English Department
Composition(P)
REG. CODE: 108
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
This course focuses on the elements involved in becoming a “better” writer. Units included in this process are the pre-writing skills and procedures, grammatical review, vocabulary enrichment, and the various traditional essay forms. The course is designed to improve students’ writing in all the curricular areas. Composition will also provide instruction in basic computer operation. Students will be provided instruction in basic keyboarding and word processing. Students will learn how to touch type, develop speed and accuracy levels, format documents, and employ tools of basic word processing In addition, students will be introduced to file management, spread sheet design, internet research and computer presentation. A study skills’ curriculum, including library research methodology, will be incorporated into this required freshmen year-long course.
English 9 (P) - Introduction to Literature
REG. CODE: 109
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
This course is designed to introduce students to the many genres of literature: the short story, the novel, the play, the essay, and poetry. Students also review and expand upon their knowledge of English usage, grammar, and mechanics. Sentence and paragraph structures as well as composition writing are emphasized. This course provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening
English 10 (P) - Experiencing Literature
REG. CODE: 110
STATUS: Required: Grade 10
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
The course continues to expand students’ knowledge of the many genres of literature: the short story, the novel, the play, the essay, and poetry. Students also review and expand upon their knowledge of English usage, grammar, and mechanics. Sentence and paragraph structures as well as composition writing are emphasized. This course provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will write a research paper in this course.
American Literature (P)
REG. CODE: 111
STATUS: Required: Grade 11 or American Literature Honors
CREDITS: 10 Units
PREREQS: Successful Completion of English 10
The course builds on skills acquired in the ninth and tenth grade years and focuses on a study of American short stories, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and novels. A wide variety of writing experiences are provided, with special stress on the student becoming a fluent and effective writer. The expository essay and an approach toward writing a research paper are two of the main focuses of this course. Students will write a research paper in this course.
American Literature Honors (HP)
REG. CODE: 121
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: B Grade in English 10. Preference will be given to students who successfully completed Honors English 10.
This course is an intensive study of English and American Literature designed for the college preparatory student seeking a rigorous academic challenge. The curriculum incorporates many of the elements of a college-level English composition and American literature program. Students are expected to engage in literature in a personal and analytical way through the development of critical thinking and writing skills. Students, who successfully complete this course, will be eligible to take Advanced Placement English in their senior year. This course is approved by the University of California as an Honors course and is given an extra grade point by the UC and CSU State University systems.
World Literature (P)
REG. CODE: 140
STATUS: Required: Grade 12 or AP English Literature
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of American Literature.
This course will introduce students to the major works of writers from Europe, South America, Central America, Asia, as well as different ethnic groups from the United States. Several literary themes will be discussed and students will examine the various socioeconomic, gender and national boundaries of the writers and their works. The course includes a review of basic grammar, usage, and mechanics. The course also includes a sequential writing program designed to equip the college-bound and non-college-bound student with skills that enable him/her to write clearly and effectively.
Advanced Placement English Literature (P)
REG. CODE: 141
STATUS: Elective: Grade 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of American Literature Honors or permission of instructor.
This AP course will engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, poetry and novels, students will deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students will be able to recognize a literary work's structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. The course will culminate with the students taking the AP English Literature examination in May for possible college credit.
Fund. of Oral Communication (P)
REG. CODE: 115
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of English 9 and 10.
The course design springs from three general objectives: 1) students should understand the process of communication as human symbolic interaction; 2) students should understand the psychological basis and social significance of human communication; 3) and students should acquire competence in oral communication. The course methods will emphasize participation and practice in both written and oral communication. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory elective.
Advanced Composition (College Writing)/Literature in Film(P)
REG. CODE: 116
STATUS: Elective: Grade 12
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: Completion of English 9 10 and American Lit.
This semester class will cover a review of writing fundamentals, sentence and paragraph structure, and instruction in preparing for college level academic writing. Students will perfect their writing skills through the employment of editing skills, developing a personal writing style, use of creativity, various tones and word usage, and the development of structural prose. Advanced Composition is approved as a UC/CSU English course.
Creative Writing (P)
REG. CODE: 122
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11,12
CREDITS: 10 UNITS
PREREQS: Permission of Instructor
Creative Writing will allow students to explore the creative process through the development of form and style. Students will develop a portfolio of writing including short stories, personal narrative and poetry. Various works of literature will be studied to give students exposure to the different styles of writing. Grammar and vocabulary will be discussed but the primary objective of this course will be to create a comfortable workshop environment where students can read and critique each other’s work. Publication of student writing in literary magazines will be an objective of this course. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory elective.
Journalism (P)
REG. CODE: 118
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11,12
CREDITS: 10 Units
PREREQS: Permission of Instructor
This course will cover the fundamentals of modern journalism including reporting, interviewing, writing techniques, censorship issues, page design, graphics and an introduction to broadcast communication techniques. This class will produce a school newspaper, sports journals and literary magazines. In addition, the course will provide students with basic desktop publishing and graphic design techniques. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory elective.
Introduction to Drama (P)
REG. CODE: 117
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11,12
CREDITS: 10 UNITS
PREREQS: Permission of Instructor
This course is designed to improve students’ self confidence, communication, and performance skills through the study of acting and theater. This is a performance-based course which will include the study of acting through pantomime, improvisation, play study and performance, movement, and vocal technique. Students will participate in the reading, writing, and viewing of contemporary drama, as well as learn the fundamentals of technical theater and play production. This elective will benefit those students who enjoy thinking creatively, working with others, and are interested in the performing arts. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory Fine Arts elective.
