English teachers at Essex High School believe in the power of literacy.  EHS English courses focus on critical reading of literary and informational texts, effective writing and speaking skills, and vocabulary development. In selecting courses, students should consider their interests, abilities, and plans for the future. 

Some course titles include level designations related to the rigor of the course:Some course titles include level designations related to the rigor of the course:

• 300 level (also referred to as AP (Advanced Placement) or Honors) courses are designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in the subject matter.

• 200 level courses are designed for students who have demonstrated a high-performance record in the subject matter.

• 100 level courses are designed to help students meet course proficiencies and graduation requirements.

• Courses with no level assigned are open to students who have taken any indicated prerequisites.

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Incoming 9th graders choose either Grade 9 Honors Humanities or one Single Subject course in English and one in Social Studies.

Course Number L229                    1 English credit                                          Grade 9

In this course students will read and analyze a variety of literary texts: novels, drama, short stories, poetry and non-fiction. Work will focus on structured writing, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and discussions of literature. Students will be assessed and challenged as is appropriate for their needs and strengths, and emphasis will be placed on helping them make a smooth transition to the high school.

Access the proficiencies for L229 course.

Course Number L230                    1 English credit                                          Grade 9

This course is designed for motivated 9th graders, confident in their reading and writing skills. Students will be challenged to think through intensive reading and analyze literary texts. Work includes in-depth writing assignments and the study of novels, drama, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and vocabulary. Emphasis will be placed on helping students make a smooth transition to the high school. 

Access the proficiencies for L230 course.

Course Number L107                    1 World Studies credit, 1 English credit                                          Grade 9

This humanities-based, team-based course will meet every day.  It is designed for motivated 9th graders who are confident in their reading, writing, and historical analysis skills.  Honors Humanities focuses on modern global history and world literature, and it will challenge students to think across disciplines through intensive reading and analysis of literary texts and historical documents. Work includes in-depth writing assignments, and where applicable, discussions of literary and historical context. Emphasis will be placed on helping students make a smooth transition to the high school. 

Access the proficiencies for L107 course.

Course Number L204                    1 English credit                                          Grade 10

This course is designed for students of various levels. It integrates a survey of traditional and contemporary literature and poetry, emphasizing reading for meaning and understanding, coherent writing, and effective speaking and vocabulary skills.

Access the proficiencies for L204 course.

This course is designed for ambitious, skilled students who are willing to challenge themselves and work independently. This course integrates the study of literature with further development of writing and speaking skills.

Access the proficiencies for L106 course.

The Quadrant System:

In order to expose students to a balance of reading and writing courses, 11th and 12th grade students not taking AP courses must follow the quadrant system and earn a total of two English credits. These credits must include the following but do not need to be fulfilled in numerical order:

• .5 credit from Quadrant 1: Composition

• .5 credit from Quadrant 2: Foundational Literature

• .5 credit from Quadrant 3: Contemporary & Classical Literature

• .5 credit from Quadrant 2, 3, or 4: Special Topics in English

NOTE: Students who take AP Language and Composition in 11th grade and AP Literature and Composition in 12th grade meet their quadrant requirements through those courses. Those who take AP Language and Composition but do not take AP Literature must take credits from quadrants two and three in 12th grade. Those who do not take AP Language and Composition must take a course from quadrant one, plus one other course from quadrants two, three, or four in 11th grade.

Course Number L109                    1 English credit                                          Grade 11

This course is designed for ambitious and skilled 11th grade students who possess an interest in how the English language works to convey important ideas in our culture. Distinct from a literary studies approach, AP Language and Composition focuses on the study of discourse or rhetoric.

Rather than analyzing the forms of fiction or poetry, students will examine the communication strategies used in a wide range of texts: advertising copy, articles, essays, speeches, propaganda, letters, journals, and various styles of fiction that develop devices which inform those texts. Students will be asked to write concise analyses of those texts, developing a personal voice appropriate for college writing. Students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition exam in May. Although most students need to take this course to prepare successfully for the AP exam, any student may choose to take the exam. 

Requirements: Summer reading and writing.

 Access the proficiencies for L109 course. 

Course Number L108                    1 English credit                                          Grade 12

Highly motivated and skilled 12th graders who have a desire to work with significant literature will have the opportunity to read, discuss, and write about poetry, short stories, plays and novels of recognized literary merit. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in Literature and Composition given in May. Students should be active readers and expect to write about literary topics. Although most students need to take this course to prepare successfully for the AP exam, any student may choose to take the exam.

Requirements: Summer reading and writing.

 Access the proficiencies for L108 course. 

Course Number L241                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

This course prepares students for post-secondary writing. Using the process of brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing, students learn to write a variety of well-organized, logical essays and produce writing that is largely free of minimum-standard writing errors. Students who have taken Advanced Placement Language and Composition may not enroll in this course.

Access the proficiencies for L241 course.

Course Number L316                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

This course teaches students to express their opinions in clear, logical, structured pieces of writing. While using a process approach that includes brainstorming, outlining, revising and editing, students will write about a variety of topics. Students will also review basic grammar and punctuation rules while working toward learning to write independently to produce a structured piece of writing that has a minimal number of grammatical, usage and mechanical errors.

Access the proficiencies for L316 course.

Course Number L332                .5 English credit                                        Grades 11-12

This course covers literature from Colonial times through the present day. As students consider what it means to be an American, they will read a variety of authors and genres, including novels, plays, short stories, poetry and non-fiction. Study revolves around issues and themes that have challenged, and will continue to challenge, citizens of our time. Students enrolled in this course will continue to develop reading, writing, and language skills. 

Access the proficiencies for L332 course.

Course Number L231                .5 English credit                                               Grades 11-12

This course examines important American writers, ideas, and pieces of literature from colonial times to the present.  Study revolves around what it means to be an American and the issues and themes that have challenged, and will continue to challenge, citizens of this country.  Students enrolled in this course should be prepared to tackle significant reading and writing assignments, and they should be willing to actively participate in class discussion.

Access the proficiencies for L231 course.

Course Number L214                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

Students learn to share the joys, sorrows, and struggles common to all peoples while recognizing the demands of different cultures and different eras. Students read and analyze demanding prose and poetry focusing on these universal qualities of humankind. Students should expect extensive reading.  

Access the proficiencies for L214 course.

Students can take this course to fulfill a GLP endorsement requirement.

Course Number L319                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

Acquaintance with cultural differences and universal themes is an opportunity that awaits students in this course. Students will read novels, short stories, plays, and poems that examine values from throughout the world and help them to understand world cultures. Frequent writing and daily reading assignments make up the core of this course. 

Access the proficiencies for L319 course.

Students can take this course to fulfill a GLP endorsement requirement.

Course Number L210                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

Socrates, a classic Greek philosopher from Athens, addressed one of life’s most basic questions: “How should we live?” During this course, students will contemplate and debate the value of the humanities and explore emotionally and analytically the literary and artistic works of various writers, artists, film makers, and musicians. 

Students will begin to define for themselves how they should live, as they analyze and evaluate humanity’s quest for truth and meaning as reflected in the literature we study. This course will focus on the development of critical and creative thinking skills, and will further develop students’ reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. 

Access the proficiencies for L210 course.

Course Number L265          .5 English credit                 Grades 11-12  

In this course, students will read, analyze and discuss a variety of mystery and horror works, including theme-related short stories and poetry. Students will examine the history and relevance of mystery and horror in today’s society, identify common characteristics and themes in both genres, and report on an independent reading text in either mystery or horror. The course will center on written fiction, with occasional reference to horror in films and other media.

Access proficiencies for L265 course.

