1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 9

Prerequisites: None                              

This course is designed to help students develop communication skills through the study of literature, composition and the English language.  Units of study include novels, informational texts, short stories, grammar/usage, drama, essay writing. 

Activities: Practice reading strategies, develop writing skills in paragraphs and essays, refine speaking and listening skills through class activities.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 9

Prerequisites: None

*Pre-AP® English 1 focuses on the close reading, analytical writing, and language skills that have immediate relevance for students and that will be most essential for their future coursework. 

Texts take center stage in the *Pre-AP® English 1 classroom, where students engage in close, critical reading of a wide range of literary and nonfiction works. The course trains the reader to observe the small details within a text to arrive at a deeper understanding of the whole. It also trains the writer to focus on crafting complex sentences as the foundation for writing to facilitate complex thinking and to communicate ideas clearly.

Activities:   This course will include reading, writing, researching, critical thinking, speaking and listening.

Cost: None

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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Open to Grades 9 & 10

Prerequisites: Application and Teacher Recommendation

Visit the FUSION Academy page for application and sign-up information.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 10

Prerequisites: None                              

In this course students will study the art of communication. By analyzing varied literature and informational tests, students will evaluate how authors communicate their ideas. In addition, students will study effective ways of communicating, demonstrating their knowledge through multiple writing assignments and speeches. They will continue to develop a command of language skills.

Course Activities:  Students will read a variety of texts, writing compositions, deliver speeches, develop usage and vocabulary skills, and research different topics.

Technology Integration:  Students will use technology daily to write, research, and communicate. Various technological platforms will be used to enhance students' digital literacy.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 10

Prerequisites: None                              

From the College Board: "This course builds on the foundation of the Pre AP® English 1, with an emphasis  the recursive moves that matter in preparing students for the challenges of college-level reading writing and discussion. While English 1 introduces the fundamental routines of close observation, critical analysis, and appreciation of the author's craft, English 2 requires students to apply those same practices to a new host of nonfiction alike can masterfully manipulate language to serve their unique purposes. As writers, students compose more nuanced analytical essays without losing sight of the importance of well-crafted sentences and a sense of cohesion."  

Students will also study effective ways of communicating, demonstrating their knowledge through multiple writing assignments and speeches.

Course Activities:  Students will engage with texts, construct texts, focus on language, investigate through research, and communicate their ideas both orally and written.

Technology Integration:  Students will use technology daily to write, research, and communicate. Various technological platforms will be used to enhance students' digital literacy.

Cost: None

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 11

Prerequisites: None                              

With an emphasis on critical reading and thinking skills, students will evaluate the foundational works of American literature. Students will study influential authors from major literary eras and will be encouraged to make authentic connections to today’s society. These works will serve as mentor texts, as students will also focus on the writing process producing several of their own written pieces. In addition, they will review grammar and vocabulary terms and practice research techniques.

Course Activities:  Course will include writing process, reading, researching, listening, speaking and critical thinking.

Technology Integration:  Students will use technology to research, write, annotate and complete class activities.

Cost: None

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Students must take also enroll in course 62180/62185, American Studies: Social Studies

2 credits total: 1 credit English, 1 credit Social Studies (2 semesters) 

Open to Grade 11

Prerequisites: None. 

Co-requisite: Course 62180/62185, American Studies: Social Studies                              

NOTE: This course integrates BOTH required 11th grade English and Social Studies courses. 

This two-credit course integrates student's required 11th grade English and Social Studies courses: English 11 and US History. This course provides a cross-curricular opportunity for students to engage in learning about important events and motifs of the United States through a thematic study of literature. Though the content is taught simultaneously, American Studies is the equivalent of two separate courses. 

Writing, communication skills, and reading are integral parts of the course. Students will conduct research from primary and secondary sources and read assorted informative and literary texts.

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 - 12 (grade 10 with teacher approval)

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of standard written English in their writing.

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP® class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. 

