English Language Arts (ELA)
English Language Arts (LA)
Students are required to take four English Language Arts credits including English 1 and English 2. Only one of the following options counts as English credit toward graduation and for only 1.00 credit total: (1) combination of Speech Arts 1 and Journalism 1; (2) Journalism 2; or (3) Journalism 3. The combination of Speech Arts 1 and Speech Arts 2 does NOT count as 1.00 English credit toward graduation. All other credits that count toward the four English credits required for graduation must come from enrollment in other English courses listed in this section.
CCP courses, as noted by CCP at the beginning of the name, allow students to earn credit from both Westerville City Schools and Columbus State Community College while attending class on the high school campus.See pages 24-25 for more information.
English 1
English 1 - LA101
Grade Level: 9
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
English 1 follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized.
Honors English 1 - LA103
Grade Level: 9
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
1.125 Weighted grade
Honors English 1 follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction at a more academically rigorous level than English 1. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized. This course is recommended for students who demonstrate advanced skills in independent reading and writing and are able to engage in critical analysis and discussions inside and outside the classroom. A summer project is required.
EL English 1 - ES151
Grade Level: 9
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
EL English 1 follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. This course is specially designed for and provides accommodations and modifications to meet the needs of English Learners. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized.
EL English 1 Emergent First Course - ES135
Grade Level: 9
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
English 1 Emergent First Course follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. Specially designed for Emergent English Learners, this course provides an adapted pace, accommodations, and modifications to meet the needs of English Learners who have attended U.S. schools for less than one year. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized.
EL English 1 Emergent Second Course - ES145
Grade Level: 10
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Prerequisite: EL English 1 Emergent First Course
English 1 Emergent Second Course follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. Specially designed for Emergent English Learners, this course provides an adapted pace, accommodations, and modifications to meet the needs of English Learners who have attended U.S. schools for less than two years. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized.
English 2
English 2 - LA201
Grade Level: 10
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 1 or Honors English 1
English 2 follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized.
Honors English 2 - LA203
Grade Level: 10
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
1.125 Weighted grade
Recommended: English 1 or Honors English 1
Honors English 2 follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction at a more academically rigorous level than English 2. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized. This course is recommended for students who demonstrate advanced skills in independent reading and writing and are able to engage in critical analysis and discussions inside and outside the classroom. A summer project is required.
EL English 2 - ES201
Grade Level: 10, 11
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: EL English 1
EL English 2 follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts. This course is specially designed for and provides accommodations and modifications to meet the needs of English Learners. Students explore a variety of literary genres from both classical and modern works including fiction and nonfiction. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual, and technological skills are all emphasized.
English 3
Contemporary Literature - LA310
Grade Level: 11
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
Contemporary Literature offers a global approach to literature of the 20th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis and research skills necessary for success in college. Students will write creatively by developing their own poems, stories and essays. Contemporary issues and mature language may be encountered in the readings. This course counts as 1.00 credit toward graduation.
Humanities - LA350
Grade Level: 11
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
Humanities provides an intensive study of literature and composition through its interrelationship with the complementary arts of mythology, philosophy, religion, art and music. Extensive research, reading and writing, and oral participation are required. This course counts as 1.00 English credit toward graduation.
Everyday English Language Arts - LA300
Grade Level: 11
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
Everyday English Language Arts is offered to students who have been recommended by guidance or through teacher recommendations, because they have demonstrated a need for enhanced language arts skills based on ability, performance and initiative. This course emphasizes improvement and development on language arts skills and reading fluency, including but not limited to: vocabulary development, reading and writing skills, and reading comprehension. Reaction to the literature will include both written and oral components as integral parts to this course. This course counts as 1.00 English credit toward graduation. This course is NOT APPROVED by the NCAA for eligibility requirements.
EL Everyday English Language Arts - ES301
Grade Level: 11
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: EL English 2
EL Everyday English Language Arts course follows the Ohio State Standards for English Language Arts, with accommodations and modifications for English Learners provided. This course emphasizes improving and developing language arts skills and reading fluency, including but not limited to, vocabulary development, reading and writing skills, and reading comprehension. Students explore a variety of texts, including adapted texts, fiction, and nonfiction; reaction to the literature will include both written and oral components as integral parts of this course. This course counts as 1.00 English credit toward graduation.
English 4
British Literature/Shakespeare and Composition - LA320
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
British Literature/Shakespeare and Composition surveys literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. It focuses on knowledge and appreciation of the literature as well as on understanding an author’s purpose and writing techniques. Special emphasis is placed on the works of William Shakespeare. Historical and thematic approaches and written literary analysis are also major areas of study. This course counts as 1.00 credit toward graduation.
