MHS English Department Course Catelog
English 9 Recovery:
One Trimester
Grade 10
Prerequisite: By approval only
This course will be offered for students who did not pass one of their English 9 courses. This course must be taken (or have passed English 9A and 9B) prior to moving on to English 10A and 10B. This course will satisfy English 9A or 9B graduation requirement.
English Core Classes
English 10A: Narrative & Expository Literature and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
This required Sophomore level course focuses on analysis of literary texts. Students will be expected to write narrative and explanatory essays. In addition, they will analyze a variety of literary and informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English 10B: Argument & Persuasive Language and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
This required Sophomore level course focuses on analysis of informational texts. Students will be expected to write argument and informative essays. In addition, they analyze a variety of informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English 10B Journalism: Journalistic Argument & Persuasive Language and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
This course fills the requirement for Sophomore English 10B but gives students an alternate focus on journalistic writing, publication skills, and current events. Students will be expected to write argument and informative essays with opportunity to publish in the Bobcat Beat. In addition, they analyze a variety of informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language in the context of technical and journalistic settings. This course will prepare students for the Bobcat Beat, broadcast, and yearbook courses in the 11th and 12th grade year.
Honors 10A: Literature and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
Prerequisite: 1st Trimester Extension Work
This course fills one of two graduation requirements for 10th grade English and prepares students for the rigors of college level reading and writing in high school courses. Students will be expected to write narrative and explanatory essays and analyze a variety of literary and informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language. While this course is not a prerequisite for AP English courses, it prepares student to approach literature and composition from an AP level.
Honors 10B: Language and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
Prerequisite: 1st Trimester Extension Work
This course fills one of two graduation requirements for 10th grade English and prepares students for the rigors of college level reading and writing in high school courses. Focus is on analysis of informational texts. Students will be expected to write argument and informative essays and analyze a variety of informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language. This course utilizes a variety of novel choices. The rigor of this course will prepare students to take the college writing and AP English courses during the Junior and Senior year.
English 11: American Literature & Composition
One Trimester
Grade 11
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This required Junior level course analyzes the chronology of American literature. Students read various American fiction and non-fiction texts and write argument and narrative essays. In addition, they will analyze a variety of literary and informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English 12: British Literature & Composition
One Trimester
Grade 12
Prerequisite: English 11 or Equivalent
This required Senior level course analyzes literature through the British Literature time periods. In this course students will read various pieces of British Literature and write argument and expository essays, including a Senior research paper. Students will be expected to write and analyze a variety of British works while demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English Elective Courses
AP Language and Composition
Two Trimesters
Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
*1st Trimester Extension work
Fees: $25 & $25 book fee
AP Language and Composition is for students who are highly capable in English and who are willing to do extensive reading and writing. Students will read and carefully analyze a broad and challenging range of nonfiction prose selections, deepening their awareness of rhetoric and how language works. This is a college level course designed to help prepare students for college level writing and to earn college credit by passing the AP exam. The AP exam is administered in May and the expected cost is $91. The AP Language and Composition program includes first trimester extension assignments and two trimesters of class work. The extension program is part of the course work and will be included in the course work grades.
AP Literature and Composition
Two Trimesters
Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
*1st Trimester Extension work
Fee: $25
AP Literature and Composition is for students who are highly capable in English and who are willing to do extensive reading and writing. Students will read and carefully analyze a broad and challenging range of English literature, deepening their awareness of literary craft. This is a college level course designed to help prepare students for college level reading and writing and to earn college credit by passing the AP exam. The AP exam is administered in May and the expected cost is $91. The AP Literature and Composition program includes first trimester extension assignments and two trimesters of class work. The extension program is part of the course work and will be included in the course work grades.
Creative Writing
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
Students will study and apply basic rules of writing to their own creative compositions in fiction, essays, and drama. A major emphasis is on daily writing and constant revision as students focus on writing short stories and explanatory and persuasive prose. Students will read a novel, a number of short stories, and essays from noted authors. Students will prepare and submit some of their own writing for publication.
