Course Name                          Length                               Credit

English 1                                 1 Year                                EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: None

English 1 combines reading, literature and informational text; writing; speaking and language; listening and media literacy activities aligned to state standards.

English 1 Honors                     1 Year                               EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: Honors Contract

Students are required to commit to an in-depth study of reading, literature and informational text; writing; speaking and language; listening and media literacy activities aligned to state standards. Honors distinction is earned through a contract in an English 1 course, not through a separate course.

English 2                                  1 Year                               EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 1                                             

English 2 students study a variety of genres to appreciate literature and informational text; to refine their comprehension, fluency, language and vocabulary skills; and to obtain information.  Students plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. Students refine their researching, speaking and listening skills through a variety of activities, including presentations.  All activities are aligned to state standards.

English 2 Honors                      1 Year                              EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 1 with a C or Better                                          

This course is the gateway to AP English classes.  Students hone their persuasive argument writing skills while completing world literature units.  Discussions are often impassioned and each student is expected to participate by completing reading assignments on time, asking questions, and proposing and defending alternative interpretations.  All of these activities require a heavy commitment of time, but by the end of the year, students should be able to write a compelling essay, speak confidently in a public setting, and appreciate a wide variety of literature.  All activities are aligned to state standards.

English 3                                 1 Year                                 EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 2

English 3 students study a variety of genres to appreciate literature and informational text; to refine their comprehension, fluency, language and vocabulary skills, and to obtain information.  Students plan, draft and complete written compositions, including argumentative, informative/explanatory and narrative pieces. Students refine their researching, speaking, and listening skills through a variety of activities. All activities are aligned to state standards.

English 3/                                1 Year                                EN .50 per semester

U.S. History                                                                        SS .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 2                     

This class allows students to see the interconnection between American history and American literature.  It surveys U.S. history with an emphasis on the 20th Century.  The class explores the democratic ideas that shaped us, the responsible citizenship that sustains us, the cultural diversity that enriches us, and the global perspectives needed in an ever-changing world.  Economic issues and current affairs are woven into this course. Students will explore and examine themes and issues in literature related to selected time period thematic in-depth units of study. Students will use a variety of skills including researching, accessing, organizing, analyzing, and presenting information orally and in written form.  Students will take notes, complete projects, take part in simulations, and engage in debate and discussions. All activities are aligned to state standards.

AP English 3/                           1 Year                                  EN .50 per semester

Writing 101

Prerequisite: English 2 with a C or Better

AP English Language and Composition is intended to strengthen the academic skills students need to perform confidently and effectively in college level courses across the curriculum. Students will be introduced to the literacy expectations of higher education and cultivate essential academic skills such as critical inquiry, deliberation, argument, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, the course serves the larger goal of cultivating the critical literacy skills students need for lifelong learning. Beyond their academic lives, students should be able to use the skills practiced in the course for personal satisfaction and responsible engagement in civic life.*

*Excerpted from “AP Language and Composition Course Overview, 2015”

Dual Credit for Writing 101 will be an option for students in this course. However, to get dual credit students must complete the requirements for the credit. They must also have fulfilled the prerequisite requirements for the Writing 101 course.

English 4                                  1 Year                                  EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 3

Students write extensively, including research, literary analysis, critical review and creative forms.  English 4 students read in multiple genres to appreciate literature and informational text; to refine their comprehension, fluency language and vocabulary,  and to obtain information. English 4 students produce and respond to a variety of media, refining their speaking, listening and critical thinking skills. Students complete the course with a culminating, oral project/presentation.  There will be oral projects/presentations throughout the school year. All activities are aligned to state standards.

English 4/Intro to Film            1 Year                                 EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: “C” or Better in English 3 Class and Permission to View R-rated Films

This is a year-long course, taught in conjunction with English 4.  In addition to the MCPS English 4 curriculum, approximately half the year will be spent viewing, discussing, and writing about film.  We will learn the technical language of film and look carefully and critically at how films are constructed, examining how the film’s form shapes its meaning.  This is an intensive writing course with an emphasis on critical analysis of selected classic and significant contemporary films.  An Introduction to Film textbook will supplement the traditional English 4 curriculum.  Option of DUAL CREDIT with MSU course FILM 101H. 

