Course Catalog - English Language Arts

English Language Arts

PR: Prerequisite   |   CR: Credit for Course   |   SEM: Semesters   |   LC: Local Credit

Core Courses

Reading I (9-12) #1590

Reading II (10-12) #1592

Reading III (11-12) # 1594

Reading I, II, and III offer students reading instruction to successfully navigate academic demands and learn lifelong literacy skills. These courses are designed for students who are having considerable difficulty in reading. Students will learn study strategies, test-taking skills, the literacy processes necessary for handling a wide variety of texts, including school materials, work-related reading, and self-selected pleasure reading. Students eligible for this class include those who meet any of the following criteria: students who fail to pass the reading objectives of the STAAR 8th grade reading or EOC tests, fail two or more content subjects, or are designated as at-risk. This course is designed to teach reading as a critical life skill.

PR: Recommendations of counselor and/or reading specialists

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English I (9) #1100

English I M (9) #1111

In English I, students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language skills. Students will read and write on a daily basis.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Advanced English I (9) #1120

Advanced English I M (9) #1121

Advanced English I is meant to provide a foundational course for students who intend to enroll in Advanced Placement English III and IV. The course offers a study of multiple genres and periods of literature, accompanies a variety of writing opportunities, vocabulary study, and higher level thinking skills and strategies from College Board. Instruction includes an introduction to key terms, skills, and strategies associated with rhetorical and literary analysis.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English II (10) #1200

English II M (10) #1212

English II reinforces study skills, library skills, language usage, composition methods, reading competence, literature appreciation, vocabulary enrichment, and effective test-taking techniques.

PR: English I

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Advanced English II (10) #1220

Advanced English II M (10) #1223

Advanced English II continues the foundational preparation for the upper level AP courses. Through a study of classic and contemporary literature, students have multiple opportunities to develop and demonstrate their understanding of rhetorical and literary devices through close reading and analysis.

PR: English I or Advanced English I

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English III (11) #1300

English III M (11) #1311

English III consists of advanced language usage, written compositions, preparation for college entrance examinations through vocabulary development and test-taking techniques, a survey of American literature, and advanced research skills applicable to a documented paper on an appropriate topic.

PR: English II

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English IV (12) #1400

English IV M (12) #1411

English IV includes extensive composition and language practice, a study of the origins and growth of the English language through a survey of British literature, the reading of other works by world masters from all periods, and advanced research practice.

PR: English III or English III AP

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English IV College Prep (12) #1402

English IV College Prep M (12) #1420

This college preparatory course is designed for senior students who have passed English II EOC, but have not yet met ELA college-ready criteria. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive a TSI waiver and may enter an entry-level college credit- bearing English course at partnering institutions without remediation. English IV College Prep includes extensive composition and language practice, with a focus on expository and persuasive writing, as well as inquiry and research.

PR: English III and Passing score on

English II STAAR EOC SEM: 2 CR: 1

English IV Dual Credit Honors (12) #1456

This college-level course includes extensive composition and language practice, as well as a focus on inquiry and research. Students are dual-enrolled at Northwest Vista College and will receive English 1301 and 1302 college credit upon successful completion of coursework.

PR: Eng III or English III AP and acceptance to Northwest Vista College

SEM: 2 CR: 1

UT OnRamps Rhetoric and Writing (11) #1310 or (12) #1440

This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. Students will explore the ethics of argumentation as they analyze and compose arguments about American identity and identity formation. Students meeting university criteria will receive the UT credit equivalent to English 1301 and 1302.

PR: English I and II for juniors, English I, II and III for seniors

Advanced Placement Courses

English III Advanced Placement (11) #1330

English III Advanced Placement M (11) #1334

The AP Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, requiring students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing skills. Students will read nonfiction texts to analyze rhetorical elements and will evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. PR: English II Advanced or English II

SEM: CR: 1

English III Advanced Placement/Dual Credit (11) #1333

English III Advanced Placement/Dual Credit M(11) #1336

The AP Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, requiring students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing skills. Students will read nonfiction texts to analyze rhetorical elements and will evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Students are dual-enrolled at Northwest Vista College and will receive English 1301 and 1302 college credit upon successful completion of coursework.

PR: English II Advanced or English II and acceptance to Northwest Vista College

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English IV Advanced Placement (12) #1430

English IV Advanced Placement M (12) # 1431

This course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.

