• English Course Descriptions

    Literature & Composition I (9th Grade)

    Literature & Composition I is designed to provide students with the essential skills and competencies necessary for continued success. This course develops the integrated skill set that comprises the English language arts discipline to ensure that students are on track to be college and work ready. Literature & Composition I focuses on the interpretation, evaluation, construction, and design of texts across genres and modes in a variety of real-world, academic, and disciplinary contexts while sustaining and building mastery of language applications and discipline-specific practices. This course is designed to build students’ capacity in the literacy practices and skills that establish the groundwork for future real-world and academic communications. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to advance to higher-level English courses with a strong foundation in both literature and composition (GaDOE).
     
    Note: An honors version of this course is also offered for students seeking an advanced learning experience intended to prepare them for the rigors of an Advanced Placement (AP) course.  
     
    Literature & Composition II (10th Grade)

    Literature & Composition II builds on the skills developed in Literature & Composition I, deepening students' understanding and application of textual analysis, composition, language conventions, vocabulary, and rhetoric, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in upper-level English courses and preparing them for future academic challenges. This course develops the integrated skill set that comprises the English language arts discipline to ensure that students are on track to be college and work ready. Literature & Composition II focuses on the interpretation, evaluation, construction, and design of texts across genres and modes in a variety of real-world, academic, and disciplinary contexts while sustaining and building mastery of language applications and discipline-specific practices. This course is designed to build students’ capacity in the literacy practices and skills that enhance future real-world and academic communications. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to advance to higher-level English courses with a strong foundation in both literature and composition (GaDOE). Beginning in the 25/26 school year, the state-mandated Georgia Milestones End-of-Course Assessment is required.
     
    Note: An honors version of this course is also offered for students seeking an advanced learning experience intended to prepare them for the rigors of an Advanced Placement (AP) course.
     
    American Literature and Composition (11th Grade)
     
    American Literature & Composition focuses on the integrated study of American texts; students develop an understanding of texts from at least three literary periods, considering history's impact on the literature's text structures, themes, and stylistic features. Students routinely engage in the integrated and recursive literacy practices that ground, shape, and inform their interpretations and constructions of texts that apply their grammar conventions, vocabulary, context, structure and style, techniques, research and analysis, and periods and movements understandings. Students will examine how historical events have influenced American writers, and they will also consider how in turn the nation's literature has affected historical events and shaped public opinion. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the interconnection between American history and literature, preparing them for future academic pursuits and fostering an appreciation for America's literary legacy.  
     
     
    The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text—from a range of disciplines and historical periods (College Board, 2025). 
     

    AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from College Board based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. 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. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas.

    Advanced Composition (12th Grade)

    Advanced Composition focuses on the writing processes (e.g., planning, drafting, revising). Students will focus on analyzing and producing texts for a wide variety of intended purposes, target audiences, modes, and genres. Students will engage in research and explore multiple text structures (e.g., compare-contrast, process analysis, cause and effect, exemplification, classification, definition), literary devices, and craft techniques. Advanced language skills (grammar, usage, mechanics, and syntax) are a major component of this course. Students will deepen their understanding of the roles of context and rhetoric as they plan, compose, revise, and edit texts for intended purposes and target audiences. By the end of the course, students will have defined a personal understanding of and approach to composition so that they can communicate effectively in both academic and professional settings (GaDOE). 
     

    Multicultural Literature (12th grade)

    Multicultural Literature & Composition focuses on texts by and about people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Students explore themes of linguistic and cultural diversity by comparing, contrasting, analyzing, and critiquing communication styles and universal themes; they will make connections between works from at least three literary periods and the historical or contemporary contexts in which they were written. Students routinely engage in the integrated and recursive literacy practices that ground, shape, and inform their interpretations and constructions of texts that apply their grammar conventions, vocabulary, context, structure and style, techniques, research and analysis, and periods and movements understandings.

