English Courses
Students earn four credits of courses in English 9, 10, 11, 12 or an advanced equivalent.
English 9:
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 8
Students analyze the elements of short story, drama, poetry, autobiography, biography, mythology, epic, and nonfiction, and develop an independent reading program. They compose narrative, literary, expository, and technical writings. Each unit of literary study involves increasingly complex texts, with an emphasis placed on the development of written and oral communication. Grammar instruction includes sentence formation, usage, and mechanics; and students develop vocabulary skills through a variety of methods. The skills of using the information management process are used to create a research paper.
Adv. English 9:
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 8 with recommendation
Advanced English 9 focuses on the close reading, analytical writing, and language development skills that have immediate relevance for students and will be essential for their future coursework. Texts take center stage in the Pre-AP English 9 classroom, where students engage in close, critical reading of a wide range of literary and nonfiction works. The course teaches the reader to observe the small details within a text to arrive at a deeper understanding of the whole. It also teaches the writer to focus on crafting complex sentences as the foundation for writing to facilitate complex thinking and communicate ideas clearly. This course meets all of the objectives for the English 9 Standards of Learning.
English 10:
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 9
Students analyze novels, poetry, essays, editorials, science fiction, and non-fiction from a variety of eras and cultures. Students also develop vocabulary and oral communication skills, use the information management process, and study grammar. Grammar instruction emphasizes sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. Compositions in the narrative, expository, analytical, technical, and persuasive modes reinforce skills from the grammar and literature studies. Students develop reading strategies in increasingly complex texts as well as review and expand research skills through completion of a documented paper. Students develop an independent reading program.
Adv. English 10:
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-AP English 9 or with recommendation
Advanced English 10 spotlights the recursive moves that matter in preparing students for the demands of college and career ready reading and writing. This course builds upon the foundational routines of close observation, critical analysis, and appreciation of author's craft learned in Pre-AP English 9. As readers, students develop an awareness of how poets, playwrights, novelists, and writers of nonfiction manipulate language to serve their unique purposes. As writers, students compose more nuanced essays without losing sight of the importance of well-crafted sentences and a sense of cohesion. This course meets all of the objectives for the English 10 Standards of Learning.
English 11:
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 10
Students critically analyze and evaluate relationships among American literature, history, and culture. Analysis of literary themes, movements and genres, vocabulary development, application of the information management process, the study of grammar, and oral communication skills are incorporated into this course. Narrative, analytical, expository, technical, and persuasive compositions reinforce grammar and literature skills. Students develop an independent reading program. Students refine research skills by completing a documented paper addressing a question, problem or issue.
AP Language & Composition
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-AP English 10 or a grade of B or better in English 10, student interest in advanced study, and teacher recommendation
This course in advanced language, literature, and composition is designed for the student who desires the challenge of an advanced English class. Students are expected to master all English 11 performance indicators of the curriculum guide and complete a study of American literature. Critical, analytical, and creative writings concerning fiction and poetry are required. In May, the students take an exam to qualify for advanced standing in college and/or college credit.
English 12:
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 11
Students critically analyze and evaluate relationships among British literature, history and other cultures. Analysis of literary themes, movements and genres, vocabulary development, application of the information management process, the study of grammar, and oral communication skills are incorporated into this course. Through writing narrative, analytical, expository, technical, and persuasive compositions, students reinforce skills studied in the grammar and literature studies. Students develop an independent reading program. Students practice independent research skills through the completion of documented papers.
AP Literature & Composition
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP English 11 or English 11 with grade of B or better, student interest in advanced study, and teacher recommendation
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a senior-level course designed for the student who desires the challenge of an advanced English class. Students are expected to master all English 12 performance indicators of the curriculum guide and complete a study of world literature. Critical, analytical, and creative writing will be required. Specific problems that occur in students’ work will generate the study of grammar and advanced composition skills. In May, the students take an exam to qualify for advanced standing in college and/ or college credit.
English 12 Dual Enrollment:
Prerequisite: English 11 Both ENG 111 and ENG 112 must both be taken to earn credit for English 12.
ENG 111, College Composition I, is a fall semester course that is designed to prepare students for various types of college level writing. The three main goals of the course are to instruct students in the Process of Writing, Expository and Argumentative Writing, and Critical Thinking and Research. Students need a C or better at the end of the first semester to enroll in the second semester course. Students that do not have a C or better will be moved to a non-college-level course to satisfy English 12.
ENG 112, College Composition II, is a spring semester course that continues to prepare students for various types of college level writing focusing on critical essays and argumentation. Students will read, study, research, and respond to a variety of literary texts reflecting the human experience. The four main goals of the course are to instruct students in the Process of Writing, Critical Thinking and Writing, Argument, and Research.