NOTE: This course is College Board approved for AP®. AP® Seminar is a component of the Capstone Program. NHS is an authorized Capstone school beginning in 2017-18.

NOTE: This course is either an elective credit or qualifies for the grade 11 English requirement or grade 12 English.

In AP® Seminar, you will use your interests to pursue topics individually and in teams in which you will identify, analyze and argue for solutions to what you feel are some of the most sticky problems facing America today. We use research studies, news sources, artistic and literary works to conduct research that will lead to two individual essays, a group and an individual presentation that includes information from those essays and the AP® exam in which you analyze a given argument and create one of your own. This video gives a sense of what to expect.

Among the topics completed by past Neenah High School students are: music and its effect on happiness, genetic engineering, Native American health injustices in Wisconsin, transitioning from high school to college athletics, weight loss, money and happiness, cults, and climate change. 

Activities: Students to work in teams to identify a problem or issue. The team will conduct research, present their findings, and defend their argument.  During Seminar, students will work with a mentor from the faculty or the community to explore their topic from multiple perspectives. Students will also individually investigate an assigned theme, and present and defend the information they gather.

Cost: An AP® Exam fee

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 11

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10 or Pre-AP English 2. Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of Standard Written English in their writing.

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP® class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

NOTE: This course is approved for UW-Oshkosh CAPP credit. All CAPP classes are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

This introductory college-level course is designed to engage college-bound students in the critical analysis of literature. Through an intensive study of representative works from various genres and time periods, students examine the structure, style, and themes as well as the author’s use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Students delve into the complexity of selected texts through an analysis of the social and historical significance reflected in the work. Moreover, the study of literary works will be accompanied by interpretive writing that focuses on reflection of the literature. Writing instruction will include attention to developing and organizing well-constructed ideas that convey a student’s in-depth understanding of the course material. The writing students produce reinforces their reading of the literature.

This course prepares students for the AP® Exam. Success on the exam may result in college credit, advanced placement in coursework or both, depending on the individual policies of the college the student attends.

Activities: Class discussions pertinent to literature studies; large and small group activities; written responses to literature; literary-critical analyses.

Cost: An AP® Exam Fee, unless the opt-out deadline is met. A university fee if taken for CAPP credit.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP® English Language & Composition, American Studies, English 11, or AP® Seminar. Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of Standard Written English in their writing.

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP® class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

Students in this introductory college-level course read and analyze a broad and challenging range of non-fiction prose selections, deepening their awareness of rhetoric and how language works. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy while strengthening their own composing abilities. Course readings feature expository, analytical, personal and argumentative texts from a variety of authors and historical contexts.  Students examine work with essays, letters, speeches, images and imaginative literature. Students prepare for the AP® Exam in English Literature and Composition and may be granted advanced placement, college credit, or both as a result of a satisfactory performance.

Activities: Timed in-class writings; Class literary discussions; large and small group work.

Cost: An exam fee if AP® exam is taken.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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Open to:                      Grade 12                                            

Length:                          2 Semesters

Credits:                          1 credit

Prerequisite:                English 11, American Studies, *AP® English Language and Composition, or AP® Seminar  

Course Content: This course focuses on reading literary works considered to be classics.  It covers literature of varied eras, including modern classics.  Students will explore the themes inherent in the classics, which are applicable to a variety of content areas.  Students will develop the reading strategies necessary to engage with complex texts and will practice high-level analysis while simultaneously working on their writing skills.

Course Activities: Students will read a variety of classics, at times reading whole-class texts, but more often reading classic texts of choice.  They will analyze the works individually and in groups and will practice a variety of reading and writing strategies.

