This course focuses on a study of literary genres and informational texts; the students develop initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a literary work. The students explore the effect of the literary form in regards to interpretation. The students will read across the curriculum to develop academic and personal interests in different subjects.The students will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres: argumentative, informational/expository, and narrative.The students will engage in research, timed writings, and the writing process. Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking, rather than in isolation. The students demonstrate an understanding of speaking and listening for a variety of purposes. This course reflects grade-level appropriate Georgia Standards of Excellence.

The 9th grade Honors Literature and Composition course involves the study of literary genres. Literature study is integrated with the study of language, composition, discourse, and research. This course has at its foundation the basic curriculum objectives of the general 9th grade Literature course; however, the method of instruction and classroom discussions will differ in regard to rigor of writing and student participation. The aim of this course is to expose students to a variety of information concerning writing, literature, and critical thinking and to prepare students for post-secondary English and literature coursework as well as prepare them for functional, technical, and practical use of the standard conventions of English.

This course focuses on a study of World Literature; the students develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in literature within world cultures.  A focus is to explore the ways the work’s place of origin affects its structure and how the chronology of a literary work affects its meaning.  The students develop an understanding of literature as both a culture’s product and a culture-bearer.  An exploration of commonalities and differences among works of literature from different times and places in the world is a major component.  The students will read across the curriculum to develop academic and personal interests in different subjects.  Depending on which grade level this course is taught, the teacher will follow strands from the Georgia Standards of Excellence for that grade level for composition, conventions, and listening, speaking, and viewing.

In World Literature Honors, students develop and refine their skills in reading and writing as they encounter a rich selection of literature representing the evolving values and complexities of world culture.  Students will encounter an array of literary and artistic works drawn from cultures throughout the world and from various historical periods. Most works are written by modern and contemporary authors.  The course will focus on the development of the individual student’s language with an emphasis on writing. Activities include reading and writing in a variety of genres and conducting research using available technologies.    The rich material will foster an understanding of persons with diverse backgrounds. Students will explore literature and language through text analysis, discussion and writing.  Vocabulary is developed through reading and discussion, as well as through structured lessons.  Students are encouraged to be independent learners and thinkers through group work, literature circles, and self-directed projects

This course focuses on the study of American literature, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading, writing, and speaking. The students develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in American literature.  The students develop an understanding of the ways the period of literature affects its structure and how the chronology of a work affects its meaning.  The students read a variety of informational and literary texts in all genres and modes of discourse.  Reading across the curriculum develops students’ academic and personal interests in different subjects.  The students will demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres:  expository, narrative, persuasive, and technical.  The student will engage in research, timed writing, and the writing process.  Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking.   The students demonstrate an understanding of listening, speaking, and viewing skills for a variety of purposes.

AP English Language and Composition] cultivates the reading and writing skills that students need for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts, and becoming flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes.  The reading and writing students do in the course should deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers' intentions and elicit readers' responses in particular situations.  The course cultivates the rhetorical understanding and the use of written language by directing students' attentions to the to writer/reader interactions  in their reading and writing of various formal and informal genres."  (This literature module must be taught in the 11th grade and is recommended as a designated substitute for American Literature.) THIS COURSE MUST ALSO REFLECT THE GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who have passed Ninth Grade Literature and Composition and American Literature and Composition. It is aimed at students who have experienced difficulty in the first two or three core high school English courses. This course will emphasize reading comprehension, identifying main ideas, making inferences, and distinguishing between direct statements and supporting ideas. This course focuses on the skills needed for success in a technical college. This course does not meet the rigor requirements for university/college post-secondary options. Note: eligible students must score lower than 55 on the reading comprehension portion of the ACCUPLACER Placement Assessment prior to enrolling in the course. The ACCUPLACER Placement Assessment will serve as the course post-test

This course focuses on the study of British literature, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading, writing, and speaking. The students develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in British literature.  The students develop an understanding of the ways the period of literature affects its structure and how the chronology of a work affects its meaning.  The students encounter a variety of informational and literary texts and read texts in all genres and modes of discourse.  Reading across the curriculum develops the students’ academic and personal interests in different subjects.  The student will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres:  expository, narrative, persuasive, and technical.  The students will engage in research, the impact that technology has on writing, timed writing, and the writing process.  Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking, rather than in isolation.  The students demonstrate an understanding of listening, speaking, and viewing skills for a variety of purposes.

The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.

This course focuses on the writing process (planning, drafting, and revising). The students will focus on different writing genres and organizational structures: expository,argument, narrative, descriptive, comparison-contrast, exemplification, process analysis, classification, cause and effect, and definition. Advanced language skills (grammar and usage) will be a major component of this class. An emphasis on research is also required.THIS COURSE MUST REFLECT THE GEORGIA STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE.

This course focuses on journalistic writing through analysis of newspapers, yearbooks, literary magazines, and broadcast journalism publications.  A concentration on the following components of journalistic writing is critical:  influence, purpose, structure, and diction.  Reading, writing, and critical thinking are key components as students explore the power and influence of journalism.  Students will participate in news gathering, the study of ethics, and the aspects of copywriting, editing, and revising and will study the ethics of journalism.  If a publication is produced, the students will learn the process of publishing

The course offers an advanced study of journalistic writing.  Skills from Journalism I are continued; the students focus on a more intense analysis of print and broadcast publications.  Students read extensively to explore and analyze the influence of good journalistic writing.  This course requires more critical thinking and more in-depth writing.

This course is an extension of Journalism I and II; the students will enhance and hone the skills in journalistic writing, with a main focus in analysis of print and broadcast publications.  An in-depth coverage of level-two topics will serve as the main premise.  Students will evaluate and apply skills appropriately and efficiently to various publication opportunities and activities.

This course is designed for students who have mastered skills in Journalism III.  The students will publish journalistic articles either in a school newspaper or in the local newspaper.