Writing-Intensive

Course Descriptions

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Appendix

Additional Educator Resources

To view the curriculum for these courses, visit the

Upper-Division Writing-Intensive Course page.

See the appendix for the Suggested Supplemental Reading List.

Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and American Literature

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: two semesters

Prerequisites: English 10 and teacher recommendation

Course Description:

AP English Language and American Literature is an accelerated, yearlong course that challenges learners to integrate ideas in American literature with writing and composition. American prose, poetry, and drama are used as vehicles for examining American culture and improving writing skills. Required composition and speeches are challenging and varied, including organized study of the structure of sentences, paragraphs, and large discursive patterns in preparation for the AP English Language and Composition examination.

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for learners capable of doing college-level work with the possibility of gaining advanced placement and/or credit in college English. The first semester of this course fulfills the American literature graduation requirement, and the second semester fulfills the writing intensive requirement.

Please see the American Literature course offerings and the College Board – AP Central website for more information (https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/).

Required Reading

Read at least 2-4 book-length reading selections (fiction, drama, nonfiction, etc.).
Read at least 3-5 shorter written pieces (articles, essays, speeches, short stories, poetry, excerpts from longer pieces, etc.) independently and/or in literature circles. Some options include, but are not limited to, additional reading from authors listed in this course or selections on the supplemental book list (either whole text or excerpts).
Read a variety of materials with a focus on classic and current nonfiction selections, and aligned with the recommended reading list as provided by the College Board.
Utilize the online tutorials available on Collegeboard.org.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing

Individual writing requirements outlined in instructor’s syllabus and subject to approval by the College Board.
Multiple timed essays.
Multiple revised essays.
One formal, revised research essay; 6-7 pages with 6+ sources and citation work.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Refine skills of the writing process, both as writers and as response partners.
Develop a sophisticated writing style across essay types.
Refine analytical skills introduced in previous courses.
Apply the principles of logic and rhetorical strategies in essays.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: two semesters

Prerequisites: English 10 and teacher recommendation

Course Description:

AP Language and Composition is a challenging course that provides an intensive experience in analyzing and applying rhetorical strategies and stylistic devices across the standard modes of discourse: narration, exposition, and argumentation. It focuses on effective writing and critical reading. It is designed to provide a learning opportunity for those learners capable of doing college level work, and the possibility of gaining advanced placement and/or credit in college English upon successful completion of the AP English Language and Composition Examination.

The first semester of this course fulfills the writing intensive graduation requirement, and the second semester fulfills the English elective requirement.

Please visit the College Board-AP Central website for more information (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com).

Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: two semesters

Prerequisites: English 10 and teacher recommendation

Course Description:

AP Literature and Composition is a yearlong honors level course for learners of superior work habits and a willingness to be intellectually challenged. It is designed to provide a learning opportunity for those learners capable of doing college level work and the possibility of gaining advanced placement and/or credit in college English, upon successful completion of the AP English Literature and Composition examination. This course provides a comprehensive background in the analysis of literature, and requires a significant amount of independent reading and writing.

The first semester of this course fulfills one literature requirement, and the second semester fulfills the writing intensive graduation requirement.

Please visit the College Board-AP Central website for more information (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com).

Advanced Composition (UAF- Writing 111X)

Course Details:

Grade: 12 or teacher recommendation

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 11th grade English courses or teacher recommendation

Course Description:

Advanced Composition is a rigorous experience in writing the various forms of exposition with emphasis on research, synthesis, and critical analysis. It is recommended for learners with better than average ability, especially those who plan to attend college. This course is offered in conjunction with UAF, and learners may purchase credits from UAF for Writing 111X: Writing in Academic Contexts class upon completion of the course.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

They Say, I Say (The required reading is determined by UAF and is subject to change.)
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing

Two timed essays.
One formal, revised argumentative essay.
One formal, revised, research essay; 6-7 pages with 6+ sources and citation work.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

College Preparatory Composition

Course Details:

Grade: 10-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10 (10th graders require teacher recommendation)

Course Description:

College Preparatory Composition prepares learners for college‐level writing, with an emphasis on formal expository writing using nonfiction models. Learners are provided with diverse writing experiences, including a formal research paper. This course is highly recommended for 11^th and 12^th graders who plan to continue a post‐high school education.

