12th Grade ELA

Science Fiction & Literature - ENG207

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  

Film as Literature - ENG401

Film as Literature develops students’ abilities to critically read and respond to cinema and to understand and critique the choices directors and other artists make to convey meaning to audiences. Work includes genre and director/auteur studies, like film noir and Alfred Hitchcock. Students gain a richer awareness of cinematic contributions vital to our culture. Evaluations include daily written work, participation, midterm essay and test and a final presentation.  

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None CADR

Course Video: bit.ly/3jdP7c8 

Speech and Debate - ENG412

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

Monster Archetypes in Literature - ENG417

Monsters have held a prominent place in literature since the earliest recorded history-from Hydra to Grendel to more contemporary monsters such as vampires and zombies.  This course seeks to explore why we tell these stories and analyze how monsters are used as archetypes in literature.  We will study short stories, film, and classic novels and will engage in civil discussions, written papers, and projects to explore the psychology and sociology of fear as well as the monster’s role in passing on cultural norms.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: Completion of English 10 or equivalent

Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR/NCAA Course Video: bit.ly/3UH9i7d 

Modern American Myths - ENG421

Modern American Myths focuses on identity and cultural expression in America primarily through the lens of the superhero genre. Students explore comics as sequential art and visual storytelling using the ideas from Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud. Students examine the social history of the early 20th Century, reflect on what it meant to be American and how this mirrors the rise and evolution of the graphic novel. Students analyze various literary tropes and apply advanced ethical and literary theory to texts such as Alan Moorre's The Killing Joke and Watchmen. They also must analyze graphic novels of their choice. Grades are based on discussion, presentation and writing.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR/NCAA

Course Video: bit.ly/3a5iSYq 

Comedic Literature - ENG436

Students will seek to embrace the funny side of life by exploring comedic fiction and non-fiction. The course will provide students the opportunity to explore how comedy shapes our worldview and cultural landscape, while also learning the answer to the age-old question: why did the chicken cross the road? Comedic literature provides students opportunities to write and perform in a variety of mediums, from satire to stand-up in a course that seeks to understand what makes us all laugh.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None CADR/NCAA

Course Video: bit.ly/3m2MUWn 

AP Seminar - ENG554/555

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 may receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details.  

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: Credit earned in English 10 or 10th graders concurrently enrolled in English 10 or Honors English 10 Homework hours per week: 4-6 hours CADR/NCAA

Gr 12 Language Arts Courses - Writing

Screenwriting 1 - ENG118

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

Journalism: Broadcast and Production - ENG121/122

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 

Creative Writing - ENG406

Creative Writing is a one-semester elective covering all of the steps of the writing process while working in writing and editing groups. The course focuses on Memoir, Poetry, Fiction and Creative Nonfiction. Evaluation is based on class writing assignments, writing group participation and portfolio entries.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None CADR/NCAA

Course Video: bit.ly/3aBqjai 

Comedic Literature - ENG436

Students will seek to embrace the funny side of life by exploring comedic fiction and non-fiction. The course will provide students the opportunity to explore how comedy shapes our worldview and cultural landscape, while also learning the answer to the age old question: why did the chicken cross the road? Comedic literature provides students opportunities to write and perform in a variety of mediums, from satire to stand-up in a course that seeks to understand what makes us all laugh.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: None CADR/NCAA

Course Video: bit.ly/3m2MUWn 

Gr 12 Language Arts Courses - Advanced Writing

Advanced Composition - ENG405

Advanced Composition is a semester-long course that prepares college-bound students for the demands of academic writing, and research, with an emphasis on transforming their writing approach. Students are challenged to move beyond routine habits, developing a deeper awareness of their writing process, environments, and personal voice. By closely analyzing the stylistic choices made by themselves and others, students refine their techniques and identify those they wish to adopt or avoid. The course focuses on written papers, daily work, and participation, aiming to fundamentally reshape students' perspectives on writing.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 3-5 hours CADR/NCAA

UW ENGL 131/English Comp: Exposition - ENG500

University of Washington Course: This course understands writing as a social action and emphasizes language as tied to identity, culture and power. Students' diverse language resources, knowledge and goals are centered and provide a starting point as they learn to engage writing, reading, research and rhetorical skills to compose ethically, critically and impactfully across different contexts, audiences and genres both within and beyond the university. Topics and projects vary in English 131, which engages various texts and contexts to teach writing, including personal, public, academic, workplace, popular and community genres and settings. Students must earn a 2.0 or higher to receive the UW Composition credit. Notes from Tahoma: Students who register for UW English Composition: Exposition (ENG 131) and earn a 2.0 grade or higher, can earn 5 college credits, transferable to most public and private colleges and universities. This course fulfills most college campuses' basic writing requirement.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 3-5 hours CADR/NCAA

Course Video: bit.ly/3oE1IXe 

UW ENGL 111/English Comp: Literature - ENG501

University of Washington Course: This course understands writing as social action and emphasizes language as tied to identity, culture and power. Students' diverse language resources, knowledge and goals are centered and provide a starting point as they learn to engage writing, reading, research and rhetorical skills to compose ethically, critically and impactfully across different contexts, audiences and genres both within and beyond the university. Topics and projects vary in English 111, which engages literature (novels, film, poems, short stories, narrative, graphic novels, memoir, etc.), among other texts and contexts, as a vehicle for teaching writing. Students must earn a 2.0 or higher to receive the UW Composition credit. Notes from Tahoma: Students who register for UW English Comp: Literature (ENG 111) and earn a 2.0 grade or higher, can earn 5 college credits, transferable to most public and private colleges and universities. This course fulfills most college campuses' basic writing requirement.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 3-5 hours CADR/NCAA

Course Video: bit.ly/3oE1IXe 

EWU ENG101 - ENG510

Eastern Washington University Course: Provides opportunities for students to develop and enhance their written communication skills. Stresses the organization, development and support of ideas and perspective in exposition and argumentation as public discourse, familiarization with library resources and application of the rules and conventions of standard American English. Notes from Tahoma: Students who want to register for credit from Eastern Washington University must meet the university's academic prerequisites and complete the registration process in order to earn 5 college credits upon successful completion of this course. English 101 is part of the Washington 45 list of courses transferable to any public, and most private, college or university in Washington State.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11, 12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 4-6 hours CADR/NCAA

EWU ENG201 - ENG511

Eastern Washington University Course: Stresses research skills, analytical writing, logic and other skills necessary to comprehend, synthesize and respond intelligently to academic discourse. Practices source evaluation and documentation across the disciplines. A special study unit emphasizing effective use of library resources is included. Notes from Tahoma: Students who want to register for credit from Eastern Washington University must meet the university's academic prerequisites and complete the registration process in order to earn 5 college credits upon successful completion of this course.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11, 12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: Credit Earned in EWU ENG 101 Homework hours per week: 4-6 hours CADR/NCAA

AP Seminar - ENG554/555

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 may receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details.  

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Language Arts Prerequisites: Credit earned in English 10 or 10th graders concurrently enrolled in English 10 or Honors English 10 Homework hours per week: 4-6 hours CADR/NCAA

AP Research - ENG556/557

Public Speaking Without Fear - ENG211

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 

AP English Literature & Composition - ENG352/353