Course Number L042                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

Students will study topics of their own choosing to build their literacy and communication skills through in-depth, self-directed study in a dynamic and supportive environment.  Students will learn multiple approaches for working with a wide range of written and visual texts.  Students should expect to demonstrate and document their learning using electronic portfolios.  If you want to build your skills, explore the world, and learn about yourself, get On the Path.

Access the proficiencies for L042 course.

Course Number L250                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

In this course students will read, analyze, and discuss a variety of science fiction and fantasy works, including theme-related poetry. Examples of texts students might read include The Fellowship of the Ring, by J.R.R. Tolkien; Fear Nothing, by Dean Koontz; Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card, and Magician: Apprentice, by Raymond E. Feist. Students will examine common themes in science fiction and fantasy, figurative language and rhetorical devices, and the genre’s relevance in today’s society. 

Access the proficiencies for L250 course.

Course Number L360                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

In this course, students will read, analyze, and discuss science fiction and fantasy works, including some theme-related poetry. Examples of texts students might read include Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer, and The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. Students will examine common themes in science fiction and fantasy, study figurative language, and discuss the relevance of the genre in today’s society.

Access the proficiencies for L360 course.

Course Number L361                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

Students taking this course will study a variety of authors, genres, and time periods, and will increase their appreciation and enjoyment of fiction. This course will provide practice in reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Access the proficiencies for L361 course.

Course Number L014                .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

In this course students will examine the unique relationship between sports and the individual through the lens of contemporary literature written by a range of authors. Writing will include argumentative, informative, and narrative pieces. Readings will include novels, poems, stories, biographies, autobiographies, articles, and pamphlets. Students can expect to read books such as Shoeless Joe, The Hard Hat, and non-fiction pieces based on leadership, teamwork, and motivation in sports. Students may also view films such as Field of Dreams, Remember the Titans, and Miracle, among other possible choices.

Access the proficiencies for L014 course.

Course Number L266 .5 English credit Grades 11-12

Literature is an important tool for examining social differences. This course will give students the opportunity to read and analyze contemporary texts that examine the topics of identity, privilege, and the role that culture plays in our day to day life. In particular, the focus will be on authors from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+, Disability, neurodivergent, multicultural and other historically marginalized groups. Discussions will include topics such as social justice and equity. Reading will include poetry, short stories, novels, and non-fiction that reflect the “varied voices” of people representing many different perspectives in the global community. 

Students can take this course to fulfill a GLP endorsement requirement. 

Access proficiencies for L266 course.

Course Number L011 .5 English credit Grades 11-12 

Poetry is powerful. This course offers a varied view to understanding, analyzing, and writing poetry. Students will learn a full range of rhetorical devices, rhyme types, and figurative language that will allow them to delve deeper into the intent and meaning of poems. Students will leave this course with a new awareness of how poems communicate. 

Access proficiencies for L011 course.

Course Number L012                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

In this course students will study and analyze short story and poetry techniques and will employ these techniques in their own writing. Creative Writing concentrates on the communication of ideas, stylistic techniques, experimentation with language, and proofreading competence. Students need discipline and enthusiasm for this course and should feel confident about their basic writing skills.

Access the proficiencies for L012 course.

Course Number L013                    .5 English credit                                         Grades 11-12

Would you like to conquer your fear of public speaking or perhaps sharpen your presentation skills? Public Speaking helps students improve their communication skills and gain confidence, regardless of where they begin. This course involves reading, researching, and writing about student-chosen topics. Students in this course present all of their speeches in front of an audience, and debate is included if time and class size permits.

Access the proficiencies for L013 course.

Course Number L029       .5 English credit       Grades 11-12

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of journalism.  Students will learn what material makes a good story and how to collect information through interviews and research.  In this course students will be in a continual process of writing and revising to create engaging and informative articles.  The units of study may include but are not limited to the following: ethics, research, interviewing, newswriting, feature writing, opinion writing, sports-writing, digital storytelling, and social media strategy.  The Journalism class will also help produce the EHS online newspaper, The Hive.

Access proficiencies for L029 course.