1020 Beginning ELL (English Language Learners)
Prerequisite: by placement
Grade Level: 9-12
This class is offered to newly arrived students in the United States who have little or no understanding of English. The development of oral language and listening skills is the primary focus; however, reading and writing in English is introduced. Based on acceptable student performance, successful completion of, exit criteria, and teacher recommendation, students will advance to Intermediate ELL. This is a two period core class.
UC/CSU Requirement(s): Does not satisfy UC/CSU college entrance requirements
1030 Intermediate ELL (English Lang Learners)
Prerequisite: by placement
Grade Level: 9-12
This class is offered to students who have acquired a basic vocabulary and some ability to read and write English. It continues the development of listening and speaking skills; reading and writing are formally presented. Based on acceptable student performance on exit criteria and teacher recommendation, students will move on to Advanced ELL. This is a two-period core class.
UC/CSU Requirement(s): Does not satisfy UC/CSU college entrance requirements.
1040 Advanced ELL (English Language Learners)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate ELL with a grade of "C" or better, or by placement.
Grade Level: 9-12
Continues the acquisition of vocabulary and the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Based on acceptable student performance and teacher recommendation, students will move on to English 1 SDAIE. This is a one-period class; however, Reading Skills is also required.
UC/CSU Requirement(s): Pending UC/CSU approval
1050 Reading Skills 1
Prerequisite: by placement
Grade Level: 9-12
This is primarily a lab activity class and most of the work is done in the classroom through a multifaceted and individual study program. The course emphasizes improving comprehension, developing vocabulary and increasing reading speed, as the student works at 21 different skill activities and with magazine and textbook assignments. Outside reading for reinforcement will be required on an individual basis. Because most work is done in the classroom, daily attendance is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, and absences will have a negative effect on development of skills and grades. It has become a very helpful adjunct for the ELL program - those students enrolled in either advanced ELL or SDAIE classes.
UC/CSU Requirement(s): Does not satisfy UC/CSU college entrance requirements.
1060 Reading Skills 2
Prerequisite: by placement
Grade Level: 10-12
This is a second, or continuing, class for graduation credit for those students who are in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades, yet whose reading skill ability is 2 or more years below their grade year. This class will not replace any English class required for graduation. Reading Skills 2 teaches reading, study and writing skills necessary for overall academic success, and provides specific help in relation to other required classes and class work.
UC/CSU Requirement(s): Does not satisfy UC/CSU college entrance requirements.
1120 English 1 (SDAIE)
Prerequisite: Limited English Proficient (LEP) and recommendation of ELD teacher or Bilingual Language Resource Teacher. 9th grade students or those 10th-12th graders who have completed Advanced ELD
Grade Level: 9-12
This course follows the English 1 course outline for writing and literature and prepares students for redesignation as Fluent English Proficient (FEP) and for entry into the regular English program. Sheltered English methodologies are used. Based on teacher recommendation, students will advance to English 2 SDAIE or English 2. This is one-period class; however, Reading Skills is also required.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1130 English 1
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9
English 1 is a yearlong course required of all ninth graders. The goal of this course is to give each student a foundation in the communication skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Learning activities include study in grammar, usage, mechanics, composition, literature, and reading skills. Areas of study include short fiction, nonfiction, novels, drama, poetry, and mythology. Core novels include: To Kill a Mockingbird , Heroes Gods and Myths and Romeo and Juliet.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1140 English 1 Accelerated
Prerequisite: A score of “Proficient” or better on the California State Standards Test (CST). Contract signed by the current English teacher, student and parent/guardian; the contract requires summer reading
Grade Level: 9
In addition to reading the regular English 1 literature, students will read classical and contemporary works that are assigned in Honors classes. They will learn how to prepare for timed, in-class essay questions, the kind of questions given in the new SAT and AP English tests. An emphasis is placed on writing autobiographical and observational essays. They will learn the complex aspects of prose analysis to better understand the role of tone, syntax, and diction in literature. Although this class helps students prepare for Honors and Advanced Placement classes, semester grades are computed as in regular English classes.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1220 English 2 (SDAIE)
Prerequisite: 9th graders or those 10th-12th graders who have completed Advanced ELL.
Grade Level: 9-12
This course follows the English 2 course outline for writing and literature and prepares students for redesignation as Fluent English Proficient (FEP) and for entry into the regular English Program. Sheltered English methodologies are used. This is a one-period class; however, Reading Skills is also required.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1230 English 2
Prerequisite: Completion of English 1
Grade Level: 10
English 2 continues the direction given in English 1 with and emphasis on skills related to the study of literature. Short stories, novels, essays, drama, and poetry are further investigated, experienced and written about. Core Works studied are the novels Of Mice and Men and the Shakespearean classic Julius Caesar as the core dramatic pieces studied in English 2. Students will develop a greater awareness of classical and modern literature and the uses and techniques of written language.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1260 English 2 Accelerated
Prerequisite: A score of “Proficient” or better on the California State Standards Test (CST). Contract signed by current English teacher, student and parent/guardian; contract requires summer reading of books from a list on the contract
Grade Level: 10
In addition to reading the regular English 2 literature, students will read classical and contemporary works which are assigned in Honors classes. They will learn how to prepare for timed, in-class essay questions, the kind of questions given in the new SAT and AP English tests. An emphasis will also be placed on writing report of information and speculation on cause and effect essays. They will learn the more complex aspects of prose analysis, such as how to better understand the role of tone, syntax, and diction in a literary piece. Although this class should help students prepare for Honors and Advanced Placement classes, semester grades are computed as in regular English classes.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1330 American Literature
Prerequisite: Completion of English 2
Grade Level: 11
American Literature is a survey course which may take a chronological, thematic, or cultural approach to the literature of North America. American drama, the novel, poetry, nonfiction, and short fiction are investigated, read, studied, and written about. Core works include: Arthur Miller's The Crucible ; Twain's Huckleberry Finn ; Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby . Note-taking, journal- type works, oral presentations, essays, vocabulary study, and literary terms, together with standard grammar, usage, and punctuation lessons are a major focus.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1370 American Literature - HONORS
Prerequisite: A 3.5 GPA in Accelerated Eng. 2 or a 4.0 in regular English 2 is strongly recommended as well as a recommendation from your current English teacher. A score of “Proficient” or better on the California State Standards Test (CST). A contract signed by the student, a parent and the current English teacher must be submitted to an American Literature Honors teacher prior to enrollment.
