Core Gr 10 Language Arts Courses
English 10 is a two-semester course that builds upon and improves students’ writing, reading, speaking/listening, language and research skills as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grade 10. Students read literary and informational texts; write essays in the informative/explanatory, argumentative and narrative modes; and participate in individual and group speaking/listening activities and research projects. Independent reading is a requirement.
Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 2-4 hours CADR/NCAA
See the course description for English 10. In addition, Honors English 10 introduces persuasive techniques in both reading and writing. Students analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in both nonfiction and fiction texts and they apply these elements to a variety of writing projects. While learning to manage language at a college level, students develop skills in collaboration and communication that are useful in both career and college-ready pursuits. Summer review or homework required for this course.
Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 5 hours CADR/NCAA
Language Arts Electives
Are you interested in the Entertainment Industry? Are you passionate about Video Production? Do you love acting? Are you a writer who wants to see your story come alive? In this class you will have the opportunity to perform all of those activities while learning the skills of screenwriting for your audience. In this one semester class, you will be introduced to working with: Intention and Obstacle, Developing Characters, Story Ideas, Research, The Rules of a Story, Formatting, Interviewing, Film Story Arc, 3-Act Structure, Scene Case Studies, Dialog, Plot Points, Endings & Beginnings, The Outline, Writing Habits and more. Then, you will see your work played out on the big screen!
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None
Course Video: bit.ly/3aupWy6
This course allows students to explore all aspects of the journalism field from articles to video news. This class is project and production based allowing students to investigate and report on issues that impact the community and school. Students will create articles to be published on the Tahoma News website. Students will also further develop news broadcasts and podcasts on subjects that entertain and inform a real-world audience. This course is repeatable for credit.
Length: Year-long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 2-3 hours
Course Video: bit.ly/3pP2JNm
Storytellers have long used science fiction as a vehicle for exploring the future consequences of present realities and encouraging us to think critically about the decisions we make and the world in which we live. As we explore science-fiction literature ranging from nonfiction, short stories, novels, and comics to television shows, films, and video games, we will examine how, in science-fiction literature, the future is now.
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 2-4 hours CADR/NCAA
Course Video: bit.ly/2LbdhYa
Public Speaking Without Fear is a one-semester course that builds confidence in public speaking situations for various audiences. Presentation skills, using PowerPoint and Prezi, are emphasized in formal and informal situations. Students must genuinely want to improve their ability and be willing to engage in constructive criticism. This is an excellent preparation for STEP oral boards. This course is NOT for competitive speaking; students only speak in front of the class.
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-10 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None CADR/NCAA
Course Video: bit.ly/2YCXwfI
This is a semester course designed to develop skills in competitive debate and individual speaking events. Open to students interested in improving their public speaking skills and developing an understanding of structured argumentation. Specific areas covered include: oratory, expository, and impromptu speaking; memorized interpretations; Public Forum Debate and Congressional Debate; Cross-Age Teaching. Meets high school English requirements, but not all college English entrance requirements. Students seeking Speech and Debate competition may join the club.
Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Language Arts Elective Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR/NCAA
AP Seminar allows students to explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues in subject areas of personal interest. Students work in teams to develop research questions. They analyze articles, research studies and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts and personal accounts; and experience artistic works and performances. Throughout the year, students synthesize information, develop their own perspectives in research-based essays and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a group, all of which account for 55% of the AP exam score. The remaining 45% of the score is the result of student performance on the AP exam administered in May. In addition to earning high school credit, students can receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam.
Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: Students must have scored a 3 or 4 on the English/Language Arts SBAC, OR 10th graders concurrently enrolled in English 10 or Honors English 10 Homework hours per week: 4-6 hours CADR/NCAA