study major historical and cultural movements and their relationships to literature and other fine arts. Humanities students respond to aesthetic elements in texts and other art forms through outlets such as discussions, journals, oral interpretations, and dramatizations. Students read widely and use written composition to show an in-depth understanding of creative achievements in the arts and literature. Classroom discussions and presentations aid in the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of critical and creative achievements throughout history. Student participation is an expectation in the Humanities classroom. 

Grade: 11-12      Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1034            PEIMS: 03221800

Prerequisite: English 1; passing score in English 1 and 2 EOC

Endorsement: A&H, B&I, Multi

Advanced course

Students enrolled in Independent Study in English will focus on a specialized area of study such as the work of a particular author or genre. Topics may vary by campus. Students will read and write in multiple forms for a variety of audiences and purposes drafting and revising written compositions on a regular basis. 

Grade: 9-12   Credit: .5 – one semester

RISD: 1605          PEIMS: 03221700

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

This course will include principles and techniques of the visual media as an artistic and informative medium. Students will interpret various media forms, criticizing and analyzing the significance of visual representations. Students will learn to produce effective, engaging media messages that communicate with other individuals and groups.

Grade: 10-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1028           PEIMS: 03221300

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

Literacy Essentials is designed to support students in addressing skill deficiencies as identified by End of Course standards. In this course students will receive differentiated and targeted instruction aiding their success on the EOC exam, ultimately benefitting student learning progressions and graduation rates. Students may be exited from the course upon passing the End of Course retest in December. Before being placed in this course, the following considerations should be made: 1) students should only be placed in Literacy Essentials if they have demonstrated grade level reading proficiency and are not successful on STAAR, and 2) students should not be placed in both Literacy Essentials and Academic Literacy Lab.

Grade: 9-10       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1263         PEIMS: 03200800

Prerequisite:

Endorsement: B&I

The English Language Development & Acquisition (ELDA) course is designed to provide opportunities for immigrant SIFE (Students with Interrupted Formal Education) or Unschooled students to acquire and develop English while concurrently enrolled in ESL English 1 or ESL English 2, based on classification. A student may complete one semester of the course if the teacher of record determines the student has acquired the necessary foundational linguistic skills to allow them continuous progression in various academic and social settings. 

Grade: 9            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1507         PEIMS: 03270700

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

This course is intended to supplement rigorous classroom instruction. The goal of this course is to support all students who are exhibiting deficiencies reading grade-level material. This course is intended to accelerate reading growth to move students from below grade level to grade level readers. Students may be exited at semester upon attainment of grade level reading proficiency. 

Grade: 10         Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1512       PEIMS: 03270800

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

This course is intended to supplement rigorous classroom instruction. The goal of this course is to support all students who are exhibiting deficiencies reading grade-level material. This course is intended to accelerate reading growth to move students from below grade level to grade level readers. Students may be exited at semester upon attainment of grade level reading proficiency. 

Grade: 11-12     Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1517     PEIMS: 03270900

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

 The course is designed to enhance a student’s reading skills and content material comprehension.  Emphasis is on individual improvement in reading comprehension, content area reading, vocabulary development, writing, study skills, problem solving, critical thinking, and test taking. 

Grade: 9-12       Credit: 0 – one semester

RISD: 1532 9th   PEIMS: 84000132

        1533 10th              84000133

        1534 11th              84000134

        1535 12th              84000135

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: None

 (This course could take multiple years to complete depending on student progression through the curriculum.)

This course is designed to provide remediation for students who have been identified with dyslexia under the Texas Dyslexia Law. This course provides a proven approach to teaching reading, spelling, and handwriting to students who require a structured, multisensory presentation. Reliable reading and spelling patterns in the English Language are taught using multisensory discovery techniques that are intensive, systematic, and sequential. This course does not count toward high school graduation.

Grade: 9-12         Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1607          PEIMS: 03240600

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

NCAA Approved

Students are offered instruction and practice in standard and alternative types of debate. Critical thinking instruction is an integral part of debating.

Grade: 10-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1611           PEIMS: 03240700

Prerequisite: Debate 1

Endorsement: B&I

NCAA Approved

The advanced debate course offers students the opportunity to continue to apply and extend debate skills and participate in competitive activities. Development of critical and logical thinking skills continues.

Grade: 11-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1612           PEIMS: 03240800

Prerequisite: Debate 2

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced Course

The advanced debate course offers students the opportunity to continue to apply and extend debate skills and to participate in competitive activities. 

