English 1
Grade Placement: 9 Credit: 1
English 1 is a state-required course in writing and literature. Students are expected to analyze and interpret various forms of literature. Students will learn and practice the writing process, with special emphasis placed on usage. Students will conduct an online research PowerPoint project.

English 1 Honors
Grade Placement: 9 Credit: 1
English I Pre-AP is a state approved course in literature and composition. It exceeds the TEKS (Texas Essentials Knowledge and Skills) for English 1. The course requires higher levels of commitment and more independence than does English 1. Students are required to do independent projects in addition to regular assignments. It is assumed that students
in pre-AP courses can spend less time on the mechanics of writing (spelling, usage, etc.) and more time on literature and literary criticism. Students will conduct a research project, preparing them to write full research papers in English II Honors.

English 2
Grade Placement: 10 Credit: 1
English 2 is a required 10th grade English class. The focus is on the enhancement of reading and writing skills, as well as developing an appreciation of literature. Students are expected to use basic reading and writing skills to interpret, analyze, and evaluate various forms of literature. This course includes an extensive amount of writing with a focus on persuasive writing. Students will conduct a research project, preparing them to write full research papers in English III and English IV.

English 2 Honors
Grade Placement: 10 Credit: 1
In English 2 Honors students develop higher level thinking skills, work at an accelerated pace, and work on additional projects individually outside the classroom. Less time is devoted to the teaching of writing mechanics and basic reading skills, and more time is spent allowing students to develop their writing style, accelerate their reading pace and participate in creative aspects of literature and writing. Students will conduct a full research project and complete a documented essay in MLA format.

English 3
Grade Placement: 11 Credit: 1
Students in English 3 study and analyze American literature from the country’s inception to the present, identify literary elements, styles, and form. Readings include short stories, novels, letters, and poetry. The course contains an extensive amount of writing and preparation for standardized tests. Students will conduct a research project and complete a documented essay in MLA format.

English 3 Honors
Grade Placement: 11 Credit: 1
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. English III Honors is designed to study rhetoric by looking at the artistic style and specific persuasive techniques used by authors. The course is designed around major American literature the country’s inception to today focusing on literary elements, styles and forms. Students will analyze how these techniques are used to persuade audiences and then students will apply the techniques to their own persuasive writing. In addition, students will choose a current, controversial topic and to explore using appropriate research techniques. This course is not for students who do not like to read or write.

English 4
Grade Placement: 12 Credit: 1
English 4 combines various essential elements in writing and literature. Students write critical essays, study British literature, and study the growth of western civilization. Students conduct a research project, with emphasis on higher level search processes, and complete a documented essay in MLA format.

English 4 Dual Credit – FPC
Grade Placement: 12 Credit: 1
Students will be expected to think on a higher level, work at an accelerated pace, and work independently outside the classroom. Less time will be spent on the mechanics of writing, but rather on more advanced essays of literary criticism and literary analysis. Student will review research skills as needed, and learn higher-level searching processes.

Business Writing
Grade Placement: 12 Credit: 1
Business Writing allows high school students to earn one credit while developing skills necessary for business writing. This course emphasizes skill in the use of conventions and mechanics of written English, the appropriate and effective application of English grammar, the reading comprehension of informational text, and the effective use of vocabulary for today’s workplace.

Practical Writing
Grade Placement: 12 Credit 1
Only for students on a Minimum Graduation Plan to replace English 4 or
As an elective for students on the Recommended or Distinguished Graduation Plan.

Reading 1, 2, 3
Grade Placement: 9-12 Credit: 1
This class develops vocabulary through a structured set of activities, including word study, comprehension strategies, grammar and language usage, increasing rate of reading, and writing. Each student is tested and placed on his/her own reading level. Student progresses through the program until they successfully complete exit level reading lessons and pass the EOC for both English I and English II.