Course Descriptions
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
English 9 - (1 unit) - This course is designed to provide a foundation in vocabulary, literature, grammar/composition, and research. Students will be introduced to various types of writing including the three basic types of essays. The literature study will include short stories, dramas, a novel, poetry and/or non-fiction. Emphasis will be placed on important story elements and literary forms and techniques. Students may be required to read at least two books as out-of-class assignments.
Prereq. - None; Grade Levels – 9, 10, 11, 12
Honors English 9 – (1 unit) – This course encompasses the same criteria as listed for English I above, but the course will be taught on an accelerated level. There will be a required reading list for students to complete prior to August (beginning of school). This list will be given to students who request this course at registration, and it will also be posted on the website. There will be class assignments associated with the Honors English I reading List. For summer reading, students will read one classic and one contemporary piece from a list of approved titles. Students are highly encouraged to purchase the books so that they can annotate and have a copy for class discussion and assignments. On the other text, they will have to write a journal with textual evidence. This will also be due the first day of class, but students may turn it into TurnItIn online at any time. More information will be provided. However, copies will be available at the Greeneville/Greene County Library for checkout. Students may take the test over one book during the summer or on the afternoon of the first full day of school in August. Because this course is taught at an accelerated level, students can expect consistent outside reading and other out-of-class work.
Prereq. – TCAP scores and/or teacher recommendation
English 10 - (1 unit) - This course offers more work in vocabulary, literature, and grammar/composition. There is emphasis on improving students’ writing skills through grammar study, practice with the four basic types of writing, and various writing opportunities, both expressive and expository. The literary study includes the short story, drama, the novel, poetry, non-fiction, and informational text. The selections are multi-ethnic/cultural. There are also at least two out-of-class readings assigned.
Prereq. - English 9; Grade Levels - 10, 11, 12
Honors English 10 – (1 unit) – This course encompasses the same criteria as listed for English II above, but the course will be taught on an accelerated level. There will be a required reading list for students to complete prior to August (beginning of school). This list will be given to students who request this course at registration, and it will also be posted on the website. For summer reading, students will choose one contemporary and one classic text from a list of approved titles. Students are highly encouraged to purchase the books so that they can annotate and have a copy for class discussion and assignments. However, copies will be available at the Greeneville/Greene County Library for checkout. Students may take the test over one book during the summer or on the afternoon of the first full day of school in August. On the other text, they will have to write a journal with textual evidence. This will also be due the first day of class, but students may turn it into TurnItIn online at any time. More information will be provided. However, copies will be available at the Greeneville/Greene County Library for checkout. Students may take the test over one book during the summer or on the afternoon of the first full day of school in August. There will be class assignments associated with the Honors English II Reading List.
Prereq. – Teacher recommendation with “A” or “B” in English 9; Grade Levels – 10
English 11 - (1 unit) - This course includes instruction and practice in composition and literature. During the examination of the writing process, students study and use grammar skills in conjunction with composition. The composition program stresses the mastery of the four types of discourse while also providing practice with various forms of writing. A research unit includes library and research skills culminating in the production of a research paper. The literature study involves the chronological survey of American literature. Supplemental readings include novels by American writers. A vocabulary study completes the course.
Prereq. - English 9, 10; Grade Levels - 11, 12
Advanced Placement English 11 - (1 unit) – This class provides a rigorous course of study to prepare students for the AP test in English Language and Composition. The course will feature a “wide variety of nonfiction texts—from newspaper editorials to critical essays and political treatises—in order to discover what others are thinking, saying, and doing in the world. Familiarity with these conversations will help students become informed and rhetorically competent writers who not only consider the views of others but use writing as a way to formulate and convey their own responses” (College Board Course Description, 2014). Upon completing the course, students should be able to analyze and interpret samples of purposeful writing; analyze images and other multimodal texts for rhetorical features; use effective rhetorical strategies and techniques when composing; write for a variety of purposes; create and sustain original arguments based on information synthesized from readings, research, and/or personal observation and experience; and demonstrate understanding and control of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writing. There will be a required reading list for students to complete prior to August (beginning of school). This list will be given to students who request this course at registration, and it will also be posted on the website. Students are highly encouraged to purchase the books so that they can annotate and have a copy for class discussion and assignments. However, copies will be available at the Greeneville/Greene County Library for checkout. Students may take the test over one book during the summer or on the afternoon of the first full day of school in August. On the other text, they will have to write a journal with textual evidence. This will also be due the first day of class, but students may turn it into TurnItIn online at any time. Students can earn from three to nine hours of college credit by taking the AP exam. Students are prepared to take the exam and required to do so.
Prereq. – English 9, 10; EOC scores and/or teacher recommendation.
English 12 - (1 unit) – This course features continued refinement of writing skills, including literary analysis, research-oriented papers and projects, argumentation, exposition, narrative writing, and vocabulary growth. The literary study is a chronological survey of British literature and will include at least two British novels as out-of-class assignments. The purpose of this class is to prepare students to be able to communicate competently (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in the workplace and in postsecondary educational pursuits.
Prereq. - English 9, 10, 11; Grade Levels - 12
Advanced Placement English 12 - (1 unit) –This course provides an intensive course of study to prepare students for the AP test in English Literature and Composition. The course will include units in short fiction, poetry, the novel, and drama, with emphasis on reading and analyzing works of British and world literature. Students will practice strategies for the multiple-choice section of the test and will write essays of analysis (both timed in class and out of class) to prepare for the three types of essays on the exam. For summer reading, AP students are required to read How to Read Literature Like a Professor and will choose one novel from a list of classics. There will be a required reading list for students to complete prior to August (beginning of school). This list will be given to students who request this course at registration, and it will also be posted on the website. Students are highly encouraged to purchase the books so that they can annotate and have a copy for class discussion and assignments. However, copies will be available at the Greeneville/Greene County Library for checkout. Students may take the test over one book during the summer or on the afternoon of the first full day of school in August. On the other text, they will have to write a journal with textual evidence. This will also be due the first day of class, but students may turn it into Turnltln online at any time. There will be class assignments associated with the AP English 12 Reading List. More information will be provided. Students can earn from three to nine hours of college credit by taking the AP exam. Students are prepared to take the exam and required to do so.
Prereq. - English 9, 10, 11; EOC scores and /or teacher recommendation. Grade Levels - 12
Speech and Communications - (I unit)- Speech and Communications (I Unit): This class is designed for students wishing to enhance one’s public speaking and communication skills. Some topics of focus throughout this class include Extemporaneous Speaking, Oration Skills, Speaker Assessment, Rhetoric, Debate, Skits, Historical Analysis, Narratives, Informational Speeches, Shorter Speeches, and Community Involvement. Listening skills, respectful dialogue, professionalism, and exuberance will be developed.
Prereq. – None; Grade Levels – all (though 11 & 12 recommended)
ENGLISH as a SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) – Sequence
ESL English – 9th grade
ESL English - 10th grade
English 9 – 11th grade
English 10 – 12th grade