Grade: 12            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1610           PEIMS: 03241000

Prerequisite: Debate 3

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced Course

The advanced debate course offers students the opportunity to continue to apply and extend debate skills and to participate in competitive activities 

Grade: 9                 Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1625             PEIMS: 84900625

Prerequisite: Member of Ac Dec Team

Endorsement: None

This course provides training in the competitive areas of the Academic Decathlon. Students study extensively in mathematics, micro and macroeconomics, science, literature, social studies, and the fine arts. In addition, skills are developed in speech preparation and presentation, essay writing, and interview techniques. This course is not eligible for quality points, nor is it included in GPA calculations.

Grade: 10-12                  Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1626 AcDec 1      PEIMS: 03221610

        1627 AcDec 2              03241210

        1628 AcDec 3               03241220

Prerequisite: Member of Ac Dec Team

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced course

QP - 5

This course provides training in the competitive areas of the Academic Decathlon. Students study extensively in mathematics, micro and macroeconomics, science, literature, social studies, and the fine arts. In addition, skills are developed in speech preparation and presentation, essay writing, and interview techniques.

Grade: 9-12   Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1705    PEIMS: 03230100

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

Journalism 1 opens the door to learning writing and producing skills for print and broadcast media. This survey course teaches writing styles from news to advertising, and what each contributes to the world of a free press. Layout and design techniques, photojournalism’s role in the news, and the history of mass media are just a few of the many other topics explored in this introductory class to the world of journalism. 

Grade: 9-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1701    PEIMS: 03230800

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

The skills involved in taking that “picture worth a thousand words” are the focus of this class. Photography for publications in a digital world involves learning camera and lighting techniques, as well as composition rules and computer processing and enhancing. This course offers the chance to learn all these competencies with a hands-on experience. 

Grade: 9-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1708     PEIMS: 03230110

Prerequisite: Instructor recommend

Endorsement: B&I

While creating a memory book that will last a lifetime, yearbook staff members are learning about magazine style layout and design, writing, and editing for publication, working cooperatively with peers and adults, finance, organizational skills, and photojournalism. This course culminates in an end-of-year product with the publication of the school’s yearbook. 

Grade: 10-12     Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1712         PEIMS: 03230120

Prerequisite: Yearbook 1

Endorsement: B&I

An extension of Yearbook 1, students will also serve as section editors, peer tutors to beginning staff members and will contribute to the yearbook’s decision-making process. 

Grade: 11-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1713           PEIMS: 03230130

Prerequisite: Yearbook 2

Endorsement: B&I

Advanced course

An extension of Yearbook 2, students will also serve as editors, peer tutors to beginning staff members and will contribute to the yearbook’s decision-making processes. 

Grade: 12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1718           PEIMS: 03231011

Prerequisite: Yearbook 3

Endorsement: B&I

Advanced course

An extension of Yearbook 3, students will also serve as editors, peer tutors to beginning staff members and will contribute to the yearbook’s decision-making processes. 

Grade: 9-12     Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1709     PEIMS: 03230140

Prerequisite: Journalism 1 or instructor recommendation

Endorsement: B&I

Students will experience hands-on training in journalism as a member of the school’s newspaper staff. Newspaper 1 students investigate, interview, write, design, and digitally layout each issue while also learning about advertising and circulation campaigns. Besides honing better writing skills, newspaper staff members learn advanced desktop publishing techniques and build self-confidence. 

Grade: 10-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1710           PEIMS: 03230140

Prerequisite: Newspaper 1 or instructor recommendation

Endorsement: B&I

Emphasis in this course is on in-depth reporting and advanced layout and design techniques. Students are involved in advertising and circulation campaigns. The course is one in which students cooperate with other participating persons and organizations in developing a newspaper. It is an extension of Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production 1. 

Grade: 11-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1715           PEIMS: 03230160

Prerequisite: Newspaper 2 or instructor recommendation

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced course

An extension of Newspaper 2, students serve as editors, advertising managers, or advanced reporters. 

Grade: 12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1717           PEIMS: 03231000

Prerequisite: Newspaper 3

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced course

An extension of Newspaper 3, students will serve as editors or advanced reporters, while producing the student newspaper. 

Grade: 9-12       Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 1716    PEIMS: 03231900

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

The course emphasizes the nature and evolution of radio and television broadcasting. Students will explore the legal and ethical responsibilities of non-print media and analyze this form of news coverage.