English Department Classes
ENGLISH
English courses are aligned with California State Standards. Four years (40 credits) of English are required for students to demonstrate competence in listening and speaking skills, academic research, advanced reading comprehension, language usage and writing, literary analysis, and critical thinking. English forms the basis of all academic disciplines. The ability to read, analyze, and draw conclusions from written language is necessary for students to succeed in their studies of other disciplines and in life.
Structured English Immersion 1/2 EN, EL
Grade Level Option: 9-12
Prerequisite: Placement test
Entry Level: Semester entry permitted
This one-year Structured English Immersion (SEI) course is designed for students new to English. This course emphasizes six standards – listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cross-curricular study skills and the language skills necessary for living in a new country. Structured English Immersion 1/2 is a two- hour block. This two-period course provides (5 credits) for English and (5 credits) for electives per semester.
Structured English Immersion 3/4 EN, EL
Grade Level Option: 9-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of SEI-Beginning or Placement Test Entry
This one-year Structured English Immersion (SEI) course is designed for English language learners who have been in the United States for five years or less or who are recommended for or placed in the program according to District criteria. This course emphasizes six standards – listening, speaking, reading, writing, cross-curricular study skills, and the language skills necessary for living in a diverse society. Structured English Immersion 3/4 is a two-hour block. This two-period course provides (5 credits) for English and (5 credits) for electives per semester.
Structured English Immersion 5/6 EN, EL
Grade Level Option: 9-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of SEI 3/4 Entry
This one-year Structured English Immersion (SEI) course is designed for English language learners who have been in the United States for five years or less, or who are recommended for or placed in the program according to the District criteria. The course emphasizes all four-language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – and prepares students for mainstream environments. This two-period course provides (5 credits) for English and (5 credits) for electives per semester.
Stretch 9 & 10 EL
Grade Level Option: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Basic and Below basic on CST
Students selected for this class receive support in individualized reading instruction in word study, vocabulary, comprehension and spelling. Students read leveled reading passages and books and high- interest paperbacks in all genres to build reading and writing skills and to develop fluency.
English 1/2, SDAIE EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 9
Prerequisite: None
Students study and respond to historically, culturally, and socially significant works of fiction, non- fiction, Shakespearean drama, mythology, and poetry. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. In addition, students respond to literature through speaking and listening activities. Students study vocabulary, conventions of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Students write a research paper.
English 1/2 Honors EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 9
Prerequisite: None
Students participate in an intensive study of the short story, Shakespearean drama, poetry, non-fiction, and the novel. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. Students will write compositions that demonstrate higher-level analytical skills. In addition, students respond to literature through speaking and active listening. Students study vocabulary, conventions of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. No extra point for GPA calculation.
English 3/4, SDAIE EN,(CSU/UC“b”)
Grade Level Option: 10
Prerequisite: None
Students study poetry, non-fiction, the epic, Shakespeare’s works, and the novel to enrich their literary experience. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. Students study vocabulary, conventions of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Students will write a research paper.
English 3/4 Honors EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 10
Prerequisite: None
Students participate in an intensive study of poetry, non-fiction, the epic, the literary essay, Shakespearean and Greek drama, and the novel to enrich their literary experience. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. Particular emphasis is placed on analytical essays responding to literature. Students study writing style, vocabulary, and advanced grammar. Students write a research paper. No extra point for GPA calculation.
English Intensive I & II (2 Periods) EL, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Below basic and Far Below Basic on CST, SRI Lexile Test
Students selected for this class receive small group teacher-directed and individualized reading instruction in word study, vocabulary, comprehension and spelling. Students read leveled reading passages with computers, leveled audio books, and high-interest paperbacks in all genres to build reading and writing skills and to develop fluency. Instruction is directed to the individual needs of the students.
American Literature 5/6 EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 11
Students study American poetry, non-fiction, drama, the short story and the novel with a particular emphasis on the American experience and how writers observe various aspects of that experience. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. Students study vocabulary, conventions of grammar and punctuation, and writing style.
English Language and Composition 5/6 AP EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 11
Prerequisite: None
Students read and carefully analyze a broad and challenging range of prose selections and develop their awareness of how language works. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy while strengthening their writing skills. The reading assignments feature expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive essays from a variety of authors and historical contexts. Students examine and respond to literary works of American writers. Students will write a research paper. Summer reading and writing is recommended. Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Language and Composition to earn possible college-level credit. This course receives special GPA “weighting.”
World Literature 7/8 EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 12
Prerequisite: None
Students study world literature—poetry, non-fiction, Shakespearean drama, the short story and the novel—with a particular emphasis on social and cultural comparison and universal literary themes. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. Students study advanced vocabulary, writing style, critical reading, and composition skills. Students will write a research paper.
English Literature and Composition 7/8 AP EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 12
Prerequisite: None
Students participate in an intensive study of world literature—poetry, Shakespearean drama, the literary essay and the novel—with a particular emphasis on those skills necessary for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam. Study of these forms provides the basis for student writing in a variety of modes, which reflect the California State Standards in the language arts. Particular emphasis is placed on analytical essays responding to literature. This course receives special GPA “weighting.”
Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) EN, (CSU/UC “b”)
Grade Level Option: 12
Prerequisite: None
The Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) was designed to improve the readiness of high school students for English competency in college, whether in the CSU, UC, or the California Community College (CCC) systems, and employs a research based effective practices approach for teaching both reading and writing. Students earning a C or better are qualified to waive the California State University Placement Exam in English.
English Electives
Advanced Journalism: Editing, Design, & Management EL, (CSU/UC “g”)
(Yearbook)
Grade Level Option: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Students design, prepare for publication and promote the school's yearbook. In this class students work together, develop consistent work habits, and meet publishing deadlines. Student assignments include theme layout, picture schedules, sales promotions, financial accounting, copy writing, art design, photography, and record maintenance. Desktop publishing skills are learned and used extensively.
Creative Writing 7/8 SDAIE EL, (CSU/UC “g”)
Grade Level Option: Dependent on SEI level
Prerequisite: SEI ¾ or 2 years in United States schools or a minimum of 70 points on the AUSD Progress Monitoring Tool
This course offers students the opportunity to engage in writing, reading, and presenting their own works of poetry, short stories, creative non-fiction and readers’ theatre mini-plays, demonstrating a progressive acquisition of vocabulary, syntax, and conventions in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English.
Journalism 1/2 EL, (CSU, UC “g”)
Grade Level Option: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course includes a study of modern newspapers, the history of journalism in the United States, newspaper organization, analysis of news, the effects of propaganda, and news gathering and writing. In the second semester, students focus upon a study of the physical makeup of a newspaper and the production of a cub edition.
Journalism 3-8 EL, (CSU/UC “g”)
Grades Level Option: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Journalism 1/2
Students learn about newspaper production through publication of the school paper. The course offers instruction and practice in copywriting and editing; proofreading; writing of features stories, editorials, and human interest stories; critical reviews of plays, books, and motion pictures; headline writing; page makeup; and business management, including advertising.