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Course Number:        16055/16056 (English) AND 63470/63471 (Social Studies)

Open to:                       Grade 12

Length:                         2 Semesters

Credits:                         2 (1 credit of English, 1 Social Studies elective credit)

Prerequisite:               None; Students must enroll in 16055/16056 Finding the Human in Literature and Composition (English) AND 63470/63471 *AP® Psychology (Social Studies)

NOTE: This course integrates both required 12th grade English and Social Studies courses

Course Content: Finding the Human in Literature and Composition will combine the content of Contemporary Literature, Composition 12, and AP Psychology, giving students the opportunity to integrate their learning across these three courses.  Students will pursue their understanding of psychology and then apply those understandings to the characters they encounter in Contemporary Literature. Students will also create and analyze a study in psychology; and then write a case study as part of their Composition 12 coursework.

Course Activities: Students will create and analyze a study in psychology; and then write a case study as part of their Composition 12 coursework.  In addition, there will be an added book and the inclusion of scholarly articles used in support of discussions designed to tie issues of Psychology to the literature and the topics covered in their writing.

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: None

This course is a study of contemporary literature arranged in thematic units. Students will read novels and informational texts. Students will also view films that explore these same topics (family, success, oppression, societal change, etc.) and make connections between contemporary society and works studied.

Course Activities:  Reading and analyzing a diverse selection of texts, class discussions, written responses, projects, and essays.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: None

This course will examine a number of universal themes found in literature written by significant world authors. Students will gain an appreciation of literature as a reflection of the cultures, philosophies, and national characteristics of people of other nations.

Activities: Reading and critical examination of articles, short stories, plays, essays, poems, and books, participation in class discussions, writing of literary analysis essays, self-analysis, character studies, written responses related to the themes/ideas discussed in the literature, and viewing/ analyzing related film clips.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: None

This course is designed to build upon the skills students learned in Composition 11.  Students will study writing models and will be given numerous opportunities to develop their writing skills. This writing course will acquaint students with the writing process and prepare them for college-level and workplace writing.

Course Activities:  Students will work through the stages of the writing process using technology throughout.

Technology Integration:  Students will use technology to research, write, annotate and complete class activities.  The online course content can be accessed with any internet-enabled device.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester) ; FVTC credits: 3

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: None

NOTE: This course is approved for Dual/Transcripted Credit at Fox Valley Technical College.

NOTE: This course meets the Composition 12 graduation requirement. 

This course is designed for those students whose post-secondary plans include working in a technical field. With an emphasis on the process of technical writing, students will develop their writing, presenting, listening, and collaborative skills. Through a competency-based format, students will write business documents, instructions, reports and summaries.

Students will also complete a research project related to their field of study.

Activities:   Presentations, independent and collaborative writing activities, practice in the process of writing, class discussions.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None

NOTE: This course is approved for UW-Oshkosh CAPP credit. All CAPP classes are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

NOTE: This course meets the Composition 12 graduation requirement.

The 21st century demands that students learn to think rationally and creatively, manage and retrieve information and communicate effectively. This course requires imagination within certain rules. Freedom of the press demands discipline and law and ethics govern it. As masters of the basics, journalists thrive in a modern world because they are aware of the role they play as well as public perception. This course will provide the opportunity for students to develop the writing skills involved in the field of journalism to improve interviewing skills and to expand editing skills.

Activities:   Discuss current events and exercise news judgment; Evaluate the ethical, physical and literary aspects of scholastic and daily newspapers; Create effective news gathering techniques; Conceive and implement meaningful projects and news stories independently; Collaborate and contribute to school and community publications.

Cost: A university fee if taken for CAPP credit.

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: None

NOTE: For grade 10 & 11 students, this course is an English elective. For grade 12 students, this meets the Composition 12 graduation requirement.

This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively in writing through both prose and poetry (classic and contemporary). Students will study and apply creative writing techniques and explore several pieces from published authors with the end goal of establishing confidence and an individual writing style.

Activities: Journaling, writing prose (short stories) and poetry, small group and large group activities, writing workshops, and unit projects.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester) ; UW-Oshkosh CAPP credits: 3

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 10 or Pre-AP English 2

NOTE: For grade 11 students, this course is an English elective. For grade 12 students, this meets the Composition 12 graduation requirement.

