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OSBORNE ENGLISH
Language Arts Course Descriptions
​9th Grade Courses

9th Lit/Comp Prerequisite: None
This course is an on-level college prep class which focuses on a study of literary genres; the students develop initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a literary work. The students explore the effect of the literary form in regards to interpretation. The students will read across the curriculum to develop academic and personal interests in different subjects. While the focus is technical writing in ninth grade literature, the student will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres: narrative, expository, persuasive, and technical.
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9th Lit/Comp ESL Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This course contains the same GPS standards as Ninth Grade Lit/Comp. Adaptations in presentation are made to accommodate the needs of ESOL students.
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Honors 9th Grade Lit/Comp (Y): Teacher Recommendation
is an accelerated college prep course designed for the student who has a serious interest in the interpretation of literature. It integrates writing, grammar and usage, speaking and listening. It includes reading a variety of literary genres: short stories, novels, poetry, drama and nonfiction, and emphasizes oral and written response to literature. Students are selected for this course based on 8th grade test scores and teacher recommendation.

10th Grade Courses
​Honors World Lit/Comp (Y) Prerequisite: 9th Lit Honors/Teacher Recommendation; Sophmore
is an accelerated college prep course designed for the student who has a serious interest in interpreting literature. It emphasizes developing control in expository writing (thesis support), moving toward precision in personal narrative, descriptive and persuasive writing and refining research skills. It covers grammar, mechanics and usage.

World Lit/Comp Prerequisite: None; Sophomore
This is a college prep course which surveys the earliest literature of the world’s cultures through the present day. This course focuses on a study of World Literature; the students develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in literature within world cultures. A focus is to explore the ways the work’s place of origin affects its structure and how the chronology of a literary work affects its meaning. The students develop an understanding of literature as both a culture’s product and a culture-bearer. An exploration of commonalities and differences among works of literature from different times and places in the world is a major component. The students will read across the curriculum to develop academic and personal interests in different subjects.
11th Grade Courses
American Lit/Comp Prerequisite: None; Junior
This is a college prep class which surveys American works and authors. This course focuses on the study of American literature, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading, writing, and speaking. The student develops an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in American literature. The students develop an understanding of the ways the period of literature affects its structure and how the chronology of a work affects its meaning. The students read a variety of informational and literary texts in all genres and modes of discourse. Reading across the curriculum develops students’ academic and personal interests in different subjects. While expository writing is the focus in American literature, the students will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres: narrative, persuasive, and technical. The student will engage in research, timed writing, and the writing process. Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking. The students demonstrate an understanding of listening, speaking, and viewing skills for a variety of purposes.​

AP English Language/American Literature (11th) Prerequisite: 2 units of English including Honors World
AP English is a two semester college level course in composition and literature specifically designed for talented high school seniors by the College Board. The course is characterized by extensive independent work by the students, who have been identified as mature, self-disciplined, intellectually curious, and highly motivated. Students are expected to form opinions about the literary works studied as a part of class and to present and defend those opinions in class discussion and/or writing.​
12th Grade Courses
Advanced Composition (Y)
This course focuses on the writing process (planning, drafting, and revising). A focus on different writing genres and organizational structures: expository, persuasive, narrative, descriptive, comparison-contrast, exemplification, process analysis, classification, cause and effect, and definition. Advanced grammar skills will be a major component of this class. An emphasis on research is also required. It is geared to the student who aspires to take the AP exam.

AP Literature (121th) Prerequisite: 3 units of English
AP Literature is a semester-long course designed by the College Board that focuses on critical thinking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be placed on the student’s organization, personal and creative writing, research skills, discourse, vocabulary, reading, and control of language. .​

British Lit/Comp Prerequisite: Senior
This course focuses on the study of British literature, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading, writing, and speaking. The students develop an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in British literature. The students develop an understanding of the ways the period of literature affects its structure and how the chronology of a work affects its meaning. The students encounter a variety of informational and literary texts and read texts in all genres and modes of discourse. .​
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Multicultural Lit Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; Senior
The course focuses on world literature by and about people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Students explore themes of linguistic and cultural diversity by comparing, contrasting, analyzing, and critiquing writing styles and universal themes. The students write expository, analytical, and response essays. A research component is critical. The students observe and listen critically and respond appropriately to written and oral communication. Conventions are essential for reading, writing, and speaking. Instruction in language conventions will, therefore, occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking rather than in isolation. The students understand and acquire new vocabulary and use it correctly in reading, writing, and speaking.
Elective Courses
Journalism/Annual 1 & 2 (10th/11th/12th) Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Students will learn about all aspects of yearbook production from writing features and articles to producing a yearbook. Students who complete the course may be selected to join the school yearbook staff.
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​Advanced Composition (Y) focuses on the writing process (planning, drafting, and revising). A focus on different writing genres and organizational structures: expository, persuasive, narrative, descriptive, comparison-contrast, exemplification, process analysis, classification, cause and effect, and definition. Advanced grammar skills will be a major component of this class. An emphasis on research is also required. It is geared to the student who aspires to take the AP exam.
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