English Courses
For the freshman and sophomore years, the Palo Alto High School program offers two levels of English, both college preparatory. One level is accelerated and the other is normally paced for college preparation.
For juniors and seniors, the department offers two levels of electives, also normally paced or accelerated. Three of the accelerated electives are especially demanding: Humanities, for the most able juniors; College English, for the most able seniors; and Advanced Journalism, for juniors and seniors who have excelled in Beginning Journalism and who wish to produce the student newspaper, The Campanile. At the junior level, one of the American literature courses is required, and at the senior level one of the world literature courses is required.
At all grade levels, students may select their own level of course on an open enrollment basis, with some important exceptions. In the tenth grade, teachers will recommend students for appropriate courses as juniors. To enroll in Humanities, which earns a weighted grade for U.C., students should receive the recommendation of their sophomore teachers. Students should consider their eighth, ninth and tenth grade teachers' recommendations seriously, since it is possible but difficult to change levels during mid-semester.
Juniors wishing to enroll in College English as seniors must submit a portfolio to the department Honors Selection Committee in order to be admitted to the course. Similarly, students who excel in Beginning Journalism and who want to enroll in Advanced Journalism must pass a unique selection process as defined in the prerequisite course. The department urges students to consult with teacher advisors and English teachers in order to make decisions which best suit their skills, work habits and overall academic goals.
Freshman English
Click on course titles to read course summaries and prerequisites.
| Course Title | Course Abbreviation | Sem or Year Course |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory Thinking/Writing I (General) | 1195 EXP THNK 1 | Year |
| Critical Thinking/Writing I (Advanced) | 1194 CRIT THNK 1 | Year |
Sophomore English
Click on course titles to read course summaries and prerequisites.
| Course Title | Course Abbreviation | Sem or Year Course |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory Thinking/Writing II (General) | 1202 EXP THNK 2 | Year |
| Critical Thinking/Writing II (Advanced) | 1201 CRIT THNK 2 | Year |
Junior and Senior Courses
- All courses satisfy the University of California English requirement unless noted.
- American Literature 11 (Required) OR Classics 11H (Required) is required for all juniors.
- World Literature 11 (Required) OR Classics 11H (Required) is required for all seniors, except those taking College English.
Click on course titles to read course summaries and prerequisites.
| Course Title | Course Abbreviation | Semester or Year Course | Available To Which Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature 11 (Required) | 1261 AMERLIT 11 | Semester | 11 (or 12) |
| American Literature 12 | 1262 AMERLIT 12 | Semester | 11 (or 12) |
| American Classics 11 (Required) | 1309 AM CLAS11H | Semester | 11 (or 12) |
| American Classics 12 | 1319 AM CLAS12H | Semester | 11 (or 12) |
| Humanities - Honors | 1439 HUMAN 11H | Semester | 11 (or 12) |
| World Literature 11 (Required) | 1271 WLD LIT 11 | Semester | 12 (or 11) |
| World Literature 12 | 1272 WLD LIT 12 | Semester | 12 (or 11) |
| World Classics 11 (Required) | 1289 WLDCLAS11H | Semester | 12 (or 11) |
| World Classics 12 | 1299 WLDCLAS12H | Semester | 12 (or 11) |
| College English | 12891279 COL ENG AP | Year | 12 |
| American Writers of Color | 1318 AMRWITCLR | Semester | 11-12 |
| Women Writers | 1314 WOM WRIT Fall/Spring | Semester | 11-12 |
| Film | 1339 FILMCOMPLT | Semester | 11-12 |
| Literature of Sport | 1350 SPORTS LIT | Semester | 11-12 |
| Shakespeare and Chaucer | 1390 SHAKE/CHAU | Semester | 11-12 |
| Analysis of the Writer's Craft | 7601 WRIT CR 11 | Semester | 11-12 |
| Beginning Journalism | 1451 JOURNAL 11 | Semester | 10-11 |
| Advanced Journalism | 1453 ADV JOURN | Year | 11-12 |
| Magazine Journalism | 1449 MAG JOURNL | Year | 11-12 |
| Broadcast Journalism | 1494 BROAD JOUN | Year | 10-12 |
| Web Journalism | 1446 WEB JOURNL | Year | 11-12 |
| Literacy | 1473, 1474 READING 11, 12 | Semester 1, 2 | 9-12 |
Exploratory Thinking/Writing I (General)
Students demonstrate their ability to read major literary works at a college preparatory level. They will also demonstrate their writing, vocabulary and language skills (sentence structure, paragraphing and punctuation) largely in the context of literature and student writing. Opportunities will be provided to write in the computer lab, and students should be able to produce writing on a word processor when possible. A documented paper is required first semester. Regular reading and writing homework is required. (10-20 pages a night reading, 2 pages per writing assignment)
Critical Thinking/Writing I (Advanced)
Students demonstrate their ability to read major literary works at an accelerated, college preparatory level. They will also demonstrate their writing, vocabulary and language skills (sentence structure, paragraphing and punctuation) largely in the context of literature and student writing. Opportunities will not be provided to write in the computer lab, though students should be able to produce writing on a word processor when possible. Students will be able to work independently and be self-motivated. A documented paper is required first semester. Substantial reading and writing homework is required. (20-30 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment)
Exploratory Thinking/Writing II (General)
Students demonstrate their ability to read important world literature, as well as literature from our own period and culture, at a college preparatory level. Students use classic and contemporary literature as vehicles for understanding our own period, values and cultures. Through discussions, oral presentations, journal entries and papers, students also demonstrate a knowledge of literary terms and techniques, as well as the principles of composition and language study (sentence structure, mechanics and punctuation). A documented paper is required first semester. Regular reading and writing homework is required. (10-30 pages a night reading, 2 pages per writing assignment)
