English Language Arts
English Language Arts
All secondary students are required to earn four credits in English in order to receive a S.C. High School Diploma. Students select from college prep, honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit courses. Honors, AP and dual credit courses are recommended for college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of successful performance in English.
English Language Arts Course Offerings
Secondary Literacy: Pre-English I 309901CW
Grade 9
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS)
Students are assigned this course based on 8th-grade district or state testing results and/or English 8 grade. This course does not fulfill an English graduation requirement. This course fulfills an elective credit towards graduation requirements.
English I 302463CW
Grade 9
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course emphasizes writing compositions and studying literary works in depth. The course covers composition and literature interrelated with language study, including mechanics, usage, vocabulary, grammar, library study, and SAT skills.
English II 302563CW
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 1
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Students are introduced to literary forms such as the short story, the novel, drama, and poetry. The student will develop language skills by learning to adapt writing skills to a variety of purposes. Initial emphasis will be placed on writing the longer paper. The course will also focus on grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary development to improve the student's reading, writing, and speaking abilities. A state-mandated End-of-Course Exam counts as 20% of a student’s final grade.
Honors English II 302564HW
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 1 or Referral
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is for highly motivated students with advanced and mature study habits. It covers English 2 requirements and also involves additional reading, writing, interpretation, and evaluation of literature, research skills, and SAT/ACT preparation. Summer reading is required. A state-mandated End-of-Course Exam counts as 20% of a student’s final grade.
English III 302663CW
Grades 10 – 11
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 2
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course requires students to write essays while studying American literature. It continues to build on the language study described in English 2. Special emphasis is placed on SAT/ACT preparation.
Honors English III 302661HW
Grades 10 – 11
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 2 or Honors English 2
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is designed for the highly motivated, exceptionally talented language arts student who enjoys reading and is willing to put extra time and effort into English studies. The student should also be able to work independently and demonstrate above-average grade-level proficiency in writing. This course concentrates on developing the student's ability to study and read literature critically and analytically through the study of major themes and writers of American literature from 1600 to the present. Critical analysis of works of literature as well as documented critical papers on literary topics will be required. Summer Reading is required.
English IV 302763CW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 3
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course requires students to write essays while studying British literature. They will continue to develop language skills essential for college and career work and continues preparation for the SAT/ACT, as with previous levels of English.
Honors English IV 302761HW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 3 or Honors English 3 or AP English Language Composition
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course continues the more intensified language study for high-achieving, highly motivated students. This level focuses on British literature and continues preparation for the SAT/ACT and AP English. At CHS, this course must be taken in conjunction with AP English Literature and Composition. Summer reading is required.
AP English Literature and Composition 307071AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grade 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors English 4 or AP English Language and Composition
(CHS, LEHS)
This course is an intensified, in-depth study of literature and the process of analysis. Emphasizing advanced writing and discussion skills, this course will enable students to perform an analytical reading in preparation for advanced academic studies in college. Reading selections include established works of literary merit. Summer reading is required. At CHS, this course must be taken in conjunction with Honors English 4. Students are required to take the AP exam.
AP English Language and Composition 307171AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors English 3
(CHS, LEHS)
This AP course is designed for students who have been enrolled in the honors English program. The course focuses on sophisticated literary analysis and on the critical reading and writing skills expected of college-level literature courses. Students are required to take the AP exam. Summer reading is required.
African-American Literature 309903CW
Grades 10-12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
The African-American Literature course offers students an opportunity to study a specialized field of literature that spans the 18th century through the present, in order to learn more about the African-American experience, history, and culture as documented through the words of various African-American writers. In this course, students will read, discuss, and respond to a variety of authors and genres. The goal of this course is for students to improve in written and oral communication as they grow in their appreciation of the contributions of African-American authors.
Creative Writing 303262CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: English 1 (Grade of C or Higher)
(CHS)
This course introduces the basic principles of creative writing, publishing, and marketing. Students study techniques of writing short stories, poetry, non-fiction, flash fiction, and novels. Instruction is also given in editing, layout, and design of an anthology, which the class publishes as part of their final exam.
Journalism 1 305062CW
Grades 9 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
( LEHS)
This course introduces the basic principles of media work. Students study the role of journalism in American society as well as the techniques of writing feature stories, editorials, and columns. Instruction is also given in graphics, layout and design, photography, and advertising.
Newspaper Production 1 305364CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Journalism and Application (LEHS), C or Better in English I (CHS)
(CHS, LEHS)
This course provides an in-depth study of the responsibility of journalism in our system of mass communications and focuses on the technical aspects of the media. Instruction emphasizes management, public relations, finance, and photography. Students will also have an opportunity to study other areas of the media.
