Each student is required to complete each of the following classes for a total of 4 Credits in English. Classes that fit this requirement include: Honors/Introduction to Writing or Writing Patterns, Honors/Literary Genres or Introduction to Literary Genres, A Second Writing Course, American Literature, British Literature or World Literature.

The remaining 1.5 credit may be elected in accordance with student interest and ability. Of the 1.5 credit electives, no more than .5 credit may be earned in Journalism. The remaining 1 credit must come from other English Department electives. Developmental Reading or Language Arts Seminar may count toward elective graduation requirements, but not toward the English Department requirement of 4 credits.

COURSES THAT FULFILL REQUIREMENTS
    Introduction to Writing/Honors Intro to Writing
    Writing Patterns
    Literary Genres/Honors Literary Genres
    Intro to Literary Genres
    Correct and Practical Writing
    Development of the Research Paper
    The Writer's Craft
    Literary Term Paper
    *ACC Composition
    American Authors
    Honors/Survey of American Literature
    Explorations of British Literature
    British Authors
    Honors/Survey of British Literature
    World Literature

COURSES THAT ARE ELECTIVES
    Language Arts Seminar
    Themes In Literature
    Independent Reading of Literature
    World Literature
    Literature Into Film
    Rhetoric and Composition
    Creative Writing
    Contemporary Authors
    Journalism 1 and 2
    Advanced Journalism 1, 2 and 3
    Woman Studies
    *ACC Literature 1
    *ACC Literature 2

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

INTRODUCTION TO WRITING
.5 credit
In this course, students are introduced to the HOW and WHY of writing. Students learn a writing process and then practice this process to produce expressive, persuasive, informative research and creative pieces. Usage, punctuation and spelling skills are practiced throughout.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized Test Scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English Phase B

HONORS INTRODUCTION TO WRITING
.5 credit
This course will entail an in-depth study of the writing process. Students will become familiar with research techniques and practice the skills leading toward proficiency in various modes of writing.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized test scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English Phase A

WRITING PATTERNS
.5 credit
Students learn a writing process and then practice this process in producing descriptive narrative, expository, persuasive and creative pieces. Special emphasis is given to grammar, punctuation and proofreading skills throughout the course.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized Test Scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English Phase C

LITERARY GENRES
.5 credit
This course is an introduction to the basic literary genres (short story, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and the novel). Its focus is to help the student gain an appreciation for the artistic and ethical value of literature through reading, writing and discussion.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized Test Scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English Phase B

HONORS LITERARY GENRES
.5 credit
This course is an in-depth study of the subject matter covered in Literary Genres and will include an introduction to mythology. Additional readings will focus more intensely on the skills of interpretation, criticism and writing.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized test scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English Phase A

INTRO TO LITERARY GENRES
.5 credit
This course is an introduction to the literary genres of short story, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and the novel, but it is adapted in material and methods to accommodate the Phase C student.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized Test Scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English Phase C

CORRECT AND PRACTICAL WRITING
.5 credit
This course provides further practice and development of the writing process, emphasizing prewriting. It deals with letter composition and resume writing, as well as proper research techniques (use of internet and computer technology, thesis, note taking, outline). Essay practice includes the basic five-paragraph essay. This course fulfills the writing course requirements.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior, English Phase C

DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESEARCH PAPER
.5 credit
This course is a semester study of the elements included in a research paper. Emphasis is placed on the use of library resources, ability to document sources, and skill in organizing material and presenting it clearly in an informative and persuasive paper. Students will work with both quantitative and traditional methodology and assignments. This course provides practice in the use of the MLA format. It fulfills the writing course requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses, The Writer’s Craft or Literary Term Paper
CLASS STATUS: Junior, English Phase A or B or Senior, English Phase A, B, or C

RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION
.5 credit
This course provides an introduction to the typical Composition I college course. The student will examine examples of the various modes of writing and will practice these methods in several original essays, including description, comparison/contrast, classification, persuasion and literary analysis. The student will learn and apply elements of style and review usage, punctuation, and spelling as needed.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C

THE WRITER'S CRAFT
.5 credit
This course reinforces and refines basic writing skills. The student studies the tools of writing and writes a variety of papers. The types of writing studied include expository, descriptive, persuasive and analytical. The class fulfills the writing course requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore English Phase B
Junior or Senior, English Phase C

