English Language Arts

NPHS English Language Arts Honors Program

Each required English course offers an option to take an honors level (except 10B). You must be accepted into the honors program if you are interested in taking any honors-level courses. You can apply for an honors-level course or leave the honors program at any time in your academic career.

Qualities of a New Prague honors student:
• A strong reader: has high level fluency, understands complex texts, reads independently to challenge self, able to maturely analyze challenging content
• A strong writer: has high level fluency, willing to experiment with different types of writing, has a strong ability to construct ICE paragraphs, understands basic grammar rules
• A strong discussant: able to speak up and share ideas often in a variety of settings, feels comfortable having contributions challenged, able to challenge others’ contributions
• Possesses soft skills: self-motivated, can work independently without constant teacher approval, values and can generate complex and original ideas, accepts constructive feedback, works to exemplify a New Prague High School student who abides by NPHS policies (e.g. academic integrity)

Weighted grades:
No honors courses carry weighted grades; however, these courses are recommended for future ELA college-level courses with weighted grades (College in the Schools - CIS). A number of colleges unweight a GPA in the admissions process. Colleges typically value the rigor of course selection as well as GPA/class rank.

Any academic misconduct may result in removal from honors for the rest of the current school year. Student may reapply the following school year.

Current 8th grade students:
All incoming 9th grade students will be registered for 9 Literature and Composition A & B and then may pursue the honors program by completing and submitting an application linked in this guide and/or provided by your current English teacher by March 31. Please see your school counselor or current English teacher.

Current 9th and 10th grade students:
For current 9th and 10th graders currently not in an honors-level course, please see your English teacher if you are interested.

Possible Career Paths in Language Arts: Actor/Actress, Advertising Manager, Author/Editor, Broadcaster, Court Reporter, Editor,

Journalist, Lawyer, Media Specialist, Religious Leader, Paralegal, Public Relations Specialist, Administrative/Office Assistant, Reporter,

Speech Pathologist, Language Arts Teacher/Professor, Technical Writer.

Required Courses

1530A:9 Literature and Composition A (Required)

1530B:9 Literature and Composition B (Required)

Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: In this year-long course, students will develop reading, writing and reasoning skills while exploring various genres of literature and informational texts. In the process, students will learn to cite textual evidence to support text analysis, determine a theme or central idea, and analyze character development. Students will also learn to write informational, literary, and narrative texts and gain an understanding and knowledge of the parts of speech and basic grammar rules as well as vocabulary.

1532A: Honors 9 Literature and Composition A

1532B: Honors 9 Literature and Composition B

(Optional: Fulfills required 9A & B Literature and Composition credits.)

Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite: Interested students must complete the honors application by March 31.

Course Description: In this accelerated course, students will develop reading, writing and reasoning skills while exploring various genres of literature and informational texts. In the process, students will learn to cite textual evidence to support text analysis, determine a theme or central idea, analyze character development and analyze text using critical lens theory. Students will also learn to write informational, literary, and narrative texts. Students enrolling in honors courses should be motivated and have a strong work ethic. Students can expect to move at a faster pace with more depth, to use higher level thinking and writing skills such as analysis and synthesis, and to engage in frequent class discussion.

1538: 10 Literature and Composition (Required)

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: In this course, students will build on reading, writing, and reasoning skills developed in ninth grade while exploring various genres of literature and informational texts. Through this course students will expand their reading comprehension, synthesis of multiple texts, analysis of literary terms, and ability to trace themes and character development throughout a text, and small group discussion skills. Students will write effective analysis with support from textual evidence, use of objective tone and formal style, and application of correct grammar and usage. Students will gain an understanding and knowledge of more advanced grammar elements of English.

1539:10 Communication Studies (Required)
(Honors is not offered for this course.)

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: This course incorporates the skills necessary in speaking, listening, observing, reacting, and thinking while students prepare and deliver formal and informal speeches. Students will learn to evaluate arguments and claims in a text and evaluate rhetorical strategies. They will participate effectively in collaborative discussions, use media sources effectively, and clearly present information and evidence appropriate to purpose and audience. Students will also review and practice skills assessed on the spring MCA reading exam.

1536: Honors 10 Literature and Composition

(Optional: Fulfills required 10 Literature and Composition credit.)

Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: New students to the honors program should discuss this option with a current English teacher.

