Reading and Writing Fundamentals    

Grade(s): 9

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: None                    

Description: This freshman level course scaffolds with the ninth grade Grammar & Composition class. The material for this course is broken into 2 semesters. The first semester covers parts of speech from nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions and prepositions to phrases and clauses. We also discuss punctuation, subject verb agreement and identifying pronouns to nouns. The second semester covers reading comprehension with nonfiction daily reading assignments. We also read a short story as well as a full novel reviewing literary concepts like foreshadowing, prediction, inference, point of view, cause and effect, motivation, etc.  

Grammar and Composition

Grade(s): 9

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: None                    

Description: In Grammar and Composition, students will examine writing using prewriting strategies, multiple drafting, peer editing, revising techniques, and final drafting. This course also provides a review of vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, and usage as needed. In addition, students will focus on literary terms and techniques in short stories and novels.

Honors Grammar and Composition        

Grade(s): 9

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: Completion of 8th grade English with at least a “B” average.            

Description:  Honors Grammar and Composition is a rigorous course designed to follow the Grammar and Composition curriculum with additional readings and writing projects. Students will analyze literature as well as develop their writing skills through argumentative essays and research papers. There will also be a review of grammar and usage as needed. Also in this course, students will participate in class discussions and collaborate with their peers. Students will be expected to work at a faster pace than those in the regular section. 

Literary Selections        

Grade(s): 10

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: Completion of Grammar and Composition                

Description: Literary Selections is Lutheran East’s sophomore English class that focuses on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. In the first semester, students explore two classics, Of Mice and Men and Macbeth, discussing themes of power, dreams, gender, prejudice, and fate. Additionally, they plan, investigate, write, and revise their own, original research paper. In the second semester, students venture onward and read two contemporary young adult novels, The Hate U Give and Monster, which cover topics of systemic racism, the justice system, activism, and social justice. Also, students read and examine poems from various eras. Throughout the year, students also review common grammatical errors so that they may improve their speaking and writing. By the end of the year, students will learn how to analyze various pieces of literature, communicate in a formal and effective manner using trustworthy sources, speak their truth with confidence and clarity, and actively listen to others. 

Honors Literary Selections        

Grade(s): 10

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite:  Completions of Honors Grammar and Composition with at least a “B” average.    

Description:  Honors Literary Selections is a more challenging take on Literary Selections. While both classes read the same materials and write a research paper, honors students rise to the occasion and complete different assignments and additional assignments. Throughout the year, honors students memorize SAT/ACT vocabulary and utilize their learned vocabulary in their writing. Additionally, honors students practice timed writing prompts using advanced prompts, where they must apply their knowledge, create an original thesis, and provide examples from whatever text they are currently studying. Honors students also read nonfiction articles that pair with our fictional texts; they inquire, critique, and spark discussions with their classmates in a structured format. The class also uniquely features project based learning (PBL), where students may select any medium they choose to show what they learned; in the past, students created comic books, original songs, podcasts, and websites. By the end of the year, honors students will do everything a literary selection student does in addition to test prep, rigorous and creative projects, and read plenty of relevant articles.

American Literature            

Grade(s): 11

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: None                    

Description:  American Literature students will read and interpret varied literature of the United States. Students will explore what U.S. literature means in the context of a multicultural society and will study classical pieces as well as modern. Students will read literature (e.g., dramas, novels, poetry, and short stories) and produce writing that explores social, historical, economic, and political issues of American time periods.

Honors American Literature    

Grade(s): 11

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: Completions of Honors Literary Selections with at least a “B” average.            

Description: Honors American Literature is a more challenging take on American Literature.  Students will read and interpret varied literature of the United States. Students will explore what U.S. literature means in the context of a multicultural society and will study classical pieces as well as modern. Students will read literature (e.g., dramas, novels, poetry, and short stories) and produce writing that explores social, historical, economic, and political issues of American time periods.  

World Literature        

Grade(s): 12

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: None                    

Description: This course is designed to challenge students using varied literary works from around the world. This class builds upon reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through an intensive study of a variety of selected world literature via appropriate oral and written responses. In the first semester, students will explore works from Europe while in the second semester, they will explore works from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Honors Literature 12

Grade(s): 12

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: Completion of Honors American Literature with at least a “B” average.             

Description: The Honors World Literature is a more challenging take on World Literature. This course is designed to challenge students using varied literary works from around the world. This class builds upon reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through an intensive study of a variety of selected world literature via appropriate oral and written responses. In the first semester, students will explore works from Europe while in the second semester, they will explore works from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Creative Writing    

Grade(s): 9-12

Credit: 1

Semester: 2        

Prerequisite: None                    

Description:    Creative Writing is an opportunity to develop students’ voices, sharpen writing skills, explore genres of writing, and refine their writing style. In the first semester, students learn how to write a quality, developed story within the sub-genres of horror, dystopian, science fiction, and the short story. The second semester includes various topics, such as creative nonfiction, poetry, slam poetry, and film analysis. After reading and analyzing excerpts, students produce their own piece in likeness of the example, later fine-tuning it through peer revision and editing. By the end of the year, students will learn how to express themselves, author multiple pieces of literature, and understand the intricacies of creative writing.