Honors & AP classes give weighted credit. If you are considering signing up for Sophomore Honors English or Junior or Senior Advanced Placement English, make sure you are willing to commit to an accelerated course of study involving much reading, literary analysis, discussion, and high quality writing. Be willing to do the following:
Complete all assignments on time
Produce quality work on every assignment
Exhibit proper behavior and maintain a high percentage attendance record
Willingly and critically read various types of literature. Participate orally in an active and positive manner
Write and think creatively and critically
Be a self-directed learner at all times
Summer reading and writing assignments are also a course expectation. The required readings for these courses are the first unit of study in the class and DUE the 1st day of school in August no matter which term you have the class. Lists of selected readings will be available in late spring.
ENGLISH 9
Grades: 9
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: Required for all freshmen
English 9 is the foundation for students to learn skills in reading comprehension, writing conventions, and the study of literature. The course challenges the student's ability to reason, synthesize research, and develop writing skills that may include: quick writes, reflections, journals, expository and persuasive essays, literary analysis, and research based writing. In addition, the course will study the major genres of writing and their unique components (short story, poetry, novel, drama, and informational texts). Speaking skills are developed through group and class projects and presentations.
ENGLISH 10
Grades: 10
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 9
Sophomore English is a continuation of foundation skills in reading comprehension, written conventions and the study of literature. There is a heightened emphasis on critical thinking and persuasive techniques. Students will learn to engage with the texts through annotation and evaluation. Persuasive writing is re-enforced, and speaking skills are developed through individual and group presentations. The course continues to challenge the students' ability to reason, synthesize research, speak and develop writing skills. In addition, students will continue their study of major genres (short story, poetry, novel, drama, nonfiction and informational texts) with an increased significance on analysis.
ENGLISH 10 HONORS English Honors 10 Info Video
Grades: 10
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 9 - Grade of "A" in English 9 is recommended for appropriate placement
This is an accelerated course following the same details as English 10 but at a faster pace and higher level of performance. Students study and analyze, through writing and speaking activities, a wide variety of literature in the various genres (short story, novel, drama, and informational texts). They are also involved in the organized study of the process of writing including the structures of sentences and word choice. Students will write a variety of paragraphs and essays including: literary argument, synthesis, research, analysis. Students will engage in debating and a mock trial. This course prepares students for AP courses.
NOTE: A summer reading assignment is assigned to aid in successful completion of the class and is the 1st Unit of term.
ENGLISH 11
Grades: 11
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 10
This course combines the study of language and composition, focusing on American literature (short stories, poetry, novel, drama and informational texts) along with an emphasis on expository, synthesis, and research based writing skills. There is also an emphasis on grammar and preparation for the Community College and CA State Univ. entrance exams. Throughout the term, students will read informational texts to exercise rhetorical devices, and they will use literature to explore universal themes. Analysis of such themes is complex as students delve into style, structure, diction and tone in their reading and writing. Through reflective writing, they will strive toward a higher level of critical analysis. As they explore the characters' relationships in society, they will develop a deeper understanding of their own connections to their world. Speaking skills are developed through group and class discussions and formal speeches.
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION AP English 11 Info Video
Grades: 11
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 10 with a recommended "A" grade or "B+" with teacher recommendation; Recommended: Honors English 10 with a "B" or better
This is the preparatory course for the AP Language and Composition exam, which is given by the College Board in May. The focus of the reading in the course is classic and contemporary American literature, including their rhetorical and argumentative features. Students will apply the skills of professional writers to their expository, argumentative and synthesis writing. While students will become confident thinkers and writers, they are also expected to enter the course with a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, discussion and organizational skills. It is intended that enrolled students take the AP exam. A passing score on the College Board AP exam may translate to college credit.
NOTE: A summer reading assignment is assigned to aid in successful completion of the class as it is the 1st Unit of term.
