AllentownSchool District

English Core and Elective Courses

English Language Arts
(4 Credits are required for graduation)

English I – Advanced* No. 100
Grade 9       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit

English I focuses on the PA Common Core Standards for Reading, Writing, Language, Speaking and Listening. Students read extensively in a wide variety of genres and then analyze and respond to what is read. Research skills are taught, and students complete research related tasks (e.g. I-Search Paper, mini research papers). Vocabulary development is stressed, and speaking and listening skills are refined. Instruction in a variety of reading strategies and critical thinking skills is embedded throughout the course.

English I - No. 101                       
Grade 9       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit 

English I is a course for all freshmen. A wide range of literary genres is studied in accordance with the PA Common Core Standards. Extensive composition instruction in a variety of modes emphasizes the writing process and develops critical thinking. Research skills are taught, and students complete research related tasks. Vocabulary development is stressed and oral communication skills are refined. Reading skills and strategies are also addressed.

Functional Language Arts - No. 108
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12   Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit 

This course is designed for eligible students whose primary identified need is to learn functional skills. This course is aligned to the PA Alternate Standards. The students increase and improve their sight word vocabulary and improve their ability to read and understand functional words, which aids them in becoming more independent. As the student demonstrates increased competencies, direct instruction programs will further advance their reading, decoding and comprehension skills. Students are instructed in applied writing skills to foster independence and employability. 

English II – Advanced* -  No. 110AD
Grade 10       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit

Students will read, discuss, analyze, and write about a variety of literary genres written by world-renowned authors in accordance with the PA Common Core Standards. The conventions of English are emphasized through the study of the writing process. Research skills are taught, and students complete research related tasks. Critical thinking and oral communication skills are developed through a variety of assignments. Students will take the PSAT/NMSQT examination in October. There is no cost for this examination.

English II - No. 111
Grade 10       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit

English II is a course for all sophomores. A wide range of literary genres is studied in accordance with the PA Common Core Standards. The conventions of English are emphasized through the study of the writing process. Research skills are taught, and students complete research tasks (e.g. I-Search Paper, mini research papers). A wide variety of literary genres is studied. Reading skills and strategies are emphasized, along with the development of critical thinking. Oral communication skills are taught through a variety of assignments 

English Language & Composition – AP* -  No. 120A
Prerequisite: 110 AD or application to the program via administrator/teacher conference and recommendation
Grade 11       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is a college level course. Students study and write in a variety of genres, with an emphasis on expository, analytical and argumentative texts. Students become aware of their own composing processes, from the exploration of ideas through the revision and publication stages. This course will prepare students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Examination by enabling them to read, comprehend, and write about complex texts, while developing communication skills on a college level.

College English I – DE* -  No. 120DE
Prerequisite: COLLEGE SUCCESS Writing Score of 66 or exemptions – SAT or PSAT – Critical Reading of 490; PSSA Reading of 1492
Grade 11, 12                   1 Semester       1.0 ASD Credit         3.0 College Credits 

Dual Enrollment in College English I (ENG 105), students write essays, develop a research paper, and master library skills. Students strive for sound logic, effective use of details, appropriate diction, and correct grammar and mechanics. Students study models of good writing, which include student essays as well as professionally written essays. This course meets the graduation requirement for English IV.

English III - No. 121
Grade 11       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit 

English III is a course for all juniors. This course concentrates on the effectiveness of expression in expository writing, and in both formal and informal oral communication. Various works of American literature are studied. Research skills are taught and students are required to complete a research paper in which they demonstrate critical thinking and mastery of the conventions of written English. Vocabulary study is stressed, and college-bound students prepare for the SAT and, if desired, SAT II examinations. Reading skills and strategies are emphasized. 

English Literature & Composition – AP* - No. 130A
Prerequisite: 120 A or application to the program via administrator/teacher conference and recommendation
Grade 12       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit 

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a college level course. Students exercise critical thinking through the lively interchange of ideas and the investigation of various levels of meaning in fiction and nonfiction works of classic and contemporary world-famous authors. Composition skills are refined as literary techniques, and principles of rhetoric and syntax are analyzed and put to use. Students prepare to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Examination.

College English II – DE* - No. 130DE
Prerequisite: 120DE College English I
Grade 11, 12     1 Semester   1.0 ASD Credit   3.0 College Credits 

Dual Enrollment in College English II (ENG 106) is a writing course in which students write analytical essays about literature (short fiction, drama, novels, and poetry).  Students strive for good logic, effective use of details, correct grammar and mechanics, and appropriate vocabulary and diction.

English IV - No. 131
Grade 12       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit

English IV is a course for all seniors. Students write in a variety of genres, from literary responses to research reports. Students read and analyze works of British literature.  The reading skills and strategies necessary for post-high school success are reviewed. 


English Elective Courses

For electives that have limited enrollment, priority will be given to upper classmen who need the course to meet graduation, academy or pathway requirements.

British Literature – DE*                                     No. 140DE
Prerequisite: 120DE College English I and 130DE College English II
Grade 12                        1 Semester       
1.0 ASD Credit              3.0 College Credits 

Analyzes works of significant literary and intellectual movements from Anglo-Saxon times to neoclassicism to cultivate an appreciation of British literature and to develop thinking, reading, and writing skills. 

Journalism I (Newspaper) - No. 161
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit 

Journalism I is an introductory course that is directed to an inductive study of the contemporary newspaper. The principles of style, objectivity, format, and layout will be applied in practical situations. Students receive assignments to facilitate the production of the school newspaper.

Journalism II (Newspaper) - No. 162
Prerequisite:  Journalism I and English teacher recommendation
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit 
Journalism II further develops the skills and insights gained in Journalism I. Emphasis is place on the following specialized areas of journalism: editing; reporting; column writing; circulation; research; news photography; cartooning; investigative reporting; and conducting interviews. Students will increase their involvement in the production of the school newspaper.

