ENGLISH 1

Full Year - Grade 9

Students in English 1 will expand their understanding and use of reading and writing strategies as necessary tools for success. Students in English 1-1 will create original works to communicate their insights and ideas about the world gained through analysis of nonfiction texts. Students in English 1-2 will analyze different types of literature, such as short stories, poetry, and novels, to foster their curiosity and critical thinking skills, and to generate discussion about their role in society. 

PREREQUISITE:  None

OR

HONORS ENGLISH 1

Full Year - Grade 9

Honors English 1 is for advanced students who have a desire to explore language arts and will complete assignments at an accelerated pace. Students will grow their reading stamina through an introduction to a variety of genres, including short stories, non-fiction, poetry, novels, and drama. It is a course that focuses on both analyzing literature and the writing process, including a review and refinement of grammar skills. Composition and research are integrated throughout the course. A weighted grade is given. 

PREREQUISITE:  B or higher in Communication Arts 8 or C or higher in Challenge Communication Arts 8 AND Teacher Recommendation.

ENGLISH 2

Full Year - Grade 10

Students in English 2 will expand their understanding and use of reading and writing strategies as a necessary tool for success. Students in English 2-1 will formulate and develop products to express and communicate their insights and ideas. Students in English 2-2 will examine different types of literature such as fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry to foster curiosity and generate discussion about their role in society.

PREREQUISITE:  Pass English 1 or take English 1 concurrently

OR

HONORS ENGLISH 2

Full Year - Grade 10

Honors English 2 is designed to allow students to explore their own identities, develop their own ideas and viewpoints, and consider the nature of mankind, relationships, and the individual. Honors English 2-2 students will read and analyze a variety of texts by a diverse group of authors in order to formulate opinions and generate discussion about their role in society. Honors English 2-1 students will formulate and develop products to express and communicate their insights and ideas. Engagement in rigorous coursework is necessary for successful completion of this class.

PREREQUISITE:  Earn an A, B, or C in previous year's Honors English course, or earn an A or B in the previous year's regular English course

ENGLISH 3

Full Year - Grade 11

Students in English 3-1 and 3-2 will expand their understanding and use of reading and writing strategies as a necessary tool for success. Students will formulate and develop essays using their own ideas and the words and ideas of others using various modes of development to produce a variety of texts. In addition to developing rhetorical skills, students will use the writing and research process to better understand their life experiences, to make career decisions, and to explore various perspectives on issues in the world around them. Students will broaden their understanding of the philosophies and literature that have shaped American culture by responding to literary selections analytically through discussion and writing. A major theme that students will be observing, analyzing, and discussing is the struggles and successes of the individual in American society.

PREREQUISITE: Passed English 1 and 2 or taking English 1 and 2 concurrently

OR

HONORS ENGLISH 3

Full Year - Grade 11

Students in Honors English 3 will expand their understanding and use of reading and writing strategies as a necessary tool for success. Students will formulate and develop essays using their own ideas, sometimes selecting and synthesizing words and ideas of others using various modes of development to produce a variety of texts. In addition to developing rhetorical skills, students will use the writing and research process to better understand their life experiences, to make college and career decisions, and to explore various perspectives on issues in the world around them. Students will broaden their understanding of the philosophies, historical context, and literature that have shaped American culture by responding to literary selections analytically through discussion and writing. A major theme that students will be observing, analyzing, and discussing is the struggles and successes of the individual in American society and how those experiences shape the concept of one's truth/s.

PREREQUISITE:  Earn an A, B, or C in previous year's Honors English course, or earn an A or a B in theprevious year's regular English course.

DEBATE AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

Semester - Grades 9-12

In this course, students will become confident public speakers through participation in competitive speech and debate. Students will learn the fundamentals of argumentation and practical debate skills, including topic analysis, research, case-writing, and refutation. To apply these skills, students are required to participate in interscholastic speech and debate tournaments over the semester. The final exam for this course includes attendance at Pattonville's debate tournament in early December. To be eligible for this course, students must meet minimum eligibility standards for both the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and Pattonville High School. This course will satisfy the Oral Communication requirement. 

PREREQUISITE:  Must be MSHSAA eligible

ORAL COMMUNICATION

Semester - Grades 9-12

This course is designed to provide students with competency in organizational, writing, and research skills. Students will benefit from experience in giving both formal and informal presentations. The emphasis is placed on developing active listening skills, as well as composing and presenting various speeches according to purpose and audience. This course will satisfy the Oral Communication requirement.

PREREQUISITE:  None

COLLEGE CREDIT ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Semester-Grades 10-12

This is a one-semester course for students who want to continue to develop their public speaking skills. Students will gain an understanding of communication theory and techniques of organization, argumentation, persuasion, and delivery in public speaking. Students will also learn about different communication styles and present different types of speeches, with consideration of purpose and audience. The course is offered for 3 units of college credit through UMSL as COMM 1040.