As a writing intensive class, this course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

A variety of nonfiction essays, articles, and critical analysis.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing

Two timed essays.
One formal, revised analytical essay.
One formal, revised argumentative essay.
One formal, revised, research essay; 6-7 pages with 6+ sources and citation work.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Composition and Media Analysis

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10

Course Description:

Composition and Media Analysis analyzes various types of media through expository and argumentative writing. Learners research and study various types of media. Emphasis is on the implications of the social and economic aspects of the media, including advertising and propaganda. Additionally, learners write compositions about social issues. This course provides a common sense approach to a media‐rich society.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

Read a variety of essays that analyze the media.
Analyze newspapers, magazines, and Internet sites.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing

Two timed essays.
One formal, revised argumentative essay.
One formal, revised, research essay; 6-7 pages with 6+ sources and citation work.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Creative Nonfiction

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10

Course Description:

Creative Nonfiction focuses on writing strategies specific to, but not limited to, crafting narrative nonfiction, memoirs, biographies, travelogues, and historical nonfiction. Learners will translate personal experience and research into effective pieces of creative nonfiction using storytelling strategies for plot development, character arc, etc.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Writing

Two timed essays.
One formal, revised essay as appropriate for course.
One formal, revised, research essay; 6-7 pages with 6+ sources and citation work.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Creative Writing I

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10

Course Description:

Creative Writing I emphasizes the development of a creative writer’s “toolbox” of techniques based on evaluating published models of creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama. Learners will practice strategies for finding inspiration, drafting in various genres, accepting and offering meaningful critical feedback, and revising toward a publishable product.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

Culturally diverse authors as writing models.
Various instructional pieces to guide writing in various genres.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing

Must write substantial pieces in at least two of the four main genres:
- - Creative nonfiction
  - Poetry
  - Fiction
  - Drama
One piece must go through a formal revision process.
One piece or project must include research and citation.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Creative Writing II

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10, Creative Writing I, and teacher recommendation

Course Description:

Creative Writing II is a continuation of Creative Writing I for learners who demonstrated the ability and drive to take their writing to the next level with a full-length piece. This class emphasizes the development of a creative writer’s “toolbox” of techniques based on evaluating published models of creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama. Learners will practice strategies for finding inspiration, drafting in various genres, accepting and offering meaningful critical feedback, and revising toward a publishable product.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

Culturally diverse authors as writing models.
Various instructional pieces to guide writing in various genres.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing

Must complete a full-length, publishable piece in one of the main genres.
Write substantial pieces in at least two of the four main genres:
- - Creative nonfiction
  - Poetry
  - Fiction
  - Drama
One piece must go through a formal revision process.
One piece or project must include research and citation.
Various informal written responses and activities.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Journalism I

Course Details:

Grade: 10-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10 (may be concurrently enrolled in English 10 and Journalism I)

Course Description:

Journalism I focuses on newspaper writing conventions and technology. Learners write stories for publication in the school newspaper, as well as complete other necessary production requirements including photography, page layout, editing, column writing, and other artistic elements. Learners conduct interviews and complete other reporting tasks independently while working with other learners to coordinate and produce the school newspaper.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

Selections of current and classic newspapers, both in print and online as models.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Activities

Study libel, slander, and plagiarism so as to avoid it in writing.
Practice interview skills and conduct interviews, both in person and online
Communicate with other newspaper staff and teacher about stories and deadlines.
One formal presentation of written work.

Required Writing

Participate in production and publication of a newspaper.
Write for the newspaper - news, features, sports, activities, events, editorials, columns, headlines, and cutlines.
Incorporate research and citation into written work.
One formal, revised piece as appropriate for course.
Various informal written responses and activities.
Self and peer editing and evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Journalism II

Course Details:

Grade: 10-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10 (may be concurrently enrolled) and Journalism I

Course Description:

Journalism II is a continuation of Journalism I, with a focus on newspaper writing conventions and technology. Learners write stories for publication in the school newspaper, as well as complete other necessary production requirements, including photography, page layout, editing, column writing, and other artistic elements. Learners conduct interviews and complete other reporting tasks independently while working with other students to coordinate and produce the school newspaper.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

Selections of current and classic newspapers, both in print and online as models.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Activities

Study libel, slander, and plagiarism so as to avoid it in writing.
Practice interview skills and conduct interviews, both in person and online.
Communicate with other newspaper staff and teacher about stories and deadlines.
One formal presentation of written work.

