Where Excellence is Expected

Fort Collins

High School

Where Excellence is Expected

Where Excellence is Expected

English Language Arts Course Descriptions

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5030 | English Grade 9: 10 credits – grade 9 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

English 9 standards call for the student to communicate effectively in writing and speaking; to read, analyze, and interpret literature; and to use appropriate resources and skills to conduct research. Students build writing skills in many forms, including but not limited to narrative, informative, and argumentative.. Criteria for evaluation includes: focus development,  organization,  mechanics (spelling, punctuation, capitalization), and style (sentence structure and vocabulary). Literature study focuses on the concept of theme within various literary genres.

 

5034 | College Prep English 9: 10 credits – grade 9 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

CP English 9 is based upon the same curriculum and standards as English 9  but is designed to emphasize the skills and habits of mind that will be needed to take Advanced Placement English courses and the Advanced Placement exam. Students will be challenged to do more with literary comparison  composition  and the higher order thinking skills of analysis  synthesis and evaluation. Ninth grade English course content is covered in greater depth and with more insight.

 

Read 180 9 (instructor-assigned): 10 credits – grade 9 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: Staff placement

This course is an intensive reading and writing program designed to provide two class periods of English per day (10 credits per semester) for those students currently on ILPs or who score below proficient on CMAS/Levels/SRI testing. Students will be placed in this class by counselors and/or administrators only. At FCHS: This course is an intensive reading intervention program designed to provide an additional class period of English per day (5 English credits per semester) for students who score below proficient on PSAT/NWEA MAP's Reading/RI testing. Students will be placed in this class by Counselors, IS Case Managers and/or Administrators only. This course is paired with English 9FC (reading supported English 9).

 

5412 | World Literature/Composition (English 10): 10 credits – grade 10 –English Language Arts – prerequisite: 9th grade English

This course provides students with a foundation in reading and writing skills necessary for completion of a comprehensive standards-based high school curriculum. The course integrates the teaching of writing with the study of literature. Students read a substantial selection of world literature. The skills of the course are reading, writing, public speaking, and conducting research.

 

5408 | College Prep World Literature and Composition (CP English 10):    10 credits – grade 10 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: 9th grade English

This course in world literature and composition provides an important foundation for students planning to enroll in high school Advanced Placement English courses during their junior and senior years. The aim of this course is to meet grade-level standards and prepare students for college-level courses. Students read a substantial selection of world literature. The skills of the course are reading, writing, public speaking, and conducting research.

 

Read 180 10 (instructor assigned): 10 credits – grade 10 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: Staff placement

This course is an intensive reading and writing program designed to provide two class periods of English per day (10 credits per semester) for those students currently on ILPs or who score below proficient on CSAP/Levels/SRI testing. Students will be placed in this class by counselors and/or administrators only. At FCHS: This course is an intensive reading intervention program designed to provide an additional class period of English per day (5 English credits per semester) for students who score below proficient on PSAT/NWEA MAP's Reading/RI testing. Students will be placed in this class by Counselors, IS Case Managers and/or Administrators only. This course is paired with World Lit FC (reading supported World Lit).

 

5863 | US Literature and Composition (English 11): 10 credits – grade 11, 12 –English Language Arts – prerequisite: World Lit and Comp or College Prep World Lit and Comp

American Literature courses focus upon commonly known American authors and their work. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and as they understand how the literature reflects the society of the time. Oral discussion is an integral part of this course as is the emphasis on narrative  informational/explanatory  and argumentative writing.

 

5861 | AP Language and Composition: 10 credits – grade 11, 12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: World Lit and Comp or CP World Lit and Comp

This junior level class will include readings in U.S. literature and preparation for the AP English Language Exam. It is a semester-long course focusing on the development of college level reading and writing skills. Along with their readings in U.S. literature, students will learn to analyze the language and style of famous authors, to synthesize information from multiple sources, and to write argumentative essays.  

  • There is no longer a fee for AP Lang and Comp
  • Changed the wording to eliminate “year-long” language
  • Changed the description to more closely match the content of the course.

 

7950CEFRHS| FRCC Humanities: Medieval to Modern: 5 credits/3 college credits – grades 11, 12 – Humanities, Language Arts – no prerequisite

HUM 1022: Introduces the interdisciplinary study of ideas that have defined cultures through a survey of the visual, performing, and literary arts, emphasizing connections among global cultures from the medieval to the early modern era. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH2 category..

7496CEFRHS| FRCC Humanities: Early Civilizations: 5 credits/3 college credits – grades 11, 12 – Humanities, Social Studies, Language Arts – no prerequisite

HUM 1021: Introduces the interdisciplinary study of ideas that have defined cultures through a survey of the visual, performing, and literary arts, emphasizing connections among diverse cultures, including European and non-European, from the prehistoric to the early medieval era. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH2 category.

