The grade curriculum explores traditional nonfiction and literary texts to cover the main strands of the state course: closely reading prose, poetry, informational texts, and arguments; communicating verbally and in writing; and finding meaning through vocabulary. Topics incorporate elements of literary writing, irony, satire, rhetoric, figurative language, epic poetry, argumentation, classical literature, vocabulary decoding skills, and elements of effective writing in multiple genres. Students will refine and gain these skills and knowledge necessary to master the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) in preparation for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and credit for graduation. This course is intended for students who need to master the skills of the English language needed for graduation and beyond and challenges students to think analytically at a rigorous level. Summer reading and assessment are required.

The grade curriculum explores traditional nonfiction and literary texts to cover the main strands of the state course: closely reading of prose, poetry, informational texts, and arguments; communicating verbally and in writing; and finding meaning through vocabulary. Topics incorporate elements of literary writing, irony, satire, rhetoric, figurative language, epic poetry, argumentation, classical literature, vocabulary decoding skills, and elements of effective writing in multiple genres. Students will refine and gain skills and knowledge necessary to master the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) in preparation for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and credit for graduation. At this level, students will write frequently and be expected to tackle more complex writing prompts. Students should take this course if they have the desire to learn about literature and foster a passion for English. This class will enhance their skills in all areas of the English language in preparation both for the FAST and for AP English. Summer reading and assessment are required.

The grade curriculum explores traditional nonfiction and literary texts to cover the main strands of the state course: closely reading of prose, poetry, informational texts, and arguments; communicating verbally and in writing; and finding meaning through vocabulary. Topics incorporate elements of literary writing, coming of age, conflicting perspectives, rhetoric, figurative language, ambiguity in poetry, historical American speeches and essays, argumentation, classical literature, vocabulary decoding skills, and elements of effective writing in multiple genres. Students will refine and gain these skills and knowledge necessary to master the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) in preparation for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and credit for graduation. This course is intended for students who need to master the skills of the English language needed for graduation and beyond and challenges students to think analytically at a rigorous level. Summer reading and assessment are required.

The grade curriculum explores traditional nonfiction and literary texts to cover the main strands of the state course: closely reading of prose, poetry, informational texts, and arguments; communicating verbally and in writing; and finding meaning through vocabulary. Topics incorporate elements of literary writing, coming of age, conflicting perspectives, rhetoric, figurative language, ambiguity in poetry, historical American speeches and essays, argumentation, classical literature, vocabulary decoding skills, and elements of effective writing in multiple genres. Students will refine and gain these skills and knowledge necessary to master the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (BEST) in preparation for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and credit for graduation. Students should take this course if they have the desire to learn about the written word and want to push their skills to the next level. This class will enhance their skills in all areas of the English language in preparation for both for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and for AP English. Summer reading and assessment are required.

This course builds learners' ability to understand and write in English through the study of a broad range of contemporary topics by analyzing opinions and ideas and learning how to construct an effective argument. This course develops highly transferrable skills including how to develop arguments and present well-reasoned explanations, a wider awareness and knowledge of current issues, independent reasoning, interpretation and persuasion skills, and the ability to present a point of view clearly while reflecting upon those of others. Language skills are the cornerstone of participation as an adult in society, and this course will challenge students to practice and employ those skills – even preparing them to do well in ENC 1101 should they choose college as a path. Summer reading and assessment are required. In April, students will have the opportunity to take an examination that may lead to elective college credit.

This is a class for students who need to fulfill their English requirement for high school graduation, while still being challenged at a higher level of thinking and analyzing. The grade curriculum explores traditional nonfiction and literary texts to cover the main strands of the state course: closely reading of prose, poetry, informational texts, and arguments; communicating verbally and in writing; and finding meaning through vocabulary. Topics incorporate elements of literary writing, character perspective, poets in historical context, rhetoric, figurative language, evaluation of central ideas, validity of argumentation, classical literature, vocabulary decoding skills, and elements of effective writing in multiple genres. Recognizing that students are in their final year of high school, this class will enhance and support their impending journeys while ensuring that they are prepared with the language skills needed for their chosen path. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a countywide initiative, the Florida Career Academy, learning job skills and being exposed to a multitude of internship and career ready opportunities that exist in our South Tampa community. Summer reading and assessment are required.

AP Language is a class for students who want to engage with the rigorous practice of collegelevel writing. Students will explore argument and analysis through an in-depth understanding of the rhetorical situation and write frequent essays explaining that understanding. Students will also learn the most effective techniques for crafting their own arguments and the skills necessary to synthesize various sources to create a unique position on contemporary topics. This course is designed for students who want to explore the intricate craft of writing at the level of a college class in preparation for both analyzing and performing various writing situations. A required exam at the end of the course offers the opportunity to earn college course credits, commensurate with the individual university policy. Summer reading and assessment are required. For more information, please watch this video: [https://youtu.be/wZZGu9r1x0s](https://youtu.be/wZZGu9r1x0s)

AP Literature is a class for students who have a passion for reading, discussing, and writing about novels, short stories, and poems. Students will explore the written word through the ages and then analyze its connection to humanity through the writing of essays. This course is designed for students who want to explore literary classics in depth at the level and rigor of a college class. A required exam at the end of the course offers the opportunity to earn college course credits, commensurate with the individual university policy. Summer reading and assessment are required. For more information, please watch this video: [https://youtu.be/OM920G0lk18](https://youtu.be/OM920G0lk18)

½ credit The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop and use writing and language skills for creative expression in a variety of literary forms, building on their skills and knowledge from the first course. Studying and modeling a variety of genres will be emphasized at this level of creative writing. Students will be encouraged to collaborate with peers to review writing drafts for revision.

½ credit (counts as performing arts credit) In this honors level elective, students will explore folktales, fairy tales, and mythology from various cultures (perhaps Greece, Rome, Egypt, and India, for example). Students will study the attributes of the various genres by reading original texts and then have an opportunity to compare ancient stories with more modern versions as well as use their creativity to produce original works. This is an honors level course and counts for the required graduation performing arts credit. It is offered semester 1 only, but it does not have to be taken in conjunction with Literature and the Arts 2. For more information, please watch this video: [https://youtu.be/_IdmnB79trY?si=LJynCqQ3ntQiSr-K](https://youtu.be/_IdmnB79trY?si=LJynCqQ3ntQiSr-K)

credit (counts as performing arts credit) In this honors level elective, coursework will focus on works of literature in the fantasy genre that have been adapted into films. Students will be expected to read and analyze the written text as well as “read” and analyze the film version using cinematic criteria. This is an honors level course and counts for the required performing arts credit. It is offered semester 2 only, but it does not have to be taken in conjunction with Literature and the Arts 1. For more information, please watch this video: [https://youtu.be/E8QD82h6zJo](https://youtu.be/E8QD82h6zJo)

This course provides instruction in the techniques of public speaking, effective listening, and analysis of audience. Students will write and deliver formal and informal speeches such as a best man’s toast, anniversary speeches, poetry jams, business proposals, campaign speeches, awards acceptance speeches, and more. Public Speaking is a required elective at almost all colleges and universities, which makes this an ideal preparation course for students who need to build skills or who are interested in career areas such as sales, education, law, management, military leadership, or business. This course meets requirements as an elective and performing arts credit. For more information, please watch this video: [https://youtu.be/Kosftbq1vU0](https://youtu.be/Kosftbq1vU0)