NOTE: This course is approved for UW-Oshkosh CAPP credit. All CAPP classes are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

This introductory college-level course is designed to connect public speaking and civic engagement. The course challenges students to develop their understanding of the complexities of oral communication and demonstrate effective communication strategies.  Students will build on the base developed in Speech and increase communication competence; apply that increased communication competence as speakers and listeners in public contexts, and manage communication apprehension. Course requirements include a  variety of speeches, a self-analysis paper, and summative assessments.

Activities: Discuss current events relevant to civic engagement; Analyze intrapersonal, interpersonal and organizational communication; Collaborate on research and outline; Self-reflection; Public speaking.

Cost:  A university fee if taken for CAPP credit.

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1 credit total: 0.5 credit English, 0.5 credit Fine Arts (1 semester)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: None

Co-requisite: Course 10140, Illustration                              

NOTE: This course is taught in conjunction with Illustration (Art), and will be block scheduled with both, as 2 classes taken in the SAME semester. If a student has taken Creative Writing previously they can only register for the Illustration course. 

NOTE: If this course is taken as a senior, the Creative Writing portion meets the Composition 12 graduation requirement.

This course is designed as a cross-curricular partnership with the Illustration course for students wishing to illustrate their own writing. The course will explore a wide variety of art mediums, illustration styles, publishing, and digital trends. 

Activities: Students will illustrate myths, fables, short stories, folktales, poems or written works composed originally or by other authors. A showcase event of student writing and accompanying illustrations will be planned by the Creative Writing and Illustration instructors and students.

Cost: $20 (collected in Illustration class) -covers all art supplies, including matte board, illustration board, ink pens, paints, brushes, and other supplies.

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None

This course is designed to give an opportunity to express themselves in a variety of speaking situations and to help them feel at ease with oral communication. Students will gain experience by preparing and delivering a variety of speeches and practicing the art of interpersonal communication. Time will be devoted to selecting topics, researching, organizing and rehearsing.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None

Creative Drama is a tool used by students of theatre to tap the infinite possibilities found in the human imagination. These techniques are explored through improvisation and theatre games. Through course activities, students will develop life skills: confidence, imagination, self-awareness, self-discipline, and the ability to work cooperatively and productively in a group. This course can serve as a general elective or a fine arts requirement for graduation.

Activities:   Improvisation, theatre games, and scene-work. Students must attend a Neenah High School theatre production during the semester and write a critical review of the performance.

Cost: Field trip costs

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.5 credit (1 semester, ONLY offered Semester 1)

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Creative Drama (17700) and Speech Communication (15300)

This course is designed to explore acting methods and styles while experiencing classic through contemporary drama. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to analyze, prepare, and deliver dramatic presentations for an audience.

Activities: Required participation in the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association’s One-Act Competition and scene work in the classroom. Students are required to attend designated scheduled rehearsals outside of regular class time and must attend a Neenah High School theatre production during the semester and write a critical review of the performance.

Cost: Field trip costs

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.5 credit (1 semester, ONLY offered Semester 1)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: Creative Drama (17700) and Advanced Theatre Studies 1 (17900)

This course will run in conjunction with Advanced Theatre Studies 1. This course continues to explore acting methods, styles, and direction of classic through contemporary drama. It is designed to provide the serious theatre student the opportunity to experience leadership through student direction, stage management, student technical direction, or acting. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to analyze, prepare, and deliver dramatic presentations for an audience. 

Activities:  Students are required to participate in the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association's One Act Competition and scene work in the classroom. All students are required to attend designated scheduled rehearsals outside of regular class time and must attend a Neenah High School theatre production during the semester and write a critical review of the performance. 

Cost: Field trip costs

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.5 credit (1 semester) ; UW-Oshkosh CAPP credits: 3

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: AP English Language & Composition

NOTE: This course is approved for UW-Oshkosh CAPP credit  All CAPP classes are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

This course provides students with a continued exploration of modern and contemporary American literature with special emphasis placed on the American novel. We study a diverse set of works by influential American writers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The course explores the relationship between writers and readers, highlights innovations in the novel’s form, and investigates the changing place of literature in American culture.

