High School English

English II – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Core
Prerequisite: English I

This course integrates the study of composition and literature.  In the area of writing, skills in usage and mechanics are reviewed with emphasis on practical application to the student’s own writing.  Students write well-developed paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays.  Coursework in literature includes a variety of informational texts, novels, and plays.  Reading and vocabulary skills are emphasized.

The student will:

• Write multi-paragraph essays (narrative, argument, and informative/expository)
• Expand vocabulary skills
• Enhance grammar skills
• Read a variety of literature with application of literary elements

Honors English II – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Core
Prerequisite: Honors I or teacher recommendation

Honors English provides an enrichment program in language arts and is focused on preparing students to enter AP English courses. The course emphasizes three areas of English study: literature, vocabulary, and writing.

The student will:

• Build close reading and analysis skills of complex texts
• Learn to analyze author’s purpose in literature through the use of literary devices and character development
• Develop analytic writing skills through multi-paragraph essay work
• Expand vocabulary and grammar skills
• Begin working with rhetorical devices and rhetorical analysis

English III – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Core
Prerequisite: English II

This course surveys primarily American literature in multiple styles/genres:  essays, poems, short stories, novels, and plays.  Students will compose in a variety of genres including informative, narrative, and argument.  Additionally, students will be asked to identify and interpret connections between the literature, what we value as Americans, and what we value about ourselves as contemporary Americans.

The student will:

• Read and study primarily American literature according to literary and historical movements
• Write various multi-paragraph essays including informative, narrative, argument, and literary analysis, using appropriate mechanics and citation according to MLA guidelines
• Expand vocabulary skills
• Apply literary elements

English Concepts I – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Core (fulfills English requirement)
Prerequisite: Grade 11 or 12 or English II

This course integrates the study of composition and literature by reviewing English II concepts and introducing English III concepts. In the area of writing, skills in usage and mechanics are reviewed with emphasis on practical application to the student’s own writing. Students write well-developed paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays. Coursework in literature includes a variety of informational texts, novels, and plays. Reading and vocabulary skills are emphasized. 

The student will:

• Write well-developed paragraphs
• Write multi-paragraph essays
• Develop reading and vocabulary skills
• Be exposed to various texts (informational, novels, and plays)

English IV – RAI
Offered to grade: 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Core
Prerequisite: English III

This course will prepare students for introductory college-level literature and writing experiences. It emphasizes the fundamentals of essay writing as preparation for a freshman composition class.  Literature study in both classic and modern British literature will provide a background for college literature and humanities classes. 

The student will:

• Refine basic essay development (form, organization, content, and mechanics) to college-level competencies
• Read, discuss, and write about classic and modern British literature
• Apply MLA format in documented writing
• Expand vocabulary skills

AP Language and Composition – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Core
Prerequisite: Honors English II or English III with instructor permission.

This is a college-level rhetoric course. The course includes analysis of the rhetorical techniques of professional writers in a variety of genres. The theory and expression of argument is also studied. The course focuses mainly on non-fiction prose; however, a representative sample of American literature is also included. Students interested in taking the AP test will have an opportunity to take the exam when the College Board schedules it in May.

The student will:

• Develop perceptive reading through close analysis of texts
• Learn to analyze the purpose, main ideas, tone, and rhetorical devices in texts
• Develop complexity of thought through oral and written expression
• Attain a mature writing style characterized by depth of analysis, development of ideas, clarity of expression, and the emergence of the writer’s own voice
• Develop and practice strategies for writing the free response essay and for answering the objective questions on the AP Language and Composition exam

AP Literature and Composition – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms (1 High School, 1 College)
Category: Core
Prerequisite: AP Language or English IV with instructor permission.

Dual Credit (DMACC) Course 

This is an advanced-level literature course, including a survey of representative works from various periods in American, British, & World literature.  Written work covers both academic and exploratory writing.  Students interested in taking the AP test will have an opportunity to take the exam when the College Board schedules it in May.

The student will:

• Develop perceptive reading through close analysis of texts, representing various literary genres
• Attain a mature writing style by preparing essays about the texts (applying MLA format in documented writing)
• Understand the elements of poetry as they enhance the meaning of a poem
• Participate in thoughtful class discussions of literature and life
• Develop and practice procedures for answering objective and subjective items such as those appearing on the AP Literature and Composition exam

Creative Writing I – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Recommended to be taken after English II

Students will study three core forms of writing: poems, short stories, and scripts. They will then draw on personal experiences and use their imaginations to produce a range of writing in the form of both prose and poetry, practicing and honing their skills in each genre. They will utilize the writing process, including prewriting, conferencing, and revising. Some study of mechanics will also be incorporated as it applies to the student’s writing.

