Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.

Fundamentals of Writing
ENG213 or ENG214 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisites: Language and Literature 
REQUIRED ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

Fundamentals of Writing (Blended)
ENG213b or ENG214b | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisites: Language and Literature 
REQUIRED ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This is a one-semester course designed to teach basic composition. Fundamentals of Writing includes a variety of writing modes, including analysis and research. We emphasize the writing process and MLA format. The class aligns to Iowa Core standards associated with grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary. In addition, a variety of teacher and student-selected mentor texts will provide a foundation upon which students will develop effective writing skills. This course fulfills the Fundamentals of Writing graduation requirement.

Fundamentals of Writing (PBLN)
ENG213p Or ENG214p | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisites: Language and Literature 
REQUIRED ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This course is taught using project-based instructional strategies.  Students will earn their required credit for Fundamentals of Writing.  Please see the Fundamentals of Writing course description for further information.

Language and Literature 
ENG101 and ENG102 | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

Language and Literature is a two-semester course designed to expose students to multiple genres of literature with varying complexity and to utilize the modes of writing for different purposes. Literary genres will include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Literature will be analyzed for craft and structure, themes, details, and character development. Informational texts will include both printed and web-based articles to accompany various thematic units, especially those involving research. When applicable, literary concepts will be integrated with different subject areas and different artistic mediums. Independent reading choices will include a mix of multicultural, young adult, and classic literature. Students will write for different purposes, with an emphasis on expository and argument. Students will utilize the writing process to craft essays, peer edit, and revise written work using standard conventions of language. Vocabulary will be studied in connection with literary units with an emphasis on meaning, content, connotation, denotation, and figurative language. Film analysis and multimedia presentations will accompany some thematic units.

Speech Communication
ENG107 or ENG108 | First OR Second Semester
REQUIRED ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

Speech Communication is a one-semester required course designed to improve effectiveness of verbal and non-verbal communication. Concepts and activities include the development of interpersonal skills, intrapersonal awareness, organizational skills, and delivery skills for public speaking. Students will research topics of their choice using online databases and other web resources. They will utilize presentation software and other audio/visual digital resources. Students will use technology to record and reflect upon their presentations. They will engage in group processing and discussions, as well as other activities to enhance listening and overall communication skills for application to real life situations.

Speech/Composition
ENG221 and ENG222 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Both semesters of Language and Literature
REQUIRED ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

Students who feel the personalized environment of a full-year course would be beneficial to them are encouraged to register for this course. This full-year course is an integration of Speech Communication and Fundamentals of Writing, fulfilling both graduation requirements.  Students will explore a variety of writing and speaking modes, including analysis and research. We emphasize the writing and speech development process and MLA format. Speech communication concepts and activities include the development of interpersonal awareness and the organizational and delivery skills for public speaking. Students will engage in collaborative discussions, as well as other activities to enhance listening and overall communication skills for application to real-life situations. 

Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.

Advanced Contemporary Literature
ENG331 or ENG332 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisites:Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This one-semester course is designed for students interested in exploring literature based upon contemporary issues, themes, and artists. This is an aggressive literature class designed to expand on student’s established literary knowledge. Students who enjoy reading or who are preparing for an AP class in Language Arts would benefit from this course. Fiction, nonfiction, plays, film, and poetry will be studied in depth to provide understanding of contemporary issues and artists of varying background in preparation for college-level study of literature. To this end, the literature in this course may contain mature language and themes. Students will read four to six full-length texts throughout the semester.

Advanced World Literature 
ENG327 or ENG328 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

A one-semester course offers students a survey of literature from a variety of countries – excluding America and Britain – from a variety of time periods. Selections will represent a number of different genres and will be organized around thematic concepts. Some writers that may be studied include Wiesel, Hesse, Neruda, Petrarch, Ibsen, and many others. An important objective of the class is to learn about other cultures. Students will also deepen their understanding of literary genres and literary conventions.

American Heritage    
SOC307 and SOC308 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Writing
Literature ELECTIVE and US History
⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This interdisciplinary course integrates history, literature, and writing in an exploration of important literacy trends and themes in American Literature especially as it relates to cultural and historical events from the 17th Century forward. In this yearlong course, students will earn four (4) credits: one for each semester of U.S. History, one American Literary Voices credit, and one Intermediate Writing credit. See those course descriptions for more details regarding curricular topics.

This course, taught by one social studies teacher and one language arts teacher, meets daily for two periods (or one block period). This reading intensive and project-based course will emphasize group interaction, research projects and field trips to explore real world connections.

Students interested in working with others on group projects are well suited for the interactive and exploratory nature of this class. Because students in this course work with the same peers and teachers for both semesters, they will form deeper relationships with each other than often happens in shorter courses.

