English 9
Grade Level(s): 9 Prerequisite: English 8
English 9 emphasizes a working knowledge of the mechanics of grammar and stresses the use of vocabulary development. It also aids the student in developing an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of various literary types including the short story, the novel, biography and autobiography, drama, and poetry. Using models, students examine descriptive, narrative, and expository paragraphs and then develop original paragraphs. the essay and research paper are introduced.
Credit: 1 unit
English 9 - Advanced
Grade Level(s):
9
Prerequisites: English 8,
Teacher recommendation
This course offers students an in-depth study of selected literary works from the literary works from the literature text as well as the opportunity to explore young adult literature and classic novels. The students will write to inform, explain, analyze and entertain. Mechanics and usage are addressed through the writing process.
Credit: 1 unit
English 10
Grade Level(s): 10 Prerequisites: English 9
English 10 is a concentrated study in assorted selected literature, with reinforcement in grammar. Short story, poetry, drama, and novels are read with emphasis upon character study, evaluation of author's creative abilities, and literary insight of universal themes abundant in life. Students study expository writing and elevate themselves from paragraph development to literature for depth of thought as well as enjoyment. A study of grammar includes usage, research, resources, vocabulary, and study skills.
Credit: 1 unit
English 10 - Advanced
Grade Level(s):
10
Prerequisites: English 9,
Teacher recommendation
The English 10 honors class consists of the study of the world literature from the ancient Greeks through the Renaissance and on to the present. The literary genres covered will be epic poetry, drama, short stories, novels, and essays. The writing styles we will develop are personal narrative, persuasive and analytical essays, formal and informal letters, research papers, short stories, and poetry.
Credit: 1 unit
English 11
Grade Level(s): 11 Prerequisites: English 10
English 11 offers the student a chronological study of America literature from the oral literature of the Native Americans through the contemporary writers of the twentieth century. Poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and novels will be included. Writing in response to literature is stressed, as well as creative writing, business writing, journal writing, and oral presentations. A documented research paper is required. Vocabulary study keyed to the SAT is a weekly regimen.
Credit: 1 unit
English 11 - Advanced Literature and Composition
Grade Level(s): 11 Prerequisites: English 10
The English Advanced Literature and Composition course focuses on a chronological study of American Literature with special emphasis on historical context, theme, genre, and style. Each student is expected to build a writing portfolio consisting of writing in response to literature, creative writing, exegesis, business writing, and personal essay. A document research paper (a critical analysis) is required. Oral presentations, cooperative group work, independent reading, and in-depth vocabulary study are on-going expectations.
Credit: 1 unit
English 12
Grade Level(s): 12 Prerequisites: English 11
Seniors will seek to polish language and writing skills that will enable them to succeed after high school. The study of literature involves analysis and interpretation. Composition skills are emphasized through creative and functional writing.
Credit: 1 unit
AP English
Grade Level(s): 12 Prerequisites: Advanced Literature and Composition, or Teacher recommendation
Composition and literary analysis are the main emphasis of Advanced Placement English. The class is designed to enable students to take the Advanced Placement English exam and receive college credit for freshman English. Short story analysis, poetry explication, personal narratives, descriptive essays, a research paper, and a seminar presentation are examples of the assignments. Students will maintain a portfolio of their writing as well as their readers' journal. A summer reading list of novels will be given to students who elect to take this class.
Credit: 1 unit
AP English - - Electronic Classroom
Grade Level(s):
12
Prerequisites: Advanced Literature and Composition, or Teacher
recommendation
This class follows the above description, but is taught on the Electronic Classroom. It is a year long course and is offered in conjunction with AP Government.
Credit: 1 unit
English 111 - Dual Enrollment - 1st term
Grade Level(s):
12
Prerequisites: English 11 satisfactory score on MECC's college
placement test, an overall "B" average, and a signed Principal's Permission Form
Wise County's Public School and Mountain Empire Community College have joined together to provide dual enrollment classes for students at Powell Valley High School. Any rising senior who attains a satisfactory score on MECC's college placement test and has an overall "B" average is eligible to participate in dual enrollment. Students can earn up to six hours of college English credit while also receiving senior English credit toward graduation. There is a fee for this class.
Credit: 1 unit( 3 hours college credit)
English 112 - Dual Enrollment - 2nd term
Grade Level(s): 12 Prerequisites: English 111
See course description for English 111. The same fee requirements are in effect for this course.
Credit: 1 unit (3 hours of college credit)
Speech and Drama
Grade Level(s):
9-12
Prerequisites: None
This basic class in speech and drama will cover aspects of public speaking such as informative speeches, commentary, interviews, and persuasive speaking. In addition, basics of dramatic interpretation will be explored through storytelling, poetry, plays, and prose reading.
Credit: 1 unit
Drama II
Grade Level(s):
10-12
Prerequisites: Speech and Drama
The history of theater will be explored by reading plays representative of each movement in drama. Students will be expected to perform duet acting, monologues, and will produce one play for the school. Impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, and debate will be the topics covered in class. In addition, congress (presenting bills before legislative body for discussion and debate) and mock trail (trying both civil and criminal cases) will be activities in this class.
Credit: 1 unit
Appalachian Literature
Grade Level(s):
9-12
Prerequisites: None
Appalachian Literature will give students an opportunity to study rich literary heritage of the Southern Highland Mountains. Areas of concentration will include the oral tradition, storytelling, non-fiction, short story, songs, ballads, and poetry. The impact of Appalachian music, art, dance, cultural values, and language on the world outside the Southern Highland region will also be explored. Students must be willing classroom participants as well as good independent workers capable of sustaining long-range assignments. Interviewing skills, oral history collecting projects of various kinds, storytelling, debate, creative writing, and a find tuned interest in the region where we live are basic expectations of this course.
Credit: 1 unit
Poetry
Grade Level(s):
9-12
Prerequisites: None
A combination of creative writing, study of poetry and exploration of the lives of poets make this class ideal for block schedule. Each day a portion of the time is spent studying poetry, responding to and interpreting poetry and sharing with the class.
Credit: 1 unit
Creative Writing
Grade Level(s):
9-10
Prerequisites: None
This course will explore various techniques used by writers to create stories, poems, and plays. Student writers will be provided avenues for publishing their work.
Credit: None