Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to accommodate approximately 80% of the ninth grade students. Emphasis will be on fundamental language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and presenting. An emphasis on vocabulary and composition skills will be an on-going part of the program. The course includes studies of various literary genres: short story, poetry, novel, drama and non-fiction. The development of critical reading and critical writing skills is a major emphasis of the course.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and appropriate test scores

English I Honors is a course designed for approximately the upper twenty percent of the freshman class, the selection being based upon achievement test scores and teacher recommendation. Students will participate in a general review of grammar with emphasis upon usage. Strong attention will be given to the development of composition and critical reading skills. Vocabulary development and outside reading will complement each credit of study. All literature study will be supported by composition. Literary emphasis includes the short story, novel, drama and poetry.

Prerequisite: English (1 credit)

This course includes a review of language skills, the teaching of intermediate composition skills, and an examination of literary themes and forms. The course includes study of various literary genres, short story, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and the novel. Emphasis in both semesters will be placed on vocabulary development, composition skills, critical reading and critical writing skills.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, appropriate test scores and English (1 credit)

This course is designed for approximately the upper twenty percent of the sophomore class; the selection being based upon test scores, teacher recommendation, and performance in English I – H/IH/PreAP. Students will review writing skills and extend their study of vocabulary, the short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Strong attention will be given to the development of composition and critical reading skills. Composition will support all literature study. Outside reading assignments will continue for both PreAP and IH students. New areas of emphasis will be the development of research skills.

Prerequisite: Identification/Selection as Gifted

Humanities I English I GT and Humanities II World History AP GT are courses that provide gifted students with opportunities not available through regular or advanced classes. The courses combine PreAP English I with AP World History in a two-year interdisciplinary spiral. The basic content is an historical study of the commonalities of the fine arts, including literature, the visual arts, architecture, and music. Humanities I focuses on the period up to the Renaissance; Humanities II examines the period from the Renaissance to modern times. Students will learn and practice the craft of writing through various products, including AP style writing. Literature from a variety of world traditions will also be a key focus. Ninth and tenth grade students will sit in the same class while earning credit in separate courses; ninth graders will earn PreAP English I credit while tenth graders earn AP World History credit. At the conclusion of Humanities II, students can sit for the AP World History to possibly earn college credit.

Humanities I/II do NOT fulfill the fine arts requirement for graduation and are not recognized as fine arts courses by TEA.

Prerequisite: Identification/Selection as Gifted

Humanities I English I GT and Humanities II World History AP GT are courses that provide gifted students with opportunities not available through regular or advanced classes. The courses combine PreAP English I with AP World History in a two-year interdisciplinary spiral. The basic content is an historical study of the commonalities of the fine arts, including literature, the visual arts, architecture, and music. Humanities I focuses on the period up to the Renaissance; Humanities II examines the period from the Renaissance to modern times. Students will learn and practice the craft of writing through various products, including AP style writing. Literature from a variety of world traditions will also be a key focus. Ninth and tenth grade students will sit in the same class while earning credit in separate courses; ninth graders will earn PreAP English I credit while tenth graders earn AP World History credit. At the conclusion of Humanities II, students can sit for the AP World History to possibly earn college credit.

Humanities I/II do NOT fulfill the fine arts requirement for graduation and are not recognized as fine arts courses by TEA.