PREREQUISITE: 10th, 11th, or 12th grade standing with a simple GPA of 3.0 or higher and successful completion of Oral Communication, Introduction to Theatre, or Debate & Public Speaking. To be eligible for college credit, 10th graders must also have signed permission from their counselor and principal.

FUNDAMENTALS OF DEBATE, SPEECH & THEATRE      

Semester - Grades 9-12 (Not an NCAA approved course)

In this course, students will study speech, theatre, and debate to enhances literacy, writing, critical thinking, and oral communication skills. Students will participate in a variety of styles of public speaking, which may include improvisational acting, poetry, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, etc. Students who are MSHSAA eligible will be encouraged to compete in interscholastic tournaments as part of the Pattonville Speech & Debate Team to earn points towards membership in the National Speech & Debate Association Honor Society. This course will satisfy the oral communication graduation requirement. 

PREREQUISITE: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in one of the following: Reading Essentials, English Fundamentals, ELL 3 or 4, or ELL 1 or 2 with teacher recommendation.. 

ADVANCED DEBATE AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

First Semester ONLY - Grades 10-12

In this elective course, students will build on their experiences with competitive speech and debate to grow as confident, effective speakers. Students will learn advanced debate strategies, hone their research skills, and practice extensive speech writing, critical thinking, and organization. Emphasis will be placed on individual objective-setting and critical self-reflection to work toward students’ goals in speech and debate. Extensive participation in interscholastic speech and debate tournaments is required and will be a large portion of the grade for this course. As a result, students must meet minimum eligibility standards for both the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and Pattonville High School. This course will satisfy the Oral Communication requirement. This course may be repeated. 

PREREQUISITE:  Debate & Public Speaking. Must be MSHSAA eligible

ADVANCED DEBATE AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

Full Year - Grades 10-12

Advanced Debate and Public Speaking is an elective class, which teaches advanced techniques of research, analysis, critical thinking, logic, organization, note-taking, listening, speech writing, persuasive speaking, and competitive speech and debate. Extensive participation in interscholastic speech and debate tournaments is required and will be a large portion of the grade. As a result, students are required to meet minimum eligibility standards as prescribed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA) and Pattonville High School. The student may incur minimal expenses related to tournament travel. This course will satisfy the Oral Communication requirement. 

PREREQUISITE:  Debate and Public Speaking or Teacher Approval (3.2 GPA for college credit.) MSHAA eligibility.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION

Full Year - Grade 12

This is a college-level course in composition and rhetoric that prepares students for the AP English Language and Composition exam (though students are not required to take the exam for course credit). The course is skill-intensive and emphasizes skill development over particular content. Students will read widely in nonfiction texts, including speeches, letters, creative nonfiction, opinion pieces, news articles, and anything else that holds some intellectual interest, and many of the texts will be grouped into themes. Themes change with the times and are meant to reflect contemporary social and political issues. Past themes have included race in America, education, the economy, and contemplation. We begin with the premise that clear writing comes only from clear thinking, so we spend lots of time discussing ideas and claims; most of what we read becomes fodder for class discussions, which make up a large part of the course. Frequently students will be at the white boards in groups, mapping out analyses of course readings together. Students will learn how to write rhetorical analyses of nonfiction texts; they will improve their skills at writing arguments; and they will shore up skills at writing synthesis essays using several sources. Students will examine and evaluate norms of civil discourse in a democratic society. Emphasis is on the necessity of paying close attention to what others say before we ourselves take positions.

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher Recommendation

AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE

Semester - Grades 10-12

Students in African American Literature will study and celebrate the rich and diverse literary traditions of African Americans, including their histories, cultures, experiences, and contributions to American literature. This course examines a wide range of literary genres, such as poetry, novels, essays, and autobiographies, written by African American writers from various periods.

PREREQUISITE:  English 1

COLLEGE CREDIT ENGLISH 1900/2250

Full Year - Grade 12

Semester 1: English 1900 is a one-semester course for 12th graders offered through the 1818 Program at St. Louis University. In this course, students will be asked to identify, create, research, design, and publish a rhetorical project. This project, which students will pursue throughout the semester, will grow out of reading and research done both in class and independently. Students will complete various stages of this project that will allow them to intervene productively in a problem or issue they have identified, geared toward a particular purpose, audience, and context.

PREREQUISITE: 3.0 minimum simple GPA and senior standing

Semester 2: CC English 2250 is a one-semester course for 12th graders offered for college credit through St. Louis University that introduces literary study through various theoretical lenses. Students will read a wide variety of genres, including short fiction, novels, poetry, and drama. They will be challenged to analyze texts from multiple perspectives and to interpret multiple meanings through close reading and the application of theoretical frameworks.

