LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM

REGULAR ENGLISH 9 Credit: 1
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: None

This course is divided into three basic sections: literature, grammar, and composition. The major emphasis is placed on grammar usage and the introduction of literary terms. Also included is an introduction to the library and to study skills. Instruction is given in vocabulary and speaking skills. Writing of paragraphs and short themes is an integral part of the course. Students will prepare for the state end-of-course test. Those students who do not pass the end-of –course test will be recommended for a two-semester English 10 course in order to prepare for the English Gateway.

HONORS ENGLISH 9 Credit: 1
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: Summer reading Program*

Students entering Honors English 9 should be very proficient in the basics of grammar, spelling, and usage. These skills will be reviewed if necessary and expanded. In addition, students will have extensive vocabulary studies. Since the course will be faster paced, it is imperative that students already have strong control of the basics of English. This class is heavily literature based. Students should be confident readers. Students will prepare for the state end-of-course test.

REGULAR ENGLISH 10 Credit: 1
One Semester Grade: 10
Prerequisite: English 9 credit and passing English 9                     End-of-Course Test

The regular English 10 curriculum focuses upon skills needed to master the Gateway English 10 exam required by the state of Tennessee for all high school students. Students will master level one and level two requirements in these language arts strands: reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Specific skills will be integrated including critical thinking, problem solving, grammar study, writing preparation, reading and vocabulary comprehension, introductory research methods, rudimentary comparing/contrasting multimedia presentations, and demonstrating language arts through tactile, audio, and visual applications. Gateway level three requirements will be introduced, discussed, and applied as appropriate. A variety of textbooks and workbooks will be used to achieve these requirements with a particular emphasis on strengthening reading comprehension and writing skills.

REGULAR ENGLISH 10 Credit: 2
All Year Grade: 10
Prerequisite: English 9 & Failure Of English 9 End-of-Course Test

This two credit regular English 10 class will afford additional time to prepare students for the Gateway English exam, a graduation requirement. Targeted areas will include areas of weakness identified in the English 9 End-of-Course test. See above English 10 description.

HONORS ENGLISH 10 Credit: 1
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Honors English 9 & Summer reading program*

Honors English 10 is designed for the college-bound student. This course provides a cursory review of Gateway English II level one exam requirements and emphasize level two on level three requirements in preparation for the exam. All language arts strands will be included: reading, writing, viewing, representing, and researching. Specific skills will be integrated including critical thinking, problem solving, grammar study, writing preparation, college prep vocabulary and research methods, comparing/contrasting multimedia presentations, and demonstrating language arts through tactile, audio, and visual applications. The pace and expectations of this class will include reading and writing selections to prepare students for college preparatory exams. Research and writing selections will stress skills needed to succeed in a collegiate setting.

REGULAR ENGLISH 11 Credit: 1
Grade: 11
Prerequisite: English 10 credit

Regular English 11 combines the practice of learned grammar principles and the study of literature with an emphasis on the works of American authors. Students improve their abilities through guided instruction and testing in both areas of study. Students are prepared for the TCAP Writing Assessment through the practice of writing persuasive essays and conducting research projects based on American literature. Vocabulary enrichment is also stressed.

HONORS ENGLISH 11 Credit: 1
Grade: 11
Prerequisite: Honors English 10 & Summer reading program*

Honors English 11 concentrates on the in-depth study of several full-length books and plays with an emphasis on American literature. In addition, there is extensive writing instruction in expository academic writing and in writing persuasive essays in preparation for the TCAP Writing Assessment. Vocabulary and grammar studies supplement reading and writing assignments. Preparation for college entrance exams is stressed.

REGULAR ENGLISH 12 Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: English 11 credit

This course is a chronologic study of British Literature. Writing skills are stressed and grammar studies focus on student needs. Emphasis is placed on composition and vocabulary study. Outside reading and writing are required along with some independent study.

HONORS ENGLISH 12 A Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Honors English 11 & Summer reading Program*

In addition to the requirements for regular English 12, this course stresses composition, critical study of literature, grammar/usage emphasis, and independent projects. Some outside reading is required.

HONORS ENGLISH 12 B Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Honors English 12 A or permission from teacher

Honors English 12 B, also known as Research Writing, is designed to prepare students for college writing in different disciplines by teaching students how to research various topics, organize the information, and document the sources used following MLA format. Students then present their findings in an oral and/or written presentation. All Honors English 12 A students are expected to take Honors English 12 B.

APPLIED COMMUNICATIONS/ ENGLISH IV Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: English 11 credit

This course is designed primarily for the vocational student who does not plan to pursue a college career; however, the course is acceptable at all state colleges and universities for senior English credit. The course deals primarily with communication, both oral and written, in a job related environment. A short survey of British literature is included in the course.

CREATIVE WRITING Credit: ½
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Recommendation of an English teacher

Students will write short stories, poems, and other original material. They will explore how experienced writers think, gain inspiration, and publish. Each student will have several pieces of publishable writing at the course’s end. Students should have an acceptable command of basic grammar and writing skills.

NEWSPAPER JOURNALISM 
Credit: 1 per semester
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Students selected by advisor

This course includes basic principals of journalism, with major emphasis on writing. Students participate in producing the school newspaper. Students should have above average language and grammar skills, with typing, cartooning and creative writing skills.

YEARBOOK JOURNALISM 
Credit: 1 per semester
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Students selected by advisor

This course includes basic principals of journalism, photography, and journalism business management. Students who enroll in this course are responsible for the design, development, and completion of the high school yearbook. Only the accomplished upper level student with strong journalism/communication inclination need apply.

FRENCH I Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Firm knowledge of English grammar**

Students are introduced to basic grammar, writing, pronunciation, and vocabulary skills. Cultural aspects are examined through reading passages in the text.

FRENCH II Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: French I

While learning more vocabulary and grammar, students are expected to refine their pronunciation and build upon their knowledge from French I. Students practice the language by writing fairly complex sentences and simple paragraphs and maintaining a simple conversation in French. Students also continue discussing the culture, custom, and history of the French people.

GERMAN I Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Firm knowledge of English grammar**

This course develops communications skills and cultural awareness to enable students to ask and answer questions and maintain a simple conversation with a native German speaker. The student is expected to read and write simple paragraphs in the language.

GERMAN II Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: German I

This course is a continuation of the work begun in German I with more specialization in grammatical forms and vocabulary. Students practice the language in class discussing culture, history, and everyday events in the target language.

SPANISH I Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Firm knowledge of English grammar**

Designed to introduce basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, this course emphasizes written and spoken Spanish. The student will also learn about the history, culture, and customs of the Spanish-speaking people.

SPANISH II Credit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish I

Building upon the knowledge acquired in Spanish I, students learn more vocabulary, improve their grammar, and refine their pronunciation. They are expected to use their knowledge to write fairly complex sentences and simple paragraphs and to maintain a simple conversation in Spanish. Students also discuss the culture, customs and history of Spanish-speaking people.

* Each Honors English student is required to read at least one novel from an approved reading list available during registration for classes. The student will keep a journal on the novel while reading it during the summer and will be tested on the novel at the beginning of the course.

**NOTE: Students in grades 9 and 10 who have an exceptionally strong knowledge of English grammar and who have a written recommendation of a former English teacher may take a foreign language if there is space available.