ENGLISH

English I Honors - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 9
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required; replaces English I for eligible students.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English I is the first course in the English department program.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: English I Honors offers qualified students the opportunity to pursue their language arts studies at a challenge level commensurate with their ability. Instruction will focus on helping students develop higher order thinking skills through studying literature, writing projects, and preparing oral presentations. An intensive vocabulary study begins. Special emphasis is given to independent and cooperative learning. Students will be required to purchase selected paperbacks so they can booknote their texts.

English I
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 9
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English I is the first course in the English department program.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is for students who are working at or above grade level in language arts as indicated by standardized test scores and/or teacher recommendation. The goal of English I is to prepare students academically to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. Students receive instruction designed to help them develop and refine the verbal skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening along with library and research skills that will facilitate future coursework. Students will be requested to purchase selected paperbacks so they will be able to booknote their texts.

English II Honors - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required; replaces English II for qualified students.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English II Honors is the second course in the English department program for qualified students.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: English II Honors offers qualified students the opportunity to extend and refine the skills and concepts learned in English I at a challenge level commensurate with their ability. Instruction will again focus on helping students develop higher order thinking skills while also providing students with an appropriate background in
reading, writing, speaking, and listening. There will be a continuation of intensive study of vocabulary. Students will be required to purchase selected paperbacks so they can booknote their texts.

English II
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English II is the second course in the English department program.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of two semesters of freshman English.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is designed to help students further develop and refine their verbal skills and literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The goal of English II is to continue the academic preparation for students to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. Students will be requested to purchase selected paperbacks so they will be able to booknote their texts.

AP English Language & Composition - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required; replaces English III for eligible students.
COURSE SEQUENCE: AP English Language & Composition is the third course in the English department program for qualified students.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This year-long course focuses on reading, writing, and thinking about ideas. Students will learn how to ferret ideas out of American fiction and nonfiction when reading, and how to clarify, refine and express ideas in writing. Because the course takes an inductive approach, students will be encouraged to think critically. They will not be asked to merely generate writing according to a preconceived model. Instead, they will study models of rhetoric, argument, and research and analyze the literature and nonfiction in order to determine the rhetorical principles behind effective writing. Students will then generate compositions using the insights gleaned from this analysis. In the process, students will be encouraged to develop their own writing styles, find their own voices, develop persuasive arguments, and integrate multiple forms of research into their writing. Students may choose to take the Advanced Placement test in English Language and Composition in the spring for college credit. Students will be required to purchase selected paperbacks in order to booknote their texts.

English III
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English III is the third course in the English department program.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of two semesters of freshman English and two semesters of sophomore English.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This yearlong course is designed to prepare students for college-level work in the language arts. The goal of English III is to continue the academic preparation for students to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. The course will help students increase their proficiency in the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course focuses on study skills, expository and persuasive writing, and an in-depth study of American literature. Students will be requested to purchase selected paperbacks in order to booknote their texts.

English III Tech Prep
SEMESTER: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English III Tech Prep is the third course in the English curriculum for qualified students. English III Tech Prep students must have completed English II Tech Prep during their sophomore year.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of two semesters of English II Tech Prep.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Inter-disciplinary, thematic planning among English, social science, math, and science.
COURSE OVERVIEW: The goal of English III Tech Prep is to continue the academic preparation for students to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. Students receive instruction designed to help them develop and refine the verbal skills or reading, writing, speaking, and listening as well as covering the broad scope of American Literature. Each student will have the opportunity to research careers and meet professionals in his/her field of interest. Various field experiences are offered as well to all students to explore careers. Students will be requested to purchase selected paperbacks so they can booknote their texts.

AP English Literature & Composition Seminar - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Students must also register for both the English and History components of this Seminar.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Seminars and law-school model study groups utilizing one and two hour blocks as appropriate.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course integrates the teaching of literature with the teaching of history. Some of the class time is devoted to a systematic review and development of world literature from late medieval times to the 20th century. The remaining time is given to the reading, discussion, and debate of original works by some of the greatest thinkers and writers in the West. Readings and discussions are organized around philosophical, political, economic, and social problems. Students are given special assistance in developing and refining their collegiate level thinking, reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. An unusual opportunity in this course is the Senior Project, which allows the student to select any problem or topic of interest and develop it in whatever form is most appropriate. This course intends to make a valuable contribution to the student's general education and cultural literacy. In addition, students may choose to take the Advanced Placement tests in European history and in English Literature and Composition in the spring for college credit. Students will be required to purchase selected paperbacks so that they can booknote their texts.

AP English Literature & Composition - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTER: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Follows AP English Language & Composition.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This year-long course will continue to focus on the reading, writing, thinking, and listening about ideas begun in AP English Language & Composition. Students will be given the opportunity to study significant works of British and World literature compelling them to examine the human experience from an historical perspective. The learning experiences in this class will encourage understanding, analysis, and critical thinking as well as challenging students to develop their abilities to the highest possible level. This includes the open discussion of ideas and extends to the writing process where students will be encouraged to become thoughtful, literate writers with unique voices. They will be encouraged to see relationships between what they are learning and what they have already learned. These learning experiences will also take into consideration the need of students to function as individuals as well as members of a group. In addition, they will be nurtured to love ideas and become confident, life-long learners. Students may choose to take the Advanced Placement test in English Literature and Composition in the spring for college credit. They will be required to purchase selected paperbacks in order to booknote their texts.