 

7282 | AP Seminar (Year 1): 10 credits - grades 11, 12 - English Language Arts - no prerequisite

AP Seminar is the first of two year-long courses that comprise the Advanced Placement Capstone program. This foundational course provides students with opportunities to think critically and creatively, research, explore, pose solutions, develop arguments, collaborate, and communicate using various media. Students explore real-world issues through a variety of lenses and consider multiple points of view to develop deep understanding of complex issues as they make connections between these issues and their own lives. Students read articles, research studies, and foundational and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experience artistic and literary works to gain a rich appreciation and understanding of issues. Themes like education, innovation, revolution, sustainability, and technology are selected and allow for deep exploration based on student interests, local and civic issues, global or international topics, and concepts from other Advanced Placement courses. Students are assessed with two through-course performance tasks and an end-of-course exam. The AP Seminar score is based on all three assessments and is reported on the standard 1-5 AP scoring scale. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both of the AP Capstone courses will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate from the College Board.

 

5831 | Composition: 5 credits – grades 11,12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

This course emphasizes expository essays, including summaries, personal essays, and argumentative and documented writing. The course stresses improvement in generating, developing and organizing ideas, editing and revision, and competence in mechanics. At FCHS: This course will be multi-genre, including academic, career, and creative writing. This course is strongly recommended prior to taking Advanced Composition.

 

5491 | Basic Composition: 5 credits – grades 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

Basic Composition is open to any 10th  11th  or 12th grader who needs to improve written communication skills. This course is designed for students who want to improve sentence structure  paragraphing  and basic essay writing. In addition to writing skill development  students will have the opportunity to improve word processing skills.

 

9325CEFRHS FRCC English Composition I: 5 credits/3 college credits – grades 12 – English Language Arts – See Counselor for Pre-requisite (SAT score, Grades/GPA, or Test placement). 

ENG 1021: Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category.

 

9334CEFRHS | FRCC English Composition II: 5 credits/3 college credits – grades 12 – English Language Arts – English 121 or AP Language & Comp Test score of 3 or above is a prerequisite. 

ENG 1022: Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or argumentative compositions.
This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category.

 

9330CEFRHS FRCC Introduction to Literature I: 5 credits/3 college credits – grades 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite. 

LIT 1015: Introduces fiction, poetry, and drama. This course emphasizes active and responsive reading.  This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH2 category.

 

5860 | AP Composition and Literature: 10 credits – grades 12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: recommended AP Lang & Comp

This course includes the study of short stories  drama  novels  and poetry  with emphasis on discussion  thorough understanding  and analysis of works of literature. Students read and study famous authors from ancient to contemporary times. This course is designed to complete an accelerated sequence of reading and writing classes in high school. Students may subsequently sign up to take the Advanced Placement examination for college credit in English.

 

5530 | Short Fiction: 5 credits – grades 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

In this class  the study of short fiction as a literary form strives to help students widen their perspectives. Students will explore ways in which literature reflects the human condition  while stressing critical and analytical thinking. Students will review the basic characteristics of fiction as well as develop effective communication skills by completing various writing assignments and creative projects.

 

5064 | Graphic Novels: 5 credits – grades 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

The study of graphic novels involves the analytical reading of the text and "reading" of the illustrative, "comic" art paired with its novel-styled narrative. An examination of the foundational components of this literary format will begin the course, and, with these concepts in mind, students will complete creative works and develop their skills in reading and writing as they interpret, explain, and support their ideas verbally, in short writing assignments, and essay writing.

 

5588 | Video Games as Literature: 5 credits – grades 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

This course will teach students to approach video games with the same critical thinking lenses they apply to traditional literature, film, and other texts.  With a focus on narrative-based video games, students will analyze and evaluate game designers' building of themes through character, setting, and plot; compare and contrast the experiences of reading books, watching films, and playing video games; and collaborate with peers to write and present narratives of their own.  In addition to these elements shared with traditional literature, students will apply theories of video game design and evaluate game designers' choices based on devices specific to video games.  While "reading" will primarily take the form of playing video games individually, in groups, and as a whole class, reading of short stories and informational texts will be required.  Writing and discussion demands will be similar to other English classes.

 

5220 | Creative Writing: 5 credits – grades 11,12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

This class enables students to explore and develop their special talents and interests in writing short stories, poems, plays, and other creative works. At FCHS: Students will examine a variety of models as they develop their understanding of each genre/form. Meeting deadlines, accepting and giving feedback, reading aloud to a group or a partner, and the willingness to produce a substantial amount of writing are all essential components of this course.