Journalism 2: The Bobcat Beat
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components of writing, editing, layout, production, and so on.
This course is the primary content driver to the Bobcat Beat. The course objectives will be similar to the requirements for 11th and 12th grade English electives with an emphasis in journalistic writing and reading of informational texts.
Sports Journalism
One Trimester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components of writing, editing, layout, production, and so on. This course is the primary sports content driver to the Bobcat Beat. The course objectives will be similar to the requirements for 11th and 12th grade English electives with an emphasis in journalistic writing and reading of informational texts.
Journalism 3: Broadcast Journalism
One Trimester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
Students will create a weekly broadcast of school and community news. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills to produce broadcast programs and learn the technical aspects of the operation and how to evaluate programming and assess audience reaction and impact. The course objectives will be similar to the requirements for 11th and 12th grade English electives. The class also contributes content to the Bobcat Beat and yearbook.
Poetry
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course studies poetry written in English, with an emphasis on form and distinctive characteristics. Students will develop their ability to analyze literary texts, to write persuasive essays about them, and to create their own poems based on the studied forms.
English 1101: Composition
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: ACT Score of 18 or higher/SAT score of 26-31
Fee: $195 plus books
This dual enrollment course fills an English elective credit for high school graduation AND 3 credits through Idaho State University. Students read, analyze and write expository essays for a variety of purposes consistent with expectations for college-level writing in standard edited English. Students must receive college credit to take this course. Scholarships for tuition are available.
English 1102: Composition
One Trimester
Grade 12
Prerequisite: English 1101: Composition
Fee: $195 plus books
This dual enrollment course fills an English elective credit for high school graduation AND 3 credits through CSI. It must follow English 1102. This course prepares students to read expository and argumentative prose written from a variety of perspectives and write argumentative/persuasive prose based on those readings. Students must receive college credit to take this course. Scholarships for tuition are available
English 1110: Intro to Literature
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
Fee: $195 plus books
This dual enrollment course fills an English elective credit for high school graduation AND 3 credits through Idaho State University. This course is an introduction to the critical reading of various literary genres, with attention to the interpretation and evaluation of representative texts. Students must receive college credit to take this course. Scholarships for tuition are available.
The Lord of the Rings
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course delves into the artistry, history, and inspiration surrounding Tolkien’s mythopoeic world. The class will analyze and synthesize The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Hobbit should be read prior to the start of class.
Mythology
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course uses world myth to discover what mythology is and why it matters to us as individuals and as a society. By utilizing the literary conceptions of Jungian Archetypes and Campbell’s Monomyth theory, students will discover the universality of mythopoeic writing.
Science Fiction
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This English elective is a literature-based course that studies the genre of Science Fiction. Texts may include Anthem, Fahrenheit 451, Ender’s Game, and others. Students will be expected to read 3-4 novels. Students will also study theme, plot development, author point of view, and problem solving through literature. Students will write narrative and analytical essays as they demonstrate command of the English language in writing, reading and speaking.
Shakespeare
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
The course is designed to read, view, and analyze ten of Shakespeare’s work. While not required, it is helpful to have a copy of the Complete Works of Shakespeare to annotate and refer to.
US Literature
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This English elective is a literature-based course that studies the thematic works of selected U.S. literature. Students will be expected to read 3-4 novels. Students will also study theme, plot development, author point of view, and problem solving through literature. Students will write narrative and analytical essays as they demonstrate command of the English language in writing, reading and speaking.
Fundamentals of Oral Communication--Communication 101
One Trimester
Grade 10-12
Fee: Free with Advanced Opportunities or $195.
Textbook rental: $25.00
This college course has two broad goals: 1. To provide students with an understanding of human communication and 2. To help students utilize improve communication and public speaking skills. This course studies Public Communication, Listening, Group Communication, Nonverbal Communication, and Computer-Mediated Communication. This is a dual credit course for 3 credits through our partnership with the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). This course fills the Madison High School speech requirement. Students must receive college credit to take this course.
