John Champe High School
Department of English Course Selections 2015-2016
Academic vs. Honors
• Academic courses challenge students to master rigorous standards with individualized support.
• Honors courses are more inquiry-based, move at an accelerated pace, cover a greater breadth and depth of study, and require more independent work. All honors students create a two-part, year- long reflective portfolio that shows evidence of their growth and learning. Honors courses receive a weight of 0.5.
Is Honors Right for You?
Consider the following slide which highlights the “Habits of Mind” of an honors student.
You should agree with just about every statement!
Habits of Mind
As an Honors English Student, I
ü Read widely and often
ü Foster my spirit of inquiry; seek answers
ü Make connections
ü Reflect thoughtfully
ü Refine my thinking
ü Develop my capacity for analysis
ü Write widely and often
ü Revise deeply
ü Demonstrate originality
ü Work diligently
9th Grade English Options
English 9 is a study of fiction
and nonfiction genres.
A documented research paper is required in English 9. An additional 2 part writing portfolio is required in Honors 9.
You may take English 9 Academic or English 9 Honors (weighted 0.5)
10th Grade English Options
English 10 is a survey of British
Literature.
A documented research paper is required in English 10. An additional 2 part writing portfolio is required in Honors 10.
You may take English 10 Academic or English 10 Honors (weighted 0.5)
11th Grade English Options
English 11 is a survey of American Literature.
A documented research paper is required in English 11. An additional 2 part writing portfolio is required in Honors 11.
There are two SOL tests: writing and reading
You may take:
· English 11 Academic
· English 11 Honors (weighted 0.5)
· AP English Language and Composition (weighted 1.0)
11 Honors vs AP Language &
Composition
English 11 Honors
• 0.5 weight
• Survey of American Literature
• 2 SOL tests (required)
• Requires students to create a Year-long, two-part portfolio assessment project (inquiry-based and reflection-based).
AP Language & Composition
• 1.0 weight
• Equivalent of 1st year college writing course, infused with American Literature
• 2 SOL tests (required) and 1 AP Test (optional)
• Requires students to become skilled readers and writers in a variety of disciplines and rhetorical contexts.
• Seeks to answer the question “How does a work mean what it means?”
Both classes require extensive independent, out-of-class reading and writing.
12th Grade English Options
You may take:
ü English 12 Academic
ü Dual Enrollment (college English offered through a community college program – weight 0.5 – earn 6 college credits)
ü AP English Literature and Composition (weighted 1.0)
English 12 Academic is a two semester course:
· Semester One:
Advanced Composition
· Semester Two:
World Literature
English 12 Dual Enrollment is a two semester course where you can EARN 6 COLLEGE CREDIT HOURS; considered “HONORS” Level:
· Semester One:
English 111/College Composition One
o 3 College Credit Hours
o must maintain an A/B average
o Writing Strategies & Nonfiction Readings
· Semester Two:
English 112/College Composition Two
o 3 College Credit Hours
o must maintain an A/B average
o Analytical & Synthesis Writing & World Literature
What is AP Literature?
• AP Literature is an intensive study of fiction
– novels, plays, and poetry.
o You must be willing to see yourself as a reader and writer.
o Literary analysis focuses on author’s purpose and universality of literature
o Develops skills to analyze the effect of literary techniques on meaning
o Writing focuses on analysis and creative writing (formal, informal, and timed)
English Electives:
Drama -Theater Arts I, II, III, IV
- technical and performing art of theater
- history, staging, costuming, make-up, lighting, directing, designing, acting, etc.
Participate in productions, competitions, and trips! All levels of experience welcome.
See Mrs. Cabaniss for more information!
English Electives:
Drama-Technical Theater I and II
-design research; painting and constructing; sound, lighting, and computer technology; special effects; costume and make-up; publicity and management; and more!
A very hands-on and unique course!
See Mrs. Cabaniss for more information!
English Electives:
Publications
The first course for any novice publications student is Journalism.
Learn about newspaper and mass media production, history, and writing!
Students should have interests in writing and communicating.
Preparation for serving on newspaper staff or yearbook staff.
English Electives:
Newspaper
Newspaper Journalism I, II, and III:
Learn the basics of newspaper production, interviewing, writing, online services, photography, and more!
Develop leadership skills!
See Ms. Leon
for more information!
English Electives:
Yearbook
Photojournalism I, II, and III:
Learn the basics of yearbook production, layout/design, photography, advertising, management, and public relations!
Develop leadership skills!
See Mrs. Abdelrazaq
for more information!
Etymology – study of language and meanings;
very useful for SAT and ACT
SAT Prep – course that reviews and teaches strategies for success not only on the SAT but on all standardized tests
Public Speaking – master the art of speaking –
for all levels of comfort! A great life-skill to
develop!
Creative Writing – work on prose, poetry, and drama; build a portfolio and seek opportunities to get published!
Want more information?
Make informed decisions!
üCheck out the LCPS Program of Studies
üSpeak with your English teacher
üSpeak with your counselor
üSpeak with Mrs. Douglas, English Chair