Course Catalog
English Language Arts
What to think about when signing up for your English class:
- Talk to your current teacher for a recommendation
- Make sure you have strong skills in the prerequisite knowledge areas
- Assess the difficulty, time & effort needed to succeed in the next class
- Think about what you want to do after high school; how can our electives help you?
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Graduation Requirement of 8 credits/4 UP |
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Course |
Summer Assignment |
Average homework between classes |
Guidelines: what can I already do independently/proficiently? |
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College Prep English 9 (co-taught) |
No |
Limited reading assignments supplemented with writing and vocabulary exercises |
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College Prep English 9 |
No |
Appx. 20-30 pages per assignment, reading questions, vocabulary, grammar exercises
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Honors English 9 |
No |
Appx. 40-50 pages per assignment, reading questions, vocabulary, grammar exercises
More reading and writing than in College Prep 9 |
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College Prep English 10 (co-taught) |
No |
10-20 pages per assignment |
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College Prep English 10 |
No |
20-40 pages per assignment, comprehension questions or short written responses and vocabulary/grammar
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Honors English 10 |
No |
40-50 pages per assignment, writing on each assignment (including essays), and vocabulary/grammar
More reading and writing than in College Prep 10 |
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College Prep English 11 |
No |
20-25 pages per assignment, written responses to reading questions |
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Honors English 11 |
No |
Appx. 25-35 pages of reading per assignment, written responses to reading questions
More reading and writing than College Prep 11 |
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Advanced Placement (AP) Language & Composition 11 |
Yes - with mid-summer (August and early September) deadlines |
60-90 minutes of combined reading and/or argumentative or analytical writing |
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College Prep English 12 |
No |
Approximately 15-25 pages per reading assignment |
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Honors English 12 |
No |
Approximately 25-35 pages per reading assignment or 250-400 words per writing assignment
More reading and writing than in College Prep 12 |
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Advanced Placement (AP) Literature & Composition 12 |
Yes with mid- summer deadlines (around August 1 and September 1) |
Approximately 40-50 pages per reading assignment or 1-2 double spaced pages per writing assignment
Significantly more reading and writing than in Honors 12 |
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Freshman English - REQUIRED
Honors English 9
Course Number: 2111
Prerequisites: Recommendation of Grade 8 English teacher.
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
This course is designed for highly motivated, independent learners who have demonstrated consistent proficiency in the ELA standards set forth in middle school and are academically and socially prepared to challenge themselves with this rigorous curriculum. This course requires the reading of lengthy, complicated passages, and extended writing assignments and projects. The course presents a survey of literary genre: short stories, the novel, drama, essays, and poetry with an emphasis on the application of literary elements. In this course you will read literature that may include: Animal Farm, A Separate Peace, Ordinary People, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The House on Mango Street, a variety of short stories, A Tale of Two Cities, and Romeo and Juliet. Informational texts will be introduced throughout the year. An outside reading is required each quarter. Writing involves an introduction to narrative, analytical, and expository forms. Students will work to gain proficiency in the parts of speech, sentence variety, sentence parts, and phrases.
College Prep English 9
Course Number: 2112
Prerequisites: Recommendation of Grade 8 English teacher.
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 9
This course is designed for students who are proficient in many, if not all, standards set forth in middle school, are focused on their studies, and prepared to meet the challenges of college-preparatory work while becoming more independent and confident with the high school experience. This course presents a survey of literary genre: short stories, the novel, drama, essays, and poetry with an emphasis on basic literary elements. Works of literature taught may include Animal Farm, The Secret Life of Bees, The House on Mango Street, short stories, poetry, and Romeo and Juliet. Informational texts will be introduced throughout the year. An outside reading is required each quarter. Writing involves narrative and expository forms, with emphasis on parts of speech, sentence completeness, sentence parts and phrases.
