Purdue University’s Writing Program
LA001 English I - Fundamentals (grade 9) Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
The course focuses on the basic principles of English grammar, usage and the general conventions of the written language. Elements of literature are also explored, such as character, plot structure, setting and style.
LA002 English I - Literature (grade 9) Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
This course builds on literary concepts introduced in Fundamentals and focuses on three main units: Shakespeare, poetry and the epic. Works included represent various time periods and provide an introduction to some of the classics, including excerpts from The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet, as well as a range of poetic works from various cultures and historical periods.
LA003 English II - Composition (grade 10) Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
This course surveys several kinds of writing (persuasive, descriptive, expository and narrative) and gives students practice in writing each of them. Grammar and usage rules from LA001 Fundamentals are briefly reviewed and built upon as students learn what constitutes high quality writing and practice it by writing a series of formal compositions throughout the semester.
LA004 English II - Communication (grade 10) Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
The course introduces students to the basic principles of effective communication. Topics covered include public speaking, speech preparation and delivery, speech purposes, parliamentary procedure; interpersonal communication, conflict management and problem solving, group discussion, and oral interpretation. Many short speeches and communication projects will be given.
LA005 English III - Research (grade 11) Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
Three research papers are required in this course, including a 5-10 page paper covering a current social issue using MLA documentation; a paper on career exploration; and an analytical book review.
LA006 English III - American Literature (grade 11) Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
This course includes a chronological study of the American history of literature, including short stories, novels and plays. Significant time during the semester is devoted to studying a range of novels. Coursework includes but is not limited to: writing short compositions reflecting important aspects of these works, in-depth analysis essays, exams and quizzes.
LA011 English IV - Advanced Writing (grade 12) Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
This elective, one-semester course is designed for the college-bound senior who desires exposure to a variety of writing situations, with an emphasis on creative writing. Samples of writing include but are not limited to: literary explication, personal narrative writing, essays of definition/persuasion, position paper, poetry, short story, flash fiction, and memoir writing. Basic writing skills will be sharpened by reading sample essays, classmates’ essays, by free writing, work-shopping and rewriting. The emphasis of writing will be on the continuing process and writing refinement. We will review MLA style and explore APA style. Final grades are based on the student’s semester portfolio.
LA013 English IV - Advanced English (grade 12) Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
An elective course developed around World Literature, the emphasis of this course will be placed on reading novels, short stories, essays, poems, and film review. Themes used to develop curriculum include: justice/injustice; the role of men/women within cultures; power; survival; choices, and the Christian response to all these areas. Evaluation will be in the form of tests, projects and papers.
LA014 English IV - British Literature (grade 12) Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
This elective course includes a chronological overview of British history and literature, including active reading of selected plays, poems, stories, and novels. Emphasis is on the Classics, with most evaluation coming through tests, numerous papers, and projects.
College-prep literature survey course Pre-requisite: English III Research
LA016 Novel I (grade 11 [spring only] and 12) Fall or Spring: 1 semester: 5 units
Students wishing to venture into the novel as literary form by reading and analyzing the classics of world literature would enjoy this course. Content will consist of independently reading eight novels selected from a master list, writing extensive analysis papers about each novel, and weekly discussions with the instructor. Terms studied in relation to the novels will include the following: plot, characterization, setting, theme, point of view, realism, symbolism, style, and tone.
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of English III Research and permission of instructor.
LA017 English IV - Rhetoric Fall: 1 semester: 5 units
This practical English course is intended primarily for seniors who plan to attend a two-year post-secondary school or enter the workplace upon completion of high school. Life communication, such as in the workplace, participating in groups, following and writing directions, electronic communication, and all forms of everyday English skills will be emphasized. Final reviews of usage, mechanics, writing skills, comprehension, and vocabulary skills will also be included. Students will hone their reading tastes and work toward comprehension and analysis. Opportunities for speaking, writing, and extensive project work are also included.
LA500 Advanced Placement (AP) English: Lit/Composition Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
This is a year-long course that provides an intensive examination of a wide variety of literature and highly specialized literary concepts. AP English is a challenging college-level course designed to cover a range of materials typically found in a college literature or rhetoric survey course, and will conclude with the AP exam, taken at the end of the year. The score earned by the student on the AP exam determines whether college credit is earned by taking the course. This course is open to seniors expecting to attend college the following year. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor
LA900 English IV - Applied Writing Fall and Spring: 2 semesters: 10 units
This elective course includes the basics of practical/applied writing for historical purposes. Layout, copy, photography and organization will be learned. This class meets during SST. Students will learn succinct wording, how to encapsulate events in words and design with Adobe PageMaker 6.5. Evaluation is based on mini-project assignments and cooperative group efforts completing historical documents.
Pass/fail evaluation
This course does not fulfill English core requirements.