English II: Critical Reading & Effective Writing
SWApH01051 (2 semesters, 1 credit, prerequisite English I)
Critical Reading and Effective Writing offers a balanced curriculum that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts are presented in creative and lively ways that reinforce learning goals and engage students. Literary selections include short fiction and poetry from around the globe, Shakespearean and modern drama, and contemporary novels. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, and famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills target forms, applications, and work-related communication. Throughout both semesters, students build active reading strategies as they question, predict, clarify, and evaluate events and ideas presented in text.
English III: American Literature
SWApH01054 (2 semesters, 1 credit, prerequisite English I & II)
American Literature is a general studies program in literature and composition, organized as a survey of American literature. It can stand alone as a complete year of general study in English without a specific prerequisite, but its modular design allows flexibility in how the program is used in the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or activity to supplement regular class content. American Literature expands upon and deepens understanding of literary and communication skills covered in Critical Reading and Effective Writing, including reading, writing, language appreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, viewing and representing, and research.
English IV: British & World Literature
SWApH01056 (2 semesters, 1 credit, prerequisite English I, II, & III)
British and World Literature offers a survey of British literature that illustrates the origins of English-language literature and reflects its reach beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Each activity correlates to state standards in six core areas: reading, writing, language (appreciation and aesthetics), listening and speaking, viewing and representing (including media literacy), and research. The course gives students meaningful practice in fundamental literacy skills while introducing them to classics of British and world literature. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think and respond independently, critically, and creatively to the subject matter, whether it's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens students to approach these works — both on their own terms and within a larger context — while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need in order to do so.