English Language Arts

LAE-A11-11 / LAE-A11-12 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course examines the rhetorical situation, a series of factors that influence the choices that skilled writers make to effectively convey complex ideas.

Students will analyze the writing of skillful authors and speakers. Students also craft their own sophisticated written works for a variety of purposes and intended audiences. Essays range from college-level research papers to creative expressions of personal values. In addition, students study advance vocabulary, grammar, and syntax so that they can enhance the messaging and artistry of their own writing.

Learning will be demonstrated through written assignments, discussions, presentations, quizzes, and tests.

Course Recommendation:

Strong performance in English 10 or Honors 10 is recommended. 

Board Approved Primary Resource:

The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings
2013 - Print - ISBN 978-0-393-91957-8

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

Students who successfully complete AP Language and Composition and AP Literature and Composition meet the Rigorous Course Waiver for all required 11th and 12th grade courses. Summer homework may be required.

LAL-A12-11 / LAL-A12-12 ► In-Person
LAL-A12-11H / LAL-A12-12H ► Hybrid

Course Description:

This course is the study of literature, literary analysis and analytical writing comparable to a college/university course.

The primary units of study include several representative works of literary merit from various genres and periods. In addition, the course will include study in language structure and the writer’s craft in fiction and poetry.

The students will demonstrate learning through a variety of analytical writing assignments, discussions, quizzes, tests and presentations.

Course Recommendation:

Prior completion of Advanced Placement Language & Composition recommended but not required, or strong performance in English 11 recommended.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request

Additional Registration Information:

Students who successfully complete AP Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition meet the Rigorous Course Waiver for all required 11th and 12th grade English Language Arts courses. Summer homework may be required.

LAJ-100-00 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is the study and creation of print, digital, and multimodal media with a focus on broadcast journalism and narrative.

The primary units of study include analysis and evaluation of written, oral, and visual communication; research skills; effective interviewing skills; writing for broadcast news and narrative; camera composition and video editing; media law and ethics.

The students will demonstrate learning through a variety of assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, and video productions.

Course Recommendation:

This course is recommended for students who have an interest in video production, news, sports and creative broadcasting, and technology.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

Colleges and universities may or may not accept this course as an Arts credit.

LAW-100-00 ► In-Person
LAW-100-00H ► Hybrid

Course Description:

This course is the study of creative writing and its processes.

The primary units of study include writing creatively for different genres, audiences, and purposes, including digital and print publication, as well as media law and ethics.

The students will demonstrate learning through tests and quizzes, compositions, the execution of projects, the creation of a digital portfolio, and a publication.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

LAE-109-11 / LAE-109-12 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is the study of English language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and exchanging ideas.

The primary units of study include: reading, understanding, and responding to a variety of self-selected and teacher-selected fiction, nonfiction, digital, visual, and poetic texts; writing for specific audiences and a variety of tasks (including informative, argument, narrative, and poetry); engaging in inquiry-based learning and research processes to create texts and presentations; communicating through speaking, listening, and the exchanging of ideas.

Course Recommendation:

None.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

Holt McDougal Literature Grade 9
2012 – Print - ISBN: 978-0-547-61839-5

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

None. 

LAE-110-11 / LAE-110-12 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This 10th-grade English course offers a comprehensive exploration of language arts encompassing reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and media literacy. The curriculum delves into literature, informative texts, and multimedia content, with instruction aligned to the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts and guided by the ACT Reading College Readiness Benchmarks. Throughout the course, students will:

• Engage with a diverse array of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, enhancing their abilities to comprehend and analyze literary works.
• Develop proficiency in narrative, expository and argumentative writing, producing creative, informative, and persuasive pieces.
• Practice essential research skills and create formal research papers, enabling in-depth exploration of various subjects.
• Partake in class discussions and deliver speeches, honing their skills in clear and persuasive communication.
• Explore, evaluate, and produce a range of print, digital, and multimodal media, fostering media literacy in today’s information-rich environment.
• Strengthen their grasp of grammar and vocabulary to improve effective communication.

Assessment methods encompass writing assignments, speeches, multimedia presentations, tests, quizzes, and discussions. Student progress in this dynamic English course will be closely monitored and nurtured. 

Board Approved Primary Resource:

Holt McDougal Literature Grade 10
2012 - Print - ISBN: 978-0-547-61841-8

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

This course includes preparation for the MCA Reading test. 

LAE-111-11 / LAE-111-12
LAE-111-11H / LAE-111-12H
LAE-111-11L / LAE-111-12L

Course Description:

This course is the study of English language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and exchanging ideas. 

English 11 explores contemporary and seminal texts of American literature, (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and other media). Students will engage in inquiry-based learning and research processes to create texts and presentations; communicating through speaking, listening, and the exchanging of ideas, building upon skills from previous years.

Course Recommendation:

This course is required for those students not taking AP Language and Composition.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

None. 

LAE-112-00 ► In-Person
LAE-112-00H ► Hybrid

Course Description:

This course is the study of literature, literary analysis, and analytical writing.

The primary units of study include: reading, understanding, and responding to a variety of fiction; writing in persuasive, expository, and narrative modes; communicating through class discussion and presentations; and utilizing grammar and vocabulary skills.

