To satisfy graduation requirements, each student must earn four credits of English:
English 1, English 2, English 3, and English 4
To satisfy graduation requirements, each student must earn four credits of English:
English 1, English 2, English 3, and English 4
English 1 addresses four strands of literacy: reading (both literary and informational texts), writing, listening and speaking, and language. Students read a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, short stories, poetry, drama, and informational texts. Writing involves the modes of narrative, informative/explanatory, and argument with an emphasis on providing evidence to support a claim. Students have regular opportunities to conduct both limited and extended research and to share their findings in a variety of ways, including technology-based presentations, whole and small group discussions, and written products. This course continues to develop language knowledge and skills, enabling students to appropriately write and speak to the purpose and audience.
Students in English 1 Honors have demonstrated above grade level skills in reading and writing and an ability to work independently and collaboratively. As in English 1 CP, students read a variety of increasingly complex tests and write in various modes, with the additional expectation of extended reading, writing, and research. Students must successfully complete at least one or more extended reading and writing assignments related to each unit of content.
English 2 builds upon the skills developed in English 1 and continues to address four strands of literacy: reading (both literary and informational texts), writing, listening and speaking, and language. Students complete a survey of World Literature, including a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, short stories, poetry, drama, and informational texts. Writing involves the modes of narrative, informative/explanatory, and argument with an emphasis on providing evidence to support a claim while using increasingly sophisticated structures. Students have regular opportunities to conduct both limited and extended research and to share their findings in a variety of ways, including technology-based presentations, whole and small group discussions, and written products. This course continues to develop language knowledge and skills, enabling students to appropriately write and speak to the purpose and audience.
Students in English 2 Honors have demonstrated above grade level skills in reading and writing and an ability to work independently and collaboratively. As in English 2 CP, students read a variety of increasingly complex texts and write in a variety of modes, with the additional expectation of extended reading, writing, and research. Students must successfully complete at least one or more extended reading and writing assignments related to each unit of content. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of grammar and language mechanics in both writing and speaking by the end of the year.
English 3 continues to develop skills in the four strands of reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language through a survey of American Literature. Students are expected to read and analyze complex expository works of literary nonfiction, as well as various genres of American literature, in order to produce ample evidence to support inferences. Students will determine themes across multiple texts and express their thinking in writing and speaking supported by ample and relevant evidence from the texts. Writing involves the modes of narrative, informative/explanatory, and argument with an emphasis on the analysis of text, including research with appropriate citations. Writing will also focus on revising for specific purposes and audiences and editing to demonstrate command of language and mechanics.
English 4 continues to develop and refine skills in the four strands of reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language through a survey of British Literature. Students are expected to read and analyze complex expository works of literary nonfiction, as well as various genres of British literature, in order to produce ample evidence to support inferences. Students will determine themes across multiple texts and express their thinking in writing and speaking supported by ample and relevant evidence from the texts.
The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods.
Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of Standard Written English in their writing.
The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of Standard Written English in their writing.
AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
College level writing course with focus on solid, comprehensive paragraphs; and development of clear, grammatically correct expository prose and essays based on close readings of various texts. This entry-level writing course will benefit students majoring in any discipline. Students will be able to earn 3 college credits from ETSU with successful completion. This course will count as the English 12 requirement for graduation. See counselor for further details.
Writing essays based on critical analyses of various literary texts with emphasis on sound argumentative techniques. Course requires documented research paper. Students must earn a grade of “C” or above to pass this course. Students will be able to earn 3 college credits from ETSU with successful completion. See counselor for further details.
ACT Success course is designed to assist students in understanding what the ACT is, why it is important for their postsecondary readiness, and how to interpret their progress/results. Students will prepare for the ACT exam through instruction, practice, and familiarity with the structure and format of the ACT exam; and identifying and using best practices for maximizing one’s score such as “test tips”, strategies for dealing with test anxiety, and the benefits of retaking the exam.
This class will introduce students to the process and techniques of creative writing. Students will experiment with various types of writing including the writing of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Class readings and media will expose students to various writing styles and provide examples of the successes and strategies of other writers. Class time will be spent discussing the writing process, the assigned readings & media, and student writing.
Students will be given the opportunity to develop a creative outlet through additional writing experiences in fiction and/or nonfiction. Students will concentrate especially on poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and screenwriting. Works of great authors are examined and modeled, with a view to enhance the students’ own work. The end result of this course is a significant portfolio of original student written work.
This elective will undertake a reading and study of a broad spectrum of Fantasy Literature. Focus will begin with pivotal works of classic fantasy literature, dark fantasy, and urban fantasy. Attention will be paid to standard fantasy archetypes and world building. Objective will be a survey of a broad spectrum of the genre and the techniques writers use to develop character and setting.
In addition to gaining confidence in public speaking situations, students in this class will learn about many communication scenarios, including interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, listening, negotiating, and resolving conflict. Specifically geared to help students overcome public speaking anxiety, this class combines lecture and activities to provide a rich and positive learning environment for everyone.
This class produces the yearbook. Students will learn layout design, copywriting, photography, graphics, and advertising sales. Production deadlines may require work beyond the school day.
Last Updated: January 5, 2024