English Language Arts
English I: Foundations in Literature and English Composition
1 credit – Freshmen
CONTENT: English I has been designed to meet the varied skill levels of the ninth grade student. The course includes a strong emphasis on writing skills and vocabulary enrichment. Through the study of literature, the student is also provided an opportunity to develop and strengthen his/her thinking and comprehension skills.
SKILLS: Students will apply grammatical skills to express themselves clearly and logically in a written format. They will increase their vocabulary; they will have the opportunity to enjoy selections in literature.
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
English III: United States Literature
1 credit – Junior
CONTENT: English III explores the development of American literature from colonial times to the present. Literary units are arranged chronologically to study literature in historical context. Composition units offer the student experience in written expression emphasizing appropriate usage and logical thought. Vocabulary includes the study of meaning through context and word analysis.
SKILLS: Students will continue working on mastery of vocabulary and grammar. They will learn strategies for correctly choosing synonyms and making correct analogies. They will learn research techniques and the construction of a research paper. Students will acquire an appreciation of the United States’ literary heritage while developing their critical reading skills.
PREREQUISITES: English I and II
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
English Literature and Composition IV
1 credit – Senior
CONTENT: The content of English IV includes British literature, composition theories and practices, vocabulary study, literary forms and terminology, researching topics for presentations, basic reviews of sentence and paragraph structure, English usage and grammar. Three quarters of the year’s study involves literature study to improve comprehension and build historical appreciation of the literature of the English world.
One quarter of the year’s work concentrates on writing theories and methods through preparation of a variety of writing projects.
SKILLS: Students will improve logic and thinking skills including evaluation, analysis and synthesis. Students will improve critical reading and comprehension skills to meet standard senior grade level expectations.
Practical writing will improve students’ comprehension through simplicity and clarity of style.
PREREQUISITES: English III
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
English Literature and Composition IV: Shakespeare
1 credit – Senior
CONTENT: This senior level course provides a year’s study of the works of William Shakespeare. Students will read tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello and King Lear. Students will analyze and dissect Shakespeare’s writing and learn vocabulary in context. Coordination of projects with other disciplines is a focus of the course.
SKILLS: Through the study of imagery, puns, characterization, theme, tone, mood and style, students will have the chance to analyze and dissect the writings of Shakespeare. Vocabulary will be studied in context.
PREREQUISITES: English III and recommendation of the department
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
Standardized Test Preparation
1/2 credit elective – Fall Junior, Senior
CONTENT: This course presents strategies and practices skills for improving standardized test scores. Students will complete and review practice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and essay writing. They will also review the purposes of the ACT/SAT tests, general test-taking strategies, and ways to reduce test anxiety.
SKILLS: Reading skills, grammar and basic writing, ninth-to-eleventh grade mathematics, and general reading skills.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of 10th grade English and mathematics.
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester
English IV Dual Credit
1 credit – Senior (3 college hours per semester)
CONTENT: This course provides college level instruction in English composition. The syllabus follows the Houston Community College syllabi for English 1301 and English 1302 – English Composition I & II. It requires college level reading and writing ability. Completion of this course earning a ―C‖ or above will earn students 6 hours of college credit which is reflected on the HCC transcript. The course also fulfills the English IV requirement of 1 full credit towards graduation.
SKILLS: Reading and writing at the college level.
PREREQUISITES: ACT Composite score 23 or above with minimum of 19 in English or SAT
Composite score 1070 with a minimum of 500 in Critical Reading or qualifying score on Asset test. Qualified students may take a maximum of 6 hours of college credit per semester.
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
FEE: Students living within Houston Community College District – no fee.