English

2 SEMESTERS

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

Prerequisite: B or better in English 9

2 Semesters

The focus of English 10 is language and communication. Students are introduced to formal speaking and communication techniques and are provided a more developed understanding of how the English language works and creates meaning. Students will read and analyze a variety of genres that will prepare them for reading canonical literature in English 11 and English 12.

2 SEMESTERS

This American literature course emphasizes the diversity and complexity of the American experience. Students will examine how authorial choices impact the audience and outcomes. These understandings will be applied to their own expository and narrative writing. Students will improve their skills in grammar and mechanics through direct instruction and class essays.

1 SEMESTER

This course explores the intersection of writing, public speaking, and communication, empowering students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and critical insight. Students will engage in thoughtful discussions, craft persuasive and analytical writing, and develop effective oral communication skills. Emphasizing rhetoric, argumentation, and storytelling, this course prepares students to articulate ideas with precision—both on the page and in public discourse—while fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of language in shaping thought and society.

This course is required of 12th grade students.

2 Semesters

English 9 introduces students to foundational skills in speaking, writing, and reading. This is accomplished through reading and analyzing stories from a variety of genres and also through written exercises and assignments. Instruction will focus on grammar, mechanics, effective use of technology, and critical reading and writing.

1 SEMESTER

Student writers will deepen their understanding of the art and craft of literary genres such as poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, and drama. Using mentor texts and a Writer’s Workshop model of instruction, students will create their own literary works. Additionally, students will receive instruction in writing techniques and grammar.

Prerequisite: Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students

1 SEMESTER

In a world filled with uncertainty, what can dystopian fiction teach us about society, power, and human nature? This course explores classic and contemporary dystopian literature, analyzing how authors depict oppressive governments, environmental collapse, technology’s role in society, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Students will read and critically examine novels, short stories, and films that present imagined futures shaped by political, social, and ethical dilemmas. Through discussions, analytical essays, creative projects, and debates, students will evaluate the relevance of dystopian themes in today’s world and consider how these cautionary tales challenge our perceptions of freedom, justice, and identity.

This course fulfills the 12th grade English elective requirement.

2 Semesters 

This section of English 9 introduces students to foundational skills in reading, writing and speaking, emphasizing individual improvement in these areas. Incoming 9th graders will be placed in this class based on test scores, recommendations and past performance. The teacher will work individually with students to hone their skills in reading comprehension and writing and to help develop specific strategies that can be applied across disciplines. This course will cover the reading and writing skills required in College Prep English 9, and will allow for more individualized, in-depth instruction in these areas. Students will read the same texts as College Prep English 9 as well as other choice texts during Silent Sustained Reading, which will take place both within and outside of class every day.

2 SEMESTERS

Honors English 9 focuses on improving students’ skills in reading, writing, and speaking. This will be accomplished through reading and analyzing stories from a variety of genres and through written exercises and assignments. Instruction will focus on grammar, mechanics, effective use of technology, and critical reading and writing. Honors English 9 is faster-paced and more rigorous than College Prep English 9. To continue into Honors English 10, a student must maintain a semester grade of B or better.

Prerequisite: Although this course is self-selected, it is highly recommended that students score 75 percent or higher on the Verbal Ability, Reading, and Language sections of the DeLaSalle Entrance Exam (or show high achievement on comparable national exams). Students who enroll in this course should be intellectually curious and prepared for its rigor. Summer reading is required.

2 SEMESTERS

Qualified students will develop higherlevel thinking and writing skills through rhetorical analysis, reading response journals and narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. They will analyze and evaluate all forms of text and articulate criticism through mature discussion and effective writing. Students are encouraged to develop a personal style. Students will practice public speaking and larger discussion skills through presentations, debates, and seminars. College credit may be available through the Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Examination. Students in AP classes are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisites: A grade of A in English 10 or a grade of B or above in Honors English 10 and teacher approval. The teacher’s approval will take into consideration test scores, work ethic, consistency of performance, and intellectual curiosity. Summer reading will be assigned prior to the start of 11th grade and assessed the first week of school

2 SEMESTERS

A continuation of AP Language and Composition, this course concentrates on developing skills of literary interpretation and sophisticated writing, using a variety of types and styles of literature (poetry, essays, fiction, drama), and concentrating the writing assignments on themes explored in the readings. College credit is available through the PACC program and AP Exam. Students in AP classes are required to take the AP exam in May.

Prerequisites: A grade of A in English 11 or a grade of B or above in AP English 11 and teacher approval, which will take into consideration test scores, work ethic, consistency of performance and intellectual curiosity. Summer reading will be assigned

1 SEMESTER

Why are we so fascinated by true crime? This course explores the genre of true crime literature, examining how real-life cases are investigated, reported, and transformed into compelling narratives. Students will analyze the ethical and societal implications of crime storytelling, studying how authors balance fact and storytelling while exploring themes of justice, morality, media influence, and human psychology.

Through nonfiction books, investigative journalism, podcasts, and documentaries, students will critically engage with cases that have shaped public perception and legal history. Discussions, analytical essays, and creative projects will challenge students to consider the power of narrative in shaping truth and how society responds to crime and punishment.

This course fulfills the 12th grade English elective requirement.