Activities: Class discussions pertinent to literature studies, large and small group activities, written responses to literature.

Cost: A university fee if taken for CAPP credit.

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.5 credit (7-week online course) ; UW-Oshkosh CAPP credits: 1

Open to Grade 11

Prerequisites: The student needs a 3.0 A\GPA or higher to enroll and must be able to manage their schedule to complete work independently

NOTE: This course is approved for UW-Oshkosh CAPP credit. All CAPP classes are pending annual approval. To see how/if credits transfer to other UW schools check the transfer wizard at http://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/wizards/

NOTE: As a part of the junior-level AACP experience at Neenah High School, students will be provided the opportunity to refine their reading skills as they prepare for post-secondary experiences.  

College Reading Strategies is a course developed by the UW-Oshkosh to support students as they engage in college-level reading material.  This course is for students who have mastered basic reading skills and desire growth in the higher level reading demanded for the mastery of college textbooks. Focus will be on comprehending nonfiction, strengthening study reading techniques, improving vocabulary and increasing reading rate in difficult material. Students will meet in class twice weekly and independently work on reading projects. 

Activities:  Using the UW-Oshkosh online modules, students will matriculate through the process of investing in college-level reading strategies.  

Technology Integration:  UW-Oshkosh online modules will be utilized to complete this course.

Cost: A university fee if enrolling for CAPP credit. Students enrolling in this course who do not elect to take the UW-Oshkosh credit, will be required to pay a $10 fee for access to online course materials.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 - 12

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation required

Students will participate in reading and writing workshop to improve their reading and writing skills. The class will be taught by a regular education English teacher and a Reading Support teacher. Students will be recommended for this class based on historic reading scores and one-on-one reading diagnostics.

Activities: Reading and Writing Workshop, online journal writing, etc.

Cost: None

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.5 - 1 credit (.5 credit math, and up to .5 elective credit) (1 - 2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Consent of secondary EL teacher and math department chair  

EL Foundations of High School Math will be designed for EL students who are below district benchmark levels and indicate a critical need for foundational math support. The course will provide large group, small group, and individualized instruction and offer access to adaptive online learning tools and software. The course will focus on core skills across all math domains, with an emphasis on full preparation for future success in Algebra 1.

Activities: The course will be composed of teacher-led whole group activities, small-group discussions, and individualized instruction.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None

Recommendation:  The course is designed for newcomers or beginning English learners with limited background in the English language. 

The course will provide the foundation in Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) that are necessary for success.  WIDA Language Standards will be used. 

Course Activities:   The course will provide a variety of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language activities.  Finish Line For ELLs 2.0 will be used to build a common language within the course. Beginning reading materials will be used to increase English literacy.  Students will engage in conversation with other equally leveled English learners in a small group environment. Students will keep a weekly writing journal and respond to teacher-provided prompts over the course of the year.  

Technology Integration:  Students will use Chromebooks and online resources.  Utilizing technology will prepare students for the online ACCESS Test.  Basic computer skills and appropriate use will be incorporated throughout the year. 

Cost: None

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: None

Recommendation:  The course is designed for students who have a basic understanding of the English language and continue to work on increasing their English Language Proficiency.

The course will build upon the foundation in Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) that are necessary for success.  WIDA Language Standards will be used. 

Course Activities:    The course will provide a variety of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language activities.  Students will participate in a reading and writing workshop format to increase literacy skills and meet academic standards in language arts. Micro-courses will be provided on specific content vocabulary and topics.  Students will be able to select the micro-courses that best meet their needs and interests.   

Technology Integration:   Students will use Chromebooks and online resources.  Utilizing technology will prepare students for the online ACCESS Test.  More advanced computer skills and appropriate use will be incorporated throughout the year. Students will use technology to participate in micro-courses in order to differentiate instruction.  

Student Cost: None

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