LITERARY TERM PAPER
.5 credit
In this course the student will learn what a literary analysis is, and use pre-writing techniques to prepare for correct examples of short story, drama and poetic analyses. In addition, proper research techniques will be taught, and a step-by-step approach used to ensure a penetrating piece of research. Note taking, outlining, documentation, and proper works cited pages will all be covered. A ten page paper will be completed, as well as an oral presentation on the paper’s topic.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior, English Phase A

* ACC COMPOSITION 1
.5 credit
(Saint Louis University title: ENG-190: Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Composition) This course focuses on the elements of rhetoric, elements that govern all communication, such as audience, purpose, occasion, community and context. More specifically, the course should introduce the student to, and help the student’s development with the rhetorical strategies necessary for writing persuasively in academic, professional and public settings. An integral part of this course is the understanding and use of scholarly methods of research and proof. Upon completion of course requirements the student receives 3 college credit hours of English from Saint Louis University and/or .5 high school credit.
PREREQUISITES: Required English courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior and Department Recommendation

AMERICAN AUTHORS
.5 credit
This course is a chronological study of American writers from 1620 to the present and the historical periods in which they wrote. The student also studies the major genres and the techniques used by the writers. An understanding of the literature will be demonstrated through a variety of activities. This course fulfills the American literature requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase B or C

HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course is an in-depth study of the literature of America from the time of the Native Americans to the present with emphasis on the relationship between literature and events in history. The student will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the literature through a variety of assignments, including both oral and written. This course fulfills the American literature requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A

EXPLORATIONS OF BRITISH LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course is a journey through the drama, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction of England, exploring the world of peoples and ideas from the beginning of British literature to the present. This fulfills the British Literature requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior, English Phase C

BRITISH AUTHORS
.5 credit
This course is an examination of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the writings of contemporary England. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between literature and history by tracing the chronological development of major genres of literature in English. The student's writing about literature will also be stressed. This fulfills the British literature requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior, English Phase B

HONORS BRITISH LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course provides an overview of English literature from Beowulf to the present. The students will study the rich variety of literature and they will learn to understand and apply literary terms. They will also see the effect of history on literature. The students will be expected to discuss the literature and to show through written analysis an understanding of the literature. This course fulfills the British literature requirement.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior, English Phase A

LANGUAGE ARTS SEMINAR
.5 credit
This course is recommended to freshmen as a supplement to their literature and writing courses. The purpose is to help improve reading, writing and test-taking skills across the curriculum. Credit earned counts toward elective graduation requirements, but not toward the English Department requirements of 4 credits.
PREREQUISITE: Standardized tests scores and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Freshman, English phase C

THEMES IN LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course provides the student with choices from a variety of literature over a wide range of human experiences. Topics include a selection from love, conscience, emotional illness, minorities and prejudice. The student will discuss the literature both orally and in writing. (Offered every other year, will be offered 2009-2010)
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C

INDEPENDENT READING OF LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course is designed by the student in collaboration with her teacher. Together they determine the focus of reading. The student meets with the teacher to discuss the works read and writes a paper or chooses another option for reporting on a major idea found through all the works. Student must take a computer test to determine comprehension. Student must arrange this course with a willing teacher. Each .1 credit must represent 15-17 hours of work.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior, English Phase A, B or C

WORLD LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course provides the opportunity to read and shape ideas on themes common to peoples all over the world. The literature studied was written by authors from a variety of cultures. Emphasis will be on reading with understanding, compassion, and a critical eye toward assimilating a more humane world order. Class participation via discussion is vital in this course. Students will also develop a production depicting the important aspects of a country. This is a group presentation.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Senior, English Phase A, B or C

WORLD LITERATURE
.5 credit
This course provides the opportunity to read literature written by authors from a variety of cultures. Emphasis will be on reading with understanding and discussion of ideas and themes common to people all over the world.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore, English Phase B or C

LITERATURE INTO FILM
.5 credit
This course introduces the student to the film media via literature. Several pieces of literature are compared/contrasted with their film counterparts. The influence of “classic” literature on the early film industry will be illustrated, up through literature’s contribution to modern film of the 20th century. (Offered every other year, will be offered 2008-2009)
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C

