Language Arts

Last Updated 2/26/2007

3001 English I (Adaptive)    

An individualized program for students who are functioning at the 3rd grade level or below in reading and language skills. Students begin instruction at their own level and progress at a rate at which they can be successful. The curriculum includes elementary reading, grammar, spelling, and practical skills which will help students function in society. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated English I End-of-Course exam. Students may earn up to four units.

3001 English I (Fundamental)   

 A course for students who are functioning below grade level in reading and language skills and have not mastered basic skills in reading at the 6th grade level. Students receive special help in reading, writing, language and communication skills. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated English I End-of-Course exam. They may earn up to four units.

3001 English I (Regular)   

A course designed for students who may or may not be college bound. The course includes the development of appropriate skills in reading comprehension, grammar and language usage, composition, vocabulary development, study techniques, library use, and literature. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated English I End-of-Course examination.

3001 English I (Standard/College Prep)    

A course for students who are functioning on grade level or above in language arts and reading. These students have demonstrated an average or above average ability to perform on-grade-level language skills. The curriculum includes a study of grammar and language, study skills, library skills, composition, literature, and vocabulary development. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated English I End-of-Course exam.

3001 English I (Honors)   

 A course for students who are functioning above grade level in language arts and reading and have demonstrated competency in grammar and composition skills in the 8th grade. They must have the motivation and desire to participate in the program. This Honors course includes in-depth study in composition, research, and literary analysis, and it requires advanced study techniques and outside readings. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated English I End-of-Course exam.

3001 English I (Mentoring)   

A level 4 course for students who are functioning on grade level in reading and language arts but may need additional help with vocabulary development and study skills. This course will emphasize different approaches to learning by applying student knowledge of literature, reading, and composition. It emphasizes skills of oral communication, vocabulary study, critical thinking, analysis, listening skills, and reference/library use. This course also includes the performance indicators in Reading, Writing, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening that are assessed on the Tennessee State English I End-of-Course assessment.

3002 English II (Adaptive)    
3002 English II (Fundamental)    
3002 English II (Regular)   

 Continues to prepare students who may be college bound. The course focuses on literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary development. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated Gateway Language Arts examination.

3002 English II (Standard/College Prep)    

A course for students who have successfully demonstrated an average or above average ability to perform on-grade-level language, analytical, composition, and reading skills. The curriculum includes further development in literary analysis, vocabulary development, and composition. All students at this level will be required to do a research project. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated Gateway Language Arts exam.

3002 English II (Honors)   

 A course for students who have demonstrated a mastery of grammar, writing, and reading skills in the English I Standard/College Prep or Honors level. The curriculum is an in-depth study of critical thinking and analytical skills and includes the development of composition, literary analysis, research, and speaking skills. This course requires outside readings. This course is in preparation for success in the Advanced Placement curriculum at the 11-12 grades. The curriculum includes the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated Gateway Language Arts exam.

3002 English II Honors (Combined)  

A year-long course for students who have demonstrated a mastery of grammar, writing, and reading skills in the English I Standard/College Prep or Honors level. The curriculum is an in-depth study of critical thinking and analytical skills and a major emphasis on written expression. Outside readings are required. This course is in preparation for success in the Advanced Placement curriculum at the 11-12 grades. This course also includes the performance indicators in Reading, Writing, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening that are assessed on the Tennessee State English II Gateway assessment.

3003 English III (Adaptive)    
3003 English III (Fundamental)    
3003 English III (Regular)    

A course which includes a survey of American literature with an emphasis on analytical skills in composition and discussion. Grammar and vocabulary development continue to be a focus for these students who may be college found. Special emphasis is placed upon persuasive writing which is assessed by the state of Tennessee at this grade level.

3003 English III (Standard/College Prep)    

A course for students who have successfully demonstrated an average or above average ability to perform on-grade-level language, analytical, composition and reading skills. The curriculum includes further development in literary analysis, vocabulary development, composition, and research. All students prepare for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program Writing Assessment that requires a rough draft persuasive essay in response to an assigned prompt within a limited time period (35 minutes).

