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Rockwood School District

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Language Arts

The Language Arts Department has developed a program of studies to meet the needs and interests of all students. In addition to regular language arts and more rigorous language arts courses, the department offers a variety of electives in literature, composition, and journalism which incorporate technology, research, and independent reading. The following course descriptions are designed to help the students in making choices that will best meet their needs and interests.

Students may be required to complete summer work in preparation for any AP, Honors, or ALARP 1 or 2 course. The purpose of summer work is to enhance a student’s ability to start on the first day of class engaged in class discussions. Expectations for summer work will be communicated in the spring semester.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels09
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeCredit Recover,
First Time Credit
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

09 English Language Arts lays the foundation for successful high school reading and writing and satisfies the Ninth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement. This course consists of instruction in composition, reading fiction and informational text, grammar, speaking/listening, research and vocabulary development.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 8th Grade English Language Arts

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels09
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeFirst Time Credit
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

09Accelerated English Language Arts lays the foundation for successful high school writing and analysis of literatureand satisfies the Ninth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement.Studentswho possessboth a strong ability and interest in the study of English and are ready to make the transition to more independent learning should consider this course. This course prepares students for Advanced Placement English coursesbut is not required for future AP enrollment. Student expectations reflect AP guidelines:faster paced, more rigorous, extended reading requiredoutside of class,and more independent learning than that of 09English Language Arts.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 8th Grade English Language Arts

Enrollment Notes

A grade of “A” or “B” in 8th Grade Compacted Challenge or 8th Grade Language Arts is recommended. This course does not receive a weighted grade.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels09
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit2.0 Language Arts

Course Description

09 EnglishLanguage Arts RE lays the foundation for successful high school reading and writing and satisfies the Ninth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement. This course consists of instruction in composition, reading comprehension of fiction and informational text, grammar, speaking/listening, research, word study, and vocabulary development.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 8th Grade English Language Arts

Enrollment Notes

This course is a two-hour block and satisfies the language arts requirement for ninth grade and one elective credit. The course numbers for the elective credit are EL028S and EL029S. Placement in this course is based on various assessments and teacher recommendations.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels09
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

9 Advanced Language Arts Research & Presentation is designed to lay the foundation for successful high school writing and analysis of literature while also emphasizing independent research skills and oral presentation skills. While not required for AP enrollment, the purpose of this course is to prepare the student for AP English courses. In addition to the skills students learn in 9 Accelerated Language Arts, students should expect that most assigned reading will be done outside of class and that most books will be analyzed as a whole rather than chapter by chapter. Students will complete process and AP-style timed writing pieces in a variety of modes (analytical, argumentative, expository, narrative and informative) on a regular basis. They will compose essays and presentations as a major part of the course grade. Students will select a research topic that will evolve into multiple large presentations that may span up to 25 minutes. Student capstone projects will focus on a national issue which will be presented to a panel of judges; this capstone will be part of students’ final exam scores.

Enrollment Notes

Students may be required to complete summer homework for this course.

This course receives a weighted grade because of the independent out-of-class research in preparation for the extended capstone.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels10
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeCredit Recover,
First Time Credit
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

10 EnglishLanguage Arts builds on the skills students learned in 09 English Language Arts and satisfies the Tenth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement. The content of this course focuses on reading and analyzing texts and producing written compositions within thematic units, culminating in an inquiry-based capstone project.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 English Language Arts or equivalent

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels10
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeFirst Time Credit
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

Tenth Grade Accelerated Language Arts is designed to build on the skills students learned in Ninth Grade Accelerated Language Arts. While not required for Advanced Placement enrollment, the purpose of the course is to prepare students for Advanced Placement English courses; therefore, teachers base standards of instruction and expectations on AP guidelines resulting in faster paced, more rigorous, and more independent learning than that of Tenth Grade Language Arts.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

A grade of “A” or “B” in 09 Accelerated English Language Arts is recommended.

