English/Language Arts

Grade: 9 Credit: 1

Course ID: 3101 03220100

Prerequisite: None

English 1 students study grammar, literature, spelling, vocabulary, and writing. In grammar, students review parts of speech, capitalization and punctuation; study phrases, clauses, sentence patterns; and recognize correct agreement of verbs and pronouns, especially those areas tested on the STAAR EOC for ELA. Vocabulary and spelling are studied weekly. Students will read short stories, poetry, drama, and two or more novels. Writing emphasizes the development of different types of paragraphs (i.e., narrative, descriptive, or expository). STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation. 

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 (weighted as advanced course)

Course ID: 3111 03220100

Prerequisite: Meets Grade Level on 8th Grade English STAAR

English 1 Honors students study grammar, literature, spelling, advanced vocabulary, and expository and analytical writing.  In grammar, students will use parts of speech to construct various sentence types including compound and complex structures and use proper capitalization and punctuation; study phrases, clauses, and sentence patterns; and recognize correct agreement of verbs and pronouns in complex sentences, with focus on application in writing and EOC prep.  Advanced vocabulary in context and spelling are studied weekly.  Students will read a wide variety of higher level texts (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, novels) and be expected to respond orally and through well-constructed essay responses.  Writing analytically in response to self-read texts will be a weekly expectation. Summer reading is required prior to taking this course and will be evaluated the first week of school. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation. 

Grade: 10 Credit: 1

Course ID: 3102 03220200

Prerequisite: English 1

English 2 incorporates the study of literature, writing, and grammar. Reading skills and higher level thinking skills are emphasized. The literature is studied by distinctive styles to encourage a comprehensive understanding of the types of literature. English II is the study of world or multicultural literature in various genres such as fiction, novels & short stories, nonfiction, drama and poetry. A variety of writing forms will be used such as narrative, persuasive, reflective and expository, with emphasis on the writing process, correct grammar mechanics, and usage skills. Vocabulary will continue as an integral part of the curriculum. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

Grade: 10 Credit: 1 (weighted as advanced course)

Course ID: 3112 03220200

Prerequisite: Minimum 90 in English I, Meets Grade Level on English 1 EOC, or teacher recommendation

English 2 Honors is an accelerated program intended to prepare students for OnRamps English 3 and English 4 Honors. Students will read complex texts, including novels, plays, poetry and short stories and write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. Independent readings and long term assignments will require a mature approach to studies. A variety of projects and ability to style analyze each piece of literature will be expected. The study of literary terms will be learned and used in the study of the literature. An enriched vocabulary program is also included. Summer reading is required prior to taking this course and will be evaluated the first week of school. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation. 

Grade: 11 Credit: 1

Course ID: 3103 03220300

Prerequisite: English 2

Students study the development of American Literature, with emphasis on major authors and periods. Students study representative works relating recurring themes to contemporary society. Writing assignments correlated to the readings focus on using the writing process for a variety of forms of informative and persuasive discourse. Research skills, vocabulary study (including SAT vocabulary), short story, novel, nonfiction and poetry analysis are emphasized. A variety of projects will be included.

RHE 306 (First Semester) - potential to earn 3 college credits

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 (weighted as advanced course)

Course ID: 3124 03220300

Prerequisite: Minimum 90 in English 2 Honors, Masters on English 2 EOC or teacher recommendation

RHE 306 is a writing seminar course in argumentation that situates rhetoric as an art of civic discourse. It is designed to enhance the students' ability to research and analyze the various positions held in any public debate and to advocate their own position effectively to a target audience. Students will also explore the ethics of argumentation, explaining what it means to “fairly” represent someone with whom they disagree, or how to responsibly address a community with particular values and interests. Student work in this course will help advance the critical writing and reading skills needed to succeed in college and in professional careers.  Scholars in this course can expect to read and write daily.

RHE 309J (Second Semester) - potential to earn 3 college credits

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 (weighted as advanced course)

Course ID: 3124 03220300

Prerequisite: Completion of Semester 1 English 3 OnRamps RHE 306

As a first-year college writing course, RHE 309J aims to prepare students to become more effective in analyzing and producing arguments. It does so by articulating and having students practice well established principles of rhetoric and argumentation. In particular, we examine arguments about American identities—both personal and cultural—and the processes of their formation. Learners will analyze and produce arguments concerning gender, race, and ethnicity by participating in respectful discourse. They will also consider how these aspects of ourselves relate to an individual’s identity as an American. The analysis of arguments about gender, race, and ethnicity will begin by uncovering how the terms have been defined, either explicitly or implicitly. Learners will get to construct their own definitions of each of these terms prior to crafting arguments about them. The goal is to foster learners’ abilities to analyze arguments presented by others, and to write sound and effective arguments of their own—an ability that will enhance their academic, professional, personal, and civic lives. Rhetoric is a lens that can be used to analyze any topic, and in this course, students will be introduced to rhetoric to study the many and varied ways that we position ourselves as individuals within American culture.

Students and parents are required to sign an agreement for participation form prior to the beginning of the course.

OnRamps Contract 

Grade: 12 Credit: 1

Course ID: 3104 03220400

Prerequisite: English 3

Students read literary works from the major periods in British literature. They study representative works, the characters, action and themes and relate recurring themes to contemporary society. Writing assignments correlated to the reading, focus on using the writing process for a variety of forms of informative and persuasive discourse. Advanced vocabulary study and research techniques are incorporated into the reading and writing assignments. Portfolios will also be included in this course of study.

* Dual credit course alternative available through ACC – see Counselor for more details.

Grade: 12 Credit: 1 (weighted as advanced course)

Course ID: 3114 03220400

Prerequisite: Credit Eligible in English 3 OnRamps or by teacher recommendation

English 4 Honors offers an in-depth exploration of British literature across major literary periods, integrating the study of classical, traditional, contemporary, and diverse texts. Students will engage in active listening, speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking through the examination of multiple genres. The course emphasizes genre-specific characteristics, structures, and purposes within and across increasingly complex texts. Writing assignments are aligned with reading and focus on a variety of informative and persuasive forms developed through the writing process. Advanced vocabulary acquisition and research skills are incorporated throughout. Students will compile a writing portfolio as a record of their growth and mastery. This course is designed for students pursuing an academically rigorous curriculum in preparation for post-secondary education.

* Dual credit course alternative available through ACC – see Counselor for more details.