Critical Thinking/Writing II (Advanced)
Students demonstrate their ability to read important world literature, as well as literature from our own period and culture, at an accelerated, college preparatory level. Students use classic and contemporary literature as vehicles for understanding our own period, values and cultures. Through discussions, oral presentations, journal entries and papers, students also demonstrate a knowledge of literary terms and techniques, as well as the principles of composition and language study (sentence structure, mechanics and punctuation). Students will demonstrate their ability to work independently and be self-motivated. A documented paper is required first semester. Substantial reading and writing homework is required. (20-50 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment)
American Literature 11 (Required)
This college preparatory requirement introduces students to a survey of American literature and traditions. The course incorporates literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through some of the major works in American literature. Students will study the influence of the Puritans and the consequent themes of free will and the American dream. Students will also read the district core works, The Great Gatsby and The Joy Luck Club. The principal works of important American poets, such as Whitman, Dickinson and Frost, are also surveyed. A documented paper is required. (10-30 pages a night reading, 2 pages per writing assignment)
American Literature 12
This college preparatory elective introduces students to a variety of American literature and themes. The course incorporates literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through a range of American literature from different eras. Students will study social events which have influenced the American dream and also read works which coordinate with issues taught in U.S. History. The course can be taken either before or after the required American Literature course. A documented paper is required. (10-30 pages a night reading, 2 page per writing assignment)
American Classics 11 (Required)
This accelerated, college preparatory requirement introduces students to a survey of American literature and traditions. The course incorporates literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through some of the major American literature classics. Students examine how the Puritan concern with good and evil has influenced American literature, while exploring how the use of symbolism enriched the writings of such authors as Hawthorne, Melville, Steinbeck, O'Connor and MacLeish. Students will read the district core works, The Great Gatsby and The Joy Luck Club.
Superior reading and writing skills and substantial homework are required. A documented paper is required. (20-60 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment)
American Classics 12
This accelerated college preparatory elective introduces students to a variety of American classics and themes. The course incorporates literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through a range of American literature from different eras. Students will study social events which have influenced the American dream and also read works which coordinate well with issues taught in U.S. History. The course can be taken either before or after the required American Classics course. Superior reading and writing skills and substantial homework are required. A documented paper is required. (20-60 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment)
Humanities – Honors
Humanities receives a weighted grade for the University of California and California State University. Students should follow the recommendations of their tenth grade teachers. This accelerated, college preparatory elective incorporates a study of art, literature, music and philosophy in order to address the question: what is the nature of the true, the good, the beautiful? Writing is literature based and is accompanied by regular language study. Through an exploration of different cultures and beliefs, students increase their understanding of what it means to be human. The reading is challenging and incorporates a variety of genres and writers; frequent oral presentations are required. This is an honors course, but not advanced placement, and is usually taken in the junior year. Superior writing skills and substantial homework are required. A documented paper is required first quarter. A creative project is required second quarter. (20-30 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment)
World Literature 11 (Required)
This college preparatory requirement introduces students to world literature and traditions. The course incorporates literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through some of the major works in world literature. It increases student understanding of the growth and development of other cultures and develops an interest in exploring the beliefs and attitudes embodied in these cultures. Students are challenged with a balance of great works from a variety of eras, cultures, genres and writers. Students will also read the district core work, Cyrano de Bergerac. Good writing skills and regular homework are required. A documented paper is required. (10-20 pages a night reading, 2 pages per writing assignment)
World Literature 12
This college preparatory elective introduces students to a wide range of world literature and traditions. The course incorporates literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through some of the major works in world literature. It increases student understanding of the growth and development of various cultures and develops an interest in exploring the beliefs and attitudes they embody in it. Students are challenged with a balance of great works from a variety of eras, genres and writers. The course can be taken either before or after the required World Literature course. Good writing skills and regular homework are required. A documented paper is required. (10-20 pages a night reading, 2 pages per writing assignment)
World Classics 11 (Required)
