English
Graduation Requirements (for all diplomas):
English 9 = 2 credits
English 10 = 2 credits
Junior English = 2 credits
Senior English = 2 credits
Updated for the 2024-2025 year
The goal of the English department at Portage High School is to prepare our students to be college and career ready when they graduate. We teach students to read critically both fiction and non-fiction material, think critically through analysis of materials and express themselves through oral and written communication. We also have a number of elective classes to enrich students' high school experiences. Dual credit opportunities through Indiana University Northwest are available in Honors English 11, Honors English 12, and Advanced Speech. Advanced Placement opportunities are available in AP English Language & Composition, and AP English Literature & Composition.
English 9, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 9
English 9, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts in Grades 9-10, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, focusing on literature within an appropriate level of complexity for this grade band. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance in classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write responses to literature, expository (informative), narrative, and argumentative/persuasive compositions, and sustained research assignments. Students deliver grade appropriate oral presentations with attention to audience and purpose and access, analyze, and evaluate online information.
English 9 Advanced, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 9
Prerequisite: A or B in previous English class and teacher recommendation.
English 9 Advanced follows the same basic curriculum as English 9, but it is intended for the above-average, well-motivated student. The class includes additional outside writings and readings, and places greater emphasis on standards and assessments in ways appropriate for ninth graders. Students enrolling in this course are anticipating enrollment in AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition.
English 10, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 10
English 10, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts in Grades 9- 10, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, focusing on literature with an appropriate level of complexity for this grade band. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance in classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write responses to literature, expository (informative) and argumentative/persuasive compositions, and sustained research assignments. Students deliver grade-appropriate oral presentations with attention to audience and purpose and access, analyze, and evaluate online information.
English 10 Advanced, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 10
Prerequisite: A or B in previous English class and teacher recommendation.
This class is designed for those students wishing to take AP classes their junior and senior years. Students will be expected to learn the basic elements of rhetoric: writing with a purpose, addressing and appealing to an audience, creating effective text structures, and developing and implementing an appropriate style. Additionally, students will write in both informal and formal contexts to gain authority and learn to take risks in writing. Imitation exercises, journal keeping, collaborative writing, and in-class responses will be used to help students become increasingly aware of themselves as writers and of the techniques employed by the writers they read. Honors students are expected to read widely (poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction) and reflect on their reading through extensive discussion, writing, and rewriting. Honors students must assume considerable responsibility for the amount of reading and writing they will be required to do during the year to prepare them for AP English Language & Composition and AP English Literature & Composition.
English 11, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 11, A junior English choice
English 11, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts in Grades 11-12, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication focusing on literature with an appropriate level of complexity for this grade band. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance appropriate in classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write narratives, responses to literature, academic essays (e.g. analytical, persuasive, expository, summary), and more sustained research assignments incorporating visual information in the form of pictures, graphs, charts and tables. Students write and deliver grade appropriate multimedia presentations and access, analyze, and evaluate online information.
Advanced English 11, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 11, A junior English choice
Prerequisites: A or B in previous English class and/or teacher recommendation.
Students will enhance critical thinking and logic to communicate effectively in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Increased attention is given to further developmental skills through analysis and synthesis of information from a variety of sources. As persuasion continues to provide the focus of oral and written communication, students will write for different purposes and audiences to produce personal, technical and literary essays and letters. That is, as students analyze sources with increased attention to persuasive and argumentative techniques, as well as logical fallacies, they will synthesize information through oral and written work. The writing process, utilizing computer skills and technology, is combined with literary selections, grammar and usage as they apply to student compositions and career exploration. A structured vocabulary program is integrated throughout each term. In this course, students will explore the canon of classic and contemporary American literature through thematic units with an emphasis on both the historical background of the authors and the structure and style of different genres. This course continues to emphasize the integration of class discussions, oral presentations and group work.
AP English Language & Composition, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 11, A junior English choice
Prerequisite: A or B in previous English class, 3.0 GPA, and teacher recommendation
Receives an Honors point towards the PHS grade point average system
AP English Language and Composition is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. The course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing and the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts. The course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods. There is no prescribed sequence of study. The State of Indiana pays for the test fees for all students who complete both semesters of this course. College credit is available for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 based on university guidelines.
Composition, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 11, A junior English choice. This course must be taken opposite Grammar.
Grade 12, Teacher recommendation
Prerequisite: C or better in previous English course, teacher recommendation
Composition, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study and application of the rhetorical writing strategies of narration, description, exposition, and persuasion. Using the writing process, students demonstrate a command of vocabulary, English language conventions, research and organizational skills, an awareness of the audience, the purpose for writing, students read classic and contemporary literature or articles and use appropriate works as models for writing. Students write a variety of types of compositions with a focus on fictional narratives, reflective compositions, academic essays, and responses to literature.
Grammar, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 11, A junior English choice. This course must be taken opposite Composition.
Grade 12, Teacher recommendation.
Prerequisite: C or better in previous English course and teacher approval.