ENGLISH 1A (English 11 or 12 - On site or Online) [Dual Enrollment] English 1A Info Video ONLINE Eng.1A Info Video
ENGL 1A. COLLEGE READING, WRITING, AND RESEARCH
Units: 4
Hours: 72 Lecture
Grades: 11-12
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 10 or 11 with grade "A" or Honors English 10/AP Language "B" or higher; must have high percentage of recorded attendance to comply with Sierra College requirements (**if you pass the AP Lang test with 3-5 score you are not eligible for class)
NOTE: ENGL S: English 1A Support (2 units) may be recommended or required when taking this class
English 1A is about learning to be a critical thinker. Students will learn to read and write about all different types of literature and to apply different critical theories to the reading experience. This course is a college preparatory study of rhetorical, analytical, argumentative and research-based reading, writing, and critical thinking to develop skills necessary for successful completion of a four-year college program. Writing assignments (6,500 words of formal writing) teach students to summarize, explain, analyze, synthesize, and organize information logically and to propose and defend original ideas. Additionally, students will receive instruction in research, MLA documentation and completion of a fully documented paper using multiple sources. (CSU, UC)
Dual Enrollment: Objectives met with a C or better will fulfill Placer High’s graduation requirements, as well as earn students college units to satisfy the English 1A equivalent course requirement.
ENGL 1B. Critical Thinking and Writing About Literature
(ENGL 1B. - ON SITE OR ONLINE [DUAL ENROLLMENT]
Units: 3
Hours: 72 Lecture
Grades: 11-12
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Description: Develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills applicable to the analysis of prose, poetry, drama, and criticism from diverse cultural sources and perspectives. Emphasis on the techniques and principles of effective written argument. 6,500 words of formal writing and some research required. (CSU, UC)
Course Student Learning Outcomes
CSLO #1: Analyze and evaluate literature.
CSLO #2: Evaluate and apply research sources, including literary criticism.
CSLO #3: Construct formal and informal college-level compositions about literature.
Dual Enrollment: Objectives met with a C or better will fulfill Placer High’s graduation requirements, as well as earn students college units to satisfy the English 1A equivalent course requirement.
ENGLISH 12
Grades: 12
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 11
This course is a college preparatory study of rhetorical, analytical, argumentative and research-based reading and writing. Students will learn to annotate fictional and informational texts and identify and apply key components of language for each genre of writing. Students will also be exposed to a range of texts, including articles from credible news sources and contemporary literature. Students will discuss, prepare, and argue their side of a debatable topic utilizing reputable informational texts to synthesize it into a cohesive argument. Reading, writing and speaking skills in this course are structured to prepare students for the California Community Colleges and CA State University expectations. Additionally, a unit on professionalism teaches students how to prepare a professional portfolio of a resume, cover letter, and more to help prepare them for careers after high school.
AP ENGISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION AP Lit Info Video
Grades: 12
Graduation Requirement: English
A-G: B
Prerequisite: English 11; Recommended: English 11 with "A" or better or A.P. English 11 with "B" or Better
Senior AP English is a freshman level college class with college level expectations. It is a study of literature and composition with an emphasis on contemporary, as well as classic poetry and prose. The term is devoted to a critical analysis of British and Western literature, literary criticism, and expository and research-based writing. Students are required to have a thorough grounding and a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, discussion and analytical thought. It is assumed that students intend to take the AP exam in May.
NOTE: A summer reading assignment is assigned to aid in successful completion of the class as it is the 1st Unit of term.
ACADEMIC LITERACY
Grades: 9-11
Graduation Requirement: Elective
A-G: No
Prerequisite: Counselor Placement or Placement Test Identification
Academic Literacy is a course designed to accelerate students' literacy levels. This class utilizes the common core aligned READ 180 program and includes rigor, writing, cross-discipline, nonfiction, and independent practice with texts to ensure that struggling readers have an explicit and accelerated path to college and career readiness. Academic Literacy directly addresses individual student needs through rotations in instructional computer software, high-interest literature, and teacher-led instruction in small groups. A grade level English class will also be taken either concurrently with Academic Literacy -or- in the following term.
This class cannot be taken in place of a core English class.
MYTHOLOGY Mythology Info Video
Grades: 10-12
Graduation Requirement: Elective
A-G: G
Prerequisite: Passing grade in English 9
When the word mythology is mentioned, most individuals think only of the ancient cultures and gods and goddesses. Many do not realize that areas of mythology are embedded in much of what we watch and read today. Whether it is a hero battling the forces of evil, wizards conjuring spells, or supernatural forces and symbols aiding the discovery of something in our modern day society, we are exposed to mythology on a regular basis. This college preparatory elective focuses on the belief systems of different cultures. We will explore the various myths, legends, sagas, and folk tales associated with the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Norse and the tales of the British Isles. We will study how these fundamentals carry over today in novels, films and everyday life. We will also explore the themes, such as the hero motif, which are noted as being a common thread throughout all cultures. The course is also structured to be fun, informative and to help students become confident, competent writers and readers.
This class cannot be taken in place of a core English class.