Students will demonstrate learning through writing assignments, literary analysis, various projects and presentations, tests and quizzes, and discussions.

Course Recommendation:

This course is required for those students not taking AP Literature and Composition. 

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

None.

LAM-100-00 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is the study and creation of print, digital, and multimodal media with a focus on cinema arts.

The primary units of study include the development of film techniques; critical analysis of films from a range of historical periods and genres; camera usage; editing techniques; production of a film; media law and ethics.

The students will demonstrate learning through tests and quizzes, essays, discussions, the execution of projects and the creation of a film.

Course Recommendation:

This course is recommended for students who enjoy analysis and/or production of film.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

Colleges and universities may or may not accept this course as an Arts credit.

LAE-H09-11 / LAE-H09-12 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is the study of English language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and exchanging ideas.

The primary units of study include: reading, understanding, and responding to a variety of self-selected and teacher-selected fiction, nonfiction, digital, visual, and poetic texts; writing for specific audiences and a variety of tasks (including informative, argument, narrative, and poetry); engaging in inquiry-based learning and research processes to create texts and presentations; communicating through speaking, listening, and the exchanging of ideas.

Course Recommendation:

As an Honors course, the level of study is more rigorous than English 9, with greater emphasis on critical thinking, in-depth literary analysis, expository writing, and vocabulary expansion.This will prepare students for upper level Honors and Advanced Placement English classes.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

Holt McDougal Literature Grade 9
2012 – Print - ISBN: 978-0-547-61839-5

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

Students currently in English 8 should consult with their current English 8 teacher before registration.

LAE-110-11 / LAE-H10-12 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is an advanced study of language arts: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and exchanging ideas. Teachers will use the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts, as well as the ACT Reading College Readiness Benchmarks to guide and assess student learning.

The primary units of study include: reading a variety of fiction, non-fiction and poetic texts; writing in explanatory, argumentative, narrative, and other creative modes; engaging in inquiry-based learning and research processes; communicating through class discussion and speeches; analyzing, evaluating, and producing different types of print, digital and multimodal media; and utilizing grammar and vocabulary skills.

Students will demonstrate learning in various ways, including writing assignments, discussions, presentations, tests, and quizzes.

Course Recommendation:

As an Honors course, the level of study is  more rigorous than English 10. A good honors student candidate should be able to read and write independently as well as actively discuss and participate in class. In order to be  successful in this class, students should have either success in a previous Honors English course, or a grade of a B or higher, plus a strong teacher recommendation from an on-level English course. 

Board Approved Primary Resource:

Holt McDougal Literature Grade 10
2012 - Print - ISBN: 978-0-547-61841-8

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

This course includes preparation for the MCA reading test and AP English classes in the junior and senior years.

LAC-100-00 ► In-Person ► Grades 10-12
LAC-100-00H ► Hybrid (South)

Course Description:

This course is a semester course in speech and communication skills, emphasizing effective interaction with others.

The primary units of study include the communication process, audience analysis, listening skills, discussion skills, and public speaking.

Students will demonstrate learning through speeches, written assignments, presentations, tests and quizzes, and discussion.

Course Recommendation:

This class is recommended for students who want to improve their communication skills, including speaking in public, working in groups, and improving relationships.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

It is recommended students take the speech requirement in their junior year. 

LAJ-120-00 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is the study and creation of print, digital, and multimodal media with a focus on scholastic journalism.

The primary units of study include interviewing, story writing and editing, photography and layout principles, design software, production, and media law and ethics.

The students will demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, projects, various types of written stories, and production of a newspaper.

Course Recommendation:

This course is recommended for students who are interested in journalism, page layout, and design of a publication, both digitally and in print.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

Colleges and universities may or may not accept this course as an Arts credit. 

LAS-100-00 ► In-Person

Course Description:

This course is a semester course in speech and communication skills, emphasizing formal public speaking.

The primary units of study include the communication process, audience analysis, listening skills, discussion skills, and public speaking.

Students will demonstrate learning through speeches, written assignments, presentations, tests and quizzes, and discussion.

Course Recommendation:

This class is recommended for any student who wants to gain confidence as a public speaker or hopes to improve oral presentation and general communication skills.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

It is recommended students take the speech requirement in their junior year.

LAJ-130-00 ► In-Person (North)
LAJ-130-00H ► Hybrid

Course Description:

This course is the study and creation of print, digital, and multimodal media with a focus on producing the school’s yearbook.

The primary units of study include interviewing, story writing and editing, photography and layout principles, design software, and production.

The primary units of study include researching, interviewing, and writing for journalistic publications; photojournalism; digital photo editing; principles of information design and layouts; and desktop publishing; editing and preparing publications for production; marketing, advertising, and distribution of media products; media law and ethics.

Students will demonstrate learning through written assignments, photography and production assignments, and by completing the school yearbook.

Course Recommendation:

This course is recommended for students who love writing, photography, or graphic design and who are interested in contributing to an important piece of the school’s history.

Board Approved Primary Resource:

This course uses a variety of novels, texts, and excerpts from various resources. A full list of reading materials can be made available upon request.

Additional Registration Information:

Students may register for this course more than once.