School Registration Handbook » English Language Arts (ELA)

English Language Arts (ELA)

📖 English Course Offerings

English I (Grade 9)

English 1

  • Course Code: 10212X0X
  • Year Recommended: 9
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0

Students in English 1 explore the ways that audience, purpose, and context shape oral communication, written communication, media, and technology. Emphasis is placed on communicating for purposes of personal expression; students also engage in meaningful communication for expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes.

English 1 Honors

  • Course Code: 10215X0X
  • Year Recommended: 9
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors)

Instruction focuses on an introduction to literature with emphasis on a study of genre. Honors classes emphasize higher-level thinking skills which focus on interdisciplinary and critical perspectives. Students are required to complete a selected reading prior to course start. NOTE: All Honors English courses have a required reading and assignment due prior to the first day of class. Failure to complete will result in a zero and no extensions will be given.

English II (Grade 10)

English 2

  • Course Code: 10222X0X
  • Year Recommended: 10
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0

Instruction focuses on world literature and various writings which analyze the literary and design elements of literature. Specific classes are designed for students who meet state guidelines for special education.

English 2 Honors

  • Course Code: 10225X0X
  • Year Recommended: 10
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors)

Instruction focuses on world literature and the production of materials which analyze the literary and design elements of literature. Honor classes require students to work as self-directed and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators. NOTE: All Honors English courses have a required reading and assignment due prior to the first day of class. Failure to complete will result in a zero and no extensions will be given.

English III (Grade 11) - American Literature

English 3

  • Course Code: 10232X0X
  • Year Recommended: 11
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0
  • Prerequisite: English 2 (10222X0X or 10225X0X)

Instruction focuses on examination of themes in American literature. Emphasis is placed on literary analysis and the research process.

English 3 Honors

  • Course Code: 10235X0X
  • Year Recommended: 11
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors)
  • Prerequisite: English 2 (10222X0X or 10225X0X)

Instruction focuses on examination of themes in American literature. Honors classes require students to use critical analysis of texts through reading, writing, speaking, listening and using media. Specific classes are designed for students who meet state guidelines for exceptional children. AP Language and Composition is an Advanced Placement introductory college course which may be paired with English 3 Honors and is a year-long course. NOTE: All Honors English courses have a required reading and assignment due prior to the first day of class. Failure to complete will result in a zero and no extensions will be given.

AP English Language and Composition

  • Course Code: 1A007X0X
  • Year Recommended: 11
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 1.0 (AP Credit)
  • Other Requirements: Counselor approval required.

This college-level course provides an analytical and historical study of language and rhetoric in a comprehensive program of reading, writing, and critical thinking. As preparation to take the Advanced Placement Test in Language and Composition, students read, discuss, analyze, and write about challenging works of recognized textual merit to develop honest, concise, and effective use of language and the ability to organize ideas in a clear, coherent, and persuasive way. Independent rhetorical analysis and a total mastery of writing skills are goals of the course. Students in an AP course should expect assignments and instruction paced at the college level. This course satisfies the graduation requirement for English 3. Students are expected to take the English III AP Language and Composition Examination. The student may earn college credit by scoring a 3 or higher.

English IV (Grade 12) - British Literature

English 4

  • Course Code: 10242X0X
  • Year Recommended: 12
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0
  • Prerequisite: English 3 (10232X0X or 10235X0X)

Instruction focuses on examination of themes in British Literature. Specific classes are designed for students who meet state guidelines for special education. Courses are semester long.

English 4 Honors

  • Course Code: 10245X0X
  • Year Recommended: 12
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors)
  • Prerequisite: English 3 (10232X0X or 10235X0X)

Instruction focuses on examination of themes in British Literature. Honors classes will explore the literature more widely and deeply, including more complex texts. Specific classes are designed for students who meet state guidelines for exceptional children. Courses are semester long. NOTE: All Honors English courses have a required reading and assignment due prior to the first day of class. Failure to complete will result in a zero and no extensions will be given.

AP English Literature and Composition

  • Course Code: 1A017X0X
  • Year Recommended: 12
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 1.0 (AP Credit)

This is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works. Students in an AP course should expect assignments and instruction paced at the college level. This course satisfies the graduation requirement for English 4. Students are expected to take the English IV AP Literature and Composition Examination. The student may earn college credit for successful completion of the course and AP examination. NOTE: All Honors English have a required reading and assignment due prior to the first day of class. Failure to complete will result in a zero and no extensions will be given.

Elective Communication & Media Arts

WCHS Yearbook - Journalism 1 / Honors and Journalism 2 Honors

  • Course Codes: 10312X0F / 10315X0X / 10325X0X
  • Year Recommended: 10-12
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0 / 0.5 (Honors)
  • Course Note: Application and approval by advisor is required.

This course teaches principles of yearbook production with emphasis on writing, photography, business, and people skills. Application and approval by advisor is required. Journalism 1 is taught during the fall, and Journalism 2 is taught during the spring.

Broadcasting Eagle TV (Dub-C TV)

  • Course Code: 96102X0XTV
  • Year Recommended: 9-12
  • Credit: 1
  • Additional GPA Weight: 0
  • Course Requirements: Students must apply and be chosen through adviser and faculty evaluation.

In this elective course, students will learn the basics of producing and editing digital video. Students will demonstrate skills in digital storytelling through short video projects, public service announcements, and in-house video announcements. Students enrolled in this course will create and produce a live broadcast of the daily announcements through live stream with enhanced broadcasting effects. Emphasis is on writing, videography, business, computer skills, leadership, and communication skills. Students are expected to learn skills and develop leadership by completing deadlines on time, working at school, and coordinating with others outside of class to conduct interviews and video projects.

Related WCC Career & College Promise Courses

The following Wilkes Community College (WCC) Career & College Promise (CCP) course is available and taught on the WCHS schedule (online):

  • ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry – online