7th Grade English
This course focuses on those skills needed to become effective at communicating with others. All areas of grammar and writing mechanics will be emphasized in various writing assignments such as essays, myths, short stories, and poetry. In addition, listening and speaking skills will be emphasized. Students will also be exposed to various fiction and nonfiction literature.

8th Grade English
Reading and writing are the focus of this course. Students are expected to read various fiction and nonfiction literature and then respond to what they have read. Formal writing assignments such as nonfiction personal papers and nonfiction research papers will be emphasized along with writing short stories and poetry. In addition, public speaking skills are addressed in combination with various assignments.

English I
Students will use and learn the writing process. They will do writing in the areas of short story, poetry, technical, and creative writing. Students will also complete reading in the areas of short story, novel, drama, and non-fiction. Throughout the year, a demonstration speech and a dramatic presentation will be required for students.

English II
Students will complete writing in the areas of narrative, expositiry, technical, and persuasive. Students will complete reading in the areas of poetry, short story, and non-fiction. Students are required to read four novels a year. Students will also complete informative and persuasive speeches, a review, and debate.

English III
This required junior level course will involve the student's active participation in the study of selected works and authors in American literary history.
Writing will be the focus of study, with a variety of essays, writings, papers, and analyses required. Each student will be required to submit four book reports each year. There will be an in-depth ACT preparation unit involving exercises in grammar, usage, vocabulary, and reading skills. Students will participate in and present a variety of speaking activities. Each student will study and complete a detailed unit and presentation on a decade form 1920-1980. Historical units, including a research paper, will be completed in cooperation with American History teacher. This paper will satisfy course requirements for English III and American History. This course is required for graduation.

English IV
This required senior level course will involve the student's active participation in the the study of selected works and authors in British literary history.
Essay questions and essay writing will be a focal aspect of the course with a variety of essays, analyses, writings, and exams required. Each student will be required to complete four book reports each year. Students will also participate in a variety of speaking opportunities to acquire public speaking skills. Each student must also complete an interdisciplinary senior research project that will include in-depth research, a major paper, and presentation to a panel of selected evaluators from the faculty and the community. This paper will satisfy course requirements for both English IV and American government. This course is required for graduation.

Note: All course descriptions taken from the WJSH 1996-1997 Course Description Handbook.

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