Grade: 9
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Course Number: 1644
Course Recognition: UC/CSU/NCAA
Pre-AP English I is a skills-based course designed to develop students’ critical reading, writing, speaking, and thinking abilities. The course emphasizes close reading of a diverse range of high-quality texts, including short stories, poetry, drama, novels, and nonfiction. Students examine how authors use details, structure, and literary techniques to shape meaning.
Students learn to value evidence and support their interpretations with specific textual details through frequent analytical and argumentative writing, academic discussions, and presentations. They learn to craft clear claims by synthesizing details, incorporating relevant evidence, and presenting purposeful reasoning.
Students also develop an awareness of language choices by examining how writers and speakers use words and stylistic decisions to influence an audience’s thoughts and emotions. Vocabulary, grammar, and language conventions are taught in context to strengthen communication skills.
Through collaborative discussions, presentations, and inquiry-based activities, students develop habits of mind—including analysis, interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning—that are essential for academic success and future college-level English coursework.
Grade: 10
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Course Number: 1642
Course Recognition: UC/CSU/NCAA
Pre-AP English II is a literature-based course that deepens students’ analytical reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills through the study of complex and diverse texts.
Students examine significant literary and nonfiction works, including short stories, poetry, drama, novels, and informational texts. Emphasis is placed on how authors use language, structure, and literary techniques to communicate meaning and perspective.
The course focuses on analytical and argumentative writing. Students develop clear claims supported by textual evidence and thoughtful reasoning. Active participation in discussions, collaborative activities, and presentations is essential as students refine their ability to interpret texts and communicate ideas effectively.
This course prepares students for the academic demands of future English courses through sustained practice in analysis, evidence-based writing, and clear communication.
Grade: 10
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Course Number: 2335
Course Recognition: UC/CSU/NCAA
Students enrolled in AP Seminar earn graduation credit for 10th-grade English.
AP Seminar is an AP English course focused on helping students develop skills in critical thinking, analytical writing, research, and the design and delivery of presentations.
Students use an inquiry-based framework known as QUEST:
Question
Understand
Evaluate
Synthesize
Transform and Transmit
Through this framework, students explore academic and real-world topics and issues. Emphasis is placed on understanding and analyzing diverse perspectives presented in articles, literary and philosophical texts, speeches, and artistic works.
Throughout the year, students complete individual and collaborative projects based on interests and passions inspired by text selections provided by the teacher. Students who complete the required projects may take the AP Seminar examination at the end of the course, potentially earning elective college credit.
Grade: 11
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Course Number: 1618
Course Recognition: UC/CSU/NCAA
This content-based, literature-focused course continues to emphasize reading and writing. Students read and analyze significant works of American literature while further developing their grammar, writing, and vocabulary skills.
Sheltered sections are taught by teachers specifically certified to provide Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English to multilingual learners.
Grade: 11
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: A grade of “A” in English II or a grade of “B” or higher in AP Seminar
Course Number: 1620
Course Recognition: UC/CSU*/NCAA
This course is the first year of a two-year program designed to satisfy the requirements of International Baccalaureate Language A1 HL and/or prepare students to take the AP English Literature and Composition examination at the end of their senior year.
The two-year sequence focuses on exploring the human condition and various responses to the human dilemma. This college-preparatory course combines a thematic study of American literature with viewpoints and philosophies found in major works from other cultures, including those of Asia and Africa.
Students are exposed to college-level literature that may contain mature themes. This is a rigorous course that requires significant study outside the classroom.
Grade: 11
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: A grade of “A” in English II or a grade of “B” or higher in AP Seminar
Course Number: 1617
Course Recognition: UC/CSU*/NCAA
English IB HL1 explores the various manifestations of literature as a particularly powerful form of writing across cultures and throughout history.
The course develops students’ understanding of the factors that contribute to the production and reception of literature, including the creativity of writers and readers, their interactions with their respective contexts and literary traditions, how language produces meaning and effects, and the performative and transformative potential of literary creation and response.
Through close analysis of literary texts in various forms and from different times and places, students consider their own interpretations and the critical perspectives of others. They explore how cultural belief systems shape these perspectives and negotiate meaning within texts.
English IB HL1 prepares students to complete required IB assessments, including the essay and learner portfolio.
Grade: 11
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of English II with a grade of “A” or AP Seminar with a grade of “B” or higher
Course Number: 1615
Course Recognition: UC/CSU*/NCAA
AP English Language and Composition, previously known as Rhetoric, is equivalent to a first-year college composition course. It prepares students to write effectively and confidently in college by developing skills in close reading, critical thinking, and rhetorical analysis.
The course emphasizes expository, analytical, and argumentative writing based on a variety of nonfiction texts. Readings include autobiographies and works by essayists, historical writers, diarists, and political writers representing a variety of periods and cultures.
Students are exposed to college-level literature that may contain mature themes. This college-level course prepares students to take the AP English Language and Composition examination and potentially earn college credit.
Grade: 12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: None
Course Number: 1625
Course Recognition: UC/CSU/NCAA
This English course focuses on expository reading, writing, and critical thinking through the study of current, relevant, and thought-provoking issues.
The course is aligned with the California English Language Arts standards and addresses the skills students need to succeed in college English, including critical reading and expository, analytical, and argumentative writing.
