Core Subject: English / Language Arts
View detailed course descriptions for English/Language Arts below.
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English/Language Arts Course Descriptions:
Literacy Support
Essential Literacy (1 credit ELE, Gr. 9-10) Course Number: 1107
This English/Language Arts support course focuses on transferable literacy skills and concepts that build student competency in: (1) reading closely and analytically to comprehend a range of increasingly complex literary and informational text, and (2) producing effective and well-grounded writing for a range of purposes and audiences.
9th Grade
English I (1 credit ENG, Gr. 9) Course Number: 1101
This course aligns with the Missouri Learning Standards for 9th graders in English/Language Arts. Students will read, write and speak about literature in various genres, informational text and electronic media. Students will write both informally and using a writing process with various forms of writing including: narrative, informational, argumentative, and multi-genre. In writing, students will synthesize information and ideas from various sources. Students will further develop skills in close reading, listening, speaking, research and inquiry.
Honors English I (1 credit ENG, Gr. 9, weighted) Course Number: 1103
This advanced course aligns with the Missouri Learning Standards for 9th graders in English/Language Arts. The course is designed for highly motivated students to prepare them for the rigorous literacy demands of advanced placement and/or dual credit coursework. Students will read, write and speak about literature in various genres, informational text and electronic media. Students will write both informally and using a writing process with various forms of writing including: narrative, informational, argumentative, and multi-genre. In writing, students will synthesize information and ideas from various sources. Students will further develop skills in close reading, listening, speaking, research, and inquiry.
10th Grade
English II (1 credit ENG, Gr. 10) Course Number: 1105
This course aligns with the Missouri Learning Standards for 10th graders in English/Language Arts. Students will read, write and speak about literature in various genres, informational text and electronic media. Students will write both informally and using a writing process with various forms of writing including: narrative, informational, argumentative, and multi-genre. In writing, students will synthesize information and ideas from various sources. Students will further develop skills in close reading, listening, speaking, research and inquiry.
Honors English II (1 credit, Gr. 10, weighted) Course Number: 1104
Prerequisite: One full credit of a Freshman English course
This advanced course aligns with the Missouri Learning Standards for 10th graders in English/Language Arts. It is designed for highly motivated students to prepare them for the rigorous literacy demands of advanced placement and/or dual credit coursework. Students will read, write and speak about literature in various genres, informational text and electronic media. Students will write both informally and using a writing process with various forms of writing including: narrative, informational, argumentative, and multi-genre. In writing, students will synthesize information and ideas from various sources. Students will further develop skills in close reading, listening, speaking, research and inquiry. Preparation for the ACT will be an embedded part of this course.
11th Grade
English III (1 credit ENG, Gr. 11) Course Number: 1131
This course aligns with the Missouri Learning Standards for 11th graders in English/Language Arts. Students will read, write and speak about literature in various genres, informational text and electronic media. Students will write both informally and using a writing process with various forms of writing including: narrative, informational, argumentative, and multi-genre. In writing, students will synthesize information and ideas from various sources. Students will further develop skills in close reading, listening, speaking, research and inquiry. Preparation for the ACT will be an embedded part of this course.
11th and/or 12th Grade
Prerequisite: One full credit of a Sophomore English course
This course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods.
Prerequisite: One full credit of a Sophomore English course
To enroll for college credit student must have a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA and an ACT Composite AND ACT English score of at least 18.
This course focuses on composing process that includes exploration of ideas through reading, methods of writing development, and use of writing conventions. Instruction takes students from reflective expression to critical analysis through writing. Qualifying GPA and test scores are required to be eligible for dual credit.
Prerequisite: Composition & Reading I or AP Language & Composition
To enroll for college credit, student must have a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA, must have completed Composition & Reading I for college credit or scored a 3 or better on the AP Language & Composition test.
In this course, students are asked to analyze and evaluate persuasive essays for the writer’s use of logical thinking. Students will develop research skills for the purpose of creating documented essays that reflect critical thinking and logical argument.
Prerequisite: One full credit of a Sophomore English course and a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA
In this course students will read, discuss, interpret, evaluate, and analyze short stories and novels. Qualifying GPA and test scores are required to be eligible for dual credit.
Creative Writing (0.5 credit ENG, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 1117
Prerequisite: Composition & Reading I or AP Language & Composition and a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA
To enroll for college credit student must have completed Composition & Reading I for college credit or scored a 3 or better on the AP Language & Composition test.
In this course students will write various types of imaginative writing, including: fiction, poetry, play/scripts, and creative non-fiction.
12th Grade
Prerequisite: One full credit of a Junior English course
This course aligns to an introductory college-level literacy analysis course. The course engages students in the 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, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
English IV (1 credit ENG, Gr. 12) Course Number: 1180
This course aligns with the Missouri Learning Standards for 12th graders in English Language Arts. Students will read, write and speak about literature in various genres, informational text and electronic media. Students will write both informally and using a writing process with various forms of writing by synthesizing information and ideas from various sources. Students will additionally gain an understanding of the fundamentals of communication techniques and practices that are the hallmarks of powerful and effective workplace communication.