 

5815 | Digital Composition: 5 credits – grades 11,12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

This semester-long, standards-based, English Language Arts course will allow students to study emerging theory/research on digital literacy and composing in a digital world as well as how copyright and intellectual property protections apply. Students will analyze and create digital and multi-modal compositions reflective of topics relevant to them and the issues we face in the 21st Century. Students will engage in units that explore: Theory, Research, and Rules about Digital Literacy and writing; Digital Storytelling; Multi-modal Poetry creation; Digital Essay writing; Research; and Multi-modal/Digital Mini Documentary creation. Throughout the course, students will apply current research and text analysis to their own composing/creation acts.

 

5441 | British Literature: 5 credits – grades 11,12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: World Lit. and Comp.

A representative survey of British literature  this course includes short stories  novels  poetry  drama and essays. Emphasis is on reading  writing and critical thinking. Students read  discuss and analyze poetry  drama  short stories  essays  and novels; complete formal and informal writing assignments; and take quizzes and exams. Discussion  lecture  reading and writing activities are the principal means of instruction.

 

1378CEFRHS | FRCC Literature & Film: 5 Credits/3 college credits- grade 12- Language Arts - no prerequisite

LIT 2057: Examines the relationship between literature and motion pictures, emphasizing the technique and interpretive function of filmmakers.

 

Language Arts Electives for All Grade Levels

5250 | Basic Speech: 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

Basic Speech is designed as a fundamental course to improve public speaking in formal and informal settings. Focus is on activities which address the organization  preparation  and delivery of solo speaking opportunities including informative  visual aid  demonstration  and persuasive speeches. Work also includes effective listening  oral interpretation and group discussion.

 

5580 | Play & Script Writing: 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

This course is designed to teach students how to observe, analyze, discuss, outline, plot, write and revise scripts for the stage and screen, including all terminology and formatting for each style.

 

5900 | Argumentation and Debate: 5 credits – grades 9,10, 11,12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

This theory and practice of argument will be discovered and applied in various persuasive situations. Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and legislative debate techniques will be introduced. Students will research and write debate cases and participate in debates in class. Skills in organizing and writing debate cases and conducting a critical analysis of research literature will be emphasized in addition to oral analysis and refutation. 

 

1769 | Business Communication: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

Students learn techniques for writing informational, professional, sales, news and other communications. The course explores new trends and technologies relating to business communications, including email, social media, blogging and SEO.

 

5910 | Forensics (Debate): 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: Instructor Approval

Students will study all areas of forensic competition  exclusive of debate  and will be expected to specialize in duet acting  extemporaneous speaking  original oratory  interpretation of dramatic literature  interpretation of humorous literature  or interpretation of poetry. Prerequisite: Instructor's approval.

 

5814 | Online Media I: 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite

Students demonstrate their understanding of a variety of programs and occupations in online media using digital tools that are widely available in professional media work. Focus is on producing content for online consumer-oriented platforms. Instruction will be paired with hands-on lab experiences in community reporting, both verbal and visual.

 

5816 | Online Media II: 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: no prerequisite

This course is recommended for students who have completed Online Media I and who want to develop their leadership skills while expanding on various modes of reporting and creating online media for specific audiences and online consumer-oriented platforms. Instruction will be paired with hands-on lab experiences.

 

5290S1 | Television Production A: 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Fine & Applied Arts – no prerequisite

TV producers work behind the camera, putting together the different elements of the broadcast and making sure that everything works together smoothly. This course covers the essential components of TV broadcast production, including the use of microphones, cameras, videotape recorder-editors, switchers, and lighting equipment. The basics of editing and chroma key (blue screen) techniques are also introduced. Students gain practical experience producing their own video projects in the studio.

 

5290S2 | Television Production B: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: Television Production A

TV producers work behind the camera, putting together the different elements of the broadcast and making sure that everything works together smoothly. This course covers the essential components of TV broadcast production, including the use of microphones, cameras, videotape recorder-editors, switchers, and lighting equipment. The basics of editing and chroma key (blue screen) techniques are also introduced. Students gain practical experience producing their own video projects in the studio.

 

5269 | Yearbook/Journalism: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – English Language Arts – prerequisite: Instructor approval through Google Form application and interview

In Yearbook, all students will be expected to use their talents as best as they can to ensure the delivery of a top-notch product to our yearbook customers.  In the earlier parts of class, students will learn how to write engaging stories and captions, conduct effective interviews to capture stories around the school, and capture amazing moments with solid photography.  Then, as the school year continues, students will use what they’ve learned to create an excellent yearbook while learning transferable soft skills including teamwork, meeting deadlines, and and communicating effectively with a wide range of people.  Students are required to complete monthly service requirements by either attending events to write, interview, and photograph or helping with yearbook sales and distribution during and outside of the school day.

 

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PSD does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, age or disability in access or admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. A lack of English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.