Course Descriptions / Syllabi

American Literature - This one-year course is a survey of American literature from the exploration of America to the present.  Emphasis will be placed on developing critical judgment and effective writing skills. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (11th Grade)

American Literature Honors - This one-year course for students who meet or exceed grade-level standards is a survey of American literature from the exploration of America to the present.  This course is distinguished from American Literature by instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical judgment and effective writing skills. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (11th Grade)

AP English Language and Composition - This one-year course emphasizes the application of critical reading and writing skills.  This college level course will enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively.  Students will analyze and practice the rhetorical strategies of writing.  Instructors should refer to the current Advanced Placement course description for examination specifications.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (11th Grade)

AP English Literature and Composition - This one-year course emphasizes the application of critical reading and writing skills.  This college level course will include reading literature from both British and American writers as well as works written from the sixteenth century to contemporary times.  Instructors should refer to the current Advanced Placement course description for examination specifications.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (12th Grade)

Creative Writing - This one-year junior or senior level course develops and improves both formal and informal writing skills with emphasis placed upon self-expression, creativity, and clear communication.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits or one elective credit required for high school graduation.

English I - This one-year course emphasizes the study of language, literature, and composition.  The skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be developed.  A variety of literary and expository selections that will serve as models for writing will be used for the improvement of reading strategies and literary interpretation.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course will fulfill the English I requirement for high school graduation. (9th Grade)

English I Honors - This one-year course for students who meet or exceed grade level standards emphasizes the study of language, literature, and composition.  This course is distinguished from English I by the instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content.  The skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be developed.  A variety of literary and expository selections will be used for the improvement of reading strategies, literary appreciation, and literary interpretation.  Literary and expository selections will also serve as models to develop writing skills.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness, including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills the English I requirement for high school graduation. (9th Grade)

English II - This one-year course emphasizes the study of language, literature, and composition. It is a continuation of English I.  The skills of critical thinking, listening, reading, writing, and speaking will continue to be developed.  Literary and expository texts will serve as models to improve reading and writing skills.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (10th Grade)

English III - This one-year course develops reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research skills while enhancing critical thinking.  Various literary and expository texts will be studied and used as models for composition.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (11th Grade)

English IV - This one-year course is a continuation of English III and emphasizes further development of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and research, while enhancing critical thinking skills. Various literary and expository texts will be studied and used as a basis for composition.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (12th Grade)

English Literature - This one-year course is a survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 21st century.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical reading and writing skills.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  The course fulfills one of the English credits or the arts/humanities credit required for high school graduation. (12th Grade)

English Literature Honors - This one-year course is for students who meet or exceed grade-level standards a survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 21st century.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical reading and writing skills.  This course is distinguished from English Literature by instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness, including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  The course fulfills one of the English credits or the arts/humanities credit required for high school graduation. (12th Grade)

Journalism I - This one-year course emphasizes basic elements of journalism:  news gathering, news writing, copy layout, and the dissemination of information.  Students may be required to participate in the production of a newspaper. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits or one elective credit required for high school graduation.

Journalism II - This one-year course is a continuation of Journalism I and focuses on advanced journalistic skills used in the production of school publications.  Students will understand press law, ethics, and journalistic vocabulary as it applies to journalistic writing and publication for graduation.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one elective credit required for high school graduation.  

Modern Literature - This one-year course will emphasize the development of literature from the beginning of modernism to the present.  Modern Literature will emphasize critical reading and writing skills.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (11th or 12th)

Modern Literature Honors - This one-year course for students who meet or exceed grade level standards will emphasize the development of literature from the beginning of modernism to the present.  This course is distinguished from Modern Literature by the instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content.  Modern Literature Honors will emphasize critical reading and writing skills.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits required for high school graduation. (11th or 12th)

Mythology and Folklore - This one-year course is an introduction to mythology and folklore emphasizing its influence in literature.  This course will emphasize the relationships among culture, philosophy, psychology, and literature.  Literature, composition, discussion, and critical-thinking skills will be taught concurrently.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course will fulfill one elective credit required for high school graduation.

Publication and Performance Composition - This one-year course provides students the opportunity to create original works for publication and/or performance.  These projects will incorporate critical reading and writing skills.  Students in this class may be responsible for publishing the school's literary magazine.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one elective credit required for high school graduation.

Publications I - This one-year course emphasizes the study of yearbook publication.  Critical thinking, writing, and planning skills will be developed.  Computer, photography, and darkroom skills will be taught through practical application.  Creativity and ethics will be essential components.    Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course will fulfill one elective credit required for high school graduation.

Publications II - This one-year course is a continuation of Publications I and emphasizes the study of yearbook publication.  Critical thinking, writing, and planning skills will be developed.  Computer, photography, and darkroom skills will be taught through practical application.  Creativity and ethics will be essential components.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one elective credit required for high school graduation.

Read 180 - This one-year English I course for students whose reading and writing achievement are below grade level emphasizes the application of the reading and writing processes to a variety of learning situations.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  While this course fulfills the English I credit required for high school graduation, it does not meet the core requirements for the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship or the Nevada System of Higher Education's core requirements for university admission. (9th Grade)

World Literature - This one-year course emphasizes the development of critical reading and writing skills.  The literary and expository selections encompass a comparative study of significant historical, philosophical, cultural, psychological, ethical, and literary perspectives.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits or one arts/humanities credit required for high school graduation. (10th Grade)

World Literature Honors - This one-year course for students who meet or exceed grade-level standards emphasizes the development of critical reading and writing skills.  The literary and expository selections encompass a comparative study of significant historical, philosophical, cultural, psychological, and ethical perspectives.  This course is distinguished from World Literature by the instructional pacing and the delivery of advanced content.  Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society.  The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course.  This course fulfills one of the English credits or one of the Arts/Humanities credit required for high school graduation. (10th Grade)