Co-Taught English 9
Course Number: 2113
Prerequisites: Recommendation of Grade 8 English teacher
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 9
This course is designed for students who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills, both academic and social, with regards to becoming successful high school students. This course also meets the needs of students who struggled at the middle school level; and challenges these students to become more confident and proficient in ELA in the context of a supportive environment. The course’s goal is to strengthen students’ reading comprehension and fluency by empowering them to employ learning strategies and to demonstrate the behaviors of independent readers and thinkers. Anchor and core texts include Romeo and Juliet, The House on Mango Street, The Secret Life of Bees, and The Outsiders. Focus lessons include: teacher read-aloud activities, guided reading in multiple genres, different modes of reading for different purposes, team/group reading and discussion, explicit skill and strategy instruction with guided practice, responsive writing, and self-selected reading.
Sophomore English – REQUIRED
Honors English 10
Course Number: 2121
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 9
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 10
Honors English 10 students are expected to have excellent habits of work and learning and English language skills to meet course expectations, which include extensive independent reading and writing assignments. Students explore works of American literature, which include: April Morning, A Raisin in the Sun, The Narrative of Frederick Douglass, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The Old Man and the Sea, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, other texts, assorted short stories, and poems by noted authors. Analytical writing, narrative writing, classroom discussions, and oral presentations are the foundation of this class. Continued skill development in grammar usage and vocabulary are also foci.
College Prep English 10
Course Number: 2122
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 9
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 10
College Prep English 10 students are expected to have good habits of work and learning and English language skills, which enable them to meet the expectations of the class that include independent reading and writing assignments. Students explore a variety of works of American literature, including: April Morning, A Raisin in the Sun, The Narrative of Frederick Douglass, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Reaching Out, The Pearl, other texts, assorted short stories, and poems by noted authors. Students complete a variety of analytical and narrative writing assignments, which build upon class discussions. In class presentation skills will also be developed culminating in at least one polished presentation. Continued skill development in grammar usage and vocabulary are also foci.
Co-Taught College English 10
Course Number: 2123
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 9
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 10
College English (co-taught) Students in this class are continuing to develop good habits of work and learning and ELA skills, which enable them to meet the expectations of the class and prepare themselves for college and career readiness. Students explore a variety of works of American literature, including April Morning, A Raisin in the Sun, The Narrative of Frederick Douglass, The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Reaching Out, The Pearl, Speak, and assorted short stories and poems by noted authors. Students will work on remediating skills from the 9th and 10th grade where proficiency is required for graduation, along with building upon skill development in analytical and narrative writing. In class presentation skills will also be developed throughout the year.
Junior English - REQUIRED
Advanced Placement (AP) English 11 Language and Composition
Course Number: 2130
Prerequisites: Students are expected to complete a summer reading and writing assignment due in two parts, one part in early August and one part on the first full day of school in September.
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 11
AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course designed for highly motivated juniors who have demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing in challenging English classes. According to the College Board, the AP English Language and Composition course “focuses on rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts and the development of analytical and argumentative writing and cultivates the reading and writing skills students need for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers and writers.” Students will read and analyze a broad and challenging range of non-fiction texts written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Through close reading and frequent writing, students will deepen their knowledge of rhetoric and strengthen their own writing of rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis essays, acquiring essential writing skills for success at the collegiate level. Depending on the college or university, students who earn a 3,4,or 5 on the May AP Language exam, may earn college credit. To frontload the course, students are expected to complete a summer reading and writing assignment due in parts, one part in early August and one part on the first full day of school in September.