The student will:

• Gain introductory exposure to a range of genres and styles in the 3 basic genres (poetry, story, script)
• Produce a variety of written expression, such as journals, exercises, and writing assignments of varying lengths 
• Engage in the writing process, including planning, drafting, peer review, teacher conferencing, and revision
• Determine which genres best fit their personalities and skills 
• Reflect on writerly growth throughout the term

Creative Writing II – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Creative Writing I

Students will continue to study the main genres (script writing, poetry, and narrative) from Creative Writing I with more depth, focusing specifically on an extended project within one of these genres. This course will be a workshop-style course, emphasizing the importance of the student’s ability to monitor individual progress, set and reflect on goals, and collaborate with peers. Students will thoroughly utilize the writing process, creating multiple drafts and completing thorough revisions, to create a final capstone piece. 

The student will:

• Create a capstone piece of highly polished and/or publish-worth quality 
• Collaborate with the teacher (and his/her writing cohort) to create an individualized learning plan
• Reflect on, practice, and analyze various writing techniques through the use of creative writing mentor pieces and guest speakers

Etymology – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Recommended English II

This course helps students build vocabulary by gaining knowledge of Greek and Latin prefixes, roots, and suffixes. It also emphasizes connotative and denotative meanings of words in written and oral contexts. Priority is placed on the practical use of derivatives including increased writing skills and a better understanding of written material. This course will help students prepare for standardized testing and the rigors of academic language expected in college while also appealing to students who love languages. It will require memorization, daily homework, and weekly quizzes/tests.

The student will:

• Gain an understanding and appreciation of how the English language is constructed.
• Increase his/her personal vocabulary, both as a reader and writer.

Myths & Legends – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

In this project-based class, students will read, discuss, write, and present about various world myths and legends. They will examine how myths and legends reflect the various cultures that produced them.

The student will:

• Create multiple presentations through creative projects in individual and group settings
• Read, discuss, and write about various world myths, legends and other folklore
• Research and discuss how myths, legends, and folklore reflect different cultures
• Compose and revise original works

Stories Matter – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

Much of the conflict in the world stems from a lack of understanding and appreciating our own and others’ diverse experiences and perspectives. In this course, students will explore a variety of literary texts, which could include memoirs, podcasts, poems, plays, etc., all with the same questions at the heart of the study: How do different people see, feel, and represent the world differently? How can sharing stories increase our understanding of each other? While engaging with the central focus, students will work on skills pertaining to reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The student will:

• Read, discuss, and write about the course concept (the importance of stories and multiple perspectives) in a variety of forms (examples: John Green’s “Stories Matter” speech, Dashka Slater’s The 57 Bus, pieces from Des Moines Storytellers Project, etc.) on a variety of topics that may shift with students’ needs and interests
• Focus on the similarities and differences between stories within the course concept
• Advance analysis skills
• Write reflectively and analytically
• Compose narratives

Children’s Literature – RAI
Offered to grade: 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

This class is intended for students entering an elementary education program.  Students will study a broad scope of elementary literature.  Students will complete projects and write papers.  As a part of this class, students will complete practicum hours, applying knowledge of children’s literature to the elementary classroom.  Students will provide their own transportation.  Strong reading and writing skills are needed for this class.

Introduction to Mass Media
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None * Not all colleges/universities recognize this course as a Language Arts credit.

Students will study all aspects of mass media:  newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, social media/internet, and motion pictures. They will learn to examine critically the role of the mass media in today’s society

The student will:

• Study various types of mediums such as television, radio, film, and print
• Learn terms used within the media industry
• Understand how mass media affects society
• Write for various journalistic purposes

Publications I/II – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 4 Terms (Offered during 1A)
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Students must have completed or enrolled in English II

Students actively contribute to school media outlets (print, web, and yearbook). They learn the fundamentals of interviewing, journalistic writing, photography, and design.  Success in the class depends on meeting strict deadlines, peer editing, and reporting school news in a mature and ethical manner.  Staffers are periodically required to report on events outside of the school day and complete assignments on their own time. Upon successful completion of their first year in publications, staffers may continue for multiple years, earning the opportunity for leadership.

How to register: Publications runs all year long during block 1. When requesting the course, students should typically choose Publications I and Publications II (two halves of first block) for all four terms. However, students who are enrolled in a skinny course 1A or 1B must enroll in Publications I (1A) or Publications II (1B) opposite the skinny course.

Application: May be required