This yearlong interdisciplinary humanities course combines the chronological study of American history and literature (iv novels), the study of Greek and Latin Roots, with the development of advanced composition skills and presentations on historical events through the use of technology. It is team-taught by instructors from history and literature/composition. Students who complete this course may receive credit for U. S. History, Advanced Composition and American Literature for university placement. Students will study the development of American culture from 1600 to the present, with primary attention to the essential and enduring features of American thought, values, customs and practices. |

The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods. |

The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. |

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. 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 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. |

The goal of Expository Reading and Writing Course is to prepare college –bound seniors for the literacy demands of higher education. Through a sequence of fourteen rigorous instructional modules, students in a yearlong, rhetoric-based course develop advanced proficiencies in expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing. The cornerstone of the course-the assignment template-presents a process for helping students read, comprehend, and respond to nonfiction and literary texts. Modules also provide students in research methods and documentation conventions. Students will be expected to increase their awareness of the rhetorical strategies employed by authors, and to apply those strategies in their own writing. |

English I is the first step into college and career readiness. In this course, students will read a wide variety of texts over several units to develop their skills in writing, vocabulary, reading, and collaboration. Students will learn effective techniques in communication, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while delving into fiction, nonfiction, poetry, mythology, and drama. English I will prepare students with the necessary skills to achieve success during their high school careers, inside and outside of the classroom. |

This course meets entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University systems and is aligned with Common Core Standards. The course offers a rigorous curriculum that includes a variety of complex, board-approved novels, thematically linked nonfiction, and poetry. Students will be challenged with sophisticated literature that will prepare them for college preparatory English and real world applications. Course work will include the development of evidence-based claims, textual analysis, composition, vocabulary, grammar, digital literacy, interpretation, reflection, and synthesis. Course work will promote communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. |

This course meets entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University systems, and is aligned with Common Core Standards. The course offers a rigorous curriculum that includes a variety of complex, board-approved fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students will explore universal themes that are present in American literature and apply their newfound insights to the real world; and will develop skills in grammar, vocabulary, composition, verbal communication, reading strategies, and digital literacy through collaboration, interpretation, reflection, and synthesis. |

This course meets entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University systems and is aligned with Common Core Standards. The course offers a rigorous curriculum that includes a variety of complex fiction and nonfiction British, American and world literature. Modes of discourse include but are not limited to narrative descriptive, expository and persuasive writing. Students will increase their confidence and ability to read and analyze expository texts, apply knowledge to narrative texts and personal circumstances, and write effectively for a variety of purposes in college and life. Additionally, students will expand understanding of their experiences and choices as independent readers. |

Part of the English/Language Arts department at San Juan Hills High.

Part of the English/Language Arts department at San Juan Hills High.

Exploration of Child and Adolescent Literature is a grade 10 Honors English college preparatory course integrated with the Education Pathway standards. This course allows students to utilize Language Arts skills to investigate and evaluate the value and the purpose of world literature for children and adolescents. Students synthesize their knowledge of the developmental stages of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional (PIES) development with their understanding of appropriate teaching materials and readings for each of the stages (psychological aspect of the course). In addition, students evaluate how familial and cultural influences affect the themes and development of child and adolescent literature and why those themes are crucial to the educational progress of children and adolescents. Students conduct research, closely read and analyze complex texts, evaluate the components of effective child and adolescent literature. This course will prepare students for AP Language and Composition and other future demanding courses in both high school and college. |