Honors English 11
Course Number: 2131
Prerequisites: Successful completion of either College Prep or Honors English 10
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 11
This course is designed for the organized and disciplined student who can handle the demands of a fast-paced class that will require daily work outside of school. The course will build on the fundamental disciplines of English, reading, writing, listening and speaking, with an emphasis on evidence based analysis and critical thinking. The course explores great works of literature. Anchor texts include Just Mercy and Macbeth. Core texts will include a selection from The Book Thief, Life of Pi, Unbroken, Brooklyn, and The Thing Around Your Neck. This course includes more challenging and complex reading and writing assignments and proceeds at a faster rate than a college level class. Students will grapple with the course Essential Questions: What factors shape our values? To what extent does power or the lack of power affect individuals? How can a person’s decisions and actions change their life? Writing instruction will focus on persuasive writing and will include continued skill development and review in grammar and usage, speech, and vocabulary.
College Prep English 11
Course Number: 2132
Prerequisites: Successful completion of College Prep English 10
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1UP
Grade 11
This course is designed for the student who is emerging as a skilled and proficient student in English Language Arts and understands and demonstrates the habits necessary to succeed as a junior in high school. This course will build on the fundamental disciplines of English: reading, writing, listening and speaking, with an emphasis on evidence based analysis and critical thinking. Anchor texts selections include Macbeth and Just Mercy. Other core texts include a selection from The Thing Around Your Neck, Beowulf, The Book Thief, and Warriors Don’t Cry. Essential Questions for the class include: What factors shape our values? To what extent does power or the lack of power affect individuals? How can a person’s decisions and actions change their life? Writing instruction will focus on persuasive writing and will include continued skill development and review in grammar, speech, and vocabulary.
Senior English - REQUIRED
Advanced Placement (AP) English 12 Literature and Composition
Course Number: 2140
Prerequisites: Students are expected to complete a summer reading and writing assignment due in two parts, one part in early August and one part on the first full day of school in September.
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grade 12
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is an intensive exploration of master works of literature frequently studied in college English courses. Major course texts are selected primarily from those mentioned frequently on the AP English Literature and Composition exam; they currently include The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison, Hamlet, by Wiliam Shakespeare, Beloved, by Toni Morrison, Dracula, by Bram Stoker, and There There, by Tommy Orange. Throughout the course students also read, analyze, and write about a substantial amount of poetry and short fiction from a variety of time periods and cultural contexts.
Close textual analysis is the heart of the program. Insightful, carefully developed literary analysis essays, as well as timed essays analyzing author’s craft comprise most of the writing program. Some time is devoted to more creative and personal endeavors. The seminar format demands full participation and mastery of habits of work and learning by each student. Students are expected to complete a summer reading and writing assignment due in two parts, one part in early August and one part on the first full day of school in September.
Honors English 12
Course Number: 2141
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year / 1UP
Grade 12
Honors English 12 is designed to facilitate in-depth study of some of the fundamental questions of human existence. To explore these questions, we will read texts representing a variety of genres, writers, cultures, and time periods; we will examine the social, historical, and intellectual contexts of these texts; and we will discuss and write about what we read. To these ends, students will study grammar, mechanics and vocabulary; employ the process of writing to produce narrative, expository, and argumentative texts; and conduct and integrate research as necessary. As this is an honors level course, we will move more quickly and cover more material than courses taught at the college prep. level.
Students at both the college prep. and honors levels will read There There, by Tommy Orange, and Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe. Students at the honors level will also read a selection of novels and plays that will include at least two of the following: The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, and Unsettled, by Colin Woodard. They will also read a substantial quantity of poetry and many short stories representing a diverse range of authors and time periods.
College Prep English 12
Course Number: 2142
Prerequisites: Successful completion of College Prep English 11
Credit: 2 English Credits, full year /1 UP
Grade 12
College Prep. English 12 is designed to facilitate in-depth study of some of the fundamental questions of human existence, and is geared toward the senior who is emerging as a proficient learner in English/Language Arts. The course involves careful reading of texts representing a variety of genres, writers, cultures, and time periods; examination of the social, historical, and intellectual contexts of these texts; and continued development of students’ powers of written and spoken expression. Students will study grammar, mechanics and vocabulary; employ the process of writing to produce narrative, expository, and argumentative texts; and conduct and integrate research as necessary. Strong habits of work and learning are expected. Students at both the college prep. and honors levels will read There There, by Tommy Orange, and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Students at the college prep. level will also study poetry and will read many short stories representing a diverse range of authors and time periods. Additional major readings will come largely from the following list: The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien, Unsettled, by Colin Woodard, Sooley, by John Grisham, and Hamlet, by William Shakespeare.
