English

English 1

Grades 9 – 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: None

English 1 is a standards-based college preparatory course. There will be separate sections for 9th graders only. Students read and analyze a minimum of four historically or culturally significant works of literature. In addition, students develop skills in reading and understanding informational materials. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and multi-media communication skills are reinforced through structured performance tasks aligned with the context of the California Content Standards for Language Arts and High School Exit Exam criteria. Students produce multiple pieces of writing, building to full essays; during the year they write a minimum of six original multiple-paragraph essays. In addition, students complete the ESUHSD writing assessment. Students maintain a writing portfolio that they continue to build and review throughout the year. This course satisfies graduation requirements for East Side Union High School District. This course fulfills one year of the English requirement for University of California and California State University.


English 1A

Grade 9 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Instructor's approval

This accelerated class is designed to meet the needs and challenges of those incoming ninth-grade students who would like to enter a 4-year university immediately after high school. The course will have an intense study of English syntax. It will challenge the students in reading, writing and thinking about a variety of literature. Outside reading and reports will be required.


English 2

Grades 10 – 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Passed both semesters of English 1 with a D or better, or passed English 1 in summer school with a C- or better

English 2 is a standards-based college preparatory course beginning with 10th graders. Students read and analyze a minimum of four works of literature representative of writing from around the world, exploring a broad range of literary elements to enhance understanding. In addition, students develop skills in reading and understanding informational materials. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and multi-media communication skills are reinforced through structured performance tasks aligned with the California Content Standards for Language Arts and High School Exit Exam criteria. Students write a minimum of six original multiple-paragraph essays, including a basic annotated research paper (5-7 pages). In addition, students complete the ESUHSD writing assessment. Students maintain a writing portfolio that they continue to build and review throughout the year. This course satisfies graduation requirements for East Side Union High School District. This course satisfies one year of the English requirement for University of California and California State University.


English 2A

Grade 10 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Instructor's approval

This accelerated course includes all the components of English 2 with a more extensive and intensive study of Western literature. It prepares students for English 3 AP and English 4 AP.


English 3

Grades 11, 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Passed both semesters of English 2 with a D or better, or passed English 2 in summer school with a C- or better

English 3 is a standards-based college preparatory course open to 11th and 12th graders who have demonstrated mastery of English 2 curriculum standards. Students read and critically analyze a variety of texts, including a minimum of five major works (novels, plays, non-fiction memoirs) that trace the major social, cultural, and philosophical trends that influenced American literature. English 3 students develop a basic understanding of Puritanism, Unitarianism, Romanticism, Naturalism, Transcendentalism, and Realism. Grammar, spelling, college-level vocabulary development, college note taking, and multi-media communication skills are reinforced through structured performance tasks aligned with the California Content Standards for Language Arts. Students demonstrate logical, critical thinking skills through focused, coherent oral presentations and written interpretation of fiction and nonfiction works. Students write a minimum of six original multiple-paragraph essays, including essays written under the pressure of a specific time limit, and one annotated research paper (8-10 pages) using parenthetical references that follow the Modern Language Association Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 6th or latest edition guidelines. Students maintain a writing portfolio that they continue to build and review throughout the year. This course satisfies graduation requirements for East Side Union High School District. This course fulfills one year of the English requirement for University of California and California State University.



English Language and Composition 

(Advanced Placement)

Grades 11 – 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Instructor’s approval

The Advanced Placement English Language and Composition course is intended to provide high school students who are interested in studying and writing various kinds of analytic or persuasive essays on nonliterary and literary topics focusing on American authors and Western philosophy. This advanced placement course prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam for college credit.


English Literature and Composition 

(Advanced Placement)

Grade 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Instructor’s approval

This advanced placement course includes advanced composition, an in-depth study of major works of English and Western literature, and significant developments in Western philosophy and the arts. This course prepares the student to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam for college credit.


Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC)

Grade 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (b)

Prerequisites: Passed both semesters of English 3 with a D or better, or passed English 3 in summer school with a C- or better. Conditional Ready on EAP (taken in junior year).

The California State University Expository Reading and Writing Course is aligned with California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy, addresses critical academic literacy challenges identified by the CSU English Placement Test Committee and ICAS and successfully prepares students to meet the academic demands of college and the technical expectations for reading and writing in the professional workplace. The course emphasizes the in-depth study of expository, analytical, informational, and argumentative reading and writing. The rich, adaptable resources, developed by a collaborative group of CSU and high school faculty and specialists, are designed to help students develop the academic literacy skills necessary for success in college and the world of work. Students who complete this course with a grade of A-C are automatically considered “college ready” by the CSU system and do not need to participate in any CSU English Language Arts placement exams and are able to begin their freshman year of college without any additional English Language Arts remedial coursework. This course is approved by the UC system as meeting their “b” English requirement.


Genres of Composition

Grades 11 – 12 (year): E, CSU, UC (g)

Prerequisites: None

This is a two-semester English credit course that offers additional preparation in composition and response techniques, exploring a broad range of rhetorical modes (narrative, argumentation, informational expository, analytical expository, business communication, technical writing) with an emphasis on understanding nonfiction text. Students perform multiple pieces of writing, composing a minimum of six original multiple-paragraph essays aligned with the California Content Standards for English / Language Arts Standards. Cannot be repeated. This class is for Juniors with 15 or fewer ELA graduation credits concurrently enrolled in English 1 or English 2 and Seniors with 25 or fewer graduation credits enrolled in English 1, or English 2, or English 3.


JOURNALISM

Grades 10 – 12 (year): E

Prerequisites: None

Journalism is a course that focuses on developing and strengthening students’ understanding of the practices and purposes of American Journalism. Students will learn about the history, roles, rights, and responsibilities of the modern journalist and will apply this understanding in a variety of journalistic endeavors. An emphasis on critical thinking, research, ethics, communication, and the structure and craft of different styles of journalistic writing will be paramount. Students will read and write on a daily basis, and through a variety of mediums. They will integrate theoretical studies with modern and practical applications throughout the course. They will develop their own questions and conduct extensive research across a range of academic disciplines to answer them. They will strive for accuracy, objectivity, and truth in all that they do. They will work to contribute to their community, and they will regularly reflect on the value of that impact. They will use technology and digital media to enhance and extend their understanding and creations, and to listen and reach a broader population. They will work alone in groups and will foster independence, agency, communication, and collaborative skills throughout the course.