ENGLISH I/ENGLISH I SHELTERED
GRADE 9
10 CREDITS YEAR
This contents-based course emphasizes both reading and writing and exposes students to significant literary works and genres. It also emphasizes the integration of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through the study of short stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and novels. Active participation is integral to this course as it allows students to create and present projects based on the literature studied. Students will increase their vocabulary and improve writing skills through direct instruction. Sheltered classes are taught by teachers specifically certified to teach Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English to second-language students. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH I HONORS
GRADE 9
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “A” in 8th Grade English Language Arts or “B” or higher in 8th Grade English
Language Arts Honors and proficient.
This contents-based course provides students with an opportunity to read and study a wide range of literature at a challenging level. During the year, students will read and analyze a variety of genres, including: short stories, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, drama, epic, grammar, writing and vocabulary development. The course emphasizes analytical writing and reading, discussion, presentation skills and advanced vocabulary skills. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH II/ENGLISH II SHELTERED
GRADE 10
10 CREDITS YEAR
This contents-based course is literature-based and emphasizes both reading and writing. Students are exposed to significant literary works. Students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through the study of short stories, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and novels. Active participation is integral to this course. Sheltered classes are taught by teachers specifically certified to teach Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English to second-language students. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH II HONORS
GRADE 10
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “A” in English I or grade of “B” or better in English I Honors and Proficient.
This contents-based course combines skills in writing, language, and literature. Students will learn to organize and develop a variety of essay types, and also study the major forms of literature focusing on British literature. Emphasis is placed on active-participation; students will integrate the skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking and thinking through group and individual participation. Summer reading and responses required. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH III/ENGLISH III SHELTERED
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
This contents-based class is literature-based and continues the emphasis on reading and writing. Students read and analyze significant American literary works, as well as further develop their grammar, writing and vocabulary skills. Sheltered classes are taught by teachers specifically certified to teach Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English to second-language students. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH III HONORS (ENGLISH IB HL1)
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of English II Honors with a grade of “B” or better, or completion of English II with a grade of “A”.
This course is the first year in a two-year program designed to satisfy the requirements of International Baccalaureate (Language A1, HL) and/or to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Literature at the end of their senior year. The entire two-year sequence focuses on the exploration of the human condition and upon various responses to the human dilemma. This college preparatory course will combine a thematic study of American Literature with viewpoints and philosophies found in major works from other cultures (including Asia and Africa). Students will be exposed to college level literature that may contain mature themes. This is a rigorous course requiring many hours of study. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
ENGLISH IV/ENGLISH IV SHELTERED
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
The first semester of this two-semester standards-based course will focus primarily on the writing process and developing critical reading skills. During the second semester, students will study representative literary works from the following periods: the English Renaissance, the Restoration and Enlightenment period, the Romantic Movement, the Victorian Era and Modernism. Culminating projects will include expository essays, poetry analysis and a research paper. Sheltered classes are taught by teachers specifically certified to teach Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English to second-language students. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH IV EXPOSITORY READING & WRITING COURSE
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
This English course will focus on expository reading and writing in addition to critical thinking through the study of current, relevant, and thought-provoking issues. The course is aligned with California English Language Arts standards and addresses the skills needed to excel in college English: critical reading in addition to expository, analytical, and argumentative writing. This course is open to all students but may be particularly useful for those seniors who did not achieve “college readiness” status in the English EAP portion of their CAASP - previously known as the STAR report. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION AP
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of English II with a grade of “A” or English II Honors with a grade “B” or better and Proficient.
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition (previously known as Rhetoric) is the equivalent of a first-year college composition course that prepares students to write effectively and confidently in their college courses by developing skills in close reading, critical thinking and rhetorical techniques. This course emphasizes expository, analytical and argumentative writing forms based on a variety of non-fiction texts including autobiographies, essayists, historical writers, diarists and political writers that span a variety of time periods and cultures. Extensive summer reading and writing are required. Students will be exposed to college level literature that may contain mature themes. This college-level course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Language & Composition test and possibly earn college credit. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
ENGLISH IV LITERATURE & COMPOSITION AP (ENGLISH IB HL2)
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of English III Honors with a grade of “B” or better OR 2) “B” or better in AP Language & Composition OR 3) a score of “3” or better on the AP Language & Composition Test.
