Clear Lake High School – Literary Genre: Poetry

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

A maximum of two (2) Literary Genre courses may be counted toward state graduation credit. This course, combined with an additional 0.5 credit of an approved English elective course, may satisfy English IV graduation requirements but may not meet college admission requirements for English. Students enrolled in Literary Genres will spend time analyzing the fictional and poetic elements of literary texts and read to appreciate the writer's craft. High school students will discover how well written literary text can serve as models for their own writing. High school students respond to oral, written, and electronic text to connect their knowledge of the world. The object of this course is to acquaint students with the evolution of poetry in literature. It offers a literary overview and in-depth study of poetry from each of the major literary time periods, including an examination of each poet’s background and an analysis of their poetry’s forms and themes. Additional fees will be required. This course may satisfy English IV graduation requirements but may not meet college admission requirements for English. This course supports the writing and speaking skills required for Academic Decathlon participants. Major areas include research, original work in print or other mediums, development of advanced skills and studies in specific areas of student interest. Due to the required collaboration in the AP Seminar research process, the course assessment is critical to course participation. This course may satisfy English IV graduation requirements but may not meet college admission requirements for English. In Independent Study: Capstone Seminar, students investigate real world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence-based arguments. This course is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and realworld topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Due to the complexity and time frame of the AP Research process, the course assessment is critical to course participation. This course may satisfy English IV graduation requirements but may not meet college admission requirements for English. In Independent Study: Capstone Research, students cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research and inquiry in order to produce and defend their scholarly work. AP Research is designed to allow students to dive into an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Students will further develop the skills acquired in this course by understanding research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation with In the Independent Study: Capstone Research course, students will: • Employ research and inquiry methodology to develop, manage, and conduct an in-depth study or investigation of an area of student’s own interest, culminating in a 4,000 – 5,000-word paper. • Present (using appropriate media), and defend the research design, approach, and findings. • Document and reflect upon the research process and communication with mentor using a research log. 1996 Independent Study: Capstone Research (AP/GT), 1 credit (state) 1999 Independent Study: English (Honors/GT), 0.5-1 credit (state) Prerequisite(s): Application required. This course, combined with an additional 0.5 credit of an approved English elective course, may satisfy English IV graduation requirements but may not meet college admission requirements for English. Students enrolled in Independent Study in English will focus on a specialized area of study such as the work of a particular author or genre. Students will read and write in multiple forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis and carefully examine their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English.