ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS COURSES

The students will prepare for success on the Michigan Merit Exam (this includes the ACT Plus Writing and the Work Keys Reading Comprehension) as well as Work Place Readiness Skills. 

English 9							1 year
This one-year Freshman English course offers a comprehensive study of English-related skills. Experiences will be provided in composition focused on the writing process, language usage, speaking, and listening and areas of reading comprehension, literature including mythology, drama and non-fiction. This course will include a focus on literary techniques and elements.
Basic English I							1 year
Prerequisite: Teacher or counselor recommendation. 8th grade Northwest Assessment in Reading/Comprehension and Language Usage.
This one-year Freshman English course offers a comprehensive study of English-related skills. Experiences will be provided in areas of reading comprehension, language usage, composition focused on the writing process
English 10							1 year
Writing is a major component of this course, with the writing process emphasized. This course also consists of the reading and study of literature of the following types: nonfiction, short stories, modern drama, and a novel. This class is designed to further the writing skills introduced in English 9 and to strengthen skills in interpreting language through vocabulary study. Students will be required to write paragraphs and essays to demonstrate comprehension of expository and persuasive writing.
English 11 (College Prep)							1 year
Writing, note taking, test taking, vocabulary, time management, and study skills are emphasized in this class. The class is designed to challenge the students with critical reading and thinking skills in preparation for postsecondary education.  In the area of literature the students study the writing of major American authors.
English 11 (Applied)							1 year
In addition to preparation for the Michigan Merit Exam and postsecondary education,  this class emphasizes work place readiness skills of problem solving, critical thinking, personal management, teamwork, as well as the communication skills of reading, writing, and speaking. In the area of literature the students study the writing of major American authors. Writing, note taking, test taking vocabulary, time management, and study skills are also emphasized in this class.
English 12 (College Prep)							1 year
This English class is designed to equip college bound students with literacy skills in the areas of composition, literature, and language. Specifically, in composition the focus is for students to compose expository essays not unlike those writing assignments that they would encounter in their composition classes in college. There is also some emphasis on journal and creative writing throughout the year. In the area of literature, the students read the writings of major British authors. With language study, students are concerned with vocabulary, mechanics, dialects, linguistics, and language history.
English 12 (Applied)							1 year
This class is designed to provide students with basic communication skills in preparation for postsecondary education and the workplace. Special attention is given to the dynamics of starting a new job, communicating with clients and customers, presenting a point of view, making and responding to requests, solving interpersonal conflicts, evaluating performance, and upgrading jobs. There is also an emphasis on embellishing the work experience that the students have right now with discussion and writing of their thoughts about their future vocations.

 LANGUAGE ARTS

The following courses are offered as elective courses. They may not be used to fulfill the 4 credit English Requirement.

Performance English 9th - 12th grades					1 year
This English class focuses on performance mainly for elementary and middle school age children. The course begins by explaining the basics of theatre such as oral interpretation and expression, motivation, & body language. Students may be responsible for all aspects of theatre, including lighting, acting, directing, costuming, make-up, and set construction. An attempt will be made to do everything in class.
Publications 10th - 12th grades Prerequisite: B average or above in English & signature of the teacher					1 year
This class is more of an organization or possibly several organizations as it produces both the “Perannos” yearbook and the “Hawk Herald” school paper. Subjects range from journalism (writing, researching, and ethics), desktop publishing (computer skills, page layout), to sales (advertising, bookkeeping, and working with the public). This course may be taken more than once for credit. Students enrolling in this class must be prepared to write for publication.
Support Skills for English 9 & Reading in Social Studies/Science 9th grade only  Prerequisite: Recommendations of a teacher or counselor (8th grade Northwest Assessment in Reading/Comprehension & Language Usage).					1 year
This class is designed to help facilitate the student’s yearly progress and to provide the necessary reading and writing skills. This course is to help students who are reading well below their grade level improve their reading & writing skills.
Support Skills for English 10 & Reading in Social Studies/Science   10th grade only Prerequisite: Recommendations of a teacher or counselor					1 year
This class is designed to help facilitate the student’s yearly progress and to provide the necessary reading and writing skills. This course is to help students who are reading well below their grade level improve their reading & writing skills.
Support Skills for English 11 & Reading in Social Studies/Science   11th grade only Prerequisite: Recommendations of a teacher or counselor					1 year
This class is designed to help facilitate the student’s yearly progress and to provide the necessary reading and writing skills. This course is to help students who are reading well below their grade level improve their reading & writing skills
Support Skills for English 12 & Reading in Social Studies/Science 12th grade only Prerequisite:  Reccomendations of a teacher or counselor					1 year
This class is designed to help facilitate the student’s yearly progress and to provide the necessary reading and writing skills. This course is to help students who are reading well below their grade level improve their reading & writing skills.

Fiction & Creative Writing  11th—12th grades	1 year
This course is genre-based, focusing on the short story and poetry. Some genres will be explored by the class, reading common materials with the teacher guiding students in an examination of the features of the chosen genre. Some genres will be explored independently in reading workshop, allowing students to pursue their own interests. The course involves reading and writing activities.
Drama as Literature  9th - 12th grades	1 year
Drama as Literature provides the students the opportunity to read various types of plays, from Shakespeare through modern works. Both alone and in groups, students analyze, compare, and respond to a wide range of dramatic literature. Writing, speaking, researching, and cooperative learning activities are included. (Note: This is NOT an acting or play performance class).

The following two Advanced Placement English courses are offered every other year. English Language & Composition for 2008-2009, and English Literature & Composition for the year 2009-2010

Advanced Placement: English Language and Composition  Will be graded on a 5.0 scale     2008-2009 sch. yr. Prerequisite: B or better in English 10		1 year
Advanced Placement in Language and Composition is a two– semester course that requires that students already understand and use standard English grammar. The intense concentration on language use in this course should enhance their ability to use grammatical conventions both appropriately and with sophistication, as well as to develop stylist maturity in their prose. Stylistic development is nurtured by emphasizing the following: a wide ranging vocabulary used appropriately and effectively; a variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination; a logical organization, enhanced by specific techniques to increase coherence, such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis; an effective use of rhetoric, including controlling tone, establishing and maintaining voice, and achieving appropriate emphasis through diction and sentence structure. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take the AP test at year’s end. NOTE: A summer reading list is offered and encouraged for sophomores preparing to take the course their junior year. Teacher recommendation is required and if necessary, class size will be controlled by testing. Book fees will apply.
Advanced Placement: English Literature and Composition  Will be graded on a 5.0 scale    2009-2010 sch. yr. Prerequisite: B or better in English 11		1 year
Advanced Placement in Literature and composition is a two-semester course for serious students who desire the opportunity to participate in challenging college-level course work. The short-term goal of the course is to enable students to demonstrate their achievement by taking the Advanced Placement English examination in Literature and Composition administered by Educational Testing Service for the College Board in May of each year. The long-range goals are to better prepare the student for the rigors of college, to enable students to independently analyze and apply complex literature, and to accurately and effectively respond in written form to challenging literary stimulus. The course includes essays, poetry, plays, novels, and short stories from diverse origins chosen to challenge and enhance comprehension and analysis skills. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take the AP test at year’s end. NOTE: A summer reading list is offered and encouraged for juniors preparing to take the course their senior year. Teacher recommendation is required and if necessary, class size will be controlled by testing. Book fees will apply