Advanced Placement Literature is the equivalent of a first-year college literature course which will help students discover meaning in literature by enabling them to be attentive to language and the various techniques authors use to evoke emotional and intellectual responses from readers. Through extensive work in literary analysis of major writers, the course will prepare students to interpret, analyze and discuss (in writing) a variety of poetry, novels, plays, short stories and essays. This college-level course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition test and possibly to earn college credit. Extensive summer readings and responses are required. Students will be exposed to college level literature that may contain mature themes. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
ENGLISH IV HONORS
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of English III Honors with a grade of “B” or better and Proficient or above in previous year’s STAR English Language Arts test OR 2) “C” or better in AP Language & Composition OR 3) a score of “3” or better on the AP Language & Composition Test or Completion of English III with an “A” or better , second semester.
The English IV Honors curriculum centers on the study of classical; contemporary; and non-fiction literature. Students will incorporate common core curriculum by focusing on the essential questions throughout the year that fuel literary expression throughout thematically based units. In addition to close reading of the texts, students will work cohesively to develop understanding of the mechanics of literary effects that continue to have a powerful effect on the way we think. Students will work to develop clear, authoritative voices that develop analyses and arguments from carefully developed reasons and well supported assertions. Connections to other disciplines, life experiences and world events will also be used to help students connect to literary content. College and workplace readiness is a focal point of the class. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD) (Level l)
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Placement by ELD Instructor
This level I class will prepare students to use listening speaking, reading & writing skills necessary to communicate in English. The focus of this level will be the development of listening & speaking skills.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD) (Level II)
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Placement by ELD Instructor
This level II class will continue developing students’ communications skills while concentrating on comprehension, discussion, evaluation and composition.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD) (Level III)
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Placement by ELD Instructor
This final course in the English Language Development Program is the last step in preparing students for a full core-content area schedule. Students continue to approach fluency in receptive and expressive use of English in academic settings. Listening and oral skills are further refined and reading and writing skills are further developed by including the reading and analysis of selected ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade core literature and by the writing of multi-paragraph essays. Among other tasks, students react and respond to literature and identify various literary elements and techniques as well as authors’ purposes. (UC/CSU)
ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM LANGUAGE LAB (AIP)
GRADES 9-12
5/10 CREDITS SEMESTER/YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Placement by ELD instructor and concurrent placement in ELD I
This course will provide academic support for students, enabling them to comprehend and be successful in sheltered academic courses. Additional study skills and strategies will be taught in English.
JOURNALISM I
GRADES 9-11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “A” in previous English class or a “B” or better in English Honors class.
This course is an introduction to journalistic writing and other skills required to be part of the staff of The Bull's Eye, the school newspaper. Students will learn about the history of journalism, the art of interviewing, writing news, features, sports and reviews and become familiar with photojournalism and newspaper design. The class offers students the opportunity to write for the Bull's Eye and apply for positions for next year's staff. (Applied Arts)
JOURNALISM II
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Teacher permission through application and Journalism I experience
This course is for students who have been selected for the staff of the student newspaper, The Bull's Eye, after completing Journalism 1. The students in this class assign, write and edit stories; design pages and graphics; and take photos, all for the monthly newspaper and its website. Students participate in all aspects of the operation of the paper: selling ads, fundraising, supervising other writers and editors and working with printers. (Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “G” Elective)
YEARBOOK
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Permission from instructor and grade of B or better in previous English class
This course has the responsibility of publishing and financing the school yearbook. Students learn on-the-job skills in layout, graphics, technology software, design, desktop publishing, photography, writing, organization and leadership. Students who are interested in the challenge of meeting deadlines in the exciting world of publishing are encouraged to apply for a staff position. Photographers and writers must submit samples of their work. Repeatable for credit. (Applied Arts)