The William Allen English Department offers a variety of elective courses to complement the 4.0 core units required for graduation.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - ENGLISH

CORE COURSES
(4 Units required for graduation)

ENGLISH I
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 9

English I is a course for all freshmen. A wide range of literary genres is studied. Extensive composition instruction in a variety of modes emphasizes the writing process and develops critical thinking. Vocabulary development is stressed and oral communication skills are refined. Reading skills and strategies are also addressed.

*ENGLISH I - HONORS
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 9

Designed for the academically able and highly motivated student, this English I focuses on the salient concepts of English grammar and composition. Students read extensively in a wide variety of genres and then analyze and respond to what is read. Vocabulary development is stressed, and speaking and listening skills are refined. Instruction in a variety of reading strategies and critical thinking skills is embedded throughout the course.

READING
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 9

Students are assigned to this course based on Title I test scores and teacher/counselor recommendation. This course is designed to strengthen basic reading proficiency through the teaching of specific skills in comprehension, word recognition, and study techniques. It stresses both written and media texts. Through the use of instructional strategies designed to enable students to gain competence in the application of reading skills, students will have the opportunity to develop skills needed for success in the high school curriculum. This course does not count towards the English requirements for graduation but may be applied as an elective credit.

ENGLISH II
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10

English II is a course for all sophomores. The conventions of English are emphasized through the study of the writing process. A wide variety of literary genres is studied. Reading skills and strategies are emphasized, along with the development of critical thinking. Oral communication skills are taught through a variety of assignments. Students will take the PSAT/NMSQT examination in October. There is no cost for this examination.

*ENGLISH II - HONORS
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10

This course is designed for the academically able and highly motivated student. Students will read, discuss, analyze, and write about a variety of literary genres written by world-renowned authors. The conventions of English are emphasized through the study of the writing process. Critical thinking and oral communication skills are developed through a variety of assignments. Students will take the PSAT/NMSQT examination in October. There is no cost for this examination.

ENGLISH III
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11

English III is a course for all juniors. This course concentrates on the effectiveness of expression in expository writing, and in both formal and informal oral communication. Various works of American literature are studied. Research skills are taught and students are required to complete a research paper in which they demonstrate critical thinking and mastery of the conventions of written English. Vocabulary study is stressed, and college-bound students prepare for the SAT and, if desired, SAT II examinations. Reading skills and strategies are emphasized. Students will take the PSAT/NMSQT examination in October. There is no cost for this examination.

*ENGLISH III - HONORS
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11

English III is designed for the academically able and highly motivated student. Students study models of good writing in order to strengthen their composition skills. Critical thinking is encouraged through class discussion and the accelerated, academically challenging study of American literature. Research and library skills are emphasized and students are required to complete a research paper in which they demonstrate mastery of the conventions of written English. The development of vocabulary and analytical thinking skills are stressed as students prepare to take the SAT and, if desired, SAT II examinations. Students will take the PSAT/NMSQT examination in October. There is no cost for this examination.

*ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION – ADVANCED PLACEMENT
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 11

AP English Language and Composition is a college level course. Students study and write in a variety of genres, with a particular emphasis on expository, analytical and argumentative texts. Students become aware of their own composing processes, from the exploration of ideas through the revision and publication stages. This course will prepare students for the AP examination in English Language and Composition by enabling them to read, comprehend, and write about complex texts, while developing further communication skills on a college level. Colleges may grant credits for above-average scores on this examination.

ENGLISH IV
5 Periods 1Year 1.0 Unit Grade 12

English IV is a course for all seniors. Students write in a variety of genres, from literary responses to research reports. Students read and analyze works of British literature, including Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and Macbeth. The reading skills and strategies necessary for post-high school success are reviewed. College-bound students prepare to take the SAT examination.

*ENGLISH IV - HONORS
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 12

English IV Honors is designed for the academically able and highly motivated student. Cooperative learning, diverse individual study projects, and lively class discussions strengthen composition skills and encourage critical thinking through the accelerated, academically challenging study of British literature. Students will write in a variety of modes, including informational, persuasive, and analytical. SAT skills and strategies are reviewed.

*ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION– ADVANCED PLACEMENT
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grades 12

AP English Literature and Composition is a college level course. Students exercise critical thinking through the lively interchange of ideas and the investigation of various levels of meaning in fiction and nonfiction works of classic and contemporary world-famous authors. Composition skills are refined as literary techniques, and principles of rhetoric and syntax are analyzed and put to use. Students prepare to take the Advanced Placement examination in English Literature and Composition. Colleges may grant credits for above-average scores on this examination.

ENGLISH ELECTIVES

For electives that have limited enrollment, priority will be given to upper classmen who need the course to meet graduation, academy or pathway requirements.

PUBLIC SPEAKING
5 Periods ½ year 0.5 Unit Grade 10

Public Speaking is designed for the student who wishes to learn to speak with greater confidence and develop improved speech habits in academic, college recruitment, business, and social settings. Students will study and critique the delivery and content of famous speeches. Students will research, write and deliver several speeches during the semester.

