English
The English Language Arts program provides a comprehensive program of studies in English language, writing, reading, and literature consistent with the VA Standards of Learning. English Language Arts courses develop students’ writing and analysis skills and provide a survey of America, British and World Literature. It also offers students opportunities to enhance their communication and media literacy skills through elective courses in creative writing, etymology, drama, journalism, newspaper journalism, photojournalism, and public speaking.
Academic courses challenge students to master rigorous standards while providing individualized support. Honors courses are offered in Grades 9, 10, and 11. While they focus on the same skills as academic courses, honors courses are distinguished by a more rigorous and inquiry-based study of literature and nonfiction texts. All year-long honors courses receive a weight of 0.5. They move at an accelerated pace, cover a greater breadth and depth of textual study, and require more independent work.
Students can choose which level they want to take each year, but if a student does plan to take Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment courses, it is suggested that he or she take honors to help prepare for the higher level courses during junior and senior year. Please review the handout for information regarding the differences between the college level courses offered during junior and senior year. If a student is unsure of what course they should take, they should speak with their English teacher.
Freshman Year
Students select from English 9 Honors or English 9 Academics.
In Grade 9 oral language instruction emphasizes dramatic reading of literary selections and planned oral presentations. The reading and literature component focuses on a study of fiction and nonfiction genres. Writing instruction develops skills in narrative, expository, and informational writing. Direct vocabulary instruction improves students’ reading and writing fluency and prepares them for the SOL, SAT, and ACT tests. Students produce documented research papers, using print electronic databases, and on-line sources.
Sophomore Year
Students select from English 10 Honors or English 10 Academics.
In Grade 10 oral language instruction emphasizes the participation in and the critique of small group learning activities. The reading and literature component includes a survey of British literature, especially the reading of poetry and drama; nonfiction reading focuses on the understanding and evaluation of consumer information such as labels, warranties, and contracts. Writing instruction pinpoints expository composition and the ability to critique professional and peer writing. Direct vocabulary instruction improves students’ reading and writing fluency and prepares them for the SOL, SAT, and ACT tests. Students are taught to collect, organize, and present information in a documented research paper.
Junior Year
Students select from AP Language & Composition, English 11 Honors, and English 11 Academics.
In Grade 11 oral language instruction emphasizes the ability to give and to critique informative and persuasive presentations. The reading and literature component focuses on a survey of American literature and the ability to read and comprehend various kinds of manuals, business letters, newspapers, brochures, reports, catalogs, journals, speeches, biographies, and autobiographies. Writing instruction focuses on the ability to write persuasively, as well as on personal, professional, and informational correspondence. Direct vocabulary instruction improves students’ reading and writing fluency and prepares them for the SOL, SAT, and ACT tests. In addition to research papers, students produce multi-media research reports.
All juniors will take the EOC English SOL in the spring. The English SOL is divided into two segments: Writing & Reading. The writing segment is completed during the testing window in March, and it includes a multiple choice section and an essay. The reading multiple choice section is completed during the May testing window.
Final Lang Vid.MOVAP Language & Composition
AP Language and Composition is recommended for students who want a challenging course that emphasizes the analysis of nonfiction. Students read a variety of works from several genres, time periods, and cultures, including a focus on texts by American authors. Varied and frequent composition assignments require close reading, rhetorical analysis, exposition of ideas, and the understanding of particular rhetorical forms and terms. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Language and Composition exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.
Additional information about the course can be viewed on the College Board Website.
Senior Year
English 12 Academic
This course is divided into two distinct semesters of study, one focusing on a study of world literature and the other on writing. Students read representative literature from many cultures, countries, and time periods to increase their understanding of literature and the people who produced it. Activities in this semester include oral and written analyses of readings, overviews of the society and history that relate to a particular selection, and evaluations of author’s styles and themes. In the other semester, students receive extensive writing practice in the expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive forms. Students practice composing skills through the writing of critical and creative essays, description, narrative, persuasion, and exposition.
Dual Enrollment
LCPS provides students the opportunity to earn college credit while fulfilling their English 12 course requirement. English 12 Dual Enrollment (DE) is a rigorous, college-level course that focuses on composition, argumentation, and critical reading skills. It is a fast-paced course that covers not only the Virginia English 12 SOL, but also two full semesters of college-level composition and reading. English 12 DE is taught by LCPS teachers who are also adjunct faculty members at participating colleges.
