Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: None
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course is designed for students who are successful working, reading, and writing at grade level. Students should have met or nearly met eighth grade reading and writing standards; if not, the student may be placed in English 9 Block by the Data Team. In English 9, students will improve their skills in both reading and writing; students will read and analyze non-fiction as well as a variety of literary genres including short stories, myths, drama, poetry, and the novel. Students will be given the opportunity to complete reading and writing work samples in preparation for graduation requirements. Writing includes the personal narrative and explanatory modes. Students will also prepare for demonstration of the Common Core State Standards through the Smarter Balanced Test (taken junior year) or alternative assessments.

Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: Eighth Grade Instructor Approval or placement test; Smarter Balanced score of 2567 or better (Level 3); Writing Work Samples of Fours and Above
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course is intended for highly motivated students who are accelerated in their reading and writing skills and have a desire to excel. Students should have exceeded or nearly exceeded standards on the Smarter Balanced reading and writing assessment and have writing scores of 4s, 5s, or 6s in all of the six analytic traits. Students will begin preparing for the complex writing tasks and analysis skills they will need in a college or university. Fiction readings include a genre approach to literature including an analytic study of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Homer’s Odyssey, and a classic novel. Students are required to read a novel from the college preparatory reading list on their own. Non-fiction texts will be read and analyzed as well. Writing includes personal narrative, explanatory, and explanatory with citations. Students will also prepare for demonstration of the Common Core State Standards through the Smarter Balanced Test (taken junior year) or alternative assessments.

Grade Level: 10
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: None
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course is designed to prepare students to meet graduation requirements and state standards in reading and writing. Students will develop explanatory and argumentative writing techniques and write on-demand essays to prepare for the state assessments. Students will also produce 2-3 mini-research projects. Students will also apply specific literary terms to produce written literary analysis responses. Readings include a genre approach to a broad selection of literary works: short story, novel, drama, and poetry. Reading non-fiction texts for information will also be included. Students will also prepare for demonstration of the Common Core State Standards through the Smarter Balanced Test (taken junior year) or alternative assessments.

Grade Level: 10
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: English 9 or English 9 Honors with an A or B; Instructor Approval; assessment data analysis; Two Writing Work Samples with Scores of Four and above in all Six Traits (at least one of which should be an on-demand)
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course is designed to prepare highly motivated students for the complex writing tasks and analysis skills they will need at a college or university. Students will produce writing in which they demonstrate ability with modes required for graduation, essays of literary analysis and poetry. A three to five page typed research paper based on a Modern issue is also required. Readings include a genre approach to literature with an emphasis on college preparatory texts: Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, poetry, Sophocles’ Antigone, and at least one classic novel. Students will also prepare for demonstration of the Common Core State Standards through the Smarter Balanced Test (taken junior year) or alternative assessments.

Grade Level: 11
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: 2 passing Writing Work Samples; SBAC proficiency with scores of threes or above; Instructor Approval
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course further develops the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for post-secondary education. Students will undertake a broad survey of American literature, including several short stories and novels such as Of Mice and Men. Writing will include both on-demand and other essays as well as responses to literature and a position research paper. Students will also prepare for demonstration of the Common Core State Standards through the Smarter Balanced Test.

Grade Level: 11
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: English 10 Honors with an A or B; Two on-demand Writing Work Samples with scores of fours and fives; assessment data analysis; Instructor Approval and at least one passing on-demand Reading work sample
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course is designed to continue preparing students for the complex writing tasks and analysis skills they will need at a college or university. Readings include a comprehensive survey of American literature from colonial to contemporary times. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Of Mice and Men, and Catcher in the Rye are some of the novels studied. Students will produce argumentative, explanatory, and analytic writings. Writing work samples will also include responses to literature, as well as a required position research paper. Students will also prepare for demonstration of Common Core State Standards through the Smarter Balanced Test or alternative assessments.

Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: None
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course is designed to prepare students for the analytical thinking, analytical research, and types of writing required in a post-secondary setting. Readings are selected to encourage the student to develop a life-long appreciation of literature through a survey of British and American literature. Writings will include reflective and analytic responses to a variety of perspectives and genres: the novel, drama, short story, and non-fiction, including a study of Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm, and a Shakespearean play. Students will produce personal, explanatory, argumentative, and analytic writings in preparation for college or university entrance. Students will also be given the opportunity to complete writing work samples for graduation requirements. A research recommendation report (process and product) is also required.

Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: English 11 Honors or English 11 with an A or B; assessment data analysis; a Smarter Balanced score of 2583 or better (level 3); proficient writing work sample scores at fours and fives including two on-demands; Instructor Approval
Credit: 1 English

Course Overview: This course prepares students for the analytical and evaluative research and writing required in college or university coursework. Readings include a comprehensive survey of English and World literature from ancient to modern times including selections like Beowulf, The Inferno, and Lord of the Flies. Students will produce personal, explanatory, argumentative, and analytical writings in preparation for college or university entrance. A position research paper (process and product) is also a course requirement.

Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: English 11 Honors with an A or B+ OR WR 121/122 with a C or higher; assessment data analysis; a Smarter Bal-anced score of 2682 or better (level 4); exceeding writing work sample scores on at least two on-demands; Instructor Approval
Credit: 1 English
College Credit: Advanced Placement test for additional college credit

Course Overview: This Advanced Placement course presents a college level study of literature and literary argument in preparation for the AP exam administered in May. Students who take and pass the exam with a score of three or higher may be granted college credit in literature at most colleges and universities throughout the nation. The course begins with a traditional chronological study of the evolution of British literature through the 18th century, then moves to a genre approach to British, American, and World literature: the novel, short story, poetry, and drama. Summer reading is assigned at the end of the junior year for completion prior to beginning the class in the fall.

Grade Level: 11, 12
Length of Course: One semester
Pre-requisite: Strong success in English 10 Honors or English 11; strong study, reading and writing skills
Credit: ½ English
College Credit: 4 UCC credits

Course Overview: The successful WR 121 student must be prepared and motivated to focus on argumentative, non-fiction texts and rhetorical reading, thinking, and writing as a means of inquiry. Students will gain fluency with key rhetorical concepts and utilize these in a flexible and collaborative writing process, reflecting on their writing process with the goal of developing metacognitive awareness. They will employ standard writing conventions, including formal citations, while attending to the demands of audience, purpose, genre, and the discourse community. Stu-dents will compose in two or more genres, with a focus on argumentation. They will produce at least 3,000 to 3,500 words of revised, final draft compositions, including at least one essay that integrates research.

Grade Level: 11, 12
Length of Course: One semester
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of WR 121 (a "C" or better per UCC requirements)
Credit: ½ English
College Credit: 4 UCC credits

Course Overview: Writing 122 continues the focus of WR 121 in its review of rhetorical concepts and vocabulary, in the development of reading, thinking, writing skills, along with metacognitive competencies. Specifically, students will identify, evaluate, and construct chains of reasoning, a process that includes an ability to distinguish assertion from evidence, recognize and evaluate assumptions, and select sources appropriate for a rhetorical task. Students will employ a flexible, collaborative, and appropriate composing process, work in multiple genres, and utilize several modalities. Students will produce at least two argumentative essays, demonstrating competence in both research and academic argumentation. By successfully completing WR 121 & WR 122, students will have fulfilled most college’s writing requirements.

Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Eng 11 Honors or WR 121 & WR 122
Credit: 1 English
College Credit: 8 SOU credits

Course Overview: This course emphasizes the philosophies, cultures and histories that shape literature. This is a challenging, intellectually stimulating, discussion-centered class with extensive reading and writing. The course begins with a traditional chronological study on the evo-lution of British literature through the 18th century, then moves to a genre approach to British, American, and world literature: novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. Careful reading and critical analyses of these works provide opportunities to develop an appreciation of literature’s reflection and commentary on a range of experiences, institutions, and social structures. Students will master literary terms and critical reading skills, strengthen literary analysis and literary argument skills, and build writing and research skills. Students who take and pass the AP exam, administered in May, with a score of 3 or higher can earn college credit in literature at the universities that do not accept SOU credit.  Summer reading is assigned at the end of the junior year for completion prior to beginning the class in the Fall.

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Semester
Pre-requisite: Data Team Decision *
Credit: ½ Elective

Course Overview: Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world. This class is designed to provide literacy-building skills to supplement the students’ English Language Arts curriculum. It will imple-ment a balanced approach by teaching the literacy skills a student needs to prepare them for success in school and the workforce. Students will read about, write about, think about, and discuss the texts of their core Language Arts classes, improving not only their real-world communica-tion skills but their opportunities for academic success.

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Year
Pre-requisite: None
Credit: 1 Elective

Course Overview: This introductory course is designed to prepare students to become part of the RHS news team and create content for our newspaper and website, The Orange R. Topics covered include multimedia skills (podcasting, broadcasting, digital storytelling, and social media), web design, graphic design, layout, desktop publishing, photography, journalistic writing, blogging, interviewing, and more.

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Year (Can be repeated)
Pre-requisite: Completion of Intro to Journalism
Credit: 1 Elective

Course Overview: The Orange R is a multimedia news production class that enables experienced students to advance their jour-nalistic skills and develop as leaders while publishing the school’s newspaper and news website, The Orange R. Staff members will tell the story of RHS by writing articles; producing their own podcasts, broadcasts, and documentary films; managing the program’s social media accounts; and designing RHS’s creative arts magazine. Leadership roles include editors, business manag-ers, and multimedia producers.

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Semester
Pre-requisite: None
Credit: ½ - 1 Elective

Course Overview: Creative Writing is a course designed for students who are self-motivated writers. It focuses on in-depth fictional character building; students can expect to have a well-developed protagonist by the end of the semester. The course includes the study and examination of the writing process, genres, and an exploration of a writer’s tools.

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: Semester
Pre-requisite: Strong reading and writing skills recommended
Credit: ½ Elective

Course Overview: This course provides the necessary background for effective public speaking. It emphasizes four areas of communication: developing self-confidence, preparing material for oral presentations, listening techniques, and delivering speeches to entertain, inform, and persuade. Students will learn how to research, write, and present speeches in front of the class, including learning basic debate skills and per-forming a debate for their peers. Oral presentation and participation is mandatory.