English 9 Recovery:
One Trimester
Grade 10
Prerequisite: By approval only
This course will be offered for students who did not pass one of their English 9 courses. This course must be taken (or have passed English 9A and 9B) prior to moving on to English 10A and 10B. This course will satisfy English 9A or 9B graduation requirement.
English Core Classes
English 10A: Narrative & Expository Literature and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
This required Sophomore level course focuses on analysis of literary texts. Students will be expected to write narrative and explanatory essays. In addition, they will analyze a variety of literary and informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English 10B: Argument & Persuasive Language and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
This required Sophomore level course focuses on analysis of informational texts. Students will be expected to write argument and informative essays. In addition, they analyze a variety of informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English 10B Journalism: Journalistic Argument & Persuasive Language and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
This course fills the requirement for Sophomore English 10B but gives students an alternate focus on journalistic writing, publication skills, and current events. Students will be expected to write argument and informative essays with opportunity to publish in the Bobcat Beat. In addition, they analyze a variety of informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language in the context of technical and journalistic settings. This course will prepare students for the Bobcat Beat, broadcast, and yearbook courses in the 11th and 12th grade year.
Honors 10A: Literature and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
Prerequisite: 1st Trimester Extension Work
This course fills one of two graduation requirements for 10th grade English and prepares students for the rigors of college level reading and writing in high school courses. Students will be expected to write narrative and explanatory essays and analyze a variety of literary and informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language. While this course is not a prerequisite for AP English courses, it prepares student to approach literature and composition from an AP level.
Honors 10B: Language and Composition
One Trimester
Grade 10
Prerequisite: 1st Trimester Extension Work
This course fills one of two graduation requirements for 10th grade English and prepares students for the rigors of college level reading and writing in high school courses. Focus is on analysis of informational texts. Students will be expected to write argument and informative essays and analyze a variety of informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language. This course utilizes a variety of novel choices. The rigor of this course will prepare students to take the college writing and AP English courses during the Junior and Senior year.
English 11: American Literature & Composition
One Trimester
Grade 11
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This required Junior level course analyzes the chronology of American literature. Students read various American fiction and non-fiction texts and write argument and narrative essays. In addition, they will analyze a variety of literary and informative texts with strong textual evidence demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English 12: British Literature & Composition
One Trimester
Grade 12
Prerequisite: English 11 or Equivalent
This required Senior level course analyzes literature through the British Literature time periods. In this course students will read various pieces of British Literature and write argument and expository essays, including a Senior research paper. Students will be expected to write and analyze a variety of British works while demonstrating knowledge of the Standard English language.
English Elective Courses
AP Language and Composition
Two Trimesters
Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
*1st Trimester Extension work
Fees: $25 & $25 book fee
AP Language and Composition is for students who are highly capable in English and who are willing to do extensive reading and writing. Students will read and carefully analyze a broad and challenging range of nonfiction prose selections, deepening their awareness of rhetoric and how language works. This is a college level course designed to help prepare students for college level writing and to earn college credit by passing the AP exam. The AP exam is administered in May and the expected cost is $91. The AP Language and Composition program includes first trimester extension assignments and two trimesters of class work. The extension program is part of the course work and will be included in the course work grades.
AP Literature and Composition
Two Trimesters
Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
*1st Trimester Extension work
Fee: $25
AP Literature and Composition is for students who are highly capable in English and who are willing to do extensive reading and writing. Students will read and carefully analyze a broad and challenging range of English literature, deepening their awareness of literary craft. This is a college level course designed to help prepare students for college level reading and writing and to earn college credit by passing the AP exam. The AP exam is administered in May and the expected cost is $91. The AP Literature and Composition program includes first trimester extension assignments and two trimesters of class work. The extension program is part of the course work and will be included in the course work grades.
Creative Writing
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
Students will study and apply basic rules of writing to their own creative compositions in fiction, essays, and drama. A major emphasis is on daily writing and constant revision as students focus on writing short stories and explanatory and persuasive prose. Students will read a novel, a number of short stories, and essays from noted authors. Students will prepare and submit some of their own writing for publication.