Newspaper Production 2 305563CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Newspaper Production and Application (LEHS), Newspaper Production (CHS)
(CHS, LEHS)
This course provides an in-depth study of the responsibility of journalism in our system of mass communications and focuses on the technical aspects of the media. Instruction emphasizes management, public relations, finance, and photography.
Honors Newspaper Production 3 309933HW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Newspaper Production 2 and Application (LEHS), Grade of B or better in Newspaper Production 2 (CHS)
(CHS, LEHS)
The course will help to refine the students’ roles as business managers and leaders on the newspaper staff. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to finance the newspaper along with writing/reporting for the newspaper. They will help train new staff members, provide daily leadership and take on additional production responsibilities.
Honors Newspaper Production 4 309934HW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Newspaper Production 3 and Application (LEHS), Grade of B or better in Honors Newspaper Production 3 (CHS)
(CHS, LEHS)
This course will help to refine the students’ roles as business managers and leaders on the newspaper staff. Students will hone their interviewing, writing, and design skills for the newspaper along with creating a financial plan for the publication. They will help train new staff members, provide daily leadership and take on additional production responsibilities.
Honors Newspaper Production 5 309935HW
Grade 12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS)
In this course, staff members, who are already proficient in interviewing, writing, photography, and design, will mentor new staffers in these same areas. Staff members in this class will also serve as editors and will lead daily staff meetings while working closely with the adviser to ensure the program is running efficiently. Students will craft plans for meeting deadlines and help other staffers think critically, as they solve problems that arise during the publication process. In addition to becoming stronger journalists, these students will also hone their leadership abilities.
Honors Newpaper Production 6 309936HW
Grade 12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS)
In this course, staff members, who are already proficient in interviewing, writing, photography, and design, will mentor new staffers in these same areas. Staff members in this class will also serve as editors and will lead daily staff meetings while working closely with the adviser to ensure the program is running efficiently. Students will craft plans for meeting deadlines and help other staffers think critically, as they solve problems that arise during the publication process. In addition to becoming stronger journalists, these students will also hone their leadership abilities.
Yearbook Production 1 376962CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Journalism and Application (LEHS), English 1 (CHS, NCHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course provides an in-depth study of the responsibility of journalism in our system of mass communications and focuses on the technical aspects of producing the school yearbook. Instruction emphasizes writing, interviewing, and reporting, as well as management, public relations, finance, and photography.
Yearbook Production 2 309932CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Yearbook Production and Application (LEHS), Yearbook Production (CHS, NCHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course provides an in-depth study of the responsibility of journalism in our system of mass communications and focuses on the technical aspects of the media. Instruction emphasizes management, public relations, finance, and photography.
Honors Yearbook Production 3 309963HW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Yearbook Production 2 and Application (LEHS), B average or better in Yearbook Production 2 course (CHS, NCHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course will help to refine students’ roles as business managers and leaders on the yearbook staff. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to finance the yearbook along with writing/reporting for the yearbook. They will help train new staff members, provide daily leadership and take on additional production responsibilities.
Honors Yearbook Production 4 309964HW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Yearbook Production 3 and Application (LEHS), B average or better in Yearbook Production 2 course (CHS, NCHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course will help to refine students’ roles as business managers and leaders on the yearbook staff. Students will also learn and practice the skills necessary to finance the yearbook along with writing/reporting for the yearbook. They will help train new staff members, provide daily leadership and take on additional production responsibilities.
Honors Yearbook Production 5 309965HW
Grade 12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
In this course, staff members, who are already proficient in interviewing, writing, photography, and design, will mentor new staffers in these same areas. Staff members in this class will also serve as editors and will lead daily staff meetings while working closely with the adviser to ensure the program is running efficiently. Students will craft plans for meeting deadlines and help other staffers think critically, as they solve problems that arise during the publication process. In addition to becoming stronger journalists, these students will also hone their leadership abilities.
Honors Yearbook Production 6 309966HW
Grade 12
1 unit
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
In this course, staff members, who are already proficient in interviewing, writing, photography, and design, will mentor new staffers in these same areas. Staff members in this class will also serve as editors and will lead daily staff meetings while working closely with the adviser to ensure the program is running efficiently. Students will craft plans for meeting deadlines and help other staffers think critically, as they solve problems that arise during the publication process. In addition to becoming stronger journalists, these students will also hone their leadership abilities.