WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL ' S
COURSE CATALOG
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Course Name : American Literature Type of Course : Core Course Available to : 11th grade Prerequisites : Literature and Composition I ( 70 % - 89 %)
Description : This course focuses on the study of American literature , writing modes and genres , and essential conventions for reading , writing , and speaking . Students develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in American literature in addition to the ways the period of literature affects its structure and meaning . Students read a variety of informational and literary texts in all genres and modes of discourse . While expository writing is the focus in American literature , students will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres : narrative , persuasive , and technical . Students will engage in research , timed writing , and the writing process . Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading , writing , and speaking . Students demonstrate an understanding of listening , speaking , and viewing skills for a variety of purposes .
Course Name : Honors American Literature Type of Course : Core Course
Available to : 11th grade
Prerequisites : Literature and Composition II ( 90 %+) OR H . Literature and Composition II ( 80 % - 89 %)
Description : This is an accelerated college prep course that covers a variety of literary genres and multicultural writers in a chronological or thematic pattern . It emphasizes control in expository writing ( thesis support ) and argumentative essays . This course moves toward precision in literary analysis , expository and persuasive writing , and refining research skills . Students will demonstrate an understanding of listening , speaking , and viewing skills for a variety of purposes as well as using correct grammar , mechanics , and usage . This course is designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement Language Arts courses . Students earn an additional 0.5 quality point towards their GPA for this course .
Course Name : AP English Language and Composition Type of Course : Core Course
Available to : 11th grade Prerequisites : H . Literature and Composition II ( 90 %+)
Description : This course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum , which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages / drafts . Students evaluate , create , and cite research to support their arguments . Additionally , students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts , including graphic images as forms of text , from many disciplines and historical periods . The course will involve independent study and frequent written analysis to prepare students for the AP English Language and Composition exam . Students earn an additional 1.0 quality point towards their GPA for this course .
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