English Courses
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1.0 Credit
Course Description: "The Ultimate Odyssey" - In this course, you
will enter a new environment full of challenging and exciting opportunities.
Through literature and writing we will examine the journey of self-discovery
called life. Fasten your seat belts. The journey is about to begin.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of ninth grade English. 1.0 Credit
Course Description: "Part II of the Journey" - In this course, we
will open the window to the world. Through literature and writing we will study
other cultures and ourselves. You will journey to areas that will stretch your
mind and ability. Enjoy!
INTEGRATED SOPHOMORE ENGLISH AND WORLD HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY
OR HONORS SOPHOMORE ENGLISH AND HONORS WORLD HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY
Grade 10
1.0 Credit Social Studies
1.0 Credit English
Prerequisite for Integrated: Successful completion of ninth grade English
Prerequisite for Honors: Teacher recommendation
This course is a two semester study of world history/geography
and literature from the French Revolution to the present which focuses on "change."
The course increases time management skills, learning styles awareness, creative
thinking, as well as analysis and synthesis of ideas in a cooperative environment.
This course meets the tenth grade English requirement and provides a social
studies elective credit. It is recommended for students planning on attending
college, and it will satisfy the Colorado University geography requirement for
admission to the College of Arts and Sciences.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the appropriate sophomore English class.
.5 Credit
Course Description: Take part III of the journey through American literature
and rub shoulders with the rich and famous; meet eccentrics, murderers, mobsters,
runaway teens and famous dreamers. Learn to express yourself through writing,
discussing and designing creative projects. Enhance your vocabulary, study skills
and command of grammar to prepare yourself for the competitive world community.
INTEGRATED JUNIOR ENGLISH/MODERN AMERICA
Grade 11
Prerequisite: Successful completion of sophomore English 1.0 Credit English
1.0 Credit Social Studies
This combined, year-long course explores myths and realities as history comes
alive in American literature. Two teachers team their expertise to provide the
students with a wide range of learning opportunities. Critical reading and thinking,
varied writing assignments, dramatic simulations and field trips make this class
a unique education experience for both the college-bound and non-college bound
student. During the second semester, students also practice techniques for taking
the ACT college entrance test.
JUNIOR ENGLISH
HONORS Grade 11
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation 1.0 Credit English
1.0 Credit Social Studies
Course Description: This integrated American literature and history class is
available for the honors student who is seeking a truly rigorous course. Unique
learning experiences such as horseback riding during the frontier unit and a
1920s Gatsby ball accompany intense, college-level reading, thinking, writing,
discussion and dramatic simulations. As well as preparing the student for the
ACT college entrance test, this team-taught class also provides practice for
the optional Advanced Placement Composition and Language and American History
tests in the spring.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS* Grade
11
.5 English Elective Credit .5 Credit
Fee: $4.00
Prerequisite: Computer Applications (may be taken concurrently). This course
and CDT are required for entrance into the BOE Program.
Course Description: This course is designed to improve the communication skills
of students across the curriculum through a comprehensive unit in technical
writing. Technical writing is then integrated into telecommunications,
leadership and teamwork skills. The goal of the class is to expand and improve
the students' communication skills, specifically written, presentation, and
interpersonal skills. The students will also create their own EMPLOYABILITY/COLLEGE
PORTFOLIO. Computer fee.
PRACTICAL READING AND WRITING Grade
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: ONLY students who have not passed the reading/writing
proficiency. .5 Credit
Course Description: If you need some encouragement to improve your basic reading
and writing skills before graduation, you belong in this class. This course
focuses on practical reading skills needed to survive in any career: reading
comprehension, vocabulary and study skills. The focus will be on reading to
learn and enjoying both reading, writing, and learning. Make the reading-writing
connection.
MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE/SCIENCE FICTION
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: "This is a most excellent adventure" that even
Bill and Ted would enjoy! Become a part of a quest that ancients and futurists
alike take. From Ulysses to Luke Skywalker, this is a journey into the strange
and unknown that includes one-eyed monsters, flying flesh eaters, beautiful
maidens, and countless other amazing characters. Learn how cultures from Alaska
to Zaire explain the unexplainable!