The course is open to all students but may be particularly helpful for seniors who did not achieve college-readiness status on the English portion of the Early Assessment Program.
Grade: 12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: One of the following:
Completion of English III Honors with a grade of “C” or higher
A grade of “C” or higher in AP English Language and Composition
Completion of the second semester of English III with a grade of “A” or higher
Course Number: 1643
Course Recognition: UC/CSU*/NCAA
The English IV Honors curriculum centers on the study of classical, contemporary, and nonfiction literature. Students engage with Common Core standards by examining essential questions that inspire literary expression throughout thematically organized units.
In addition to closely reading texts, students work collaboratively to understand the literary techniques that continue to influence how people think. Students develop clear, authoritative voices and construct analyses and arguments using carefully developed reasoning and well-supported assertions.
Connections to other academic disciplines, personal experiences, and world events help students relate to literary content. College and workplace readiness are central focuses of the course.
Grade: 12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: One of the following:
Completion of English III with a grade of “A”
Completion of English III Honors with a grade of “B” or higher
A grade of “B” or higher in AP English Language and Composition
A score of 3 or higher on the AP English Language and Composition examination
Course Number: 1623
Course Recognition: UC/CSU*/NCAA
AP English Literature and Composition is equivalent to a first-year college literature course. It helps students discover meaning in literature by teaching them to examine language carefully and analyze the techniques authors use to evoke emotional and intellectual responses.
Through extensive literary analysis of works by major writers, students learn to interpret, analyze, discuss, and write about poetry, novels, plays, short stories, and essays.
This college-level course prepares students to take the AP English Literature and Composition examination and potentially earn college credit. Students are exposed to college-level literature that may contain mature themes.
Grade: 12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: One of the following:
Completion of English III Honors with a grade of “B” or higher
A grade of “B” or higher in AP English Language and Composition
A score of 3 or higher on the AP English Language and Composition examination
Course Number: 1613
Course Recognition: UC/CSU*/NCAA
English IB HL2 explores the various manifestations of literature as a particularly powerful form of writing across cultures and throughout history.
The course develops students’ understanding of the factors that contribute to the production and reception of literature, including the creativity of writers and readers, their interactions with their respective contexts and literary traditions, how language produces meaning and effects, and the performative and transformative potential of literary creation and response.
Through close analysis of literary texts in various forms and from different times and places, students consider their own interpretations and the critical perspectives of others. They explore how cultural belief systems shape these perspectives and negotiate meaning within texts.
English IB HL2 prepares students to complete required IB assessments, including the oral examination, comparative and literary analysis essays, and learner portfolio.
Grades: 9–12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Placement by an English Language Development instructor
Course Number: 1653
Repeatable for Credit: Yes
This Level I course prepares students to use the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary to communicate in English. The primary focus is the development of listening and speaking skills.
Grades: 9–12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Placement by an English Language Development instructor
Course Number: 1655
Repeatable for Credit: Yes
This Level II course continues developing students’ communication skills while concentrating on comprehension, discussion, evaluation, and composition.
Grades: 9–12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Placement by an English Language Development instructor
Course Number: 1656
Course Recognition: UC/CSU
Repeatable for Credit: Yes
This final course in the English Language Development program is the last step in preparing students for a complete core-content schedule.
Students continue progressing toward fluency in the receptive and expressive use of English in academic settings. Listening and speaking abilities are refined, while reading and writing skills are further developed through the analysis of selected ninth-, 10th-, and 11th-grade core literature and the writing of multi-paragraph essays.
Students respond to literature and identify literary elements, techniques, and authors’ purposes.
Grades: 9–11
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisite: A grade of “A” in the previous English course or a grade of “B” or higher in an English honors course
Course Number: 1666
Department: Applied Arts
Course Recognition: UC/CSU “G” Elective
This course introduces students to journalistic writing and other skills required to serve on the staff of The Bull’s Eye, the school newspaper.
Students learn about the history of journalism, interviewing techniques, and writing news articles, feature stories, sports articles, and reviews. They also become familiar with photojournalism, newspaper design, and graphic design.
The course gives students opportunities to write for The Bull’s Eye and apply for staff positions for the following school year.
Grades: 10–12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisites: Journalism I experience and teacher permission through the application process
Course Number: 1667
Department: Applied Arts
Course Recognition: UC/CSU “G” Elective
Repeatable for Credit: Yes
This course is designed for students selected to serve on the student newspaper and graphic design staff of The Bull’s Eye after completing Journalism I.
Students assign, write, and edit stories; design pages and graphics; and take photographs for the school newspaper, its website, and digital coverage of campus events.
Students participate in all aspects of newspaper operations, including selling advertisements, fundraising, supervising writers and editors, and working with graphic design elements.
Grades: 10–12
Credits: 10
Length: Year
Prerequisites: Instructor permission and a grade of “B” or higher in the previous English course
Course Number: 1668
Department: Applied Arts
Repeatable for Credit: Yes
This course is responsible for publishing and financing the school yearbook. Students develop practical skills in layout, graphics, technology software, design, desktop publishing, photography, writing, organization, and leadership.
Students interested in the challenge of meeting deadlines in the fast-paced world of publishing are encouraged to apply for a staff position. Applicants interested in serving as photographers or writers must submit samples of their work.