Grammar, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of the English language system. Students examine and apply the conventions of oral and written expression that include syntax, usage, punctuation, and spelling. Students learn grammatical terminology, study grammar in the context of reading and writing, and apply grammatical concepts in writing and speaking.
English 12, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 12, A senior English choice.
English 12, an integrated English course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts for Grades 11- 12, is a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication focusing on an exploration of point of view or perspective across a wide variety of genres. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical or cultural significance in classic and contemporary literature balanced with nonfiction. Students write narratives, responses to literature, academic essays (e.g. analytical, persuasive, expository, summary), and more sustained research assignments incorporating visual information in the form of pictures, graphs, charts, and tables. Students write and deliver grade-appropriate multimedia presentations and access, analyze, and evaluate online information.
English 12 Honors , 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 12, A senior English choice
Prerequisite: A or B in previous English class and/or teacher recommendation. Minimum GPA 2.7.
Receives an Honors point towards the PHS grade point average system
This dual credit course will blend facets of Humanities and Expository Writing as students are exposed to an in-depth study of the development and advancement of human kinds efforts in the following areas: history, science and technology, philosophy, religion, law, literature and language, painting, sculpture, architecture, drama, music and dance, and photography and film. Focus of the class is on criticism and appreciation of the arts and on their reflection of the cultural ethos as expressed through various writing assignments as well as oral presentations. Students will study models of writing samples and analyze the style, content and purpose of various examples. The student will write informative and analytical essays which lead into the techniques of research and the procedure of writing and producing a fully documented research paper.
Dual Credit: 3 dual credits offered through Indiana University in ENG-W 131: Reading, Writing, Inquiry I.
AP English Literature & Composition, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 12, A senior English choice.
Prerequisite: A or B in previous English class, 3.0 GPA, and teacher recommendation.
Receives an Honors point towards the PHS grade point average system
AP English Literature and Composition is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. The State of Indiana pays for the test fees for all students who complete both semesters of this course. College credit is available for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 based on university guidelines.
Short Stories, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 12, A senior English choice
Prerequisite: C or better in previous English course, teacher recommendation
Short Stories, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of the distinct features of the short story, such as being tightly focused narrative fiction. The course may be organized by historical periods, themes, or authors. Students examine short stories with modernist and contemporary themes by a variety of authors from the perspective of audience, purpose, and historical development. Students analyze what distinguishes the short story genre from other literary genres, such as the novels, epics, romances, biographies, etc.
Film Literature, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 12, A senior English choice
Required: Good attendance, good writing and reading skills.
Film Literature, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of how literature is adapted for film or media and includes role playing as film directors for selected screen scenes. Students read about the history of film, the reflection or influence of film on the culture, and issues of interpretation, production and adaptation. Students examine the visual interpretation of literary techniques and auditory language in film and the limitations or special capacities of film versus text to present a literary work. Students analyze how films portray the human condition and the roles of men and women and the various ethnic or cultural minorities in the past and present.
Advanced Speech and Communication Honors, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 11, with completion of Speech
Grade 12, A senior English choice
Pre-requisite: 2.7 GPA
Public Oral Communication is one of the great foundational courses in a thorough education. Grounded on the relationship between public performance and critical reflection, it is an instruction in the power of the spoken word. By cultivating the competencies of speaking and listening in public venues, you will develop an attunement to language in the constitution of community, in the formation of an ethical comportment, and in the formation of civic and cultural identity. This course introduces students to the close interrelation of theory and practice. It does not resemble the simple skills-only versions of “basic public speaking” that you may be familiar with. It is not Toastmasters. Although you will be rigorously trained in all the formal skills and techniques, oral communication is not merely technique; it is a human art of the highest distinction. This course is also not training in strategic manipulation, but in how to use the spoken word for good. We will look closely at why speech is capable of manipulating, deceiving and seducing, and how to spot, avoid and combat these uses.
Dual Credit: 3 dual credits offered through Indiana University in SPCH-S 121: Public Speaking
Biblical Literature, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 12, A senior English choice.
Prerequisite: C or better in English 11.
Biblical Literature, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of the Bible, viewed from a literary standpoint, as a source of a wide variety of literary patterns, themes, and conventions. Students examine the different books in relation to the various historical time frames of the books and in relation to related literature as it pertains to Biblical themes. Students read, discuss, and write about Biblical references (allusions) in both classical and modern literature, formation of a canonical Bible, inclusion of apocryphal and heretical writings, oral versus literate transmission of sacred history and doctrine, and questions and problems of interpretation.
Additional Fees or Requirements: Creating and presenting to the class an acceptable final project is a requirement.
Ethnic Literature, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grade 12, A senior English choice
Prerequisite: Must have an A or B in English 11 and teacher recommendation.
This is a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts. It is a study of literature focusing on specific multicultural issues produced by writers representing various ethnic cultures. Students examine works exploring ethnic experiences and ideas as well as the contributions of authors to multicultural themes. Students analyze the expressions of cultural identities within ethnic literature and how problems or issues of interest to a given group relate or interconnect with national issues and history. Course can be offered in conjunction with a composition course, or schools may embed Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts writing standards within curriculum. Recommended Grade Level: 11, 12 Recommended Prerequisites: English 9, English 10, or teacher recommendation Credits: 1 or 2 semester course, 1 credit per semester Fulfills an English/Language Arts requirement for all diplomas.