CREATIVE WRITING
.5 credit
For those students interested in the practice of writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. The student will exercise her abilities in "playing" with forms and language in journals and in unit activities. Emphasis will be placed on observation and description; the development and refinement of individual style will be a consistent gauge in assessing progress. The student will design a long range project.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C

CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS
.5 credit
This course examines novels by twentieth century American authors from around the world. The student is expected to evaluate the works for their literary value and to relate their content to her own world and experience. Responses to the selections will be both oral and written.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A or B

*ACC LITERATURE 1
1.5 credit
(Saint Louis University title: ENG-A202: Introduction to Literary Study)
This is a semester study of five literary genres: short stories, drama, non-fiction, poetry, and novel. The student will understand the major terms, methods, and concepts used by literary scholars and practitioners. The readings include literature representing a wide variety of forms, authors, time periods and nationalities. The student will develop stronger abilities as a critical reader. Critical reading skills will be developed through extensive instruction in the close reading of texts. The student will demonstrate these critical skills in the context of numerous writing assignments and exams as well as intense classroom participation. The course may be taken for high school and college credit or for high school credit only. Upon completion of course requirements, a student receives three credit hours of English from Saint Louis University and/or .5 high school credit.
PREREQUISITES: ACC Composition 1, and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Senior

*ACC LITERATURE 2
.5 credit
(Saint Louis University title: ENG-A260: Introduction To Short Fiction)
The student will receive an introduction to some of the major terms, methods and concepts used by literary scholars and practitioners, with focus on the genre of short fiction. The readings include fiction representing a wide variety of forms, authors, time periods and nationalities. The student will develop stronger abilities as a critical reader. Critical reading skills will be developed through extensive instruction in the close critical reading of texts. The student will demonstrate these critical skills in the context of numerous writing assignments, exams, and other evaluations. The course requires intense classroom participation. The course may be taken for high school and college credit, or for high school credit only. Upon completion of course requirements, a student receives three college credit hours of English from Saint Louis University and/or .5 high school credit.
PREREQUISITES: ACC Literature 1 and Department Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Senior

JOURNALISM 1
.5 credit
This course allows students to explore basic journalism skills. Emphasis is placed on history, journalism ethics, deadlines, news and feature writing and broadcast journalism. Credit from this course may be applied to English requirements for graduation.
PREREQUISITES: Required 9th Grade courses or Departmental Approval
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore, Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C
Freshman, English Phase A or B and/or Department Recommendation.

JOURNALISM 2
.5 credit
This course is a continuation of Journalism 1. Along with working on the school newspaper, students explore other facets of journalism through units on interviews, surveys, feature articles, editorials, and columns. Only a total of .5 credit earned in Journalism courses may be applied to English requirements for graduation. Additional credit will merely be extra elective English credits.
PREREQUISITES: Journalism 1 and/or Departmental Recommendation
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore, Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C
Freshman, English Phase A or B and/or Department Approval.

ADVANCED JOURNALISM 1
1 credit
This course offers students the chance to continue work for the school newspaper in a leadership role. Credit is earned by completing editorial jobs in areas such as assignments, layout design, copy editing, photography, and management. Only a total of .5 credit earned in Journalism courses may be applied to English requirement for graduation.
PREREQUISITES: Journalism 1
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore, Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C

ADVANCED JOURNALISM 2
1 credit
This is a continuation of Advanced Journalism 1. Second year journalists will be responsible to design full pages, explore in-depth interviewing, and continue leadership roles on the staff. Only a total of .5 credit earned in Journalism courses may be applied to English requirement for graduation.
PREREQUISITES: Advanced Journalism 1
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior, English Phase A, B or C

ADVANCED JOURNALISM 3
1 credit
This course is offered to seniors who wish to continue their advanced work with the student newspaper, with emphasis on a class leadership role. Only a total of .5 credit earned in Journalism courses may be applied to English requirement for graduation.
PREREQUISITES: Advanced Journalism 2
CLASS STATUS: Senior, English Phase A, B or C

WOMEN'S STUDIES
.5 credit
The student will explore the roles and identities of women in all cultures and through history. The student will examine women in various contexts, through reading, writing, speaking and other experiences.
PREREQUISITE: None
CLASS STATUS: Senior, English Phase A, B or C

* Weighted Courses
# Interdisciplinary Courses