3003 English III Language Development    Engli

sh Language Development is for 11-12 grade students who have deficiencies in spelling, language, and reading. The curriculum includes the development of basic skills in spelling, language usage, reading, and test-taking. (Not for English credit.)

3013 English III AP (Advanced Placement)    

A course for students who have successfully completed Honors English II or have demonstrated competency in composition and rhetorical skills. The curriculum includes an in-depth study of major literary works, writers, social/intellectual movements with an emphasis on analysis, research, and composition. Students will be expected to think critically and analytically and be able to express themselves effectively. Outside readings are required. The course is designed to help develop the cognitive and communicative skills necessary to do well on the AP English Language and Composition Test. All students prepare for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program Writing Assessment that requires a rough draft persuasive essay in response to an assigned prompt within a limited time period (35 minutes).

3013 English III AP (Combined)  

A year-long course for students who have demonstrated competency in composition and literary analysis skills. The curriculum includes a critical survey of American literature, a study of literary style and technique, and written literary analysis. Students will be expected to think critically and analytically and be able to express themselves effectively. The course is designed to help develop the cognitive and communicative skills necessary to do well on the AP English Literature and Language Composition tests.

3005 English IV (Adaptive)    
3005 English IV (Fundamental)   
3005 English IV (Regular)    

Designed for students who are developing skills for success in both college and/or the work force. The literature component focuses on a survey of British literature with continued development of literary analysis skills. Writing, grammar, and vocabulary continue to be emphasized along with other skills assessed by college entrance examinations.

3005 English IV (Standard/College Prep)    

A course for students who have successfully demonstrated an average or above average ability to perform language, analytical, composition and reading skills. The curriculum includes further development of analytical, composition, and research skills in preparation for college English.

3005 English IV CC (Standard/College Prep)    

A senior English course for college credit. The curriculum is a composition and literary study equivalent to English Composition I on the college level. The course includes analysis of reading materials through formal compositions and tests. Students may receive Senior English credit and 3 hours of college credit. (Prerequisites: Students must meet entrance requirments of the cooperating institution of higher education.)

3014 English IV AP (Advanced Placement)    

A course for students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement English III or demonstrated competency in composition and literary analysis skills. Students must be highly motivated and have above average writing and analytical skills. The curriculum is an in-depth study of English/World literature with expectations commensurate with the first year of college English. Outside readings are required. The course is designed to help develop the cognitive and communicative skills necessary to do well on the AP English Literature and Composition Test.

3005 English IV (Humanities Studies)    

A one-unit elective course for 12th grade students who have successfully completed English IV at the Standard/College Prep or Advanced Placement level. The course is an interdisciplinary approach in investigating human expression in literature, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and film. Students must be intellectually motivated to engage in close reading of texts, discussion of ideas and concepts, synthesizing of various aspects of human culture, and writing about what they have learned.

3007 English IV: Communication For Life    

This is a nontraditional course that integrates the standards of Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening with a rigorous hands-on workplace-oriented approach. Students will comprehend and produce a wide variety of texts, recognize and create practical and persuasive forms of communication, and use appropriate technology and media forms. The course emphasizes communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills necessary to enable students to deal effectively with cultural and ethnic diversity in a rapidly changing world. The course is designed for students with average or above average skills, who may or may not be college bound. This is not a remedial course. (English III or English IV credit)

3008 Journalism I   

A one-unit course for students who are proficient in writing skills and have an interest in the production of publications. Curriculum includes the history and elements of journalistic style and the application of journalistic techniques to the development of a publication. Students who wish to take this course must be highly motivated, work well with peers, and be responsible in following through with assignments as the work culminates in a publication. (Elective credit.) (Prerequisites: Students must have completed 9th grade; may have to demonstrate ability to write well; may be required to apply for this course; and may be required to receive teacher recommendation. Publications include the newspaper and/or the annual.)

3008 Advanced Journalism    

A continuation and application of the journalistic skills covered in Journalism I. (Elective credit; may not count as English credit.) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I.)

3012 Creative Writing I   

A one-unit course for students who have an interest in studying and writing in the genres of poetry, drama, short story, and nonfiction. The curriculum includes the study of the genres, the students' personal examples of the genres and their development of a portfolio. (Elective credit; may not count as one of the 4 required English credits.)

