Grade 12 - English

AP English Language and Composition A (Credit: 1.00)

This course helps students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam â„¢ administered by the College Board. The first semester focuses on the concepts and skills needed to analyze argumentative texts and to build solid argumentsâ€”starting with the choices that experienced authors make when they write to persuade an audience. Students learn and apply best practices for constructing, revising, and refining their own arguments. Writing assignments in Semester A include rhetorical analyses of straightforward written arguments as well as satirical texts and visual approaches to persuasion. Students will be asked to develop several formal argumentative essays and also to practice new skills by writing less formal journal entries throughout the semester. The pace and level of work required by this course is similar to that required in a college-level composition course, so students should be prepared to work independently and to complete all assignments in a way that makes good use of their time. Materials: Everythingâ€™s an Argument, with Readings (8th Edition) with LaunchPad access ISBN:9781319291860 (this is one-year access)

AP English Language and Composition B (Credit: 1.00)

The second semester of AP English Language and Composition focuses on writing tasks that require synthesis and documentation. Students will analyze many examples of synthesis essays and apply what they learn as they create their own texts based on multiple sources. They will also take a closer look at the use of visual and multi-modal or multimedia evidence when used as support for an argument, and theyâ€™ll consider how to incorporate these unique approaches into their own attempts at persuasion. Semester B will ask students to work toward improving and refining the style with which they deliver arguments, including the use of rhetorical devices, varied syntax, and grammatical concepts essential to academic discourse. Writing assignments in Semester B include the analysis and construction of multimedia arguments, studies in style, and research-based projects that require the synthesis of information and ideas. As in Semester A, the pace and level of work required by this course is advanced and substantial, so students should be prepared to work independently and thoroughly on all assignments. Materials: Everythingâ€™s an Argument, with Readings (8th Edition) with LaunchPad access ISBN:9781319291860 (this is one-year access)

AP English Literature and Composition A (Credit: 0.50)

Both semesters of AP English Literature and Composition have been designed to challenge students to read and interpret a wide range of literary works. This course allows students to explore a variety of genres and literary periods and to write clearly about the literature that they encounter. By the end of the second semester, the student will be well prepared for the AP examination and will have acquired analytical skills that will be used throughout life. The first semester of this course focuses on the elements of fiction. The student will spend a considerable amount of time reading and analyzing a variety of short stories and novels. The student will evaluate how the elements of plot analysis, characterization, theme, point of view, symbolism, allegory, irony, and humor work together to create a story or novel that is worthy of literary acclaim. In addition to reading, the student will complete a wide variety of writing pieces in order to develop better writing skills in the following areas: narrative, exploratory, expository, and argumentative.

AP English Literature and Composition B (Credit: 0.50)

Language Arts 12A - Semester 1 (Credit: 0.50)

English 12A focuses on learning to write with confidence and mastery. Emphasis is placed on building language flexibility, improving sentence structure, and mastering the writing process. Students create, revise, and edit six writing projects that are designed to help them take their writing to the next level. As an Honors course, emphasis is placed on project-based instruction and increased reading and writing opportunities. In this thought-provoking writing course, students prepare themselves for the demands of college and/or the job market by developing their writing skills. Through text readings, videos, interactive PowerPoint presentations, practice activities, workbook questions, interactive skills challenges, discussions, writing projects, and other activities students demonstrate their mastery of the writing process. Students will integrate the 6-Traits of Writing (i.e., ideas and content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions) to all of their writing. In the English 12A course, emphasis will be placed on additional reading and writing project-based instruction. Students will create projects including a short story, expository essay, functional document, persuasive essay, literary analysis, and research paper. Through the engaging activities in English 12A Honors, students become more mature and accomplished writers.

Language Arts 12B - Semester 2 (Credit: 0.50)

In English 12B, students experience the evolution of British culture and literature by reading the ancient epic poem Beowulf, Shakespearean sonnets, and other classics that span 1,500 years of English writings. Engaging videos, interesting readings, and interactive activities provide students with pragmatic opportunities to apply reading comprehension and writing skills to their lives. Students work through interactive lessons, completing several self-check activities and quizzes, participating in daily online discussions, and working on their writing skills. Students will apply the 6-Traits of Writing (i.e., Ideas and Content, Organization, Voice, Work Choice, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions) to all of their writing. Engaging course projects will include a personal narrative, descriptive essay, functional document, literary analysis, persuasive essay, and research paper. Teacher feedback is provided throughout the course.

Language Arts Honors 12A - Semester 1 (Credit: 0.50)

English 12A Honors focuses on learning to write with confidence and mastery. Emphasis is placed on building language flexibility, improving sentence structure, and mastering the writing process. Students create, revise, and edit six writing projects that are designed to help them take their writing to the next level. As an Honors course, emphasis is placed on project-based instruction and increased reading and writing opportunities. In this thought-provoking writing course, students prepare themselves for the demands of college and/or the job market by developing their writing skills. Through text readings, videos, interactive PowerPoint presentations, practice activities, workbook questions, interactive skills challenges, discussions, writing projects, and other activities students demonstrate their mastery of the writing process. Students will integrate the 6-Traits of Writing (i.e., ideas and content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions) to all of their writing. As an Honors course, emphasis will be placed on additional reading and writing project-based instruction. Students will create projects including a short story, expository essay, functional document, persuasive essay, literary analysis, and research paper. Through the engaging activities in English 12A Honors, students become more mature and accomplished writers.

Language Arts Honors 12B - Semester 2 (Credit: 0.50)

In English 12B Honors, students experience a survey of dynamic British literature from the ancient epic poem of Beowulf to more contemporary pieces by authors such as George Orwell and Doris Lessing. Emphasis is placed on major literary movements, British authors and classics, and the impact of historical events on literary works. In English 12B Honors, students gain a better understanding of English masterpieces as well as their own writing. As an Honors course, emphasis is placed on project-based instruction and increased reading and writing opportunities. Engaging videos, interesting readings, and interactive activities provide students with pragmatic opportunities to apply reading comprehension and writing skills to their lives. Students work through interactive lessons, completing several self-check activities and quizzes. In each unit, students complete an exam as well as writing projects that include a personal narrative, a research document, a literary response, a descriptive essay, an expository essay, and a persuasive composition. Students also participate in daily discussions and teacher feedback is provided throughout the course. English 12B Honors covers the content and skills in English 12B as well as providing additional project-based instruction and increased reading and writing opportunities.