John Champe High School

Department of English Course Selections

2014-2015

Required English Courses

• All students must earn four credits in English and must take an English course each year of high school.

Required English Courses

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

• Read widely and often • Foster my spirit of inquiry; seek answers • Make connections • Reflect thoughtfully • Refine my thinking • Develop my capacity for analysis • Write widely and often • Revise deeply • Demonstrate originality • 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.

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.

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. There are two SOL tests: writing and reading You may take English 11 Academic,

English 11 Honors (weighted 0.5), or 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 -English 12 Academic or -Dual Enrollment (weighted 0.5, credit through NOVA, taken

at JCHS) or -AP English Literature and Composition

(weighted 1.0) English 12 is a two semester course: Semester One: Advanced Composition

Semester Two: World Literature Dual Enrollment is a two semester course with a focus on composition

(though literature is taught throughout). Successful completion of this course results in 6 credits of transferrable college English.

What is AP Literature? • AP Literature is an intensive study of fiction

– novels, plays, and poetry. • You must be willing to see yourself as a

reader and writer. • Literary analysis focuses on author’s purpose

and universality of literature • Develops skills to analyze the effect of

literary techniques on meaning • Writing focuses on analysis and creative

writing (formal, informal, and timed)

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 Mr. Staggs 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: Drama

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 Mrs. Douglas 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 Ms. Mathews for more information!

Additional English Electives (All one semester courses)

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

Additional English Electives (All one semester courses)

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!

Check out the LCPS Program of Studies Speak with your English teacher Speak with your counselor Speak with Mr. Hoffman, English Chair