English Language Arts

Literature in high school classes covers the philosophies, authors, and major works that create the unique culture of the focus group (9th grade- general and world literature; 10th and 11th grade- American literature; 12th grade- British literature.  Improving and expanding student reading skills is a crucial part of high school literature courses.    Parents are advised that selections, whether print or multimedia, may contain controversial language, behavior, situations, descriptions, and innuendos. Honors Independent reading details are here.

ENGLISH 9

Course Code: 01001G1000

This course focuses on the student of world literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary; it will include activities utilizing available technologies and digital literacies such as word processing and the creation of presentations.

HONORS ENGLISH 9

Course Code: 01001H1000

This academically rigorous course focuses on the in-depth study of world literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary; it is designed to prepare students for the rigors of college. It will include activities utilizing available technologies and digital literacies such as word processing and the creation of presentations. An emphasis will be placed on literary analysis, critical thinking, and academic writing. Independent reading assignments are required. Students should obtain the reading list and assignment directions from a member of the English department, a school counselor, or the school website.  

ENGLISH 10

Course Code: 01002G1000

The course is designed to strengthen the student’s background in and foster creativity through the interpretation of texts written from various cultural perspectives with an emphasis on works outside the United States and the British Isles from 1600 to the present. Instructors emphasize reading comprehension and daily grammar practice as well as ACT English and reading preparedness. 

HONORS ENGLISH 10

Course Code: 01002H1000

Prerequisites: English 9 or Honors English 9 

This accelerated and rigorous course is designed to strengthen the student’s background in and foster creativity through the interpretation of texts written from various cultural perspectives with an emphasis on works outside the United States and the British Isles from 1600 to the present by enhancing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. There is an independent reading assignment required for this course. Instructors emphasize reading comprehension and daily grammar practice at an advanced level as well as ACT English and reading preparedness. Independent reading and assignments are required and due before and/or during the semester in which a student’s English class falls. Students should obtain a reading list and assignment directions from a member of the English department, from a school counselor, or the school website. 

ENGLISH 11

Course Code: 01002H1000

Prerequisites:  English 10 or Honors English 10 

This course links the concepts of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in practical ways. Participants will write essays, read selections from American literature, review grammar concepts, conduct research projects, learn ACT-relevant vocabulary words, and participate in class discussions. Content is geared toward mastery of ACT skills in both English and reading. 

HONORS ENGLISH 11

Course Code: 01003H1000

Prerequisites: English 10 or Honors English 10 

This accelerated, rigorous course links the concepts of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in practical ways. Participants will write essays, read selections from American literature, review grammar concepts, conduct research projects, learn ACT-relevant vocabulary words, and participate in class discussions. Content is geared toward mastery of ACT skills in both English and reading. Independent reading and assignments are required and due before and/or during the semester in which a student’s English class falls. Students should obtain a reading list and assignment directions from a member of the English department, from a school counselor, or the school website. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) ENGLISH 11 - LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

Course Code: 01005H10AP

Prerequisite:  English 10 or Honors English 10

This accelerated, rigorous course focuses on the analysis of rhetorical devices in nonfiction writings, application of logic, research, and college-level essay reading and writing. Participation in the AP exam is required. With a qualifying score on the exam, course participants could earn three to six hours of college credit, depending on the postsecondary school institution. Fee:  AP Test Fee (TBD), $20.00 Course Fee.      

ENGLISH 12

Course Code: 01005H10AP

Prerequisite:  English 11 or Honors English 11, AP English 11

This course involves an active practice that links the concepts of listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities designed to further develop thinking and problem-solving abilities. The course offers opportunities to analyze and evaluate literature to gain insight into the cultures that developed into the British Empire. The course includes a written research paper focused on literary analysis and research-based skills. 