Journalism III (Newspaper) - No. 163
Prerequisite:  Journalism I and II and English teacher recommendation
 Grade 10, 11, 12      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit 

Journalism III will be available, on an independent study basis, to interested individuals who are accepted for the production of a newspaper. The teacher-adviser will determine specifics for each student. It will be expected that Journalism III students will participate in the production of a newspaper in their area of specialization.
Note:  This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Media Print I (Yearbook) - No. 164
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit
 
Media Print I students explore the varied aspects and functions of the contemporary periodical, concentrating on what it is and how it works. Comparisons of popular, mass-circulation, and specialized magazines are made to explain and to understand individual philosophies and functions. Students study feature writing, advertising techniques, layout, photography, and typography. Members of this class will be directly involved in yearbook production.

Media Print II (Yearbook) - No. 165
Prerequisite:  Media Print I and teacher recommendation
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit 

Media Print II builds on the skills developed in Media Print I. Students will study such aspects of print media as writing, advertising, layout, photography, and typography. The course also offers students the opportunity to specialize in one or more of these areas. Those who schedule this elective will be directly involved in the production of the school yearbook.

Media Print III (Yearbook) - No. 166
Prerequisite:  Media Print I & II and teacher recommendation
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit 

Media Print III offers intensive work in the actual publication of the yearbook. Desktop publishing, photography, public relations, and feature writing highlight course units of study and requirements. Students will facilitate business relationships with outside consultants as well as implement intra-office team management skills, planning and meeting publication deadlines.

Speech – DE* - No. 175DE
Prerequisite: COLLEGE SUCCESS Writing Test, minimum score of 66
Grade 11, 12         1 Semester     1.0 ASD Credit       3.0 College Credits 

A public speaking course designed to develop self-confidence through several types of speaking situations: formal, informal, and impromptu. Students learn how to analyze an audience and how to prepare an effective presentation through research and use of visual aids. In addition, students learn to develop listening skills and a greater command of the English language. Constructive evaluation and videotaping of student speeches lead to self-improvement. NOTE: It is recommended that ESL students complete ESL 252 or obtain permission from an ESL instructor before enrolling in this course.

Interpersonal Communications – DE* - No. 177DE
Grade 11, 12       1 Semester     1.0 ASD Credit        3.0 College Credits 

Designed to provide a fuller understanding of self and others through the study and practice of interpersonal communication skills. Topics will include verbal and nonverbal messages, perception, listening, intercultural communication, and conflict resolution skills.

SAT Reading and Writing - No. 178
Grade 11      Year .5        5 Periods           0.5 Credit

SAT Reading and Writing is designed to prepare students for the critical reading and writing components of the Scholastic Aptitude Test.  Test-taking approaches, vocabulary development, reading strategies and writing skills will be stressed.  Students will complete practice test items as part of this course.

Career and Work Strategies:         No. 181A/181B-1A/1B
Grade 9        Year .5        5 Periods           0.5 Credit

This course is designed for the eligible student participating in an inclusion setting or receiving a modified curriculum. The supportive instruction is aligned with the 9th grade Academic Standards for Career Education and Work and will provide strategies to be successful past post-secondary education. Students will engage in various lessons that focus on analytical skills, career awareness, career acquisition, career retention, career advancement, entrepreneurship, post-secondary education/training and character development.

Career and Work Strategies:  No. 182A/182B-2A/2B
Grade 10       Year .5        5 Periods           0.5 Credit

This course is designed for the eligible student participating in an inclusion setting or receiving a modified curriculum. The supportive instruction is aligned with the 10th grade Academic Standards for Career Education and Work and will provide strategies to be successful past post-secondary education. Students will engage in various lessons that focus on community mapping, career awareness, career acquisition, career retention, career advancement and character development.

Career and Work Strategies:         No. 183A/183B-3A/3B
Grade 11       Year .5        5 Periods           0.5 Credit

This course is designed for the eligible student participating in an inclusion setting or receiving a modified curriculum. The supportive instruction is aligned with the 11th grade Academic Standards for Career Education and Work and will provide strategies to be successful past post-secondary education. Students will engage in various lessons that focus on analytical skills, career awareness, career acquisition, career retention, career advancement, entrepreneurship, post-secondary education/training and character development. Students will begin job shadowing and exploring careers within their community.

Career and Work Strategies:         No. 184A/184B-4A/4B
Grade 12        Year .5        5 Periods           0.5 Credit

This course is designed for the eligible student participating in an inclusion setting or receiving a modified curriculum. The supportive instruction is aligned with the 12th grade Academic Standards for Career Education and Work and will provide strategies to be successful past post-secondary education. Students will engage in various lessons that focus on post-secondary education/training and character development. Students will identify agencies and community contacts that will facilitate their transition path. Also, students will complete their online portfolio with all the tools needed in today’s job market or higher education.

Reading - No. 191
Grade 9       Year 1       5 Periods          1.0 Credit 

Students are assigned to this course based on assessment data and teacher/counselor recommendation.
This course is designed to strengthen basic reading proficiency through the teaching of specific skills in comprehension, word recognition, and study techniques. It stresses both written and media texts. Through the use of instructional strategies designed to enable students to gain competence in the application of reading skills, students will have the opportunity to develop skills needed for success in the high school curriculum. This course does not count towards English requirements for graduation but may be applied as an elective credit.

Keystone Literature Seminar - No. 198
Grade 10, 11      Year .5       5 Periods          0.5 Credit

Students are assigned to this course based on reading achievement and teacher/counselor recommendation.
In this course, students review the content and skills necessary to achieve proficiency on the Keystone Exam.