English

ENGLISH 9

English 9 is a two-semester, two-credit course that meets the English requirement for all freshmen. Students will engage in a variety of learning activities that adhere to the standards of reading, writing, and speaking. This course provides students with instruction and practice in composing descriptive, narrative, and expository texts. The rules of correct punctuation, usage, improving sentence structure, word choice, style, and voice are reviewed and practiced. In addition, students will gain necessary vocabulary instruction.  

Credits - 2

HONORS ENGLISH 9

9th Grade Literature is a rigorous college prep course with an introduction to humanities and English Language Arts skills necessary to succeed at the high school level and beyond. Students develop critical techniques for reading comprehension, expository writing, note-taking, and discussing complex ideas with peers. Students wrestle with a variety of texts and learn how to argue their ideas in an essay using well-chosen evidence to back up their claims. 

Credits - 2

ENGLISH 10 COMP & ENGLISH 10 - Literacy

English 10 is split up into two one-semester courses. In English 10 - Comp students will focus on reading and composition components of the standards. In English 10 - Literacy students will focus on reading and speaking components of the standards. In both semesters students will be asked to improve the skills necessary to succeed at the high school level while focusing on techniques for reading comprehension, composition, note-taking, discussing complex ideas, and speaking in a classroom setting. 

Credits - 2

HONORS ENGLISH 10

Honors 10 is a rigorous college prep course focusing on the English Language Arts skills necessary to succeed at the high school level and beyond. Students will continue to develop critical techniques for reading comprehension, expository writing, note-taking, and discussing complex ideas with peers. Engaging in research about the insecurities that face our world will push students to think outside of the box on how to go about proposing solutions to help eliminate issues worldwide.  

Credits - 2

After sophomore year students are required to take THREE semesters of core with one semester requirement of an American Lit Course.

ENGLISH CORE CREDIT Options:

AMERICAN LITERATURE - EARLY

Early American Literature is a course that provides students with an understanding of our American literary tradition by exposing them to a chronological study of the literature of our nation from the colonial period through the Civil War. Students read novels, short stories, essays, speeches, and poems by recognized American authors. Essays and short research/analysis papers are written by each student. Students share and demonstrate their understanding of the literature and its historical significance through listening, oral presentations, and writing activities. 

Credits - 1

AMERICAN LITERATURE - MODERN

Modern American Literature is a course that provides students with an understanding of our American Literary tradition by exposing them to a chronological study of the Literature of our nation from post Civil War era to modern-day America. Students read novels, short stories, essays, speeches, and poems by recognized American authors. Essays and short research/analysis papers are written by each student. Students share and demonstrate their understanding of the Literature and its historical significance through listening, oral presentations, and writing activities. 

Credits - 1

AMERICAN SEMINAR (AMERICAN LITERATURE HONORS) T

American Seminar is a two-semester college prep course to fulfill the 11th-grade English requirement. This option is faster-paced and covers a wider range of literature than the Early and Modern American Literature courses. The course provides students with an understanding of our American literary tradition by exposing them to a chronological study of the literature of our nation. Students read novels, short stories, essays, speeches, poems, and nonfiction documents by and about recognized American authors. The course will also improve student writing and speaking skills by responding to and interacting with these texts.
Credits - 2

WORLD LITERATURE - EARLY

Early World Literature is the study of classical fiction reflecting the basic concerns of man through the early ages of civilization. The subject matter is arranged chronologically from mythology to the Renaissance. Works studied will include Greek & Roman Mythology, the Old English epic, Beowulf, and a Shakespearean drama. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of adult literary works in small-group discussions. Students will be expected to complete planned and impromptu analytical writings, give an oral presentation, take quizzes, and complete a project. 

Credits - 1

WORLD LITERATURE - MODERN

Modern World Literature students will read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature from around the world between the late seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. Students will conduct an in-depth analysis of recurrent themes through oral discussion and written compositions. We will also consider the meaning and definition of a “masterpiece.” What is a masterpiece? What makes a masterpiece? Who determines what is called a masterpiece? How has the “reading” of various masterpieces changed over time? 

