The English I course provides a foundational study of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). It will include influential US documents and one Shakespearean play.

Honors English I provides a deeper study of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). The broad scope of literature and the depth in which students study literary genres will create the opportunity for independent study and advanced analysis.

Pre–AP English I prepares students for success in high school Advanced Placement courses through content immersion, a focus on in–depth analysis of rhetorical strategies, examination of literary genres, and development of process–oriented writing skills. Students will receive Honors credit for the completion of this course.

English II introduces literary global perspectives focusing on literature from the Americas (Caribbean, Central, South, and North), Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Influential US documents and a Shakespearean play should be included. This course requires the English End-of-Course test upon completion of the course.

Part of the English Language Arts department at Ben L. Smith High School.

Pre–AP English II prepares students for success in our high school Advanced Placement program through development of close reading strategies for critical analysis and appreciation of the author’s craft. Students engage in an in–depth review of literary and rhetorical devices. The course expands writing skills to include nuanced use of language and structure for argument and analysis. Students will receive Honors credit for the completion of this course.

English III is an in-depth study of US literature and US literary nonfiction, especially foundational works and documents from the 17th century through the early 20th century. A study of the techniques of research will precede the creation of a documented research paper or project. At least one Shakespearean play will be included.

Honors English III offers rigorous instruction in the study of US literature and US literary nonfiction, emphasizing the foundational works and documents from the 17th century through the early 20th century. It probes the literature of the past and present to discover the best in exposition, description, narration, and argumentation. A study of the techniques of research will precede the creation of a documented research paper or project. The broad scope of literature and the depth at which students study various genres will create the opportunity for independent study and advanced analysis.

AP English Language and Composition is a college-level course that prepares students for the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exam. Students practice skills of critical reading of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students will also analyze the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to

Part of the English Language Arts department at Ben L. Smith High School.

English IV completes the global perspective initiated in English II. The primary focus is on analytical reading and writing. Students explore a broad scope of literature and interrogate texts to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills that will prepare them for college and/or career success. Some students will qualify for CCRG-enriched curriculum, which will promote remediation–free placement into the NC Community College System (NCCCS).

Honors English IV emphasizes preparation for college English and offers a rigorous, advanced level of study of European literature and important US documents and literature (texts influenced by European philosophy or action). The primary focus is on analytical reading and writing. The broad scope of literature and the depth in which students study various genres create the opportunity for independent study and advanced analysis. Some students will qualify for CCRG-enriched curriculum, which will promote remediation–free placement into the NC Community College System (NCCCS).