Standards Recovery English
Course Number: 2193
Credit: 1 English Credits, 1 quarter (repeatable)
Grade 9-12
This course is designed for students who are attempting to earn credit for an English course through standards recovery. Students will read high-interest excerpts from literature about 20th century immigration and/or Gothic literature featuring the supernatural or monsters. Standard recovery will be personalized to an individual student's needs, but may include analytical and/or narrative writing, reading comprehension, and presentational standards. Interested students should see their guidance counselor.
English Language Arts Elective Courses
Creative Writing I
Course Number: 2158
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Credit, 1 semester / .5UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Grade 9 with permission of the instructor
Creative Writing 1 is an introductory course for students who want to develop their writing abilities in a variety of creative modes. Throughout the course writers study diverse published works in multiple genres and develop their own expressive skills through a series of purposefully arranged writing exercises (beginning with imagery and proceeding through study of figurative language, diction, dialogue, voice, structure, etc.). Writers ultimately produce multiple short story and memoir drafts as well as pieces of creative writing in genres such as poetry, drama, and essay. The course includes diverse options for publication, including performance and use of both traditional and new media.
Creative Writing II (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2159
Prerequisites: Mastery of Creative Writing 1 course standards or instructor approval
Credit: 1 Credit, 1 Semester / .5UP
Grade 11 and 12
Creative Writing 2 is an advanced course for writers who are highly motivated to hone their skills. Writers are expected to engage fully with the writing process, with special emphasis on drafting and revision. They participate regularly in writing workshops, providing feedback on the writing of others and receiving feedback on their own. Writers in Creative Writing 2 continue to study diverse published works and explore a variety of genres and creative modes. Unlike Creative Writing 1, however, Creative Writing 2 provides writers with the opportunity for intensive study in the genre of their choice. All writers in Creative Writing 2 produce polished works of both poetry and short fiction and also write one lengthy creative work. This work may be a short story collection, novella, short film, play, or poetry chapbook. For many writers, this lengthy work will constitute the core of a capstone project.
Digital Media (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2194
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 semester / .5 UP
Grades 9-12
How many hours a day do you spend on tiktok? How about Instagram? What is your favorite podcast? How much of the global and national news do you ingest through social media (I know you have all seen those infographics posted on someone’s Instagram story). What if you had the opportunity to curate information about a topic of your choice and had a platform to share that information? In Digital Media, you will engage with topics of your interest and learn how to make successful podcasts, blogs, broadcasts, and vlogs to share with your community. These days, information spreads rapidly, whether that information is accurate or not. As a global citizen, you have the power and responsibility to share a message, talk about your passions, and educate others about whatever YOUR interests are. If you have dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster, a journalist, a social media star, Digital Media will allow you to perhaps soft launch your future career by writing, researching, and creating content about your passions.
Drama Workshop (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2160
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester / .5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course focuses on theater skills through script work and selected improvisational theater activities. Students will develop body movement, voice, and character using a variety of activities. Students will practice acting, set and costume design, blocking, and lighting through production of a one-act play with an emphasis on process rather than product. Opportunities will be available to develop a variety of theater skills that can be useful on stage or in other classes.
Family Genealogy (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2171Q
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Elective Credit, 1 semester/ .5 UP
Grades 10, 11, 12
Interested in finding out more about your early ancestors? Or perhaps you would like to research a Portland High School graduate or famous person in history? If so, then this course is for you! In this elective you will learn research methods using ancestry.com, fold3, and familysearch.org, to name a few. Students will make their own choices of which direction to take their research and the final focus of their culminating project. This course is appropriate for those who have never attempted genealogical research and also those who have.