Credits - 1

AP ENGLISH LIT (SENIORS ONLY)
Advanced English is a rigorous, two-semester course designed to prepare the college-bound senior for college-level English courses and the Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature & Composition examination. The class focuses on helping students perfect their analytical reading & writing skills, as well as fine-tuning their overall communication skills. Students analyze a variety of literary works ranging from poetry to drama, to short stories, to full-length novels. Students write many in-class essays and writing assignments to hone their writing under time constraints. Students write reflectively to further the writing process and prepare for in-class discussions. Students are expected to work independently and collaboratively on a variety of projects throughout the year. 

Credits - 2

COMPOSITION I & II - NIACC  (SENIORS ONLY)
The course develops skills in reading and writing with an emphasis on expository methods of development and personal experience as supporting material. Students may be requested to use computers and other technology. Students must meet minimum competency requirements in writing to receive a grade of C- or higher which is required to enroll in Composition II.

Students must meet proficiency requirements to enroll in this course.

By Approval Only:

Senior Year Plus legislation from the State of Iowa requires all students enrolling in college credit courses to be proficient in reading, math, and science. Once approval is given, students are required to take the NIACC Writing Assessment or have an ACT English score of 16 to officially register for this course.

One semester of an English elective may be taken to meet the 8 credits needed to graduate.  

English Elective Credit Options - 

PUBLIC SPEAKING - NIACC (SENIORS ONLY)

Students will study the theory and practice of public speaking as an intellectual tool for use in argumentation and persuasion in a democratic society. This course prepares the student for a variety of speaking situations, both formal and informal, with an emphasis on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis. 

CREATIVE WRITING

Creative Writing students are given the opportunity to utilize their imaginations creatively through several writing assignments leading to the completion of a semester project: an original short story and a packet of original poetry. To fulfill the eight credits required for graduation students may elect Creative Writing for one semester. 

Credits - 1

JOURNALISM             

Do you enjoy storytelling that involves interviewing, photography, and sharing the stories you uncover with the world? Explore the dynamic world of journalism in this high school course responsible for creating the Riverhawk Press- a schoolwide digital newspaper. In the fall semester, students are introduced to the seven concepts of newsworthiness, press responsibility, ethical reporting, and AP writing. Students will explore the distinct styles and techniques of columnists writing about sports, news, and opinion pieces. The skills gained here focus on interviewing, writing, editing, and photography and are valuable in any career or trade after leaving MCHS. 

Spring Semester students explore podcasting, photojournalism, and video journalism. Opportunities for leadership positions, such as student editor, are encouraged for students demonstrating strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.

Grades - 10, 11, 12

Credits - 1 per semester

(Note: Only one of these two credits can be used as a core credit)

YEARBOOK

Capture memories that last a lifetime in our high school yearbook class! This course produces The Masonian, a 172-page yearbook at MCHS. Gain skills in page design, photography techniques, and editing, as well as copy and caption writing. Students will collaborate to develop a cohesive theme for the publication, ensuring it reflects the unique character and experiences of the school community. This hands-on course emphasizes self-direction, creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail. Opportunities for leadership positions, such as student editor, are encouraged for returning students demonstrating drive and creativity. 

Grades - 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits - 1 credit per semester

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

This course is designed to improve reading skills and establish life-long reading habits. Students are expected to discuss and analyze a variety of required selections of modern fiction and non-fiction  novels, short stories, and drama.

Credits - 1

APPLIED ENGLISH (SENIORS ONLY)

Students will develop skills needed for successful communication and writing in the workplace. Students will focus on the various ways of business communication: public speaking, use of technology, creating effective visual aids and presentations, email etiquette, notices and reminders, professional style of writing to a variety of audiences, as well as honing interview skills. This course is recommended for any student who plans to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation from high school or students who intend to pursue a technical degree/endorsement at a community college. 

Credits - 1