Writing

Participate in production and publication of a newspaper.
Write for the newspaper - news, features, sports, activities, events, editorials, columns, headlines, and cutlines.
Incorporate research and citation into written work.
One formal, revised piece as appropriate for course.
Various informal written responses and activities.
Self and peer editing and evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Journalism III and IV

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10 and Journalism II

Course Description:

Journalism III and IV are a continuation of Journalism II and emphasize leadership skills from previous journalism class experiences. This will focus on newspaper writing conventions and technology. Learners write stories for publication in the school newspaper, as well as complete other necessary production requirements, including photography, page layout, editing, column writing, and other artistic elements. Learners conduct interviews and complete other reporting tasks independently while working with other students to coordinate and produce the school newspaper.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

Selections of current and classic newspapers, both in print and online as models.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Activities

Assist Journalism I and Journalism II learners, with the guidance of the teacher.
Study libel, slander, and plagiarism so as to avoid it in writing.
Practice interview skills and conduct interviews both in person and online.
Communicate with other newspaper staff and teacher about stories and deadlines.
One formal presentation of written work.

Required Writing

Participate in production and publication of a newspaper.
Write for the newspaper - news, features, sports, activities, events, editorials, columns, headlines, and cutlines.
Incorporate research and citation into written work.
One formal, revised piece as appropriate for course
Various informal written responses and activities.
Self and peer editing and evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Professional Writing

Course Details:

Grade: 11-12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10

Course Description:

Professional Writing is a challenging that course focuses on written communication skills as they relate to the world of business and technology. Communication and teamwork are emphasized. Technical writing skills include business correspondence, gathering and presenting data, technical documents, and reports.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

A variety of non‐fiction such as news articles, journals, and technical manuals, both in print and online.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Required Writing & Activities

Recognize that communication in the workplace differs from communication at school or home.
Identify characteristics of technical writing including style, format, graphics, audience, purpose, and subject matter.
Understand the stages and processes of technical writing including audience analysis, outlining for organization, writing formal, informational and expanded definitions, and writing appropriately for a variety of audiences.
Compose and format memos, emails, and business letters that request, respond, and persuade.
Compose and format a variety of informational reports, scientific reports, policy statements, proposals, and minutes of meetings.
Compose and format process and mechanical descriptions, instructions, training manuals, media releases, newsletters, and advertising copy.
Conduct and interview with a content specialist, and write a formal, revised process essay based on the results of the interview; include research and citation work.
Produce, through the editing process, a final draft memo in response to a simulated job assignment.
One formal presentation of written work.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.

Research and Inquiry

Course Details:

Grade: 12

Length: one semester

Prerequisites: English 10

Course Description:

The senior project is an integral part of a learner’s final year of high school. It integrates knowledge, skills, and concepts from the learner’s program of study into one culminating project that benefits the school community, or the community at large. Individual projects are preferred, but group projects may be appropriate if each learner in the group has specific and unique responsibilities. Although the final product may be a joint effort, each presentation must be done separately.

This writing intensive course fulfills a graduation requirement.

Required Reading

A variety of nonfiction such as news articles, journals, and technical manuals.
Reading for technical information.
Critical evaluation of print and media sources.
Teachers may select from the book lists of other literature courses not presently offered at their schools (or in collaboration with their colleagues).

Suggestions

Teachers may also select from the book lists of other literature courses that are not presently being offered in their schools, or in collaboration with their colleagues.
In addition, the class may also explore books on the supplemental book list in the appendix.

Required Writing

Two timed essays
One formal, revised essay.
One formal, revised, research essay; 6-7 pages with 6+ sources and citation work.
Various informal written responses and activities.
Self and peer evaluation of written work.
Apply tools of technology to writing as appropriate.
A formal, professional presentation before a panel of judges that demonstrates progress of project.
Complete a portfolio - a developmental representation of the learner’s progress throughout the senior project consists of an online webpage that follows a very structured template will house attached documents such as resume, letter of intent, job shadow forms, research paper, etc. It also includes pictures and video documenting progress throughout the year as the learner works on the senior project.

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