English I – 10 Units
English I is a course studying several of the foundational elements of the English language. Our study of literature takes a thematic approach to reading selections from several genre, including short stories, drama, poetry, and the novel. Other areas of study include grammar, vocabulary development, mastery of spelling and punctuation, and writing paragraphs and essays.
English II (World Literature) – 10 Units
Primarily for sophomores, this is a course which emphasizes the five basic literary genre – the short story, poetry, drama, the novel, and the essay – with selections from various cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities from around the world. Essay writing is response to literature is featured, as is vocabulary development. A semester-long research project will introduce Modern Language Association’s (MLA) format for research.
English III (American Literature) – 10 Units
Primarily for juniors, this course continues the study of the various literary genre with selections taken exclusively from American writers. Selections emphasize a historical timeline and major contributors to the literary heritage of the United States, particularly as viewed through the characteristics of the progressive literary periods. Again, a semester-long research project will be completed. Students will refine their MLA skills and learn American Psychiatric Association (APA) formatting as well. As always, vocabulary development will be an important focus.
English IV (British Literature) – 10 Units
Primarily for seniors, this is also presented in the contest of a historical and literary timeline with a focus on major contributors to English literature worldwide. In writing, the focus is preparation for college, including testing and writing for the college boards. There is a semester-long research project that employs the format outlined by the APA.
English Comp 101 & 102 – 10 Units
Prerequisite: Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, no English grades lower than B, and an ACT English score of at least 21, and Reading score of at least 19 or curriculum committee approval.
This class takes the place of academy senior English but also earns college credit. Comp 101 (1st Semester) consists of an analysis of essays and literary works with an emphasis on synthesis of ideas, rhetorical modes, documentation skills, and revision. Comp 102 (2nd Semester) consists of writing argumentative compositions based on issues raised in essays and literary works with an emphasis on research skills, support, and revision. The main goal of both courses is to ensure that students develop effective written communication skills. Students making lower than B for the 1st semester in English Comp will not be allowed to take the second semester for dual credit and will be moved to English IV for the second semester.
We have worked with various colleges and universities to offer this class. In years when we do not have sufficient enrollment to offer this class on campus, we will seek to offer it online with one of our partner schools. Tuition for dual enrollment courses is in addition to regular Highland tuition.
Honors English III or IV
This is not actually a separate class. Rather, there are additional requirements to English III or English IV that offer an honors component. To receive honors credit for either class, a student must complete additional assignments, fulfill additional time requirements, and create two semester long projects (one for each semester of the parent class) that are approved and directed by the English teacher. Upon completion of the additional honors requirements, the student’s transcript will state that the student received credit for Honors English III or IV and will receive an additional GPA point for the Honors English class. This point will only be added to the GPA if the student receives a grade of B or above for the Honors English class. A grade of B- or below will not receive the additional GPA point. Honors research and writing will use both APA and Chicago/Turabian formatting. There will be an Honors Symposium where students present their projects.