Journalism 2: The Bobcat Beat
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components of writing, editing, layout, production, and so on.
This course is the primary content driver to the Bobcat Beat. The course objectives will be similar to the requirements for 11th and 12th grade English electives with an emphasis in journalistic writing and reading of informational texts.
Sports Journalism
One Trimester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components of writing, editing, layout, production, and so on. This course is the primary sports content driver to the Bobcat Beat. The course objectives will be similar to the requirements for 11th and 12th grade English electives with an emphasis in journalistic writing and reading of informational texts.
Journalism 3: Broadcast Journalism
One Trimester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
Students will create a weekly broadcast of school and community news. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills to produce broadcast programs and learn the technical aspects of the operation and how to evaluate programming and assess audience reaction and impact. The course objectives will be similar to the requirements for 11th and 12th grade English electives. The class also contributes content to the Bobcat Beat and yearbook.
Poetry
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course studies poetry written in English, with an emphasis on form and distinctive characteristics. Students will develop their ability to analyze literary texts, to write persuasive essays about them, and to create their own poems based on the studied forms.
English 1101: Composition
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: ACT Score of 18 or higher/SAT score of 26-31
Fee: $195 plus books
This dual enrollment course fills an English elective credit for high school graduation AND 3 credits through Idaho State University. Students read, analyze and write expository essays for a variety of purposes consistent with expectations for college-level writing in standard edited English. Students must receive college credit to take this course. Scholarships for tuition are available.
English 1102: Composition
One Trimester
Grade 12
Prerequisite: English 1101: Composition
Fee: $195 plus books
This dual enrollment course fills an English elective credit for high school graduation AND 3 credits through CSI. It must follow English 1102. This course prepares students to read expository and argumentative prose written from a variety of perspectives and write argumentative/persuasive prose based on those readings. Students must receive college credit to take this course. Scholarships for tuition are available
English 1110: Intro to Literature
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
Fee: $195 plus books
This dual enrollment course fills an English elective credit for high school graduation AND 3 credits through Idaho State University. This course is an introduction to the critical reading of various literary genres, with attention to the interpretation and evaluation of representative texts. Students must receive college credit to take this course. Scholarships for tuition are available.
The Lord of the Rings
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course delves into the artistry, history, and inspiration surrounding Tolkien’s mythopoeic world. The class will analyze and synthesize The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Hobbit should be read prior to the start of class.
Mythology
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This course uses world myth to discover what mythology is and why it matters to us as individuals and as a society. By utilizing the literary conceptions of Jungian Archetypes and Campbell’s Monomyth theory, students will discover the universality of mythopoeic writing.
Science Fiction
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This English elective is a literature-based course that studies the genre of Science Fiction. Texts may include Anthem, Fahrenheit 451, Ender’s Game, and others. Students will be expected to read 3-4 novels. Students will also study theme, plot development, author point of view, and problem solving through literature. Students will write narrative and analytical essays as they demonstrate command of the English language in writing, reading and speaking.
Shakespeare
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
The course is designed to read, view, and analyze ten of Shakespeare’s work. While not required, it is helpful to have a copy of the Complete Works of Shakespeare to annotate and refer to.
US Literature
One Trimester
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: English 10A & 10B/10BJourn
This English elective is a literature-based course that studies the thematic works of selected U.S. literature. Students will be expected to read 3-4 novels. Students will also study theme, plot development, author point of view, and problem solving through literature. Students will write narrative and analytical essays as they demonstrate command of the English language in writing, reading and speaking.
Fundamentals of Oral Communication--Communication 101
One Trimester
Grade 10-12
Fee: Free with Advanced Opportunities or $195.
Textbook rental: $25.00
This college course has two broad goals: 1. To provide students with an understanding of human communication and 2. To help students utilize improve communication and public speaking skills. This course studies Public Communication, Listening, Group Communication, Nonverbal Communication, and Computer-Mediated Communication. This is a dual credit course for 3 credits through our partnership with the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). This course fills the Madison High School speech requirement. Students must receive college credit to take this course.