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: Cultural Voices is a literature-based journey through the
rich array of voices from our national communities. In this course the students
and instructor will explore, discuss, and analyze the works of various races,
ethnicity, social classes, and exceptional populations. Using a thematic approach,
the students will read poetry, short stories, plays, novels, and essays, as
well as review films and other forms of artistic expression. By engaging in
the various texts, the student will evaluate and appreciate contemporary cultural
classics and draw connections between personal experiences and cultures other
than their own.
SHORT STORIES, PAPERBACKS AND PERIODICALS
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: Read popular short stories, enjoy paperback novels and
analyze modern newspapers in this practical class designed for non-college bound
students wanting to refine skills useful in the adult world. Students will participate
in a number of creative projects designed to improve reading, writing and discussion
skills.
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: Do you want to improve your higher level reading skills:
reading rate, critical reading and even technical reading? Then this course
is for you. Learn a variety of reading strategies that will help you in the
job market or the college world. Consider working on vocabulary skills that
will improve your performance on the ACT and other tests.
COMPOSITION FOR THE COLLEGE BOUND
Grades 12
Prerequisite: Junior English .5 Credit
Course Description: This course provides invaluable experience for high school
students desiring to practice the level of thinking and writing expected at
the college level. Students will polish skills through writing a literary analysis,
the formal and informal essay, the essay exam, and may choose their own stimulating
topics for the research paper. The student will also develop the organizational
and time management skills so vital for college survival. In addition, aspects
of grammar, mechanics, spelling, and vocabulary will be reviewed.
Prerequisite: Junior English .5 Credit
Course Description: Travel the world for free while you read about horrible
villains, bloody deeds, wild plots, deadly secrets, and intolerable situations.
Discover other cultures. Meet strange and unusual people. Find out what really
makes the human heart tick. World literature allows you to do all this while
you become a true student of the world. You'll never be the same.
CREATIVE WRITING Grades 9, 10,
11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: Are you interested in being a published writer? Creative
Writing offers the opportunity to write in many different forms: essay, short
story, and poetry. Develop your imagination and creativity in this course. A
children's story will be written, designed, and illustrated.
BIBLE LITERATURE Grades 10, 11,
12
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: This is not Sunday School! This is a lively, fascinating
look at the clash between good and evil, love and hate. It is the story of a
group of people: their victories, failures, desires, and struggles. Experience
what has been called "the greatest story ever told."
TECHNICAL WRITING Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: Run as a company where students are hired as managers or
writers, technical writing is a stimulating way to refine and use English skills
in a practical way. Everyone, whether headed for college or the world of work,
can benefit from this class, which offers a fast-paced, high-level experience
in producing professional quality documents for real audiences, such as local
businesses. Each student will compile a portfolio of technical writing samples
and projects which he or she can be proud of and which clearly illustrate the
skills necessary for today's competitive job market.
WOMEN AND THEIR LITERATURE Grades
11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Credit
Course Description: The works of many female authors, rediscovered in the last
twenty years, are still missing in the typical English class. This course, designed
as a college-level discussion seminar, helps students of both genders explore
women's issues in literature and real life. Short stories, poetry, novels, plays,
essays and movie/media analysis complete the curriculum. Students also enjoy
guest speakers, field trips and sharing research on issues or authors of their
choice. Talk to those who have taken the class, and sign up for a very special
experience.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH Grade
12
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor/teacher recommendation 1.5 Credit
This is a three-term course. Fee: $65.00 (maximum)
Course Description: Advanced Placement English offers intensive studies in
literary analysis and composition styles to the highly motivated, highly competent
student who has both the time and the desire to pursue a college level course.
The course prepares students for the levels of thinking, reading and writing
expected of selective colleges. The rewards are well worth the effort.
(All class materials must be purchased by the student) .5 Credit
In this course students will have the opportunity to learn strategies for taking
the ACT test, review English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning concepts
often tested by ACT, and practice with sample ACT tests. Along with college
testing preparation, students will be provided with info to help them complete
college searches and fill out college and financial aid applications. All materials
for this course must be purchased by the student. Grades will only be awarded
as pass or fail. This class may only be used to fulfill a general
elective.