English IV
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required for Class of 2010 and beyond.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English IV is the fourth course in the English department program.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of two semesters of freshman English, two semesters of sophomore English, and two semesters of junior English.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This year-long course is designed to give students the opportunity to study significant works of literature which compel them to examine the human experience from an historical prospective. The goal of English IV is to continue the academic preparation for students to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. The course focuses on study skills, expository and persuasive writing, and an in-depth study of British literature. Students will be requested to purchase selected paperbacks in order to booknote their texts.

English IV Tech Prep
SEMESTER: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required for the Class of 2010 and beyond.
COURSE SEQUENCE: English IV Tech Prep is the fourth course in the English curriculum for qualified students. English IV Tech Prep students must have completed English III Tech Prep during their junior year.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of two semesters of English III Tech Prep.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Inter-disciplinary, thematic planning among English, social science, math and science.
COURSE OVERVIEW: The goal of English IV Tech Prep is to continue the academic preparation for students to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school. Each student will have the opportunity to continue researching careers and schools and to meet with professionals in his/her field of interest. There will be various field experiences offered to students in this course. Students will be requested to purchase paperbacks so they can booknote the texts.

Drama Workshop
SEMESTERS: 1
CREDIT: 1/2
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective. Meets one-half of the fine arts graduation requirement.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Elective.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This semester drama course offers students an opportunity to actively participate in a variety of basic drama experiences. All projects will involve group or individual participation. Class experiences will include pantomimes, improvisations, acting scenes from great playwrights, extemporaneous discussions, group panel presentations, oral interpretation of dramatic literature programs, and creative dramatic presentations. Students will read, act, analyze, and critique dramatic literature from the world's greatest playwrights.

Introduction to the Theater
SEMESTERS: 1
CREDIT: 1/2
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective. Meets one-half of the fine arts graduation requirement.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Elective.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is an introduction to the study of the theater. The aim of this semester course is to give the student a well-rounded overview of the theater from these perspectives: historical, critical, aesthetic, and practical. The students will experience live theater and investigate its relevance. This is where the practical application of theatrical study comes into play. Unlike a novel, a play is a performance about the human experience. Students will not only read the script, but also experience the live performance and, finally, become the actor. Each student will perform a memorable scene from one of the plays studied during the semester. Field trips may be included so students can experience live performances.

Journalism I
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Fine Arts credit.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Elective offering.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Workshop.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Journalism is a two-semester class offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students may not take the second semester without having taken the first semester of the class. Students will learn the basics of newswriting and page design in the first semester and will produce the school newspaper in the computer lab. During the second semester, students will work on longer articles designed for publication in local newspapers and continue to produce the school newspaper. Students will be required to write for the school newspaper on a regular basis. Each student will have a chance to write and edit his/her own and others’ work. Proficiency in grammar and mechanics is a prerequisite. Keyboarding ability is a plus.

Journalism II
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11,12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Fine Arts credit.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Second journalism course.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Journalism I.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Workshop.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Journalism II is a two-semester class offered to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed Journalism I. Students will work to develop the skills they were introduced to in Journalism I. Students will be required to write for the school newspaper on a regular basis. See description of Journalism I.

Yearbook Production
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Career and Technical Education credit.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Successful completion of English I.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional. Emphasis on individual and small group work.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Yearbook Production offers the student the opportunity to contribute to his/her own yearbook while learning about book production fundamentals, commercial art, and journalism. The course is designed to enable the student to gain skill in layout design, interviewing techniques, copywriting, cropping, and content coverage. The student will be involved in decisions concerning theme, format, photography and design of the book. The majority of the year will be spent in actual book production and meeting deadlines. A few students will be selected to learn Aldus Pagemaker on the Macintosh and will be responsible for creating the actual pages on the computer. Because of the heavy emphasis put upon individual responsibility, students should be self-motivating and academically high achievers. The students will also be involved in the selling and distribution of yearbooks. An opportunity to evaluate the book and make improvements will be provided at the conclusion of the course.

Creative Writing
SEMESTERS: 1
CREDIT: 1/2
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
COURSE SEQUENCE: Elective.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Creative Writing is for students who would like to expand their writing proficiency and explore the creative writing forms of short stories, scripts, commercials, poetry, and creative non-fiction. The class is structured as a reading and writing workshop and students will learn how to effectively give and receive constructive criticism about their writing, and revise work based on peer and faculty critiques. Performance and public reading of original work are also components of the class. Students may be required to purchase selected writing textbooks.

Individualized Instruction: English
(See Specialized Instruction)

English for English Language Learners (ELL)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 9, 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Required for students deemed eligible. May be used to satisfy English requirement.
COURSE SEQUENCE: None.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
COURSE OVERVIEW: The English as a Second Language Program in the Lincoln-Way Community High School District is designed as a Transitional Program of Instruction to accommodate the individual needs of non-native English speaking students. Students who come into the district from abroad or from an ESL program at a feeder school are enrolled in the English as a Second Language class and evaluated for English proficiency level using a state approved test. The goal of the English as a Second Language class is to help each student improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as to assist students with the material in their mainstream content courses. In this way, the class not only involves English instruction, but also support for those students who need additional accommodations in the content areas due to a language barrier. The ESL teacher also corresponds with the content area teachers to provide assistance with assignments and testing when needed.

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