2011-2012 High School Course Descriptions
English/Language Arts
English/Language Arts I *
1.0 CreditEnglish/Language Arts I (9th grade) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and usually include the four aspects of languages: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Typically, these courses introduce and define various genres of literature, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.
Freshmen English for Young Men
1.0 CreditYoung men and their literacy is the focus of this course. This non-traditional, online class sends young men on a hero's journey to find their strengths in active reading, composition, communication, and group dynamics. Highlights of the class include choice in reading material and presentation methods. Through a variety of different literary genres and approaches to critical reading and writing, boys will cover all the elements of English 9 in a unique, online environment. This course is aligned to 9th grade English CAP documents. Freshman English for Young Men is available for both male and female students.
English/Language Arts II (10th grade) *
1.0 CreditEnglish/Language Arts II (10th grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.
English/Language Arts III (11th grade) *
1.0 CreditEnglish/Language Arts III (11th grade) courses continue to develop students’ writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.
English/Language Arts IV (12th grade) *
1.0 CreditEnglish/Language Arts IV (12th grade) courses blend composition and literature into a cohesive whole as students write critical and comparative analyses of selected literature, continuing to develop their language arts skills. Typically, students primarily write multi-paragraph essays, but they may also write one or more major research papers.
* NCAA Approved Core Course