Comparative Studies - LA330
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
Comparative Studies in Literature and Composition offers a critical view of themes in literature that are mirrored in various texts. Students will read novels, articles, short stories, films, and other texts. Students will also write critical analyses, criticisms, synthesis, research papers, and narratives. Students will identify and interpret artistic elements as well as author/director purpose. This course counts as 1.00 English credit toward graduation. Important: This course is NOT APPROVED by NCAA for eligibility requirements.
Cultural Studies in Literature - LA340
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
Cultural Studies in Literature allows students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the social role of local and global texts through multiple perspectives, as well as to recognize their influences on identity, culture, socioeconomic status, politics, and ideology. Units of study may include topics related to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and other underrepresented voices. This course counts as 1.00 English credit toward graduation.
EL Cultural Studies in Literature - ES340
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: EL Everyday Language Arts
EL Cultural Studies in Literature allows students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the social role of local and global texts through multiple perspectives, as well as to recognize their influences on identity, culture, socioeconomic status, politics, and ideology. Supplemented with accommodations and modifications for English Learners, units of study may include topics related to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and other underrepresented voices. This course counts as 1.00 English credit toward graduation.
African American Literature and Composition LA540
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
The purpose of this course is to develop a sophisticated understanding of the social role of African American texts through multiple perspectives as well as to recognize the influence of African American literature on identity, culture, socioeconomic status, politics, and ideology. Units of study may include topics related to intersections of race with gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, incarceration, and other underrepresented voices.
Elective Courses
Speech Arts 1 - LA401
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Semester, 1 Period
Credit: 0.50
Recommended: English 1 or Honors English 1
Speech Arts 1 introduces students to the fundamental techniques of public speaking that benefit performance and achievement across the curriculum as well as in life outside school. It incorporates reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical viewing to help students communicate more effectively in both formal and informal contexts. Students will study and demonstrate organization and presentation strategies that help inform, persuade and entertain. This course is aligned to grades 11-12 Ohio content standards, although it is offered to grade 10 students. Students earn .50 credit that can be combined with Journalism 1 (0.50 credit) to count as 1.00 English credit toward graduation. See page 32 for more information.
Speech Arts 2 - LA 402
Grade Levels: 11, 12
Course Length: Semester, 1 Period
Credit: 0.50
Recommended: Speech Arts 1
Speech Arts 2 is an advanced course that continues the study of fundamental techniques of public speaking learned in Speech Arts I. It incorporates reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical viewing to help students communicate more effectively in both formal and informal contexts. Students are exposed to a variety of speaking situations in the school and community in order to support their acquisition of skills and confidence needed to address different audiences in a variety of situations. Students will be introduced to debate, group discussion, and formal ceremonial occasions. This course counts as 0.50 elective credit.
Journalism 1 - LA411
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Semester, 1 Period
Credit: 0.50
Recommended: English 1 or Honors English 1
Journalism 1 is for students with an interest in media and journalistic writing as well as various perspectives on American journalism. The historical development of journalism is explored from colonial times to the present. This course focuses on writing, research, oral interpretation, and analytical reading. It also addresses various aspects of newspaper publication. This course is aligned to grades 11-12 Ohio content standards, although it is offered to grade 10 students. Students earn 0.50 credits that can be combined with Speech Arts 1 (0.50 credit) to count as 1.00 English credit toward graduation. See page 32 for more information. An extra-curricular component may be offered with the class.
Journalism 2 - LA412
Grade Level: 11, 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: Journalism 1 & Course Application
Journalism 2 is intended for students who participate in the school newspaper staff. This course has an intense focus on writing, research and analytical reading, resulting in publishable articles. Additional emphasis is given to business management of publications. In-depth individualized instruction advances writing and reading skills. Either successful completion of Journalism 1 or recommendation from the newspaper adviser is required. This course counts as one of three options for 1.00 English credit toward graduation. See page 32 for more information. An extra-curricular component may be offered with the class.
Journalism 3 - LA413
Grade Level: 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
Recommended: Journalism 1, Journalism 2, and Course Application
Journalism 3 is intended for students who participate as on the school newspaper staff. The central core of the curriculum is the intense focus on writing, research and analytical reading, resulting in published articles. In-depth individualized instruction gives students opportunities to improve writing and reading skills. This course counts as one of three options for 1.00 English credit toward graduation. See page 32 for more information. An extra-curricular component may be offered with the class.
Reading Seminar - LA421
Grade Levels: 9, 10
Course Length: Semester, 1 period (with option to repeat to earn a maximum of 1.00 credit)
Credit: 0.50 elective credit
Grade: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory (no letter grade)
Recommended: Assessment data
Reading Seminar focuses on Instruction and learning activities to provide students with support for developing strategies that aid reading of academic and non-academic texts. Assessment data is used to determine student strengths and weaknesses. This data will inform instruction related to comprehension, fluency, vocabulary knowledge, work/study skills and metacognition. The focus of the class is to develop and support empowered readers. This entails (1) developing cognitive reading strategies that aid students in acquiring, retaining, and demonstrating knowledge of academic content and (2) facilitating authentic communities of readers. Students develop understanding and use of “tools” that serve as an addition to the support they receive in content classrooms and are provided with additional opportunities to read high-interest books and to connect with literacy resources.