Students may be required to complete summer homework for this course.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels10
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit2.0 Language Arts

Course Description

10 English LanguageArts RE continues to laythe foundation for successful high school reading and writing and satisfies theTenth GradeLanguage Arts graduation requirement. This course consists of instruction in composition, reading comprehension of fiction and informational text, grammar, speaking/listening, research, word study, and vocabulary development.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 Grade English Language Arts

Enrollment Notes

This course is a two-hour block and satisfies the language arts requirement for tenth grade and one elective credit. The course numbers for the elective credit are EL030S and EL031S. Placement in this course is by various assessments and teacher recommendations.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels10
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

10 Advanced Language Arts Research & Presentation expands upon skills of successful high school writing and analysis of literatureand satisfies the Tenth Grade Language Arts graduation requirement. Independent research skills and oral presentation skills are emphasized. This course prepares students for AP English courses, but is not required for future AP enrollment. In addition to the skills students learn in 10 Accelerated Language Arts, students should expect that most assigned reading will be done outside of class and that most books will be analyzed as a whole rather than chapter by chapter. Students will complete process and AP-style timed writingin a variety of modes includinganalytical, argumentative, expository, narrative and informative pieces on a regular basis. They will compose essays and presentations as a major portionof the course grade and select a research topic that will evolve into multiple large presentations that may span up to 35 minutes. Finally, they will create acapstone projects thatfocuses on a national issue; the project will bepresented to a panel of judges andwill be part of the final exam score.

Enrollment Notes

Students currently enrolled in 09 Advanced English Language Arts Research & Presentation need not re-apply.

Students may be required to complete summer homework for this course.

This course receives a weighted grade because of the independent out-of-class research in preparation for the extended capstone.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis.
  • Determine theme/central/main idea in a text.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance point of view or purpose. Analyze how point of view is reflected in the characters, setting, and plot.
  • Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations concisely and logically based on the task, audience, and purpose making strategic use of multimedia in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
  • Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices and syntax on meaning and tone.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals, deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger idea.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeCredit Recover,
First Time Credit
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

Eleventh Grade English Language Arts continues to expand and reinforce the student’s skills of analysis and evaluation of literature, writing, vocabulary, research, and speaking and listening to best prepare them for a collegiate academic environment. This course is built around thematic units that explore American identity. Throughout the course, students will read fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. They will create blended writing pieces including argumentative, narrative, and informative elements. When practicing the writing process, they will learn and utilize grammar and writing instruction within the units. Research and oral communication skills, as well as academic and content vocabulary will also be regularly addressed.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 10 English Language Arts or equivalent

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more central/main ideas in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Evaluate an author’s argument and reasoning for effectiveness, validity, logic, credibility, and relevance of the evidence.
  • Students will read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Students will read and comprehend informational texts independently and proficiently.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives including those presented in diverse media: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

Concepts of Literature and Communication continues to expand and reinforce the student’s skills of analysis and evaluation of literature, writing, vocabulary, research, and speaking and listening that will help with a variety of post-secondary options. This course is built around thematic units that explore American identity and how students identities are shaped by society.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 English Language Arts and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Evaluate an author’s argument and reasoning for effectiveness, validity, logic, credibility, and relevance of the evidence.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Read and comprehend informational texts independently and proficiently.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives including those presented in diverse media: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit1.0 Language Arts
College CreditYes
College Credit TypeAP

Course Description

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is designed to challenge the student of Language Arts who may elect this course to fulfill the Eleventh Grade Language Arts graduation requirement or to complete a fourth year of English study. This college-level course, overseen by The College Board, prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Test.

Course Prerequisite

Successful completion of 09 and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

A 3.5 GPA in Language Arts is recommended to prepare for this course.

Students are expected, though not required, to take the AP course exam.

Students may be required to complete summer homework for this class.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Involves intensive writing in response to the extensive reading of several literary genres from a variety of time periods.
  • Demonstrate critical and analytical thought by participating in frequent class discussions.
  • Refine the writing process for expository, analytical, and argumentative essays.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit1.0 Language Arts
College CreditYes
College Credit TypeAP

Course Description

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is designed to challenge the student of Language Arts who may elect this course to fulfill the Eleventh Grade Language Arts graduation requirement or to complete a fourth year of English study. This is a college-level course, which prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Test. Students should be aware of the rigor, intensity, and scope that this course will demand. This course will further develop students' abilities as skilled analysts of a broad range of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Reading will include works of autobiographers, biographers, diarists, critics, essayists, journalists, and writers of history, politics, science and nature. The writing content will focus on lengthy expository and analytical essays. Students will compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. Students will enhance vocabulary skills, hone research skills, and practice speaking and listening skills.

Course Prerequisite

Successful completion of 09 and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

A 3.5 GPA in Language Arts is recommended to prepare for this course.

Students are expected, though not required, to take the AP course exam.