SAT ENGLISH
5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 11

SAT English is designed to prepare students for the critical reading and writing components of the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Test-taking approaches, vocabulary development, reading strategies, and argumentative writing skills will be stressed. Students will complete practice test items as part of this course.

MEDIA PRINT I (Yearbook)
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Media Print I students explore the varied aspects and functions of the contemporary periodical, concentrating on what it is and how it works. Comparisons of popular, mass-circulation, and specialized magazines are made to explain and to understand individual philosophies and functions. Students study feature writing, advertising techniques, layout, photography, and typography. Members of this class will be directly involved in yearbook production.

MEDIA PRINT II (Yearbook)
Prerequisite: Media Print I and teacher recommendation 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Media Print II builds on the skills developed in Media Print I. Students will study such aspects of print media as writing, advertising, layout, photography, and typography. The course also offers students the opportunity to specialize in one or more of these areas. Those who schedule this elective will be directly involved in the production of the school yearbook.

MEDIA PRINT III (Yearbook)
Prerequisite: Media Print I & II and teacher recommendation 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Media Print III offers intensive work in the actual publication of the yearbook. Desktop publishing, photography, public relations, and feature writing highlight course units of study and requirements. Students will facilitate business relationships with outside consultants as well as implement intra-office team management skills, planning and meeting publication deadlines.

JOURNALISM I
5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Journalism I is an introductory course that is directed to an inductive study of the contemporary newspaper. The principles of style, objectivity, format, and layout will be applied in practical situations. Students receive assignments to facilitate the production of the school newspaper.

JOURNALISM II
Prerequisite: Journalism I and teacher recommendation 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Journalism II further develops the skills and insights gained in Journalism I. Emphasis is place on the following specialized areas of journalism: editing; reporting; column writing; circulation; research; news photography; cartooning; investigative reporting; and conducting interviews. Students will increase their involvement in the production of the school newspaper.

JOURNALISM III
Prerequisite: Journalism I and II and teacher recommendation 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Journalism III will be available, on an independent study basis, to interested individuals who are accepted for the production of a newspaper. The teacher-adviser will determine specifics for each student. It will be expected that Journalism III students will participate in the production of a newspaper in their area of specialization. Note: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

ACTING STUDIO INTEGRATED
5 Periods 1 Year 1.0 Unit Grade 10

Acting Studio Integrated is recommended to prepare students for audition for the Arts Academy in 11 th grade. The course covers basic acting skills and techniques along with theatre terminology. The origins of theatre in ritual, myth, dance, and storytelling are explored. Students learn about styles of theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and historical periods. Students produce their own class projects for school and public audiences. Work during the year is integrated with English II and World Cultures. Students participate in field trips and special Academy events. Students interested in the Arts Academy are encouraged to take this course.

THEATRE I
5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Theatre I introduces students to theatre as a vital, exciting art form. Students will have the opportunity to explore and participate in pantomime, improvisation, acting, scene design, stagecraft, lighting, costuming, and makeup. The history, development, and elements of theatre will be examined. Students may have the opportunity to attend theatrical productions.

THEATRE II
Prerequisite: Theatre I 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Theatre II students will continue to develop and polish skills learned in Theatre I. They will be introduced to dramatic characterization, emotional control, vocal techniques, and body movement as they relate to the actor. Script analysis, historical periods, and styles of acting will be emphasized. Performance in a prepared scene will be required. Students will have the opportunity to explore and participate in advanced forms of improvisation, as well as acting, lighting, stagecraft, scene design, costuming, and makeup.

THEATRE III
Prerequisite: Theatre I & II 5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Theatre III will provide students with practical, hands-on experience in all phases of theatrical production. Students will be required to participate in some aspects of the school’s dramatic activities: play/musical selection and analysis; stage management; scene, lighting and costume design; makeup; set construction and décor; publicity; or acting and directing. Note: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CREATIVE WRITING
5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Creative writing projects and exercises offer students firsthand knowledge of principles of poetry and prose. Works of literary greats provide a wide variety of writing models. Peer evaluation, discussion, and workshops will help students develop their individual writing styles. Major assignments include a short story, screenplay, and advertising campaign. Students are involved with creating and editing the annual literary magazine and are encouraged to write for contests and publications.

TECHNICAL AND EXPOSITORY WRITING
5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 10, 11, 12

Technical and Expository Writing provides students with opportunities to improve their writing skills in preparation for college assignments. Through related readings, discussions, and workshop techniques, students gain greater competence in clear expression and critical analysis. The course includes a study of the elements of the effective expository style: clarity, cohesion, emphasis, and concision; and various rhetorical strategies of argumentation.

MYTHOLOGY
5 Periods ½ Year 0.5 Unit Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Mythology offers students the opportunity to explore the classic myths of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as those of other cultures. Students explore, discuss, and write about the nature of myth and archetype, while extending their vocabulary with words derived from classical mythology. Students also come to understand the powerful influence of mythology in such fields as literature, music, visual arts, astronomy, psychology and theatre.