Department Chair: Mrs. Laura Wilson

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English 9
Prerequisites: None
Grades: 9
Length: Full Year

This course reinforces basic skills in studying, reading various forms of literature, and writing exposition, narration, poetry and other forms of composition. Grammar, vocabulary, and spelling are emphasized. The students will read short novels, a Shakespeare play, and other selections.

English 9 (H)
Prerequisites: Department Approval
Grades: 9
Length: Full Year

This course is designed for ninth-grade students who have met the requirements for the honors class. Its focus is to enable students to read literature and write compositions which are more complex than those required of English 9. Thinking and speaking skills are emphasized through class discussion and oral assignments. Grammar and usage will be addressed as needed.

English 10
Prerequisites: English 9
Grades: 10
Length: Semester

The purpose of this course is to continue to develop those skills introduced in the freshman year and introduce new skills in writing, reading, and thinking. The focus is on specific styles of writing and reading various forms of literature.

Oral Communication
Prerequisites: English 9
Grades: 10
Length: Semester

This course develops the skills of oral interpretation and speech. Students study several rhetorical methods of speech and give a variety of speeches as well as write and give a researched paper/speech.

English 10 (H)
Prerequisites: English 9, Department Approval
Grades: 10
Length: Semester

The course will emphasize world literature and a variety of writing styles. The course will focus on more complex literature and writing than required of English 10. They will also write a research paper.

Oral Communication (H)
Prerequisites: English 9, Department Approval
Grades: 10
Length: Semester

This course develops the skills of oral interpretation and speech. Students study higher level rhetorical methods and give a variety of speeches.

English 11
Prerequisites: English 10
Grades: 11
Length: Full Year

This course is the study of American literature (from pre-colonial times to the present) and composition. The students will continue to refine their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

English 11 (H)
Prerequisites: English 10, Department Approval
Grades: 11
Length: Full Year

This course is the study of American literature (from pre-colonial times to the present) and composition. Students study more complex literature and writing techniques than those in English 11. There is also a summer reading assignment with essay prior to the class. This class is required if the student desires to take the dual-credit class in his senior year.

English 12
Prerequisites: English 11
Grades: 12
Length: Full Year

This course concentrates on World literature from the twentieth century and includes all literary forms and cultural backgrounds. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are incorporated. A research paper is required as well as three formal essays.

Special Materials: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers

English 12 (H)
Prerequisites: English 11 (H), Department Approval
Grades: 12
Length: Full Year

This course is designed to enable the student to receive six hours of college credit through Lewis & Clark Community College. Students study World Literature from the Sumerian to the modern era. They are required to write from several rhetorical methods as well as demonstrate their knowledge of the literature and the cultures studied through a variety of assessments. Three research papers (2 small and 1 ten-page) are required as well as six other essays throughout the year. There is a summer reading assignment prior to the year.

Special Materials: MLA Handbook, The Student Writer, Thinking and Writing about Literature

Journalism 1
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 10-12
Length: Full Year

The course focuses on writing appropriate to mass communication. It will include ethical responsibility, copywriting, editing, photography, layout and design, investigative reporting, feature writing, interviewing and advertising. The class produces the school yearbook and newspaper.

Journalism 2
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 12
Length: Full Year

Students taking a second year of Journalism have an opportunity to fill an editor position. Each editor is in a supervisory position and takes part in some of the grading process. Assignments are given and kept track of by each editor. A head editor is chosen to oversee all of the staff and learn more of the business side of journalism including accounts receivable, accounts payable and correspondence.