Life After PHS (Capstone Class)
Course Number: LAP
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Elective Credit, 1 semester / .5UP
Grade 12
This course will help students to explore issues in areas such as career search, employment, personal finance/banking, post-secondary education, income tax, insurance, and other day-to-day life skills necessary for success after high school. In addition to this curriculum, students will participate in the Maine Career Exploration Badge program. This program compensates students through a one-time stipend for working within an internship that will be monitored by the instructor. Students who are already employed can also participate with additional expectations. The successful completion of the course work and modules necessary for the Maine Career Exploration Badge will earn students 1 credit. Successful completion of the MCEB modules accompanied by a presentation at their conclusion to an authentic audience will count as that student’s capstone. Additionally, 1 credit per quarter will be available for students who maintain good standing in their internships or employment.
Literature and Film
Course Number: 2162
Prerequisites: None
Credit : 1 Credit, 1 semester / .5UP
Grades 11 & 12
(May take both semesters as different films and stories will be paired)
Literature & Film is an English elective that studies both film and literature, examining how stories are told. Selected short stories, non-fiction articles, and plays are examined in conjunction with a related film. We will also study some films that are entirely original in their story. Films will be from many different eras, and students will develop an understanding and appreciation of film. We will build on the fundamental disciplines of English -reading, writing, listening and speaking. We will explore the relationship between literature and film and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each medium. Students can expect to read many short works throughout the semester. Analytical discussions, debates, and writing will be emphasized. Lit & Film is offered both semesters, as the content is different. One is not a prerequisite for the other semester.
Sample texts may include:
“A River Runs Through It” by Norman MacLean
“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
“Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams
“Everybody Comes to Rick’s” - adapted into the film Casablanca
“It Had to be Murder” by Cornell Woolrich - adapted into the film Rear Window
"Million Dollar Baby" by FX Toole
How the CIA Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans From Tehran - adapted into the film Argo
The Godfather (excerpts from the novel by Mario Puzo)
Birdman or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (paired with the short story“What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” by Raymond Carver)
Harriet (non-fiction articles about Harriet Tubman)
Dunkirk (non-fiction articles about Operation Dynamo, Churchill’s speeches)
Saving Private Ryan (non-fiction articles about the Normandy invasion)
Musical Theatre Workshop
Course Number: 2161
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit / .5UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course focuses on the production of a Broadway musical. Students will audition for and take part in a complete stage production. Classes will focus on preparation through acting, singing, and movement rehearsals. All students will be expected to take a role in the production that occurs outside of the normal school day. At least two performances will be required near the end of the semester. Limited opportunities will be available in stage and house management, lighting, sound, and stage crew.
Public Speaking
Course Number: 2151
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Credit, 1 semester / .5UP
Grades 10, 11, 12
This course covers the fundamentals of speech making and other confidence building skills that will help them succeed in the future pathway of their choosing. Students will gain experience in the research process and development of opinion and evidence based learning. They will also practice listening and group process skills. Students will write and present at least five speeches.
SAT Critical Reading and Writing
Course Number: 2163
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1, 1 semester/.5UP
Grades 10, 11, 12
Designed for students who would like to become more proficient in their skill set in English Language Arts and improve their standardized test scores, this class will help students improve their reading and writing skills with the hope of seeing improved scores on the reading comprehension and sentence skills sections of the Accuplacer, PSAT, and SAT exams. The course will include help in developing strong habits of work and learning, instruction in English grammar, vocabulary, sentence skills, reading comprehension of both shorter and longer passages, the reading and understanding of informational texts, and writing short; on-demand essays. The class will use a variety of resources including the College Board, Khan Academy, NoREDink, and NewsELA. Students will also take practice tests throughout the semester as part of their preparation for future exams.