Course Description: In this accelerated course, students will build on reading, writing, and reasoning skills developed in ninth grade while exploring various genres of literature and informational texts. Through this course students will expand their reading comprehension, synthesis of multiple texts, analysis of literary terms, and ability to trace themes and character development throughout a text. When analyzing and discussing literature, students will use literary theories. Students will write effective arguments with support from textual evidence, use of objective tone and formal style, and application of correct grammar and usage. Students will gain an understanding and knowledge of more advanced grammar elements of English. Students enrolling in honors courses should be motivated and have a strong work ethic. Students can expect to move at a faster pace with more depth, to use higher-level thinking skills such as analysis and synthesis, and to participate frequently in class discussion.

1540A: U.S. Literature and Composition A (Required)

1540B: U.S. Literature and Composition B (Required)

Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite: None

1540AH: U.S. Literature and Composition A Hybrid (Required)

1540BH: U.S. Literature and Composition B Hybrid (Required)

Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: See course description above and Hybrid Learning description on page 5.

1541A: Honors U.S. Literature and Composition A

1541B: Honors U.S. Literature and Composition B

(Optional: Fulfills required U.S. Literature and Composition credits.)

Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite: New students to the honors program should discuss this option with a current English teacher.

Course Description: In this year-long course, students will read a variety of texts that cover the history of American Literature: 1600s through the Modern Day. Throughout the course of this class, students will study literature with a focus on historical connections, authorial style, theme and synthesis of multiple texts. Students will review text citation and literary devices learned in earlier grades. Then as the course continues, students will further their literature skills through discussion, analysis, and writing as well as through a deeper look at author choice, text structure, and additional literary terms including a review and extension of literary theories learned in ninth and tenth grade. In addition, certain aspects of the class will help prepare students for the ACT Test taken in mid-spring. Students can expect to move at a faster pace with more depth, to use higher level thinking skills such as analysis and synthesis and to participate frequently in discussion, including additional writing assignments to help analyze the literature in more depth.

Language Arts Electives

1542: Literature Appreciation

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: The main objective of this class is to enrich students’ lives through the reading of and writing about good literature. This class is designed to teach high-interest literature, benefiting both reluctant and avid readers.

1543: Multicultural Literature

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: This course is designed to build awareness, understanding, and appreciation of some of the cultures that make up our world. Students will develop and support interpretations of multicultural literary texts. This course will be offered every other school year. It will be offered in 2024-2025.

1548: Creative Writing

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: This course offers the opportunity to exercise imagination through the written word. Students will create descriptive poetry and prose writing, polishing the finished products for a writing portfolio. While this course focuses on writing, this does not meet composition requirements for high school graduation.

1548H: Creative Writing Hybrid

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: See course description above and Hybrid Learning description on page 5.

1550: Broadcast Communications

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: Students will gain practical experience in communication skills by producing television segments for the school’s internet-based webcast. This class puts together regular featured-based shows titled “Trojan News and Views.” Group work is involved in putting together specially assigned feature projects, commercials, public service announcements, and school highlights. Each individual student completes a music video, a semester long project.

1552: British Literature: Heroes, Villains, and Monsters

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: Students will read and discuss major works of British Literature, understand literature in a historical context, and work with literary terms. This course will be offered every other school year. It will be offered in 2023-2024.

1549: Public Speaking

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Passing grade in 10 Communication Studies or Equivalent.

Course Description: This course uses students’ prior knowledge in writing, speaking, and listening to combine practical speaking experiences, to build poise, and to assert confidence for a variety of speaking situations. Some types of speeches may include: values, career, demonstration, storytelling, oral interpretation, informative, persuasive, debate, and impromptu. Students will practice preparation skills (research, organization, and writing), the use of effective introductions and conclusions, and effective delivery techniques for practice in successful discourse of real-life experiences and for preparation of future college or career public speaking requirement(s).

Composition Courses

All students must take a composition course in order to graduate high school. It is recommended students complete this requirement during their senior year. Students are encouraged to consult with their counselor or first semester Language Arts Teacher to determine which composition class is best for them.

Comparison of Composition and Writing Essentials
Composition is suggested for students seeking an associates or bachelor's degree from a technical school, community college or a four-year college/university. In this course, students write essays focused on the various types of academic writing they may encounter in a college setting. Students also study more in-depth grammar and practice of the mechanics and formatting of writing specifically geared toward academic writing.