AP English 4                               1 Year                                EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 3 with a C or Better                                               

English 4 ~ Literature and Composition ~ Class Description

AP English Literature and Composition In this college-level class, students learn how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from various periods and cultures. Students read literary works and write essays to explain and support their analysis of them.  This course prepares students for taking the Advanced Placement Exam in May.  All activities are aligned to state standards and with the College Board Advanced Placement Literature and Composition requirements.

English 4/Writing 101                1 Year                               EN .50 per semester

Prerequisite: English 3 with a C or Better and ACT 7 Writing Subscore/18 English/Writing OR SAT 7 Essay /440 Writing

Writing 101 engages students in reading complex texts with understanding and writing prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers.  Writing effectively is fundamental to success in academic, professional, and civic endeavors. Students will inquire into such problems as global warming or racism to understand, assess, and evaluate how conclusions and generalizations are justified based on data; to develop coherent arguments that critique works from a variety of approaches, such as historical, aesthetic, cultural, psychological, political, and philosophical, and to analyze human behavior, ideas, and institutions within their  historical and cultural contexts. Students in grade 12 will have the option of taking this course for dual credit with the University of Montana-Helena College of Technology. This course corresponds to the UM-Helena COT course WRIT 101-College Writing 1. NOTE: All courses taken to satisfy UM General Education Requirements must be taken for a traditional letter grade and must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

Introduction to Creative Writing 1 Sem                              EL .50 per semester

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Tell your story. Explore the universe of creative writing possibilities. Play with words. Become a better writer. Work with other inspired students to sharpen your skills, find your voice, and create an anthology of your own work. Count on writing, rewriting, and rewriting some more. Make your work ready for the world. Work on publishing Sentinel’s literary magazine, the Kopee.

Publications:                                1 Year                             EL .50 per semester

Digital Print Publishing/Newspaper 

Grades 9-12      

Recommended Prerequisites:  Photography, Graphic Design 1 & 2

Students develop their skills writing, editing and publishing the digital campus web publication ("The Spartan Scoop"). Through the use of online digital publishing software, student staffers have the unique opportunity to design, edit/revise, and format their very own monthly publication with feedback and guidance from their advisor. During the course of the year, student staffers have the freedom to explore topics of interest to them and to write on topics of their own choosing (including, but not limited to: Current Events/News, Campus Activities, Sports, Arts & Entertainment, and Editorials).  

Fine Arts/Theatre Arts

Drama 1 Intro to Theatre            1 Sem                             AR .50 per semester

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Theatre students will become acquainted with various areas of theatre: acting, basic technology, theatre etiquette, movement, vocalization, and basic theatre history.  Students will gain a general knowledge of basic theatre arts and an appreciation of theatre arts as an enjoyable activity. In class performance and active class participation will be implemented.

Drama 2 Intermediate Theatre    1 Year                             AR .50 per semester

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Drama 1 and Consent of Instructor

Intermediate Theatre students will become acquainted with several selected areas of theatre: including presentation and technical work.   Students will gain advanced knowledge and appreciation of the theatre. Public and in-class performance will be a central feature of this class.

Drama 3 Advanced Theatre         1 Year                              AR .50 per semester

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Drama 2 and Consent of Instructor              

This course will explore various aspects of theatre in depth.  Students will mount productions for evening performances. Acting Workshop will include script analysis and advanced scene study, stressing a line-by-line breakdown of various theatrical pieces.  Students will mount plays and conceptual theatre pieces. Dance and creative movement will be studied in depth, with emphasis on experimentation and the development of original performance art. This course is for those with a serious interest in the performing arts and the drive to work hard both during and after school, as required.

AP Capstone

AP Research                                    1 Year                            EL .50 per semester

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite:  AP Seminar

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.