Second Semester Enrollment
Enrollment in a second semester of this course provides a more intensive focus on practice, application and generalization of strategies that aid comprehension and retention of content-area texts and serves as an addition to support students receive in content classrooms.
Yearbook - LA500
Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00 elective credit
Recommended: Course Application
Yearbook focuses on the process of creating a professionally published book. Using state-of-the-art technology and methods, students will research, report, organize and convey information accurately. Students use communication skills to conduct ad and sales campaigns. Interviewing, copywriting, editing, photography and graphic design are emphasized. The annual yearbook is completed by the end of the course and delivered in early fall. Students should be self-disciplined and able to meet deadlines. This course counts as one elective credit for English Language Arts (LA). An extra-curricular component may be offered with the class.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Courses
Students may earn college credit or advancement in college coursework with qualifying scores on AP and/or IB exams.
AP Language and Composition - LA324
Grade Level: 11, 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
1.25 Weighted grade
Recommended: English 2 or Honors English 2
Approximate cost: $94 for the AP test (optional)
The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods. Writing assignments include rhetorical analysis and argumentative essays that require students to analyze, think critically, and support their ideas with appropriate evidence and clear reasoning. The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum. A summer reading and writing project may be required. This course counts as a 1.00 English credit toward graduation.
AP Literature & Composition - LA364
Grade Level: 11 and 12
Course Length: Year, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00
1.25 Weighted grade
Recommended: AP Language and Composition
Approximate cost: $97 for the AP test (optional)
The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literature and writing curriculum. There are no prerequisite courses for AP English Literature and Composition. A summer reading and writing project may be required. This course counts as a 1.00 English credit toward graduation.
IB Language A1 English HL - IB111H (1st Year) / IB112H (2nd Year)
Grade Levels: 11 and 12
Course Length: 2 Years, 1 Period
Credits: 1.00 per year
1.25 Weighted grade
Recommended: Successful completion of all Ohio State Tests
through the end of sophomore year
Approximate cost: $122 for IB test (required)
Location: Westerville South only
International Baccalaureate English A1 HL is a rigorous two-year course requiring a minimum of 240 hours of classroom time that includes the study of American and World Literature from the IB Prescribed Book List
and the IB Prescribed World Literature List. The course, designed to study literature as a product of art and the author as artist, prepares students to take the IB Language A1 Exam, and requires two world literature assignments an oral presentation and an oral commentary. Students analyze literature in a variety of ways and on a number of levels. The course includes a study of world literature to ensure a global perspective, enabling the student to gain an appreciation of culture, to recognize experiences common to all humanity, to enhance international awareness, and to develop attitudes of tolerance, empathy and respect for others. English A1 HL aims to have the student, through a detailed analysis of written text, gain an appreciation of a range of literature by studying a variety of authors, periods, genres, places, styles, and contexts. By doing so, the student will be able to broaden his/her perspective of other cultures. The student will understand literary critical techniques and relationships between works while developing an enjoyment of literature.
College Credit Plus Courses
College Credit Plus courses allow students to earn credit from both Westerville City Schools and Columbus State Community College while attending class on the high school campus.
CCP English 1100 Composition 1 - LA151
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Semester, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00 and 3 semester college hours
1.25 weighted grade
Prerequisite: Must have intent form on file and meet CSCC placement requirements
English 1100 is a beginning composition course that develops processes for critically reading, writing, and responding to a variety of texts in order to compose clear, concise expository essays. The course facilitates an awareness of the interplay among purpose, audience, content, structure, and style while also introducing research and documentation methods, including digital citizenship. Course reading and writing assignments may be thematically organized by the instructor. Students will be required to attend class 5 days each week as they would with a traditional ELA class. Students will need to enroll in Columbus State Community College (CSCC) to participate. Dual credit will be provided for English 1100 offered at CSCC.
CCP English 2367 Composition 2 - LA251
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Semester, 1 Period
Credit: 1.00 and 3 college semester hours
1.25 Weighted grade
Prerequisite: Must have intent form on file and meet CSCC placement requirements
English 2367 is an intermediate composition course that extends and refines skills in expository and argumentative writing, critical reading, and critical thinking. This course also refines skills in researching a topic, documenting sources, and working collaboratively. Course reading and writing assignments may be thematically organized by the instructor. Students will need to enroll in Columbus State Community College (CSCC) to participate. Dual credit will be provided for English 2367 offered at CSCC.