Writing Essentials geared toward students seeking a diploma or certificate from a two-year or trade school, immediately entering the workforce, or joining the military after high school. Students will focus on strengthening basic writing skills for real-world applications. Students seeking associates and bachelor's degrees should NOT register for this class.

**New in 2022-2023: The Writing Essentials and Composition courses will run on a hybrid schedule. This means that students will not need to attend in person every day for these courses but will still be expected to complete work when not in class. Students and guardians will need to agree and adhere to the hybrid course schedule and guidelines as outlined by the teacher.

1544: Writing Essentials

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: This course will focus on strengthening the basic skills of writing, such as parts of speech and grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, and organization in writing. Students will use the writing process to practice the skills needed for real-world writing. This course will improve writing and communication skills; it is recommended for students planning to enter the workforce or join the military after high school. This course DOES NOT prepare students for two and four year post secondary education or trade school. The Writing Essentials and Composition courses will run on a hybrid schedule. This means students will not need to attend in person every day for this course but will still be expected to complete work when not in class. Students and guardians need to agree and adhere to the hybrid course schedule and guidelines as outlined by the teacher.

1544H: Writing Essentials Hybrid

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: See course description above and Hybrid Learning description on page 5.

1577: Composition

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Recommended C or higher in prior Literature and Composition courses

Course Description: This course, specifically designed for the college-bound student, is a challenging, concentrated experience of analytical writing. Its intention is to give students a glimpse of expectations of writing at the college level. After a brief review of basic writing strategies, students will focus on development, analysis, style, formatting, and critical thinking skills. Revision and high standards are demanded. Sentence structure, word choice, punctuation and grammar will be practiced and mastered. Special attention will be given to source documentation. This class is strongly suggested only for students planning to obtain a 2 or 4 year degree and attend a community college, technical school, or 4-year college/university.

1577H: Composition Hybrid

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Recommended C or higher in prior Literature and Composition courses

Course Description: See course description above and Hybrid Learning description on page 5.

College-Level Language Art Courses

1571: College in the Schools (CIS) Composition

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Students must rank in the top 30% of their class or meet two of the following criteria:

• a GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous English coursework
• an eagerness to engage in an interactive, process-based course that requires significant time commitment in and outside of the classroom, as demonstrated in a letter of interest OR teacher recommendation
• experience with or passion for coursework with intensive reading and writing demands, as demonstrated through a letter of interest, teacher recommendation, OR writing sample.

Course Description: CIS Composition introduces students to rhetorical principles that provide a framework for successful written communication in college and beyond. Students study and write in a variety of genres and disciplines: a personal narrative, informative synthesis writing, and an in-depth research project (ethnography). The courses focus on writing as a way of knowing and learning to develop ideas through critical thinking, including analysis and synthesis. Based on the assumption that writing is a social activity, the course is a workshop format and requires active engagement in the writing process, including pre-writing, peer review, revision, and editing. CIS Composition is a process-based, interactive course that requires a significant time-commitment, and students should be ready to engage in intensive reading, writing, and critical thinking.

1572: College in the Schools (CIS) Literature

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Students must rank in the top 20% of their class. Successful completion of Honors 9 and Honors 10 Literature and Composition is strongly recommended.

Credits: Successful completion of this course will earn 4 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities credits in ENGL 1001W: Introduction to Literature: Poetry, Drama, Narrative and 1 NPHS Composition or Language Arts Elective credit.

Course Description: Students will read challenging works of recognized literary merit; master the skill of close reading; learn techniques for analyzing novels, short stories, poems, and plays; and articulate responses in rich class discussion. Students will write intelligent, insightful, and sensitive critical analysis of literary passages and works. Extensive work is expected outside of the school day. This class is reading and writing intensive, with shorter literature-based writing.

1573: College in the Schools (CIS) Public Speaking

Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Students must rank in the top 30% of their class.

Credits: Successful completion of this course will earn 3 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities credits in COMM 1101: Introduction to Public Speaking and 1 NPHS Language Arts Elective credit.

Course Description: The main objective of this course is to develop and improve skills in researching, writing and organizing effective presentations that are formal and appropriate for different audiences. The course will also focus on awareness of consequences of our communication and an appreciation of responsibilities for ethical communication. Public speaking is important in all aspects of life and is required for over 35 majors at the University of Minnesota. Speeches will include an introductory speech about self, impromptu speeches, persuasive and informative speeches, a mock debate; and a ceremonial speech. Extensive preparation is required for each presentation.