This accelerated, college preparatory requirement introduces students to world literature and traditions. The course introduces literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through some of the major classics in world literature. It increases student understanding of the growth and development of other cultures and develops an interest in exploring the beliefs and attitudes embodied in various cultures. Students are challenged with a balance of great works from a variety of eras, cultures, genres and writers. Students will also read the district core work, Cyrano de Bergerac. Superior reading and writing skills and substantial homework are required. A documented paper is required. (20-60 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment)
World Classics 12
This accelerated, college preparatory elective introduces students to a wide range of world literature and traditions. The course introduces literature based writing, vocabulary development and language study through some of the major classics in world literature. It increases student understanding of the growth and development of various cultures and develops an interest in exploring the beliefs and attitudes they embody. Students are challenged with a balance of great works from a variety of eras, cultures, genres and writers. The course can be taken either before or after the required World Classics course. A documented paper is required. (20-40 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment).
College English
College English AP is given a weighted grade by The University of California and the California State University. Student portfolios must receive the approval of the department Honors Selection Committee in order to gain enrollment in this course. College English fulfills the department requirement for world literature.
In this accelerated, college preparatory elective, superior students prepare for and are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature and Composition. To score a “3” or higher on the AP examination, students must be able to read complex poetry and prose, digest them rapidly and then write about their understanding under simulated test conditions. Through extensive class discussion and writing, students demonstrate in depth comprehension of great works from a variety of eras, cultures, genres and writers. Superior reading and writing skills, substantial homework and extensive writing/reflecting in “reading logs” are required. (20-60 pages a night reading, 2-6 pages per writing assignment )
American Writers of Color
The purpose of this college preparatory elective is to provide a survey of American literature written by people of color. Students will examine such themes as the emergence of personal identity amid cultural tension, the development of the artist from silence to voice, and the movement toward a unified community in novels, essays, poems, short stories and films by Native American, African American, Asian American and Chicano/Latino writers. Each writing assignment requires reading and discussion of relevant models. Two short research papers are required. Regular reading and writing homework is required. (10-20 pages a night reading, 2-3 pages per writing assignment.)
Women Writers
This college preparatory elective will introduce students to women authors from a wide range of cultures and times. Students will study the development of the female subject and voice across cultures and throughout history. The course will emphasize how women’s literature in a historical context relates to current issues for women and men. Students will also develop and practice skills in analytical essay writing, personal journal writing, creative writing (including poetry), oral presentation, class discussion, research, and group projects. Each writing assignment requires reading and discussion of relevant models. A project requiring research is required. Regular reading and writing homework is required. (10-20 pages a night reading, 2-3 pages per writing assignment.)
Film
Students in this college preparatory elective will study basic film terms and techniques, the history of film (particularly as it reflects society’s concerns and culture), various film genres, the development and changes in the film industry, and the adaptation of novels and stories to film. After viewing films and through discussions, oral presentations, reading, and extensive reflective and expository writing, students will understand film as both art and composition. A major creative project is required.
Literature of Sport
A college preparatory elective, the Literature of Sport will help students analyze, investigate and study, from a literary perspective, the unique phenomenon of participatory and competitive sport in America. Specific attention will be paid to the parallels that exist between professional and amateur sports, as well as their accompanying sociological changes. Students will study all portions of the literary spectrum (novel, non-fiction, essay, short story, poem, and film) to explore a wide panorama of opinions, themes, observations, and social commentary related to sport. While developing analytical and writing skills, students will be asked to formulate ideas on this distinct genre through numerous compatible assignments. A final project requiring research is required. (10-20 pages a night reading, 2-3 pages per writing assignment.)
Shakespeare/Chaucer
Through literature-based writing, vocabulary development and language study, students in this accelerated, college preparatory elective will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key works of William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer. The subtitle for the course is “Power, Love, and Identity in Shakespeare and Chaucer.” In discussions and various forms of writing, including journals, students will demonstrate their increased understanding of plays and tales grouped broadly into the themes of power and love, and the means characters use to find and express their identities. The elective has been designed to supplement the study of Shakespeare and Chaucer that already exists in the curriculum, and students will gain deeper appreciation for the themes and language of these two English masters. A research paper is required. Superior writing skills and substantial homework are required. (20-30 pages a night reading, 2-4 pages per writing assignment.)