Students may be required to complete summer homework for this class.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels12
Course LengthYear
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit1.0 Language Arts

Course Description

This course is designed for students who are attending a post-secondary technical school, going into the military, job training program, or directly entering the workforce. This course focuses on communication and language skills as they apply in the workplace.

Course Prerequisite

Successful completion of an 11th-grade English Language Arts course.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain
  • Evaluate an author’s argument and reasoning for effectiveness, validity, logic, credibility and relevance of the evidence.
  • Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, stance, and evidence in order to propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives including those presented in diverse media: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views.
  • In a presentation show how all aspects of communication work together to impact a message.
  • Utilize multimedia and/or sensory aids that effectively enhance the message and are smoothly incorporated into the presentation.
  • Recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and act and model in ways that are safe, legal, and ethical.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeFirst Time Credit
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

Creative Writing is an upper-level writing course for students who want to further develop their passion for writing and share their writing with their peers and wider audiences.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Evaluate how an author’s choices to structure specific parts of a text contribute to a text’s overall meaning and its aesthetic impact.
  • Analyze a case in which recognizing point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is implied.
  • Evaluate how the author's word choices and use of syntax contribute to a text's overall meaning, tone, and aesthetic impact.Evaluate how the author's word choices and use of syntax contribute to a text's overall meaning, tone, and aesthetic impact.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.

Course Details

Offered at
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

Black Literature is a course for juniors and seniors wanting to explore an authentic view of multi-genre literature by black writers of Africa, America, and England, from past to present. Students will read and write about the complexities of the black experience through poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and film. They will discuss various influences on identities, cultures, beliefs, and literature while using inquiry and research to become a student activist.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

This course does not meet the Eleventh grade Language Arts credit.
This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Explain two or more main ideas or themes in a text, analyze their development, and relate them to human nature and the world
  • Read and comprehend informational texts and literature, including stories, dramas and poems, independently and proficiently
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience;
  • Self-select and blend (when appropriate) previously learned narrative, expository, and argumentative writing techniques.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations showing command of effective nonverbal and verbal presentation skills.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

Multicultural Literature will examine literary selections from diverse ethnicities. Students will read high-interest, challenging and through provoking literature. They will engage in a variety of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biographies, and films. Research, presentations and discussions of various cultural concepts will be an integral part of the learning experience. Students will also write blended pieces of narrative, informative and argumentative writing.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09, 10, and 11 English Language Arts or their equivalents.

Enrollment Notes

This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Determine two or more themes/central/main ideas in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Evaluate how an author's work reflects his or her historical/cultural perspective.
  • Independently read and comprehend literature, including novels, stories, dramas and poems at grade level.
  • Independently read and comprehend informational texts, at grade level.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives including those presented in diverse media: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and qualify or justify their own views.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeFirst Time Credit
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

This semester course for seniors features the study of popular literature with a focus on young adult books. Books are assigned from a teacher-generated list with an effort to ensure student choice and personalized selections for the reader. Students will read a variety of literature, engage in discussions regularly, sustain a thoughtful and reflective reading journal and produce multiple writings in response to literature.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09, 10, and 11 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Evaluate the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a text.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding and make new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

Science Fiction Literature is a language arts class geared toward students with an interest in science fiction literature. This particular class focuses on the introspective qualities of science fiction and the individual, and the qualities of Human Society and Culture. Students will read a healthy mixture of science fiction, short stories, novels, and related non-fiction philosophical writings (3-5 novels, approximately 15-25 short stories. Students are also expected to participate in research-based assignments and Socratic discussions.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent.

Enrollment Notes

This course does not meet the Eleventh grade Language Arts credit. This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes/central/main ideas in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Independently read and comprehend literature, including novels, stories, dramas and poems at grade level.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives including those presented in diverse media: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and qualify or justify their own views.
  • Plan and deliver appropriate presentations on the task, audience, and purpose.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels11, 12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

Sports Literature and Writing is a Language Arts class that will examine the unique relationship between sports and society through literature by contemporary authors, columnists and other media. Students will read high-interest and thought-provoking texts including informational text, poetry, biographies, and commentary. They will also write argumentative, informative, and narrative pieces.

Course Prerequisite

Completion of 09 and 10 English Language Arts or equivalent.

