Ninth Grade Literature and Composition is a study of literary genres. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts; to learn characteristics of basic literary genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction; to establish effective writing and research habits; and to refine language skills as they apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. This course requires a teacher’s recommendation, which may be based on the following: approved writing, standardized test scores, and academic achievement. The honors level course has higher expectations and more rigorous coursework than the college preparatory level, including mandatory summer reading and written responses to literature. Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Honors is a study of literary genres. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts; to learn characteristics of basic literary genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction; to establish effective writing and research habits; and to refine language skills as they apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing.

Tenth Grade Literature and Composition is organized thematically. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts. They will learn about universal themes and symbols common to literary works, including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. Students will continue to build on effective writing and research habits as they refine language arts skills which they will apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. This course requires a teacher’s recommendation, which may be based on the following: approved writing, standardized test scores, and academic achievement. The honors level course has higher expectations and more rigorous coursework than the college preparatory level, including mandatory summer reading and written responses to literature. Tenth Grade Literature and Composition Honors is organized thematically. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts. They will learn about universal themes and symbols common to literary works, including novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. Students will continue to build on effective writing and research habits as they refine language arts skills which they will apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing.

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas. Students will complete two performance tasks each semester: \[1\] write research reports to be synthesized into a team presentation and \[2\] develop written arguments to be presented as individual presentations with an oral defense. This is a prerequisite for AP Research. Students that score a three on AP Seminar, AP Research, and four other AP exams will earn an AP Capstone seal on their diploma.

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. Students that score a three on AP Seminar, AP Research, and four other AP exams will earn an AP Capstone seal on their diploma. American Literature and Composition is a study of the major literary topics, themes, and movements in the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to present day. Students will focus on major literary forms of the emerging nation, analyze literary themes and trends, and both research and compose several papers, speeches, and presentations, using representative forms of discourse.

This course is a study of rhetoric and the power of language, as well as a thematic study of significant works in American literature and genres of writing. Students must demonstrate mastery of written expression that includes analysis of authors' styles, including tone, diction, syntax, rhetorical patterns, and use of figurative language. The majority of works studied will be non-fiction. Students are required to complete summer assignments between their sophomore and junior year. The College Board administers a culminating assessment, including multiple-choice questions and free response composition that could result in earned college credits. Students read literature based on the universal human experience across culture and time, write extensively, and improve skills in critical listening, thinking, speaking and research. World Literature and Composition is a study of universal themes present in literature from ancient civilizations to modern cultures around the world. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts; to learn about universal themes common in literary works, including novels, short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction; to establish effective writing and research habits; and to refine language skills as they apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing.

Teacher recommendation required. Appropriate for students who received at least an 80 in AP Lang or an 85 in 11th Honors American literature and composition. Advanced-level study of contemporary literature and informational texts, with a focus on different styles of writing. Students will study narrative, argument, literary and film criticism, research, speech, and synthesis writing. This course has high expectations and more rigorous course work.

This accelerated course designed by the College Board is enriching in experience; analytical and critical in reading, composition, and thought, and probing in self-awareness. The student delves into the study of a wide range of literary themes, genres, periods, and methods. Contemplative and organized vocal participation, skilled and highly polished writing, and metacognitive evaluation are required. Because of the scope and sequence given to the course, it is essential that training and practice in written literary analysis and expository writing form the foundation of the Advanced Placement course. Hence, evaluation is primarily, not solely, based on writing and speaking performance. Outside readings are an integral part of the course as are prepared timed, or impromptu oral and written presentations.

This year-long course is an introduction to newspaper writing and publishing. Students use computers to write and edit articles and to prepare layouts for the school newspaper, The Chariot, which is published monthly. All students must complete the application process through the English department.

This course introduces the writing and layout of the high school yearbook, Vantage Point. Students must apply. Students must have computer and/or photography skills or be willing to be trained. Students must complete the application process through the English department.

Students compare, contrast and evaluate modern texts, novels, poetry, drama and prose with contemporary Internet, television and film texts, and progressively incorporate and refine reading, writing, critical thinking, listening, oral presentation, and research skills. Contemporary Literature and Composition is a study of modern topics and themes as they appear in literary and informational texts and multi-media formats. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts; to learn about universal themes common in literary works including novel, short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction; to establish effective writing and research habits; and to refine language skills as they apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. The purpose of this course is to give students a strong background in multiple public speaking contexts. Students will work on effective presentation skills, as well as outlining, researching, and revising a variety of different types of speaking. In addition, the course will prepare students to be successful in competitive high school speech and debate activities by building basic fundamentals learned as a novice speech/debate participant. Students will learn and practice the skills of advanced debate argumentation, including writing cases and blocks, refining files, structuring arguments, analyzing the current topic and developing effective methods of communication and refutation. Grading will be based on in class presentation as well as participation in class activities and discussion. This course is open to all grade levels, and in the future will be followed on the course pathway by Public Speaking/Debate 2, 3, and 4.

Apply skills to culminate in creating and developing dramatic writing for theatrical media with special emphasis on film and television. Includes development of “writerly stance” by reading, viewing, and analyzing tests and visual media from a writer’s point of view, with focus on understanding the construction process and including the application of conventions of standard English grammar and usage. Note: This course meets fourth English Language Arts core requirement. Embedded course: Students earn 1.0 credit of honors advanced composition.

This one-semester elective course introduces the importance of myths and tales of classical mythology, focusing on a comparative study of plot, characters, themes, and figurative devices. The course emphasizes the following: critical and analytical skills, vocabulary development, a study of the influences of Greek, Roman, and Norse word origins on the English language, and composition. The study of the relationship between people and their societies is a major emphasis, along with the impact of mythology on the literary world. Writing exploration through media literacy and viewing will be a focus in this course. This course reflects grade-level appropriate Georgia Standards of Excellence.