English Department

English 9

Grade Level:   ■ 9  □ 10   □ 11  □ 12

One Year:  10 credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “b”

In this introductory course to high school English course offerings, students will continue to study traditional areas of English, such as grammar, composition, literature, vocabulary and spelling. Students will be introduced to common approaches to understanding and discussing literary elements through the study of short stories, mythology and novels. Any student receiving a grade of D or lower may enroll in English Edge.

English 10

Grade Level   □ 9  ■ 10  □ 11  □ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “b”

World Literature will involve a genre approach to literature, including short stories and literature from around the world during different time periods.  Students will continue the study of grammar, composition, literature and vocabulary.  They will learn dictionary and library skills that will be put to use in writing papers and/ or speeches.

English 11

Grade Level  □ 9  □ 10  ■ 11 □ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “b”

English 11 will involve the study of the outstanding American authors from Puritan times to the present and their contributions to a changing America. Compositions will be focused upon the readings and will encourage students to learn to evaluate the world around them.  Vocabulary will also pertain to the readings.

AP English Language and Composition

Grade Level  □ 9  □ 10  ■ 11 □ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “b”

AP English Language and Composition is a college level course designed to prepare students for the challenges of college English and the AP English Language and Composition Exam. The course follows the curricular requirements as outlined in the College Board AP English Course Description. Through reading and writing students will learn to analyze rhetorical contexts, writer’s purposes, reader expectations, genre conventions and resources of language.  Readings will be primarily from novels, short stories, news articles, critical essays and political treatises.  Students entering an AP course should possess fundamental skills in inquiry, analysis and informed argument. Students are enrolled in the course based on previous grades, test scores and teacher recommendations. It is expected that students will take the AP Exam and seek college credit, college placement, or both from institutions of higher education.

CSU Expository Reading and Writing

Grade Level  □ 9  □ 10  □ 11  ■ 12

One Year:  10 credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “b”

CSU ERWC (Expository Reading and Writing Course) is a college preparatory, rhetoric-based English language arts course for grade 12 designed to develop academic literacy (advanced proficiency in rhetorical and analytical reading, writing, and thinking).

AP English Literature and Composition

Advanced Placement

Grade Level  □ 9  □ 10  □ 11  ■ 12

One Year:  10 credits

Prerequisite:  Completion of English 11H with a “B” or higher and teacher recommendation.

UC/CSU: “b”

AP English Literature and Composition is a college level course designed to prepare students for the challenges of college English and the AP English Literature and Composition Exam. The course follows the curricular requirements as outlined in the College Board AP English Course Description. Selections from American and World Literature are used as facilitators for formal literary analysis, writing, and discussion. The Socratic Method of discussion will be utilized to promote in depth critical thinking, internalization, and evaluation of selected literature. Analytical responses, notebook entries, and subjective writings are required along with in-class timed essays, formal essays, and research papers that utilize the writing process. Formal writing assignments comprised predominantly of analytical, argumentative/persuasive, expository, and research based writings.  The evaluation and study of writing includes a focus upon the development of writing style (diction, syntax, figurative language and mechanics) grounded with the structural requirements of each particular form of writing. It is expected that students will take the AP Exam and seek college credit, college placement, or both from institutions of higher education.

English Edge

Grade Level   ■ 9  ■ 10  ■ 11 ■ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:   Placement based on CELDT scores, CAASPP scores, grade in English course and/or teacher recommendation.

English Edge will focus on phonology, morphology, grammar, spelling, speaking, reading and writing at students’ levels.  Students will study composition, literature and vocabulary with the goal of improving English language skills.