Analysis of the Writer’s Craft
This course offers students who are serious about writing an opportunity to read such genres as short fiction, poetry, short drama, and personal and expository essays. Students will write regularly and are required to share their writing with other students in class. Group editing and oral presentations are standard classroom procedures. By focusing on modern and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, students will recognize characteristics of different genres and different writers. Students will also focus on the specific techniques and elements of fiction, including characterization, setting, narrative, action, dialogue, point of view, voice, suspense, and plot. Students will analyze writing paying particular attention to form and structure in addition to meaning and theme. A special project of ten or more pages is required. This course is under review to meet U.C./C.S.U. “b” English requirements and is already approved for Gunn High School.
Beginning Journalism
The prerequisite for Advanced Journalism, Magazine Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, and Web Journalism. This course is open to tenth and eleventh grade students with superior writing skills. It is designed to develop skills in the art of the newspaper writing and production. Typing proficiency is a prerequisite. (This course does not meet U.C./C.S.U."b" English requirements, but it does meet U.C./C.S.U. elective "g" requirements and PAHS English graduation requirements).
Advanced Journalism
Beginning Journalism and a high degree of typing skill are prerequisites. Students in Advanced Journalism produce the school newspaper. With the permission of the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.
With approval of instructor this course may also be used to satisfy the Career/Vocational Education requirement. (This course does not meet U.C./C.S.U. English requirements, but it does meet U.C./C.S.U. elective "g" requirements and PAHS English graduation requirements).
Magazine Journalism
A grade of “B” or higher in Beginning Journalism is a prerequisite. This is an intensive laboratory course in writing and producing the quarterly school magazine, Verde. Students will produce a news/feature magazine that showcases skills they develop in reporting and editing stories and in designing and laying out pages using PageMaker and PhotoShop. Because this course is designed to allow students to go into the field to develop their own reports of local stories and do their own production work, a significant "after hours" commitment is required. This course may be repeated for credit.
With permission of the instructor this course may also be used to satisfy the Career/Vocational Education Requirement. (The course does not meet U.C./C.S.U. English requirements, but it is under review to meet U.C./C.S.U. elective requirements. It does meet PAHS English graduation requirements.)
Broadcast Journalism
Beginning Journalism and a high degree of typing skill are prerequisites. This is an intensive laboratory course in gathering, writing and producing news for broadcast media. Students will learn radio and television production techniques; at the end of each semester, students will produce a 30-minute newsmagazine which showcases their reporting, editing, and production skills. Operation of broadcast newsrooms, ethics in broadcast journalism, interviewing techniques, and media criticism will also be examined in the course. Since this course is designed to allow students to go into the field to develop their own reports on local stories of significance and do their own production work (recording, editing, etc.) a significant "after hours" commitment is required. This course may be repeated for credit.
With permission of the instructor this course may also be used to satisfy the Career/Vocational Education Requirement. (The course does not meet U.C./C.S.U. English requirements, but it does meet U.C./C.S.U. elective "g" requirements and PAHS English graduation requirements.)
Web Journalism
Beginning Journalism and a high degree of typing skill are prerequisites. This is an intensive laboratory course in web site development, web design, and specifically in reporting and writing or the web. Students will learn and further develop the basic journalistic writing styles including news writing, feature writing, review writing, sports writing and opinion writing which they will then modify specifically for web sites. The class will stress the legalities and ethics of journalism with particular emphasis on the web. Students will also study media criticism and the history of the web, as well as compare a variety of present day web sites. Students will be expected to update the class web site (which will house the online Campanile and Verde) on a regular basis. This course may be repeated for credit.
(The course does not meet U.C./C.S.U. English requirements but is under review to meet U.C./C.S.U. elective requirements. It does meet PAHS English graduation requirements.)
READING 11 Semester 1 READING 12 Semester 2
Prerequisite: Reading below grade level. Students are tested for placement in this course. (This course does not meet U.C./C.S.U. English “b” or elective "g" requirements or Palo Alto High School English graduation requirements.)
The primary goal of this course is to help students improve their reading proficiency and comprehension. More generally, the course will provide students with the skills, structure, and the support necessary to be successful in high school. Students will learn to read proficiently across the content areas, organize and monitor their learning, set and achieve academic and personal goals.