English

AMERICAN SEMINAR - 100591

American Seminar is a two-semester college prep course to fulfill the 11th grade English requirement. This option has a faster pace and covers a wider range of literature as compared to English 11. 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

Grade - 11


AP ENGLISH LIT - 100581

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 story, to full-length novels. Students write many in-class essays and writing assignments to hone writing under time constraints. Students write reflectively to further the writing process and prepare for in-class discussion. Students are expected to work independently and collaboratively on a variety of projects throughout the year.

Credits - 2

Grade - 12


Composition 1 - NIACC - 811883

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 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.

Credits - 1

Grade - 12


Composition 2 - NIACC - 812253

Prerequisite: ENG-105 Composition I or ENG-102 Composition and Speech I with a grade of C- or higher. As a continuation of ENG-105 Composition I, the course emphasizes argumentative and persuasive writing, research methods, and language. Students may be requested to use computer programs and watch videos. Students must meet minimum competency requirements in writing to receive a grade of C- or higher. (45-0-0-0) Equivalent to 30-102, ENGL-102, ENGL-105, ENG-103.

Requisites:

Complete ENG-105. Students must have earned a grade of C- or higher in Composition I or Composition and Speech I before enrolling in Composition II. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

By Approval Only:

Senior Year Plus legislation from the State of Iowa requires all students enrolling in college credit courses 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.

Credits - 1

Grade - 12


ENGLISH 10 - 100244

This course is a two semester class that meets the English requirement for sophomore students. English 10 will help students sharpen the essential skills they need for success. Reading, writing, speaking & listening, grammar, and vocabulary will be major components of each course. Genre instruction and writing will allow students to explore topics from many different angles and use mentor texts to strengthen their writing. Every unit features a diverse mix of captivating fiction and nonfiction selections all connected by a common topic. Social, active, and student-owned learning activities foster a culture of collaboration. Course work will increase academic performance and encourage students to be lifelong learners.

Credits - 2

Grade - 10


ENGLISH 10 HONORS - 100247

This rigorous honors course is a two semester class that meets the English requirement for sophomore students. An integrated approach to the language arts is used in designing learning opportunities to enhance all modes of communication appropriate for both career and college situations. Students in this honors course will go more in-depth with the modes of communication and will be required to apply higher order thinking skills throughout the course. A major assessment is the completion of the World Food Prize research paper. By writing this paper students have the opportunity to attend the Iowa Youth Institute in Ames and earn a small scholarship to Iowa State University.

Credits - 2

Grade - 10


ENGLISH 11 - 100344

English 11 will help students sharpen the essential skills they need for success. During the student’s junior year emphasis will be on American Literature. Reading, writing, speaking & listening, grammar, and vocabulary will be major components of each course. Genre instruction and writing will allow students to explore topics from many different angles and use mentor texts to strengthen their writing. Every unit features a diverse mix of captivating fiction and nonfiction selections all connected by a common topic. Social, active, and student-owned learning activities foster a culture of collaboration. Course work will increase academic performance and encourage students to be lifelong learners.

Credits - 2

Grade - 11


ENGLISH 12 - 100426

English 12 will help students sharpen the essential skills they need for success. During the student’s senior year the emphasis will be on British Literature. Reading, writing, speaking & listening, grammar, and vocabulary will be major components of each course. Genre instruction and writing will allow students to explore topics from many different angles and use mentor texts to strengthen their writing. Every unit features a diverse mix of captivating fiction and nonfiction selections all connected by a common topic. Social, active, and student-owned learning activities foster a culture of collaboration. Course work will increase academic performance and encourage students to be lifelong learners. In addition to the literature study students will complete a Capstone Project. With this project students will research a topic of their choosing, present their findings in a formal written research paper, and then create a presentation for community members to evaluate.

Credits - 2

Grade - 12


ENGLISH 9 - 100071

English 9 will help students sharpen the essential skills they need for success. Reading, writing, speaking and listening, and vocabulary will be major components of each course. Genre instruction and writing will allow students to explore topics from many different angles and use mentor texts to strengthen their writing. Every unit features a diverse mix of captivating fiction and nonfiction selections all connected by a common topic. Social, active, and student-owned learning activities foster a culture of collaboration. Course work will increase academic performance and encourage students to be lifelong learners.

Credits - 2

Grade - 9


ENGLISH 9 HONORS - 100085

English 9 Honors is a two-semester, two-credit course that meets the English requirement for all freshmen. Students will focus on the power of the individual in society through the study of advanced American and world literature. Students will also develop critical techniques for reading comprehension, expository writing, note-taking,and discussion of complex ideas. Students wrestle with a variety of non-fiction and fiction, and learn how to argue ideas in five-paragraph essays using evidence. A summer assignment will be required.

Credits - 2

Grade - 9


PUBLIC SPEAKING - NIACC - 807993 - ENGLISH ELECTIVE

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. (45-0-0-0)


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 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.

Credits - 1

Grade - 11, 12

English Course Sequence