English

English 9 Concepts

This course introduces basic literary genres: short story, novel, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and the terminology necessary for discussing each type. The course also emphasizes essay development through thesis, support, elaboration, and conclusion. Editing and revision skills are emphasized. Writing assignments are linked to the academic standards to encourage personal writing and literary analysis. Oral speaking, listening and vocabulary skills are developed throughout the course. In addition to classroom reading, there is an outside reading requirement.

English 10 Concepts

English 10 Concepts integrates the reading and study of classic world literature and contemporary multicultural fiction with writing and oral language, both in class and in independent outside reading. Writing instruction includes literary interpretation, literary style analysis, persuasive/argumentative writing, and the research process (including MLA format). Grammar and English usage skills are integrated with writing instruction. Vocabulary study includes vocabulary in the context of the literature and study of high-frequency SAT words. Students will continue preparing for the CAASPP by accessing Interim Assessment Blocks: Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) are assessments teachers can use throughout the school year to assess smaller bundles of content. They are intended to provide educators and students with the ability to check where they are at that moment in time, and educators can use the results to determine the next steps for instruction.

English 11 Concepts

English 11 Concepts continues the study of literature. It combines writing instruction with the analytical skills needed for success in the workplace, community college, and four-year University. The research paper process begun in English 10 will be reviewed. It also reviews the grammar, usage, sentence structure and mechanics necessary to write at a college level. American literature is studied both chronologically and thematically. Class discussion, writing assignments, and regular homework are structured to stimulate high levels of critical thinking. This course requires outside reading. Assessments are aligned to CCSS standards and there are district benchmark assessments at mid year and at the end of the semester. Students will continue preparing for the CAASPP by accessing Interim Assessment Blocks: Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) are assessments teachers can use throughout the school year to assess smaller bundles of content. They are intended to provide educators and students the ability to check where they are at that moment in time, and educators can use results to determine next steps for instruction. Short and longer Interim Assessments that are both hand scored and auto scored by the CAASPP system will prepare students for the formal CAASPP state assessment given in the spring for every junior in a California public school.

Expository Reading and Writing Course - Concepts

This course is for students in grade 12 and was developed by the California State University (CSU) system for high school seniors. The course is designed to better prepare college-bound students to read expository texts and write expository essays; both skills are essential for college success. This class may also be used to validate students who were deemed “conditionally ready” for college English on their CAASPP – ELA test. Seniors will also complete the GOHS Senior Portfolio Exit Project as part of this course.

AP English Language and Composition

The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods. Additionally, short and longer Interim Assessments that are both hand scored and auto scored by the CAASPP system will prepare students for the formal CAASPP state assessment given in the spring for every junior in a California public school.

AP English Literature and Composition

The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. Juniors enrolled in AP Literature will continue to prepare for the CAASPP. Seniors will also complete the GOHS Senior Portfolio Exit Project as part of this course.

IB English HL 1

The HL 1 course assembles literature from four genres, three periods of time and two places of the world. The texts chosen encourage students to see literary works as products of art and their authors as craftsmen whose methods of production can be analyzed in a variety of ways and on a number of levels. The course consists of a rigorous comparative framework that allows students to make connections between the works studied in HL 1 with other curricula of the IB diploma programme. Chosen works encourage the exploration of cultural influences in literature and promote a world spirit. The curriculum supports IB’s philosophy of international awareness by building a rigorous course of study that spans culture, race, genre, time and gender boundaries. Assessments are designed to allow students to reflect their knowledge, awareness, and understanding of internationalism. Upon completion of this course students will have developed healthy attitudes of tolerance, empathy, and a genuine respect for perspectives different from their own. Students will also be prepared to excel in literature, or related studies, at the university level. As prescribed by the IB curriculum, the course is divided into four units of study” World Literature, detailed study, the novel genre, and the school’s free choice. The world literature and school’s free choice units are the focus during the junior year.

IB English HL 2

The HL 2 course assembles literature from four genres, three periods of time and two places of the world. The texts chosen encourage students to see literary works as products of art and their authors as craftsmen whose methods of production can be analyzed in a variety of ways and on a number of levels. The course consists of a rigorous comparative framework that allows students to make connections between the works studied in HL 2 with other curricula of the IB diploma programme. Chosen works encourage the exploration of cultural influences in literature and promote a world spirit. The curriculum supports IB’s philosophy of international awareness by building a rigorous course of study that spans culture, race, genre, time and gender boundaries. Assessments are designed to allow students to reflect their knowledge, awareness, and understanding of internationalism. Upon completion of this course students will have developed healthy attitudes of tolerance, empathy, and a genuine respect for perspectives different from their own. Students will also be prepared to excel in literature, or related studies, at the university level. As prescribed by the IB curriculum, the course is divided into four units of study” World Literature, detailed study, the novel genre, and the school’s free choice. The world literature and school’s free choice units are the focus during the junior year of the candidate’s curriculum, while the detailed study and the novel genre comprise the senior year.