English

Course Descriptions

English I: Freshman Humanities (Required)

Grade Level Placement: 09

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: None Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

English I emphasizes developing proficiency in reading, writing and critical thinking in order to prepare students for higher level English courses. Students explore a variety of literature to develop an appreciation for the complexity of human communication. Students also learn and review literary devices and reading strategies. This course is linked with the social studies World History offering; English I is taught as a humanities course.

This course has a required End of Course Exam, which must be taken by all high school students prior to graduation.

Honors Option Available: (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.)

English II: Sophomore American Studies (Required)

Grade Level Placement: 10

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: English Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

English II continues to develop students’ abilities and enjoyment in speaking, reading and writing. The course includes a regular schedule of essays, including literary analysis, persuasive writing, research writing and a variety of creative pieces. Students continue to experience writing as a process including pre-writing, preparing a rough draft, revising and editing. In addition, students develop research skills, study vocabulary in context and improve ACT grammar skills. Students participate in sustained silent reading and extensive reading in short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and cross-cultural non-fiction. This course is linked with American History.

Students will take the English II End of Course Exam at the completion of this course. This required exam must be taken by all high school students prior to graduation.

Honors Option Available: (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.) Students who choose honors options are required to read more rigorous texts as well as complete more extensive writings.

English III (Required)

Grade Level Placement: Recommended Grade Level Placement 11

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: English I and II Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

English III students develop their skills in all stages of the writing process. They draft, conference, edit, polish, and submit their finished writing for publication. They keep a writing notebook and identify topics of interest to them. Students learn to read as writers and how to use specific literary techniques in their own work. Students study English grammar, usage, mechanics, and syntax as a way to improve their writing. They read a variety of twentieth and twenty-first century world literature independently, in small groups, and as a whole class. Students learn to improve their reading skills through direct instruction in the cognitive processes involved in reading and also study literary techniques as they function in literature. Students write literary analysis, learn to integrate research into their writing, and continue to advance their skills as readers, writers, speakers, listeners, and viewers and producers of texts.

English IV (Required)

Grade Level Placement: 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: English I, II and III Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

English IV serves as the capstone for seniors by providing the communication and time management skills needed to succeed in post-secondary settings, including college and the workplace. During the first semester, students will participate in the Capstone Project, a four-part project consisting of a research paper, product, portfolio, and presentation. The culminating event is Capstone Night, where students have the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of community members. Students will also prepare college application essays, professional letters and technical writing. The second semester focuses on analysis and college level writing in response to literature. Students will read plays, short stories and poetry, with an emphasis on classic and American authors. This class or AP English is required for graduation.

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition (W)

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “B” average in previous English classes recommended. Credit Type: English (ENG)

This class can be taken in place of English III or IV at MRH High School.

NCAA Approved Course

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text—from a range of disciplines and historical periods. Students take the AP Language and Composition exam in the spring, and with a qualifying score, have the opportunity to earn college credit at participating institutions.

Pending Approval: The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers students who take this course the opportunity to earn college credit hours. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition (W)

Grade Level Placement: 12

1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “B” average in previous English classes recommended. Credit Type: English (ENG)

This class can be taken in place of English IV at MRH High School.

NCAA Approved Course

AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through writing, close reading, and class discussion of selected literary texts from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Students write a college admissions essay in the fall and extensive literary analysis throughout the year. They take the AP English Literature exam in the spring, and with a qualifying score, have the opportunity to earn college credit at participating institutions.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers students who take this course the opportunity to earn 3 college credit hours per semester (6 credits are possible for the year). Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.

English Seminar

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12 or Instructor approval

1/2 Unit/S Spring Prerequisite: None Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

English Seminar varies in content focus from year to year and is offered during the spring semester. In all years, students explore how past events can impact the future. This course guides students on a journey of their personal experiences, while analyzing the ideas of symbolism and theme. This course also uses literature to develop an understanding of complex issues in society.

Examining the Young Adult Novel

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12 or Instructor approval

1/2 Unit/S Fall Prerequisite: None Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

In this class, students read high quality, award-winning fiction that is relevant, well written and compelling. Students research the literary elements of the successful young adult novel and keep track of their findings. The class uses the results of their study to create a model of a successful young adult novel. Students then use this model to guide them as they write their own piece of fiction. Students explore opportunities for publishing their work.

Public Speaking

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S Prerequisite: None Credit Type: English (ENG)

NCAA Approved Course

Public Speaking and Debate introduces students to classical skill of public speaking with an emphasis on its use in professional and civic settings. Students will learn and perform the organizational and research skills necessary for presentation content and the delivery skills for basic public speaking. Students will create and perform extemporaneous comments about community issues, persuasive and informative speeches, and structured debates on issues of public concern. Students will also learn critical listening and analysis skills.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers 11/12th grade students with a 3.00 GPA or higher who take this course the opportunity to earn 3 college credit hours per year in College Algebra. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.