AP Literature & Composition
AP Literature and Composition is recommended for students who want a challenging course that emphasizes the study and practice of writing and the analysis of literature (prose, fiction, poetry, and drama). Students read a variety of works from several genres and cultures. Varied and frequent composition assignments require close reading, literary analysis, exposition of ideas, and the understanding of particular literary forms and terms. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Literature and Composition exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.
Final Lang Vid.MOVAP Language & Composition
AP Language and Composition is recommended for students who want a challenging course that emphasizes the analysis of nonfiction. Students read a variety of works from several genres, time periods, and cultures, including a focus on texts by American authors. Varied and frequent composition assignments require close reading, rhetorical analysis, exposition of ideas, and the understanding of particular rhetorical forms and terms. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Language and Composition exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.
Additional information about the course can be viewed on the College Board Website.
English Electives
Intro to Journalism
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None
This year-long elective introduces students to many facets of newspaper and mass media: production, history, and writing. Students learn to use a variety of journalism skills to write in journalistic style, recognize the role of mass communication in modern society, and understand the First Amendment. Students selecting this course should have strong writing skills or should have an interest in developing their writing skills. This course is designed to prepare students to serve on the newspaper staff (Newspaper Journalism I) or the yearbook staff (Photojournalism I).
For more information about Journalism, Please download this pdf.
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Journalism and/or Instructor’s Approval
This course is designed for students who have an interest in the many different aspects of broadcast journalism. The class will be project based and differentiated based on each student's need and the current project. these will include, but no be limited to: broadcasting, student athletics, creating a morning newscast, creating podcasts, producing content for PBS Student Reporting Labs, producing video content for DHS Press.com and new ideas. Student will learn the steps necessary for completion of all topics including the technology and equipment required.
Level III is at the Honors level.
For more information, please view this document.
If you have any questions about the course, please email Mitchell Schwartz at mitchell.schwartz@lcps.org
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: None
Creative Writing is a one-semester English elective that provides a supportive environment in which students write prose, poetry, and drama and read examples of various genres. This course focuses on the study of the fundamental elements of creative writing, including developing strategies for writing creatively, practicing aspects of narrative writing, using poetic devices, and developing voice. Students maintain a writing portfolio, collaborate to critique and improve their work for final review, and seek opportunities for publishing their writing
Film Studies/Analysis
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This course examines the intersections of video and performance art. Course participants will be challenged to make artworks that respond to video terminology's most fundamental property; its ability to reproduce a stream of real-time synchronized images and sounds. In the course students will study the history and application of film and create performance "tapes" examining and reflecting on the many genres of film throughout history.
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Journalism and/or Instructor’s Approval
Students learn the basics of newspaper production while serving as staff writers for the school newspaper. Units of study include school press law and ethics, layout and design, basic photography, basic publication technology, journalistic research, interviewing, plant preparation, and advertising. Students are introduced to publication software.
Level III is at the Honors level.
For more information, please view this document.
If you have any questions about the course, please email Mitchell Schwartz at mitchell.schwartz@lcps.org
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Journalism and/or Instructor’s Approval
Students serve as staff members and page editors for the school yearbook. Units of study expand upon those introduced in Photojournalism I and add inclusion, accuracy, and fairness; polls and statistics; and yearbook management. Students use publication software to produce the school yearbook.
Level III is at the Honors level.
For more information, please view this document.
If you have any questions about the course, please email Mitchell Schwartz at mitchell.schwartz@lcps.org
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: None
Public Speaking is a one-semester English elective where students explore the process of generating, transmitting, receiving, and evaluating ideas and feelings through intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, oral interpretation, group discussion, and public speaking. This course cultivates personal growth and development, develops oral communication skills, and promotes the application of oral communication skills to other academic disciplines and to life experiences.
Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to examine women and their changing roles in society throughout time. Students will explore history through the lens of gender and will engage in research, fiction, and nonfiction reading, writing, and public speaking.
This will be offered depending on student demand.
Writing Center I & II
Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This course provides students with an in-depth study of writing in the academic disciplines through tutoring at a high school Writing Center. Students prepare to be peer tutors through an intense examination of the rules of composition, critical reading, and analytical thinking about writing. Students are expected to refine and develop their own writing abilities through peer tutoring and reflective essays about their tutoring experiences.