This course provides experience in the written expression of ideas in expository prose with emphasis on the development of ideas, awareness of audience, and clarity. The course focuses on the writing process, patterns of writing, development of ideas, precise expression, critical thinking, and research skills. My ultimate goal is for you to become competent and confident writers. This requires PRACTICE. You will be expected to write daily and produce polished/published pieces for each unit. In addition to composition techniques, this class will study the structure and function of the English language: mechanics, usage, and grammar.
Prerequisites:
Intended for incoming high school junior or senior students
Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)
Course Description:
In English IA, students take a journey through important concepts–the Unknown, Equality, and Identity–to learn the foundations of communication and analysis. In English IB students will explore a new set of themes: Achievement, Opportunity, and Understanding. In each unit of the course, students explore a variety of STEM-related literature, including genre fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and speeches. Through the study of this writing, students hone their own skills in communication and analysis.
To facilitate engagement and academic responsibility, students are encouraged to make choices at different points in the course. Most notable is the novel unit in English IA, in which students must select their book from a list of titles available (see below). This practice gives ownership to the student and places each learner in a position to develop a deeper appreciation of reading.
Prerequisites:
Should be prepared to read and write at a 9th-grade level.
Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)
Course Description:
This course is a demanding, college-level class that prepares students for the AP* English Language and Composition exam in May. Students focus on becoming skilled readers of prose written from different time periods and rhetorical contexts, as well as becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Emphasis is on expository, analytical and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communications, as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the ability to write in any context. Students should check with their intended college to see which AP* English exams may exempt them from freshmen English composition requirements. For a more extensive course description visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_englang.html?englang
AP courses have challenging time demands. Students taking AP courses should be able to dedicate significant time for reading and study each week. It is not recommended that students take this course a supplement to a regular core course, but in replacement of it.
Prerequisites:
Advanced Placement courses are open to all students, but students should be prepared for college-level work and have strong writing and analytical skills. Generally speaking, students below Junior or Senior level do not have the writing background to be successful in this course.
Most texts are provided in the course, but all students will need to acquire a copy of the following supplementary texts:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Semester A), and “Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (Semester B)
Please note that all texts are chosen to align with official College Board AP Language and Composition expectations and requirements. Students learn to read and communicate with different perspectives in order to understand and debate among them. The teacher does not promote any specific perspective or sociopolitical position over any other. Please reach out to the course’s lead teacher with further inquiries.
Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:
Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):
Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Course is not available to join at semester without permission from MTDA Curriculum Director and Instructor.
Summer: Not available
Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)
Course Description:
English II emphasizes language arts skills including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Coursework focuses on the reading and understanding of difficult texts selected from British and Western literature. The objective is for students to develop their writing performance, comprehend and analyze literature, and deepen their understanding of the organic process of revision. Special attention is given to improving students’ research skills and writing abilities.
Prerequisites:
To be successful in English II, the student should have successfully completed a freshman level English or Language Arts course.
Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):
Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Local schools may count either semester for credit for either A or B semester.
Summer: Not available
Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)
Course Description:
English IV is a further exploration of language arts skills including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and media literacy. Studies here emphasize world literature in the form of essays, poetry, prose, drama, fiction, and nonfiction. This includes the recognition and appreciation of the diversity of human experience expressed through world mythology, literature, and culture. The focus is on expanding critical and analytical reading and writing skills to produce narrative, informative and persuasive pieces of writing. Students will need to emphasize direct evidence and make critical connections between what they read and what they write.
Prerequisites:
To be successful in this course, students should have successfully completed a freshman, sophomore, and junior-level English or Language Arts course.
Most required materials are available online or will be available from school and public libraries. When available, links and/or sources of supplemental audio recordings, will be provided.
Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:
Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)
Course Description:
English III includes a comprehensive study of writing, speaking, listening, and media literacy. Emphasis is on understanding, analyzing, and appreciating United States literature from all genres and time periods. A variety of cultural texts are used including Native American literature. The Common Core requirements for all areas of language arts are included in this class.
Prerequisites:
To be successful in this course, students should have successfully completed both a freshman and sophomore-level English or Language Arts course.
This creative writing course will develop observation and reflection skills as well as develop the creative use of grammar in the writing process. Students will hone skills as they utilize a variety of technology to write for a variety of audiences, share writing with others, and give constructive feedback to peers. This is not a course to write for only yourself or to avoid communicating with a variety of peers. Students will study excellent creative writing in books of their choice.
Mighty heroes. Angry gods and goddesses. Cunning animals. Mythology and folklore have been used since the first people gathered around the fire as a way to make sense of humankind and our world. This course focuses on the many myths and legends woven into cultures around the world. Starting with an overview of mythology and the many kinds of folklore, the student will journey with ancient heroes as they slay dragons and outwit the gods, follow fearless warrior women into battle and watch as clever animals outwit those stronger than themselves. They will explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore, and see how they are still to shape society today.
Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)
Course Description:
This course is a demanding, college-level class that prepares students for the AP* English Language and Composition exam in May. While enrolled in the MTDA AP Literature and Composition course students will engage in close reading (active and thoughtful) of literary works in a rigorous, college-level curriculum. Through the deep study of works of literary merit, students will sharpen their awareness of language and how writers use language to create meaning. In addition, students will develop an independent appreciation of literary works while becoming sensitive to literature as shared experience. Students will discuss and write about the individual work (novels, plays, poems, essays) as well multiple sources. This course’s literary study will look at style and structure, diction, figurative language, imagery, selection of detail, language, tone and syntax. Writing well about literature is a key component of the course. In addition to essay writing, students will be expected to write clear, supported posts and responses in threaded discussion. For a more extensive course description visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_englit.html?englit
AP courses have challenging time demands. Students taking AP courses should be able to dedicate significant time for reading and study each week. It is not recommended that students take this course a supplement to a regular core course, but in replacement of it.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of English I, II, & III. Student will be exposed to college-level composition and literature.
Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):
Fall: A semester available Spring: B semester available Course is not available to join at semester without permission from MTDA Curriculum Director and Instructor. Summer: Not available
This course is an introduction to journalism, from its history and effect on the American culture to the basics of journalistic writing. Students who successfully complete this course should be more than prepared to participate in their school’s journalism program. Grading for this course is based solely on total points, though students should be aware that some assignments, quizzes, and tests are worth more points than others.
Montana Digital Academy Phyllis J. Washington College of Education The University of Montana 32 Campus Drive – Room 365 Missoula, Montana 59812 Phone: 406-203-1812 Fax: 406-203-1815