PREREQUISITE: 3.0 simple GPA and completion of CC 1900 first semester with a grade of C or higher

COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH 4

1st semester or Full Year - Grade 12

College Preparatory English 4 is designed for students who plan to pursue a post-secondary education. The course consists of instruction in the process and specifications of writing research papers which follow the MLA style of documentation. Students will formulate and develop products to express and communicate their insights and ideas. Students will also read and analyze a variety of texts in order to formulate opinions and generate discussion. Enriching vocabulary will be stressed. Engagement in rigorous coursework is necessary for successful completion of this class.

PREREQUISITE: C or better in both semesters of English 3 or Honors English 3 (or teacher recommendation)

CREATIVE WRITING

Semester - Grades 10-12

Creative Writing is an elective course designed to provide students with the essential skills and techniques needed to write creatively. Students will engage in a range of writing exercises and assignments that will help them develop their writing abilities in different genres. The course will cover the elements of storytelling, poetry, stage drama, and spoken word storytelling. By the end of this course, students will have developed their writing skills and produced many pieces of writing that demonstrate their creativity and progress.

PREREQUISITE:  Teacher recommendation suggested

ENGLISH 4

Semester - Grade 12 (Not an NCAA approved Core Course)

English 4 is a one-semester course that emphasizes practical reading and writing skills to prepare students for the workplace and for living independently. Students will learn to make informed opinions, be good consumers, and explore questions about others, themselves, and their futures.

PREREQUISITE: None

GIFTED HONORS ENGLISH 1 

Full Year - Grade 9

Gifted Honors English 1 is the freshmen English course through which gifted students receive gifted services at Pattonville High School. Like other Gifted Honors English courses at PHS, the course is structured around an interdisciplinary model which acknowledges that not all gifted students are necessarily gifted in language arts. Thus, the course pursues ELA objectives but tries to do so in a way that allows students access to other disciplines such as philosophy, arts, psychology, and history. Likewise, the course provides meaningful opportunities for students to pursue their own interests through personalized research projects and choice book selections. The entire course is focused on helping students learn how to evaluate their own thinking, rather than relying on others to do so for them. Students will create original works to communicate their insights and ideas about the world gained through analysis of nonfiction texts. Students will analyze different types of literature, such as short stories, poetry, and novels, to foster their curiosity and critical thinking skills, and to generate discussion about their role in society. Students also have opportunities to write in various modes, to make class presentations, and to engage in sustained class discussions of complex topics. As students in the gifted program usually seek higher education, grammar and convention instruction focuses on skills that will improve ACT scores.

PREREQUISITE:  Students must qualify for the gifted program based on district requirements.

GIFTED HONORS ENGLISH 2

Full Year - Grade 10

Gifted Honors English 2 is the sophomore English course through which gifted students receive gifted services at Pattonville High School. Like other Gifted Honors English courses at PHS, the course is structured around an interdisciplinary model which acknowledges that not all gifted students are necessarily gifted in language arts. Thus, the course pursues ELA objectives but tries to do so in a way that allows students access to other disciplines such as philosophy, arts, psychology, and history. Likewise, the course provides meaningful opportunities for students to pursue their own interests through personalized research projects. A unit on logic gives students skills applicable to practically any other discipline. The entire course is focused on helping students learn how to evaluate their own thinking, rather than relying on others to do so for them. The course is unified around a few key texts and a unit on Personal Identity which explores philosophical, psychological, and literary attempts to make meaning of the self. Students also have opportunities to write in various modes, to make class presentations, and to engage in sustained class discussions of complex topics. As students in the gifted program usually seek higher education, grammar and convention instruction focuses on skills that will improve ACT scores. 

PREREQUISITE:  Students must qualify for the gifted program based on district requirements.

GIFTED HONORS ENGLISH 3

Full Year - Grade 11

PREREQUISITE:  Students must qualify for the gifted program based on district requirements.

GIFTED HONORS RESEARCH SEMINAR

Semester - Grades  9-12 (Not an NCAA approved Core Course)

Gifted Honors Research Seminar is a course designed for the gifted learner (identified through the Pattonville Gifted Program process) to engage in an intensive, in-depth, long-term investigation of his/her choice, with the possibility to experience an internship or mentorship with a professional in the field of investigation.  Final evaluation will be offered through authentic assessment of national contests, publication of student work, and/or review by an expert in the field; the student’s grade will be based on the research process quality.  This is an elective semester course requiring critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and independent motivation.

PREREQUISITE: Identification as a gifted learner through the Pattonville School District procedures

ENGLISH FUNDAMENTALS

Full Year - Grade 9 (Not an NCAA approved course) 

The ability to understand, recognize, and use a diverse vocabulary of words and language is an essential part of effective communication.

Proper usage and mechanics in writing will facilitate success in all academic areas.

Knowledge and familiarity with a variety of non-fiction enable students to be better life-long readers.