Grade Level: 11
Scholars of literature will enjoy meeting many of the great characters and authors of literature from the 1600's to the present. The course covers strategies for literary analysis, advanced essay writing, in-class timed essays, original research, and a comprehensive end-of-term examination. The course approaches the level, depth and breadth present of collegiate courses.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1514 The Art of Writing
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 12
Interested in studying and writing contemporary poems, short stories or plays? Then this course might be for you. Students will study and analyze contemporary poetry, short stories, non-fiction, plays and screenplays of literary merit that will be used as models for their own writing. This will be a multicultural class that will include in part the works of the following writers: Sherman Alexie, Sandra Cisneros, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Maya Angelou, Tomas Rivera, Langston Hughes, Amy Tan, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Pablo Neruda, David Sedaris, the Beat Generation writers and many others. Once students are in the class, they will be asked to sign a contract that ensures they are ready to be open-minded and respectful of the work of their peers and the various multicultural works we will be studying. Students who enroll in this class need to understand they will be writing thematically using models as well as creating some writings entirely on their own. They will also be part of creating a literary magazine by reading, editing and scoring student poetry.
This course has been submitted for approval to UC for A-G eligibility.
The timeline of Units is as follows:
First Semester - Poetry that will include an extensive author study, thematic poetry study and a collection of the student's own poetry.
Third Quarter - Short stories and personal essay that will culminate with a group anthology of students' writings.
Fourth Quarter - Plays and screenplays which will include a 20 page screen play written individually or in groups.
1534 California Authors
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 12
The course provides a historical perspective in which California Authors have thrived. For example, look at the Monterey Bay Area when it was inhabited by Native Americans. We read literature with settings in Northern and Southern California as well as in the Central Valley. We examine the dreams of Californians and realities of California as reflected in stories, poems, novels, drama, and non-fiction. Units covered include San Francisco "beat" poets, Santa Cruz County poets, Steinbeck, controversial issues in California, and a unit on the hard-boiled detective mystery. Students self-select and evaluate mysteries read outside of class. Students write evaluation, interpretation, and controversial issue essays as well as reflections on what it means to be a Californian.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1550 Dreams & Myths
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 12
Dreams and Myths is a college-preparatory English course open students who have strong reading and writing skills. Focusing on dreams and myths as they relate to great works of classical and contemporary literature, students will read, analyze, and write abut a variety of classical and modern dreams and myths with special emphasis on origin myths, heroic quests, dreams of romantic love, and the attainment of wisdom and personal identity. Students with no special interest in myths or dreams but who desire a rigorous college-preparatory literature course may find the course meets their needs. We will read and write about an eclectic selection of twelve novels and plays, as well as selections of poetry and shorter works, beginning with an intensive study of The Epic of Gilgamesh , and culminating in a close examination of classical and modern fairy tales. Special emphasis is placed on critical thinking, close reading, research, and analytical writing.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1560 World Literature
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 12
This course uses the world's literature to explore the themes associated with the human condition including: origins of life, relationships, personal and social responsibility, and cultural identity. Major works include Frankenstein , The Plague , Things Fall Apart , Angela's Ashes , short stories, and poetry from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Students will be required to write one term paper each semester. Student participation in all class activities is extremely important for successful completion of this course.
UC Requirement(s): G B
1810 AP English Literature and Composition
Prerequisite: Course contract signed by student, parent/guardian, and current English teacher. A score of “Advanced” or better on the California State Standards Test (CST).
Grade Level: 12
AP English Literature is a college-level literature and writing course. Format and content are centered on extensive preparation for the College Board AP English Literature and Composition examination given in May. Students will engage in close reading, essay writing, and analytical thinking while exploring a wide selection of literary works of fiction, drama, and poetry by classical, Renaissance, and modern writers. Classical and Renaissance works may include Sophocles' Oedipus the king and Antigone , as well as Shakespeare's Hamlet, Othello, and A Midsummer night's Dream. Modern works are selected from Isben's Hedda Gabler and A Doll's House, Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, Tennessee Williams's The Glass Managerie , Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead , Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot , August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone , Albert Camus' The Stranger (and/or Hesse's Demian ), and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye . Poetry study is included as a thematic complement to each major work during the fall semester. Intensive poetry study is a major focus of the spring semester.
UC Requirement(s): G B