What are the High School English Courses

What are the High School English Courses Throughout your high school career, you are expected to fulfill a variety of English course requirements. Some may help you satisfy requirements at the college level, some will assist you in exploring creative writing, and some may simply help you develop the necessary skills to write successfully in the workplace. Like science courses and math courses, English coursework is typically divided up throughout your high school years. While every school and every students schedule are different, lets take a look at a basic guideline Freshman Language Arts During your ninth grade year, you will likely take a class referred to as Language Arts. The scope of this class is typically broad, designed to introduce young learners to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that will be necessary later in life. This course (and courses like these) will allow you to practice your writing skills in a variety of essays, explore a range of literary genres, and examine texts at a fairly granular level. Youll look at plot, voice, tone, characters, and so on. Sophomore Language Arts In a sophomore Language Arts class, you can expect to build upon the skills you learned in ninth grade. Youll likely focus a little more on the process of revision, employing practices like outlining and writing drafts as you develop your writing. You may also delve a little deeper into the texts youre reading, which will span even more literary genres. Expect to analyze theme, symbolism, imagery, etc. American Literature Your junior year of English coursework may focus on American Literature, though youll continue to build upon the reading and writing skills you focused on during your freshman and sophomore years as well. In terms of writing, expect to begin researching and incorporating outside sources into your essays. Youll be using context in your exploration of American Literature, too historical context, point of view, time period, and more. British/World Literature During your senior year of high school, you may broaden the scope of the work youre looking at to include British or even world literature. While you may have mostly focused on works of fiction before, you might now explore more nonfiction and poetry. The works you read will probably increase in complexity. As a writer, youll be expected to provide more in-depth analysis, so make sure youre familiar with a plethora of literary devices. You might also write research papers and other presentations that require more of a thought-out timeline to complete, which is an excellent time to practice your time and project management skills. Honors and AP Classes Many high schools will offer Honors or AP versions of the aforementioned classes, which will adhere to a similar (but more complex) format. Youll become more familiar with the why of writing, exploring why authors make the stylistic choices they do. Honors classes are typically offered during freshman and sophomore years, while AP classes (AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition) typically occur during junior and senior years. Electives Elective English classes can vary widely by school, but most high schools offer at least one or two. You might expect to find classes that focus on a particular writer (Shakespeare is a popular one) or a certain genre. You may also find creative writing classes offered, which will involve both reading and writing, though theyll go more in-depth than generic Language Arts classes. Never underestimate the value of strong reading and writing skills. Reading well will help you excel in other subjects, follow directions, and gain an advanced understanding of everything you study. Writing well will allow you to communicate more effectively, understand the motivations of other writers, and present yourself appropriately as a professional later in life. If youre interested in writing, certainly explore your elective options. If youre less reading/writing inclined, find something else that does get you excited about these skills, or consider seeking reading tutoring or writing tutoring. Your future self will thank you! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.