Learning the steps of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing is vital to being successful in high school

PREREQUISITE: Students will be placed in English Fundamentals based on the following criteria:Middle School MAP scores of "below basic" or "basic", AIMS Web scores, reading assessments, writing samples, and/or teacher recommendation

LITERATURE AND FILM CONNECTIONS

Semester - Grades 11-12 (Not an NCAA approved course)

This Communication Arts course offers students the opportunity to explore the connections between literature and film especially those of the same title. They will use literary elements (characterization, plot, setting, tone, mood, point-of-view, etc.) to analyze the cinematic visualization of a story. They will also acquire a basic overview of the role of the director, screenplay, performance, music, editing, and other areas of creativity and how each of these are present in different genres of film. Students will become more knowledgeable and appreciative readers as they "see" & "hear" the stories through the technological application of motion pictures. Students should expect to produce high-level written analyses, to complete extensive out-of-class reading, to accomplish some out-of class film viewing, and to participate in in-class discussions

PREREQUISITE:   Passing grade for four semesters of English

MODERN LITERATURE

Semester - Grades 10-12

Modern Literature is an elective course whose purpose is to encourage or reignite an appreciation for reading by exposing students to a variety of contemporary writers, texts, and genres such as fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and best-sellers, and by providing an opportunity for reader's choice. Students will respond to texts in a multitude of ways and will participate in formal and informal discussions. Modern Literature is also designed to prepare students for college-level humanities courses.

PREREQUISITE:  None

READING ESSENTIALS

Full Year - Grade 9 (Not an NCAA approved course)

This elective course is designed to increase reading comprehension and fluency. The course will focus on building/improving fluency, reading comprehension in fiction and nonfiction texts, and vocabulary development. The course will help foster a confidence and familiarity with reading a variety of texts, thus enabling the student to gain an independence with reading.

PREREQUISITE: Teacher/ Counselor Recommendation, STAR and/or SRI test

SCIENCE FICTION

Semester - Grades 11-12

Science Fiction is an English elective course whose primary focus is the examination of crucial issues in the contemporary world and world of the future. Students will read and interpret classic science fiction/fantasy, discuss, research, report on, and write about, both formally and informally, issues that the literature raises, including those of science, medicine, environment, technology, and ethics. Emphasis is also given to development of student creativity through short story writing and hands on projects. 

PREREQUISITE:  None 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY

Full Year - Grades 11-12 (Not an NCAA approved course)

Advanced Placement Art History enables highly motivated students to study college level art history. Students will gain an understanding of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students examine major forms of artistic expression from pre-history to the present. They will describe, critically analyze, interpret artworks, trace artistic influences, and evaluate art from various aesthetic perspectives. While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, art history emphasizes understanding how and why works of art function in context considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the function and effects of works of art. This study of art history enriches student knowledge in the fields of art, history, and English language arts. No prior experience in art history is needed, but the course requires a strong commitment to academic work. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Art History exam in May to earn potential college credit. The grade for this course is weighted.

PREREQUISITE: Juniors or seniors with a 3.2 GPA or a teacher recommendation should be encouraged to enroll.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY; TEXTS AND DISCOURSE

Semester - Grades 10-12 (Not an NCAA approved course)

This course is an English elective course that challenges students to speak, listen, read, and write about enduring philosophical questions about what we can know, to what extent we have free will, and how we might act morally, among others. Students who enjoy thinking about the big questions in life will enjoy this opportunity to ask big questions, evaluate responses that have been offered in the philosophical tradition, and offer their own responses to those questions. Students will engage in disciplined and focused discussions that call on them to evaluate their own intuitions and world experiences through rational reflection. Students will also have the opportunity to explore philosophical issues on topics of their own choosing. Students will increase skills in logical thinking, critical thinking, and problem solving.

PREREQUISITE: 3.0 GPA

FOOD WRITING

Semester-Grades 10-12 (Not an NCAA approved course)

Food Writing is a course designed for students interested in learning about writing and other media forms related to food. A variety of writing styles and genres will be explored as well as other food related content. Students will survey different types of food writing and try out each category. Students will create a final product using one of the mediums explored during the course in order to demonstrate their understanding of the content. This course will require reading, graphic design, reflection, technical writing, narrative writing, and creative writing. Emphasis will be placed on both practical and/or artistic application of writing skills in a unique area of interest.

PREREQUISITE: None

GRAPHIC NOVELS AS LITERATURE

Semester-Grades: 10-12 

In Graphic Novels As Literature students will read and analyze a variety of graphic texts through a literary lens. In addition to learning about the elements that graphic novelists and illustrators use to convey theme, mood, characterization, etc., students will apply their understanding of literary techniques and elements to the graphic texts we read in class. Students will also experiment with combining graphic text elements and narrative writing to produce their own graphic narrative.

PREREQUISITE: None