English

English I         

This course provides a foundational study of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction) to include influential U.S. documents and one Shakespearean play. Interdisciplinary informational and creative writing as well as documented research and speaking and listening skills will be included along with multimodal presentations.

English I Honors         

This course studies all genres of literature and explores the ways audience, purpose, and context shape oral communication, written communication, media, and technology. Literature will be explored more widely and deeply, including more challenging print and non-print texts. Students will engage in meaningful communication for expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes. A strong concentration on grammar, vocabulary development, writing, and reading comprehension will occur in this course with the use of higher-level thinking skills.

English II          

This course introduces literary global perspectives focusing on literature and nonfiction from the Americas (Caribbean, Central, South, and North), Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Students will read, discuss, analyze, and write about classical and contemporary world literature including novels, short stories, drama, prose, and poetry. Students will continue to explore language for expressive, informational, explanatory, critical, argumentative, and literary purposes. Students will concentrate on building vocabulary, refining grammatical skills, and widening personal reading.

English II Honors        

This course introduces literary global perspectives focusing on literature and nonfiction from the Americas (Caribbean, Central, South, and North), Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Literature surveyed will focus on more challenging print and non-print texts and will foster intellectual curiosity in the learner. Students will be expected to work as self-directed and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators. Higher level thinking skills will be emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives.

English III             

This course provides an in-depth study of U.S. literature and U.S. literary nonfiction, especially foundational works and documents from the 17th century through the present. Students will analyze literary and non-literary texts using several critical lenses to produce written responses demonstrating a high level of understanding and knowledge of how American literature reflects the American experience. The course provides a strong emphasis on research writing and analyzing argumentative/persuasive devices in non-fiction texts.

English III Honors          

This course provides an in-depth study of U.S. literature and U.S. literary nonfiction, especially foundational works and documents from the 17th century through the present. Deep contextual analysis will occur with students analyzing literary and non-literary texts using several critical lenses to produce written responses that demonstrate a high level of comprehension and extensive knowledge of how American literature reflects the American experience. A strong emphasis on research writing and analyzing argumentative/persuasive devices in non-fiction texts will occur, using self-directed and reflective learning. Higher level thinking and analysis skills will be emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives. 

English IV            

This course integrates all previously acquired language arts skills by continuing the exploration of expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary texts. With a focus on completing the global perspective in English II, this course provides an in-depth study of mostly British literature as well as important U.S. documents and literature (texts influenced by European philosophy or action). Additionally, students will read and analyze at least one Shakespearean play. A strong concentration of grammar, vocabulary development, increased reading comprehension, and citing textual evidence will be a course expectation. 

English IV Honors           

This course integrates all previously acquired language arts skills by continuing the exploration of expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary texts. With a focus on completing the global perspective in English II, this course provides an in-depth study of mostly British literature as well as important U.S. documents and literature (texts influenced by European philosophy or action). Additionally, students will read and analyze at least one Shakespearean play.  Students will expand upon their exploration of expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary texts. Students will explore the connections of themes, ideas, and movements in literature. Emphasis will be placed on argumentation by developing a position of advocacy through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and using media. 

AP English - Language and Composition            

This course is designed to provide a college level English experience through fostering the ability to read closely and to analyze with insight. Students will learn how to identify, analyze, and utilize the power of rhetoric to persuade an audience. Students will learn to analyze the audience, purpose and rhetorical strategies used by a wide variety of authors and how to employ those strategies in their own writing as they develop their purpose and identify their audience. The course requires a demanding composition regimen including in-class essays, creative assignments, and responses to the works and ideas of the course. The course will be taught in a module-based format where each module centers on a novel/ theme. The class follows the AP Syllabus approved by the College Board which prepares the students for the AP English – Language and Composition Exam in May. 

AP English - Literature and Composition            

This course is designed to provide a college level English experience through fostering the ability to read closely and to analyze with insight. Students will study literature from the American and British traditions, ranging from the dawn of British literature to the twentieth century. Students will read a comprehensive range of short fiction, poetry, excerpts from longer works, plays, and novels. The course requires a demanding composition regimen including in-class essays, creative assignments, and responses to the works and ideas of the course.  The class follows the AP Syllabus approved by the College Board which prepares the students for the AP English- Literature and Composition Exam in May.

English Electives

ELA Local Elective: Annual Production I              

This course will allow students to pursue a variety of experiences in yearbook production including: deadlines, developing theme, copywriting, copy editing, designing layouts, photography, and selling advertisements.

ELA Local Elective: Annual Production II             

This course is for students who are interested in applying skills learned in Annual Production I. Students will meet deadlines, assist with computer graphics, edit proofs, write, and prepare final copy for the school annual.

ELA Local Elective: Annual Production III              

This course will allow students to work at the third level in the yearbook production series. Students will assume roles as assistant editors, editors, and editors-in-chief. In addition, students will set deadlines for production, review candid student photographs, and make final decisions on the cover and content of the school annual.

ELA Local Elective: Annual Production IV             

This course will allow students to work at the fourth level in the yearbook production series. Students will continue roles as assistant editors, editors, and editors-in-chief. In addition, students continue to set deadlines for production, review candid student photographs, and make final decisions on the cover and content of the school annual.

ELA Local Elective Honors: Annual Production IV Honors  

This course will allow students to work at the fourth level in the yearbook production series. Students will continue roles as assistant editors, editors, and editors-in-chief. In addition, students continue to set deadlines for production, review candid student photographs, and make final decisions on the cover and content of the school annual.

ELA Local Elective Honors: Annual Production V Honors  

The course provides students with the responsibility and coursework required to publish the yearbook. Students work in leadership roles to select and group pictures, sell advertisements, design layouts of copy, identify pictures, organize materials, and write copy. More responsibilities and duties are utilized as students create and organize spreads as well as market the yearbook. Research and product development are required in this course.

Debate         

This course is designed to introduce students to public speaking and oral presentation. Students will gain experience with impromptu speaking, original oratory, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and Public Forum Debate. Students will learn to research and present information in a fair and ethical manner.

Debate III Honors        

This course requires students to consistently demonstrate an advanced level of skill in selecting and editing quality literature, research methods, analysis of current issues, and analysis and evaluation of public speaking and debate activities. Students compete in a variety of formats. Honors activities include advanced reading lists, advanced writing assignments, special projects, enrichment activities, and a portfolio of student activities and performances.

English as a Second Language               

This course will provide Limited English Proficient (LEP) students English support that will build background knowledge, enrich vocabulary, and develop reading and writing strategies that will enable the students to access content in multiple areas.

COURSE NOTE: This course is only for students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) by DPI and may be taken multiple times. 

Speech I               

This course will equip students for a variety of classroom and civics presentations using multi-media. Research, preparation for speech, and delivery will prepare students for public speaking opportunities.

Speech II               

This course is designed for students seriously interested in Speech and Debate. Students will explore individual events such as dramatic interpretations, impromptu speech, prose/poetry, public forum debate, and Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Speech II Honors              

This course is a continuation of Speech I. Students will explore individual events such as extemporaneous speaking, dramatic interpretations, impromptu speech, prose/poetry, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and public forum debate. This course will provide forensic students with complex concepts, terminology, written and oral skills, and training in the ethics of the art of speech and debate.