PR: English III AP or English III

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English IV Advanced Placement/Dual Credit 2 (12) #1457

English IV Advanced Placement Dual Credit 2 M (12)#1458

This course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Students are dual-enrolled at Northwest Vista College and will receive English 2332 and 2333 college credit upon successful completion of coursework.

PR: English III AP or English III and acceptance to NVC

SEM: 2 CR: 1

English Electives

Creative Writing (10-12) #1810

Creative Writing M (10-12) #1811

In this rigorous composition course, students will write poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. They will demonstrate an understanding of the recursive nature of the writing process. Through reading, studying, and analyzing various literary forms and literary criticism, students will develop their versatility as writers.

PR: English I

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Humanities I (10-12) #1857

Humanities II (10-12) #1859

This interdisciplinary course asks students to read widely in order to understand how various authors craft compositions for various aesthetic purposes. It includes the study of major historical and cultural movements and their relationship to literature and the other fine arts. All students are expected to participate in discussions and presentations that lead to an understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of critical, creative achievements throughout history.

PR: English I and I

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Literary Magazine Production I (10-12) #1770

Literary Magazine Production I M (10-12) #1771

Literary Magazine Production II (11-12) #1776

Literary Magazine Production III (12) #1777

Working within time constraints and budget limitations, students will develop skills in producing and publishing a creative writing anthology. Students will enhance their writing and editing skills. Students will participate in the selection and preparation of the literary magazine and will probably work in leadership positions.

PR: English I and II

SEM:1- 2 CR: ½-1

Research and Technical Writing (10-12) #1830 (Full Year)

Students are expected to develop the skills necessary for writing persuasive and informative texts. They will skillfully research a variety of topics and present that information through a variety of media. In addition, students will evaluate their own writing as well as critically read the writing of others.

PR: English I and II

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Research and Technical Writing (10-12) #1836 (Semester)

Students are expected to develop the skills necessary for writing persuasive and informative texts. They will skillfully research a variety of topics and present that information through a variety of media. In addition, students will evaluate their own writing as well as critically read the writing of others.

SEM:1 CR: ½

Literary Genres- Multicultural Literature (10-12) #1846

Through the study of literature that reflects a particular people or social group, students will recognize how writers represent and reveal their cultures and traditions in texts. Students will also discover how well-written literary texts serve as models for their own writing.

PR: English I and II

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Literary Genres- Film (10-12) #1844

(Offered 9-12 at Communication Arts High School)

Students will analyze a variety of literary texts and their film counterparts in order to compare and contrast author’s purpose and a variety of other features of each genre, In addition, students are expected to read and view critically in order to evaluate a text or film.

PR: English I and II

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Literary Genres—Poetry (10-12) #1845

Students will read and analyze poetry, focusing on how writers use poetic elements and form to create meaning. Using mentor texts from multiple literary time periods, students will study poets and their work to serve as models for their own writing. They will have the opportunity to respond to oral, written, and electronic text while connecting to and expanding their knowledge of poetry.

PR: Eng I and II

SEM: 1-2 CR: ½ -1

Literary Genres—Science Fiction (10-12) #1847

Literary Genres—Science Fiction M (10-12) #1860

(Offered 9-12 at Communication Arts High School)

Students will read and analyze science fiction, from its origin in ancient texts to its popular presence in modern culture. Using mentor texts from time periods, students will study science fiction writers and their work to serve as models for their own writing. They will have the opportunity to respond to oral, written, and electronic text while connecting to and expanding their knowledge of the genre.

PR: Eng I and II

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Literary Genres—Mythology (10-12) #1848

Literary Genres—Mythology M (10-12) #1861

(Offered 9-12 at Communication Arts High School)

Students will read and analyze classical mythology, focusing on its influence on contemporary literature and culture. They will have the opportunity to respond to oral, written, and electronic text while connecting to and expanding their knowledge of mythology.

PR: Eng I and II

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Visual Media Analysis and Production M (10-12) #1991

Students will understand how media such as film, radio, Internet, television, magazines, and newspapers influence a society’s behavior. Students will analyze all forms of media and film, as well as produce their own ads, commercials, screenplays, etc.

SEM:1 CR: ½

Contemporary Media (10-12) #1970

Students will learn how media influences tastes, behaviors, purchasing and voting decisions. This course will explore the history and evolution of media used for mass communication. Students will analyze, create and evaluate visual and auditory messages.

SEM:2 CR:1