HONORS ENGLISH 12

Course Code: 01004H1000

Prerequisite: English 11, AP English 11, or Honors English 11

This accelerated course covers a survey of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Modern Age.  Activities will involve critical listening, speaking, reading, and writing with a strong emphasis on vocabulary.  This course includes a written research paper focused on literary analysis and research-based skills. Independent reading assignments are required for this course and are due before and/or during the semester for which the English course falls. Students should obtain a reading list and assignment directions from a member of the English department, from a school counselor, or the school website before the semester begins.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) ENGLISH 12 - LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

Course Code: 01006H10AP

DUAL ENROLLMENT ENGLISH COMPOSITION/ENGLISH 101 (Grade 11 or 12)  

Course Code: 01999C1001

Prerequisite: English Honors 10, Principal and Superintendent Approval, a minimum score of 20 on the English portion of ACT or an 84 on the Compass Writing Test given at Calhoun Community College.

This college English course provides instruction and practice in writing extended compositions, both general and literary, including research papers.  Instruction focuses on the development of analytical and critical reading skills in the composition process and practices in research skills and usage. Students who complete English 101 and English 102 are highly encouraged to take English 261- British Literature. Location: Calhoun Community College, UA Early College, Auburn First or AHS campus - students must indicate preference on registration card. Fee: Tuition and Books.

DUAL ENROLLMENT ENGLISH COMPOSITION/ENGLISH 102 (Grade 11 or 12)  

Course Code:  01999C1002

This college English course provides instruction and practice in writing extended compositions, both general and literary, including research papers.  Instruction focuses on the development of analytical and critical reading skills in the composition process and practice in research skills and usage. Location: Calhoun Community College, UA Early College, Auburn First or AHS campus - students must indicate preference on registration card. Fee: Tuition and Books.

DUAL ENROLLMENT AMERICAN LITERATURE I/ENG 251 (Grade 11 or 12)

Course Code: 01999C1003

Prerequisite: ENG 102

This course is a survey of American literature from its inception to the middle of the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed on representative works and writers of this period and on the literary, cultural, historical, and philosophical forces that shaped these works and that are reflected in them. Upon completion and in written compositions, students will be able to interpret the aesthetic and thematic aspects of these works, relate the works to their historical and literary contexts, and understand relevant criticism and research. Fees: College Tuition and Textbooks.

DUAL ENROLLMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE/ENG 261 (Grade 11 or 12)

Course Code: 01999C1005

Prerequisite: ENG 102

This course is a survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Romantic Age. Emphasis is placed on representative works and writers of this period and on the literary, cultural, historical, and philosophical forces that shaped these works and that are reflected in them. Upon completion and in written compositions, students will be able to interpret the aesthetic and thematic aspects of these works, relate the works to their historical and literary contexts, and understand relevant criticism and research.  Fees: College Tuition and Textbooks.

LITERATURE: MYTHOLOGY AND FABLES (Grades 10-12)

Course Code: 01069G10MY

This class covers three major topics of study divided into six-week units.  During the first six weeks, the unit on mythology and fable examines the classic myths and fables that have influenced all great writing, thus profoundly affecting both British and American literature.  During the second six weeks, the unit on the Bible as literature equips the student with a basic understanding of the literary forms contained in the Old Testament, as well as people and symbols often referred to in literature, art, and music.  The final unit on Arthurian legends offers an expansive study of how these legends are reflected in major contemporary works.

SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS (Grades 9-12)

Course Code: 11104X1000               

Prerequisite: Advisor Approval

This course in Publications focuses on student journalism and has two primary objectives: (1) to teach the skills required to create the AHS Aquila (yearbook) and The Acropolis Times (newspaper), (2) to produce then distribute a book which reflects journalistic standards, and (3) maintain the online news website. Responsibility, creativity, initiative, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the production process. It involves collecting interviews, writing articles and stories, producing photography, and using software to develop layouts for the yearbook and newspaper, which participants will create first-hand. The course also involves a commitment to attending school events to photograph and report. A written application is required and must be approved by the advisor. Due to the nature of this course, a two-semester commitment is recommended to fulfill the requirements of the course.

DUAL ENROLLMENT FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING (Grades 10-12)

Course Code: 11999C1004      

Prerequisite:  Principal and Superintendent Approval, colleges may have additional criteria for enrollment

This course explores principles of audience and environment analysis as well as the actual planning, rehearsing, and presenting of formal speeches to specific audiences. Historical foundations, communication theories, and student performances are emphasized.  Location: Calhoun Community College, UA Early College, Auburn First or AHS campus - students must indicate preference on registration card. Fee: Tuition and Books.