3097 Creative Writing II   

A one-unit course for students who wish to pursue further the art of creative writing, concentrating especially on poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and screen writing. Works of great authors are examined and modeled, with a view to enhancing the students' own work. The class is conducted as a workshop with both teacher- and peer-conferencing, an important part of the process, the end result being a significant portfolio of student work.

3015 Speech    

A one-unit course for students who wish to develop skills in public speaking. The curriculum includes skills in researching, writing, presenting, and adapting speeches to various audiences and purposes. Forensics and debate may be included. (Elective credit.)

3075 English Second Language    

ESL is an English course designed for students whose first language or primary language is other than English. Based on level of English proficiency as determined by a standardized, state-approved ESL Test, students are provided English instruction specifically designed for second language learners. Available in grades 9-12. Students may substitute ESL for up to two units of English credit. Additional credit earned in ESL may be used as elective credit at the same rate as other courses in the student's school.

3080 Gateway English   

A remedial course for any student in grades 10, 11, or 12 who has not passed the English II Language Arts Exam. The course concentrates on the four strands – Writing, Reading, Viewing and Representing, and Speaking and Listening – assessed on the Tennessee State mandated Gateway English II exam. Test-taking skills will be an integral part of the course.

3081 Content Area Reading  

 A full or half-credit elective course option for students who will learn, practice, and internalize strategies that are essential life-long learning skills for reading, writing, understanding, and interpreting content-specific materials. The strategies will be applied in the content areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Skills will include previewing and reviewing print and non-print text, activating prior knowledge, processing and acquiring new vocabulary, organizing information, understanding visual representations, self-monitoring, and reflecting.

3097 Film Making  

 A project-driven class where students will develop media and cultural literacy by creating films that require the application of reading, writing, art, social studies, math, and science skills. The course is designed for 11th and 12th grade students who have passed 9th and 10th grade English and who are interested in writing, cinema, art, research, and project-oriented curricula.

3097 Musical Theater    

This course offers students the opportunity to study and perform in this genre. The course combines practical vocal training including diction and tone quality as well as the development of students as actors. Students will study the evolution of musical theater and develop an appreciation for this uniquely American art form.

3097 Science Fiction    

A one-unit elective course for students who have an interest in the genre of science fiction. The course includes units that represent prevalent themes in science fiction: Man and Science, Man in Progression, Alien Encounters, and Visions of the Future. The curriculum includes projects, reading, vocabulary development, discussion, composition and oral presentations. Students may earn one elective credit (does not count as one of the 4 required English credits).

9350 Academic Success   

This course emphasizes skills needed for success in high school and throughout life, such as critical thinking and study skills, and communication skills. Students are expected to learn and utilize steps of the critical thinking process, use effective written and oral communication skills, practice well-organized study habits, and develop organizational skills.

9350 Etymology/Mythology    

A one-unit course for students in grades 10-12 who have an interest in improving PSAT scores and test taking skills. Curriculum includes a study of etymology, vocabulary development, classical mythology, and allusions found in literature, music, and the arts. (Elective credit; may not count as English credit.)

9350 Scholastic Interpretation and Reasoning   

A one semester, one-credit elective English course designed for college-bound sophomores and juniors who want to maximize their standardized test scores. This course provides the student with complete preparation for the SAT/PSAT and the ACT.

3520 Theatre Arts I    

A one-unit course for students who have an interest in drama and wish to learn the history of theatre and improve their abilities in communicating and appearing before a group. The curriculum includes exercises in pantomime, improvisation, basic stage direction, play reading, theatre history, stagecraft, basic acting skills, and oral interpretation. (Elective credit.)

3521 Advanced Theatre Arts    

For students who have completed Theatre Arts I and who wish to expand their interpretative skills and knowledge of theatre. The curriculum includes further study of oral and dramatic interpretation of prose and poetry. Auditions for admission may be required. (Elective credit.) (Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I)

3521 Advanced Theatre Arts Stage Craft  

A one-unit course for students who have an interest in developing an overall understanding of the aspects of theatre production. Students will develop skills in lighting, sound, set construction, set painting, props, program/poster design, costuming, make-up, and publicity. (Elective credit)