English Elective Course Descriptions
Journalism, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Pre-requisite: Incoming freshmen need a minimum of a B- in 8th grade English.
Journalism, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and the Indiana High School Journalism Standards, is a study of news elements, journalism history, First Amendment law, ethics, fact and opinion, copy editing, news, and features as they apply to print and digital media products. It includes a comparison study of journalistic writing to other types of English writing with practical application of news, features, editorials, reviews, columns, and digital media writing forms. Students continue to develop journalistic writing skills in addition to studying graphic design, advertising, public relations, photojournalism and emerging media development and design. By the end of the semester, students write, shoot, and design stories for print and digital media products.
Student Media - INN, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
After being accepted into the class by applying for a position (and having an English teacher recommendation), students will produce a daily morning announcement show which includes Club meetings, Guidance Dept announcements, Sports scores, and other news geared toward students and staff. Students will utilize public speaking skills and also learn behind the scenes equipment and techniques including sound, camera, streaming, and background displays. Students will also be responsible for brainstorming video ideas, gathering interviews, editing video clips together, and meeting deadlines for polished video productions. There are also social media outlets that will need to be updated and monitored. It is imperative that students wanting to join this class have excellent attendance and can arrive at school by 7:20am each day. Grades are based on attendance/participation, video productions, public speaking skills, and the quality and completion of assignments.
Additional Fees or Requirements: After-school work will be required.
Student Media - Pow Wow Student Newspaper, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Journalism (a C or better in both semesters) or permission of the instructor.
Students who wish to be photographers are required to have two semesters of photography.
Student Media, a course based on the High School Journalism Standards and the Student Media Standards, is the continuation of the study of Journalism. Students demonstrate their ability to do journalistic writing and design for high school media, including school newspapers, yearbooks, and a variety of other media formats. Students follow the ethical principles and legal boundaries that guide scholastic journalism. Students express themselves publicly with meaning and clarity for the purpose of informing, entertaining, or persuading. Students work on high school media staff so that they may prepare themselves for career paths in journalism, communications, writing, or related fields.
Additional Fees or Requirements: There is work after school.
Student Media - Legend Yearbook, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Journalism (a C or better in both semesters) or permission of the instructor.
Students who wish to be photographers are required to have two semesters of photography.
Student Media, a course based on the High School Journalism Standards and the Student Media Standards, is the continuation of the study of Journalism. Students demonstrate their ability to do journalistic writing and design for high school media, including school newspapers, yearbooks, and a variety of other media formats. Students follow the ethical principles and legal boundaries that guide scholastic journalism. Students express themselves publicly with meaning and clarity for the purpose of informing, entertaining, or persuading. Students work on high school media staff so that they may prepare themselves for career paths in journalism, communications, writing, or related fields.
Additional Fees or Requirements: There is work after school.
Speech, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Speech, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is the study and application of the basic principles and techniques of effective oral communication. Students deliver focused and coherent speeches that convey clear messages, using gestures, tone, and vocabulary appropriate to the audience and purpose. Students deliver different types of oral and multimedia presentations, including viewpoint, instructional, demonstration, informative, persuasive, and impromptu. Students use the same Standard English conventions for oral speech that they use in their writing.
Developmental Reading, 2 semesters, 2 credits
Grade 9
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation
Developmental Reading is a supplemental course that provides students with individualized instruction designed to support success in completing coursework aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts focusing on the Reading Standards for Literature and Nonfiction. Students will be concurrently enrolled in an English class that covers all required standards.
Creative Writing I, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: "C" or better in previous English class or teacher recommendation.
Creative Writing, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study and application of the rhetorical writing strategies for prose and poetry. Using the writing process, students demonstrate a command of vocabulary, the nuances of language and vocabulary, English language conventions, an awareness of the audience, the purposes for writing, and the style of their own writing.The course can be offered in conjunction with a literature course, or schools may embed Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts reading standards within the curriculum.
Additional Fees or Requirements: May be taken only once.
Debate, 1 semester, 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Debate, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is the study and application of the basic principles of debate involving support for the basic types of arguments (induction, deduction, causation) and debate strategies (affirmative or negative argument construction and extension, case development, refutation or rebuttal of argument claims and evidence, and persuasive speaking).
Poetry, 1 semester 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Required Prerequisites: none
Recommended Prerequisites: English 9, English 10, or teacher recommendation
Poetry, a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is a study of poetic works, the interpretation of poetry, and the variety of structures, devices, and themes that differentiate one type of poetry from another. Students examine a wide variety of major poetic works from the English-speaking world and English translations of important works from the non-English-speaking world. Students analyze the impact of aural devices, such as meter, alliteration, assonance, and rhyme, on the overall interpretation of a poem and how poetry is a form of literary expression that has prevailed through the ages.
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