Course #1201-1202

Full Year = 1 credit

Course Fee: $5

This one-year course will provide the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening-- using the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) to guide and focus instruction. Through the reading of a variety of high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as use writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.

Course #1203-1204

Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)
Prerequisite: Admission into English 1-2 (H) will be based on the student’s previous performance in both reading and writing. Teacher recommendation, current reading level, writing samples, and standardized test scores may be considered; however, a student’s motivation and desire to participate in upper-level English courses should be the primary consideration.

Course Fee: $5

This one-year course, designed for the highly motivated student, has strong compositional and critical thinking demands. The course will focus on reading for greater comprehension and pleasure, writing clearly and concisely for different purposes, refining grammar and fluency skills, and developing formal vocabulary. Basic skills in grammar and composition are assumed. Emphasis will also be placed on demonstrating presentation, research, and problem-solving skills through unit projects. Literature will include short text from a variety of sources as well as novels. The class stresses the writing process: writing for different purposes and audiences; grammar and sentence structure as tools for individual writing skills development; language usage; literary terms and genres; library research; vocabulary improvement; encouragement of creativity; and the development of critical thinking. Students are expected to demonstrate an above average maturity level, demonstrate a positive attitude toward education and work tasks, and be cooperative in group learning situations.

Course #1211-1212

Full Year = 1 credit

Course Fee: $5

This one-year course will continue to develop the fundamentals of communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening—using the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) to guide and focus instruction. Through close reading of a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction, students will continue to develop the reading comprehension skills and reading strategies required to be highly literate individuals. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as use writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft as well as building an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.

Course #1213-1214

Full Year = 1 credit (Honors)

Prerequisite:  Admission into English 3-4 (H) will be based on the student’s previous performance in high school English. Teacher recommendation, current reading level, writing samples, and standardized test scores may be considered; however, a student’s motivation and desire to participate in upper-level English courses should be the primary consideration.

Course Fee: $5

This one-year course, designed for the highly motivated student, focuses on skills and strategies in reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, vocabulary, grammar, and usage. Students will read at least five literary forms: short story, autobiography, novel, drama, and poetry. Student writing will be varied, including personal narrative, literary analysis, creative writing, poetry, and research. The course will include a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work. Classes aim to utilize bell-to-bell learning, so students will need to dedicate additional time outside class to complete reading assignments and summative writing prompts. 

Course #1231-1232

Full Year = 1 credit

Course Fee: $5

This Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) aligned, one-year course will strengthen and expand students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society. Through reading a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, seminal U.S. documents, the classics of American literature, and literary nonfiction, students will gain the capacity to challenge complex texts in all subjects. Students will engage in both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative--as well as use writing to comprehend text. Language instruction will focus on the balance between rules and manipulating language for the purpose of craft; and students will continue to build an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.

Course #14151-14152

Upon Successful completion, 3 College/University Credits will be awarded through UNR

This college course is a writing intensive course designed to strengthen college level writing skills, with particular attention to persuasion, analysis, synthesis, and an introduction to research methodologies. Focus on process through drafting, revising, and editing is emphasized. Conventions of standard English are reviewed. Additionally, critical reading strategies of college level texts are developed. Expectations for this course are determined by the partner University/College. To be enrolled in the class, students must maintain consistent attendance.

Course #1251-1252

Full Year = 1 credit

Course Fee: $5

This Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS) aligned, one-year course will reflect the culmination of skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening necessary for college and career readiness in a twenty-first century, globally competitive society, and reflects the integration of the Nevada Academic Content Standards and student learning outcomes from Early College English. The course will focus on both short and long-term writing assignments in three main genres--argument, informative/explanatory, and narrative—necessary to prepare students for college-level writing. Additionally, writing will be generated from the critical reading of a variety of grade-appropriate, high-quality contemporary works, classical literature, and literary nonfiction primarily focused on British and world authors. Students will continue to gain literary and cultural knowledge and the capacity to challenge complex texts in all subjects. Students at this level should have mastered the conventions of Standard English and language instruction should focus on manipulating language for the purpose of craft. Students will continue to build an extensive vocabulary. Research and technology will be embedded throughout the course. The course will be taught using a variety of teaching techniques from direct instruction to small group work with a focus on meaningful student discussion.

Course #14159-14160

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101

Upon Successful completion, 3 College/University Credits will be awarded through UNR

This college course is a continuation and extension of English 101 with an exploration of essay forms with particular attention to interpretation, analysis, and synthesis, while emphasizing analytical reading and writing, critical thinking, and research methodologies. Expectations for this course are determined by the partner University/College. To be enrolled in the class, students must maintain consistent attendance.

Speech & Debate Course #6411-6412

Advanced Speech & Debate Course #6413-6414

Course Fee: $100 + $75 Transportation Fee

Full Year = 1 elective credit

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Course Content: This course will provide students with basic knowledge of academic debate theory and competitive speaking.  Students will learn logical structure, reasoning, and analysis of argumentation. The course will include instruction in ten types of formal speeches, three categories of debate, and Student Congress. The main goal of this class is to compete against other Northern Nevada students independently and as a team. Students will evaluate modern speakers and will study current events. Participation in speech and debate tournaments, outside of school hours, is required. Students who enroll in Speech and Debate must have two teachers sign a recommendation form.

Yearbook Course #1403-1404

Advanced Yearbook Course #1407-1408

Grades 10-12 (grade 9 only with teacher approval)

Course Fee: $10

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous English classes. Successful completion of Yearbook to be in Advanced Yearbook. An application and work samples are required. Applications are available in room 106.

This full-year course is designed for the student who is interested in the development of the school yearbook. Students enrolled in this course will be required to learn and take an active part in writing, design, photography, business management, advertisement sales, and computer techniques. Skills include planning, organizing, producing page layouts, writing copy, meeting deadlines, using the computer for yearbook design, and a willingness to work after school and some weekends in order to meet deadlines. Class meets 2-3 times over the summer to plan the book. Many students opt to attend yearbook camp as well.

All Yearbook students must have excellent English skills and be willing to work on all aspects of yearbook production including writing copy, photographing events and people, and designing pages. Typing skills and computer knowledge are helpful and of high priority in selecting students for this course. This course may be repeated for credit.

YEARBOOK APPLICATION

Course #1361-1362

Full Year = 1 credit

Reading for Pleasure is designed for students who want to cultivate a lifelong love of reading while exploring a wide variety of literary genres and styles. In this course, students will have the freedom to choose books that interest them, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, or poetry. With minimal emphasis on formal analysis, the primary goal is to promote the joy and personal satisfaction that comes from reading for enjoyment. Class activities include book talks, small group discussions, and journaling about personal reading experiences. Students will share recommendations, reflect on themes and characters, and explore how reading can enhance creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. While independent reading is the central focus, students will also participate in class-wide discussions about the role of reading in their lives and society. Reading for Pleasure is an elective and does not meet English course requirements for graduation.

Course #1327-1328

Grades 9-12

Full Year = 1 credit

This course challenges students to explore and develop their creative writing skills across multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, and narrative nonfiction. Students will analyze high-quality literary and informational texts to understand advanced writing techniques and authorial intent. Through workshops and peer critiques, students will produce polished works, focusing on planning, revising, and editing for clarity, coherence, and artistic expression. Emphasis is placed on crafting writing for diverse audiences and purposes while building a portfolio of original work.