Enrollment Notes

This course does not meet the Eleventh grade Language Arts credit. This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes/central/main ideas in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives including those presented in diverse media: synthesize claims made on all sides of an issue, and qualify or justify their own views and understanding.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeFirst Time Credit
Credit0.5 Language Arts
College CreditYes
College Credit TypeDual Credit at UMSL: English 1120 (3 credits)

Course Description

Introduction to College Literature is a college-preparatory course featuring an extensive study of short stories, novels, plays, poems, and informational text from British authors. Students will explore a minimum of three of the corresponding modules throughout the semester. This course may be eligible for the Advanced Credit Program from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Students will indulge in a wide-range of classic literature, refine their composition skills, strengthen their research skills and participate in formal and informal oral communications.

Course Prerequisite

Successful completion of 09, 10, and 11 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

A grade of “C” or better in 11 English Language Arts or equivalent is recommended. This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives.

Course Details

Offered at
Rockwood Summit High
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Grade Levels12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated,
Online - Off Campus
Online Course TypeFirst Time Credit
Credit0.5 Language Arts
College CreditYes
College Credit TypeDual Credit at UMSL: ENGL 1100 (3 credits)

Course Description

Introduction to College Writing is a college-preparatory course that is a writing intensive course. This course may be eligible for the Advanced Credit Program from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Students will focus on writing a variety of argumentative, informative, and narrative essays, strengthen their editing skills, refine research techniques and participate in discussions and present essays for peer evaluation.

Course Prerequisite

A minimum of two credits of Language Arts

Enrollment Notes

A grade of "C" or better in an eleventh grade course is recommended for students taking Introduction to College Writing. This course may be eligible for the Advanced Credit Program from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Evaluate how an author's choices to structure specific parts of a text contribute to a text's overall meaning and its aesthetic impact.
  • Evaluate how an author's choices to structure specific parts of a text contribute to a text's overall meaning and its aesthetic impact.
  • Analyze a text in which the author's point of view is not obvious and requires distinguishing what is directly stated from what is implied.
  • Evaluate how the author's word choice and use of syntax contribute to a text's overall meaning and tone.
  • Evaluate an author's argument and reasoning for effectiveness, validity, logic, credibility, and relevance of the evidence.
  • Synthesize information from two or more texts about similar ideas/topics to articulate the complexity of the issue.
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
  • Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims evaluating the speaker’s point of view, reasoning, stance, and evidence.
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit0.5 Language Arts
College CreditYes
College Credit TypeDual Credit at UMSL: English 1950 (3 credits)

Course Description

Topics in College Literature is a college preparatory course for students who consider themselves avid readers and want the challenge of reading more rigorous and mature content. Students will read contemporary novels from the 21st century. These novels represent the genres of historical fiction, nonfiction, diverse fiction, best-sellers, and a reader's choice and explore trends in various topics like culture, politics, literature, science, society, etc. Students will refine their composition skills and participate in formal and informal discussions. This course may be eligible for the Advanced Credit Program from the University of Missouri-St. Loui

Course Prerequisite

Successful completion of 09, 10, and 11 English Language Arts or equivalent

Enrollment Notes

A grade of “C” or better in 11 English Language Arts or equivalent is recommended. This course meets .5 of the fourth required English Language Arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Using appropriate text, determine two or more themes in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the themes to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Explain two or more central/main ideas in a text, analyze their development throughout the text, and relate the central ideas to human nature and the world; provide an objective and concise summary of the text.
  • Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently.
  • Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently
  • Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience
  • Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives.

Course Details

Offered at
Eureka High
Lafayette High
Marquette High
Rockwood Summit High
Grade Levels09, 10, 11, 12
Course LengthSemester
Delivery MethodTraditional Seated
Credit0.5 Language Arts

Course Description

Journalism Writing and Reporting is a course where students will learn the basic principles of journalism law and ethics as well as Associated Press style and apply the concepts consistently in their publications.This course is designed to prepare students with the specialized writing skills required for a newspaper or yearbook staff.Journalism Writing and Reporting is a prerequisite for News Production or Yearbook Production.

Enrollment Notes

A grade of "B" or better in the most recent language arts class is recommended for a student taking Journalism Writing and Reporting.

This course fulfills ½ unit of the 4th language arts credit.

Expected Course Outcomes

  • Understand and apply ethical practices of seeking and reporting the truth, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable and transparent.
  • Create and evaluate stories based on research, incorporating journalistic style.
  • Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • Obtain, utilize and evaluate photos/artwork that document history and adhere to professional and ethical standards.