OUR SCHOOL
DEPARTMENTS
Skip to content
ENGLISH I
This freshman requirement finalizes formal grammar study with application of grammar skills through writing. Writing is focused on the paragraph but includes some longer papers using narrative, explanatory, and argumentative modes. Character education units include further real world studies. Literary studies include a variety of non-fiction, novels, short stories, drama, and poetry.
PRE-AP ENGLISH I
This Pre-AP class is for college-bound students. In expanded study of English, critical thinking skills are applied to reading, writing, and analysis. Students read a variety of American and World literature in non-fiction, novels, short stories, drama, and poetry. With focus on the writing process, students write paragraphs and refine essay writing skills for narrative, explanatory, and argumentative modes.
ENGLISH II
This sophomore level course emphasizes writing and World literature. Students concentrate on paragraphs and the essay form. The writing process allows students to write narrative, explanatory, and argumentative modes. Literary studies include a variety of non-fiction, novels, short stories, drama, and poetry.
PRE-AP ENGLISH II
This Pre-AP course is for college-bound students. Students meet challenges in reading, writing, and analysis. Through a wide selection of literary genre, serious class discussion, and a great variety of written assignments, students use critical thinking skills. Included are studies of American and world writers.
ENGLISH III
This junior English requirement delves further into composition and emphasizes American literature. Students study grammar as it applies to their writing with processes focused on narrative, explanatory, and argumentative essays. A documented paper is required in this course. Literary studies include an assortment of short stories, drama, and poetry.
AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
This AP course is a college-level class, the fifth course in the AP English Vertical Plan. Major emphasis is given to the writing process and description, narration, exposition, literary analysis, and rhetorical analysis. The course requires documented literary and argumentative essays. Literary focus emphasizes American authors as well as some world and British authors.
ENGLISH IV
This senior English requirement emphasizes composition and British and Western literature. Students write literary analyses using the writing process and study grammar only as it applies directly to their own writing. A documented essay is required in this course. Literary studies include an assortment of short stories, drama, and poetry, etc.
AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
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.
COMPOSITION I / II
This English requirement emphasizes British and Western literature while also fulfilling the South Ark requirements for Composition I and II. Literary studies include an assortment of short stories, drama, and poetry; students will compose literary analyses using the writing process and study grammar. In addition, students will complete five composition essays during the fall semester and a ten-page documented research paper during the spring semester.
LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION I / II
Literature I is an introduction to Western literature; sampling of major masterpieces from the early Greeks to A.D. 1600. Emphasis on historical context, literary analysis, and critical writing.
Literature II is an introduction to Western literature with selections of works from 1660 to the present. Emphasis on historical context, literary analysis and critical writing.
AP SEMINAR
This AP course is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances.
AP RESEARCH
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
This Freshman / Senior course deals with all four strands of the language arts communication skills but focuses on speaking and listening. These skills are taught through student experiences in nonverbal communication, public speaking, group discussion, interviews, etc.
DRAMA LITERATURE
An introductory course in dramatic literature, theatre history, and theatre as a collaborative art form. Text-based course with a great deal of reading, writing, and viewing plays with oral presentation included.
FILM AS LITERATURE
This junior and senior level elective course explores film as literature in its script, its composition, and its cinematography. Students will analyze some of America’s most celebrated films as well as modern works, evaluate film criticisms, compose thesis-driven essays through literary theorists’ lenses, and apply prior academic knowledge, such as characterization, imagery, symbolism, conflict, etc.
Summer Reading Information
Grade | Reading Selection |
|---|---|
10th Grade | |
11th Grade / AP Lang | |
12th Grade | |
World Lit | |
Composition | |
AP Lit |
If you do not see your course listed or have any other questions, please email Brady McDuffie - brady.mcduffie@esd-15.org