English
Course Descriptions

English 1

English I provides a foundational study of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). Through reading, writing, listening and speaking, students learn to communicate effectively.  Through disciplined reading of complex literary fiction and literary non-fiction, students develop critical thinking skills, value evidence and build academic language to engage in lively discussions with their peers about the content and their learning. Students develop their writing skills through authentic writing assignments, projects,  research and literary analysis. All writing is integrated with grammar and techniques of style. Students work collaboratively with their peers to accomplish learning goals.

 

Honors English 1

Prerequisite - 8th grade English EOG score of Level IV or above and teacher recommendation

Honors English I  is designed for mature students who have shown excellence in literary comprehension and writing skills. The materials are taught with greater complexity, novelty and acceleration. Through disciplined reading of complex literary fiction and literary non-fiction, students develop critical thinking skills, value evidence and build academic language to engage in lively discussions with their peers about the content and their learning. The course provides foundational study of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction) and it includes influential documents. Through reading, writing, listening and speaking, students learn to communicate more effectively. Students develop their writing skills through authentic writing assignments, projects,  research and literary analysis. All writing is integrated with grammar and techniques of style. Students work collaboratively with their peers to accomplish learning goals.  Students taking this Honors course are expected to complete complex tasks with greater independence.

 

English 2

Prerequisite - English I

This course continues the development of reading and communication skills through world literature and informational texts using complex text analysis. There is a focus on essay writing, vocabulary development, and application of literary terms. SAT/ACT and research skills are reinforced. Higher order thinking skills are continuously promoted through scaffolded questioning, rationalization of complex thought, generating and creating ideas, and synthesizing and evaluating concepts from the classroom discourse and a variety of texts. Students will work to prepare for the English EOC. Students must pass English 2 to be promoted to 11th grade.

 

Honors English 2

Prerequisite - "B" or higher in Honors English I or “A” in English I course and teacher recommendation

This rigorous course covers the English II curriculum focused on world literature and informational texts, but with increased acceleration.  This course is distinguished by differences in the quality and depth of work expected. The materials are taught with greater complexity and novelty.  Students engage in more sophisticated readings of complex texts. Students taking this Honors course are expected to complete complex tasks more independently with less teacher scaffolding. Students must pass English 2 to be promoted to 11th grade.

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English 3

Prerequisite - English II

This course continues the development of advanced communication skills using American Literature as a reflection of the American experience. The course includes SAT/ACT skill development. English III provides an in-depth study of US literature and US literary nonfiction, especially foundational works and documents. This course focuses on advancing reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Students learn to value textual evidence to provide appropriate oral and written responses.  Students take on greater responsibility for their own learning and practice more advanced writing skills.

 

Honors English 3

Prerequisite - "B" or higher in Honors English II or “A” in English II and teacher recommendation

Honors English III  provides an in-depth study of US literature and US literary nonfiction, especially foundational works and documents. This course is distinguished by differences in the quality and depth of work expected.  The materials are taught with greater complexity,  novelty and acceleration.  Through disciplined reading of complex text, students develop critical thinking skills, value evidence, and build academic language to engage in lively discussions with their peers. Students develop their writing skills through authentic writing assignments, projects, research and literary analysis. They take on greater responsibility for their own learning and practice more advanced writing skills.

 

English 4

Prerequisite - English III

This course culminates the study of communication skills using British literature and includes formal, informal, and technical writing, grammar development, word processing applications, and other technology-related studies. A graduation project, which includes a detailed portfolio, a research paper, and a presentation before a panel will also be required.

 

Honors English 4

Prerequisite - "B" or higher in Honors English III or “A” in English III and teacher recommendation

The major focus of this course is complex forms of composition, grammar skills application, vocabulary development, and a survey of British and Western literature. The survey concentrates on the critical analysis of literature, essays, writing, word processing, and technology skills. A graduation project, which includes a detailed portfolio, a research paper, and a presentation before a panel will also be required. Summer reading may be required for this course. Honors level includes a more in-depth, rigorous study of the standards and will require students to think and engage with tasks at a higher level. Additional projects and assignments may be required.

 

College English

Course descriptions for college courses can be found in The College of The Albemarle course catalog.