    British Literature and Composition (12th grade)

    British Literature & Composition focuses on the integrated study of British texts; students develop an understanding of texts from at least three literary periods, considering history's impact on and analyzing the literature's text structures, themes, and stylistic features. Students routinely engage in the integrated and recursive literacy practices that ground, shape, and inform their interpretations and constructions of texts that apply their grammar conventions, vocabulary, context, structure and style, techniques, research and analysis, and periods and movements understandings. This course must utilize the 9-12 standards and appropriate grade-level expectations of Georgia's K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards. (GaDOE).

    Dramatic Writing (Film, Television, and Theatre I) (12th grade)

    This course applies skills to culminate in creating and developing dramatic writing for theatrical media with special emphasis on film and television.  Students will develop “writerly stance” by reading, viewing, and analyzing texts and visual media from a writer’s point of view, with focus on understanding the construction process and applying the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.

    *This course meets the fourth English Language Arts core requirement and a Fine Arts elective. Students will receive two credits for the course. 

     
    The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in 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, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works (College Board, 2025).
     
     
    AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from College Board based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone™ experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. 
     
    The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense (College Board, 2025).
     
    Journalism I
     
    This course focuses on an introduction to journalistic writing through an analysis of newspapers, yearbooks, literary magazines, and broadcast journalism.  A concentration on the following components of journalistic writing may include, but is not limited to, the interview process; evaluating sources; purpose, structure, and diction in writing; and training in the various technology used in publishing. Students should participate in news gathering, the study of journalism ethics and laws, and the aspects of copy writing, editing, and revising. If a publication is produced, the students will be exposed to the process of publishing and how to manage a successful publication. 

    Journalism II
     
    The course offers an advanced study of journalistic writing. Skills from Journalism I are continued as students focus on a more intense analysis of print and broadcast journalism.  This course requires more critical thinking and more in-depth writing as related to newspaper, yearbook and/or literary magazine. Students will also be expected to gain more independence in the daily tasks of producing a publication. 

    Journalism III
     
    This course is an extension of Journalism I and II; students will enhance and hone the skills in journalistic writing, with a main focus on analysis of print and broadcast publications. An in-depth coverage of level-two topics will serve as the main premise. Students will evaluate and apply skills appropriately and efficiently to various publication opportunities and activities, both in-school and out-of-school.
     
    Journalism IV 
     
    This course is designed for students who have mastered skills in Journalism III. Students will publish journalistic articles as appropriate either in a school newspaper (print or electronic), yearbook or literary magazine. The range of opportunities to apply skills will be increased and students are expected to manage all aspects of the publishing process with the delivery of a final publication. 
     
    Mythology (Greek, Roman, Norse)
     
    Mythology offers students an opportunity to engage in the comparative study of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology, with an emphasis on texts and language. This course emphasizes critical and analytical skills, word analysis skills, vocabulary development, and composition skills. Students will consider the influence of the Greek, Roman, and Norse histories and languages on the English language and culture. Through examining the cultural contexts and literary elements of these myths, students will gain insights into the ancient world and its enduring influence on modern literature and culture. This course must utilize the 9-12 standards and appropriate grade-level expectations of Georgia's K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards.
     
    Oral/Written Communication (Speech)

    This course focuses on developing public speaking skills. Students will identify effective methods for arranging ideas and information in written form and then convert the written form into an effective oral delivery. The course focuses on critical thinking, organizing ideas, researching counter viewpoints, and communicating appropriately for different audiences and purposes. Students will analyze professional speeches to enhance their knowledge of solid speech writing.
     
    **Note: this course is currently only offered at Alliance Academy of Innovation. Please contact AAI for more information.
     
    Writer’s Workshop
     
    This course provides opportunities to improve writing proficiency with emphasis on fluency, control, and style; emphasizes writing as a process with instruction in grammar, mechanics usage, and imaginative expression. Offers opportunities for independent writing assignments to examine narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository modes of discourse. Includes literature study.
     
    **Note: this course is currently only offered at Forsyth Central High School. Please contact FCHS for more information.