Please note: students previously enrolled in Intermediate Writing or American Literary Voices are not eligible. Additionally, students who complete this course should not schedule another semester of American Literary Voices or Intermediate Writing. 

American Literary Voices
ENG347 or ENG348 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This one semester course invites readers to analyze, interpret, and discuss prominent and relevant themes in literature by American writers. Through a selection of novels, short stories, plays, poems, and essays, readers will explore the ways in which individuals, cultures, movements, and historical events shape literature. Students will be expected to analyze themes, story elements, and author craft in texts; participate in collaborative discussions; and write formal and informal pieces. While the course will focus on American writers, voices from around the world will also be incorporated.

AP Literature and Composition
ENG503 and ENG504 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Advanced Composition and one of the following literature courses: Literature and the Land or American Literary Voices, Gender, Race, and Culture,  Science Fiction and Fantasy, Bards, Rebels, & Renegades: Shakespeare & Contemporary Literature, American Heritage, World Literature, or Advanced Contemporary Literature
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

AP Literature and Composition is designed to develop critical analysis abilities through the reading and study of short fiction, plays, novels, and poetry. Readings for class will reflect both classic and contemporary authors and may include up to nine full-length novels and plays, and include a summer reading assignment. Students will prepare for the spring Advanced Placement exam.

The course is time intensive and requires excellent active reading and writing abilities. Students are expected to have mastered the basics of composition before entering the course. Development of literary term usage, insightful reading for in-class discussion, and construction of mature, analytical essays will be stressed. 

It is highly advised to take the Advanced Placement exam as a culmination of the AP course curriculum.  Students who successfully complete an AP course will have a .5 weighted grade applied to their gpa for the course. Students who participate in the AP exam will have a total of 1.0 weighted grade applied to their gpa for the course. Regardless of exam participation, a student's transcript will reflect the title of the AP course they enrolled in. 

 This course must be taken for DMACC credit.
Each exam has a cost that will be incurred by the student.  If students are in need of financial assistance to help with the cost of AP exams, please see your assigned counselor for information.

Bards, Rebels, & Renegades: Shakespeare & Contemporary Literature
ENG319 or ENG320 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This one-semester class will pair Shakespeare’s work with literature from contemporary poets and authors to investigate ideas encountered by Shakespeare’s characters and how those ideas resonate in the 21st century. Students will study a variety of literary texts, including works of Shakespeare, poetry (song lyrics, spoken word, novels in verse, and more traditional forms), film, and other contemporary texts. Students will explore the important questions this literature encourages us to ask about ourselves and the world around us. Throughout the semester, students will develop their skills in literary analysis, writing, and collaboration discussion.

Dramatic Literature     
ENG304 | Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This one-semester course invites students to explore how society uses drama to process and address the greater issues of the time.  Students will read a variety of plays written by playwrights from the Greek era to the present and demonstrate their learning through written work and collaborative discussion.  An overview of the historical background of these different periods will be given, and students will recognize some of the characteristics that give certain plays a universal and timeless quality. This course may be taken to fulfill the one-credit literature requirement for graduation.

Gender, Race, and Culture in Literature    
ENG325 or ENG326 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisites: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬛RAI

This one-semester elective course is a literature credit for Language Arts.  It will uncover the variety of ways in which different social identities are reflected in both primary documents and literature. Focus will be given to gender, race, and culture in analysis of major literary themes. Students will be able to write literary and rhetorical analyses, as well as examine how literary and rhetorical elements impact texts and audiences. 
 
Literature and the Land
ENG351 or ENG352 | First or Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 
 
This one-semester literature course explores the relationship between the natural world and those who interact with it. Students will examine works of nature literature from historical as well as contemporary authors. Text forms range from poems, essays, and short stories to novels and visual texts.  Students will improve their skills in the Language Arts standards in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Specifically, students will be expected to analyze themes, story elements, and author craft in texts; participate in collaborative discussions; and write formal and informal pieces. 

Science Fiction and Fantasy     
ENG341 or ENG342 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
Literature ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This one-semester course will focus on classic and contemporary short stories, novels, and films in the science-fiction and fantasy genres.  Students will engage in analyses of literature from a diverse group of authors focusing on themes such as dystopian and utopian societies, extraterrestrial contact, space and time travel, scientific frontiers, heroic legends, magic, and imaginary lands. The course will emphasize literature that is both reflective of the human condition and relevant to modern students. 

Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.

Advanced Speech Communication
ENG201 or ENG202 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Speech Communication or Speech/Composition
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

Advanced Speech Communication is a one-semester course designed to further students’ verbal and nonverbal communication expertise in real life situations. Students will research topics of their choice using online databases and other web resources. They will utilize presentation software and other audio/visual digital resources. Students will use technology to record and reflect upon their presentations. 

Students develop skills for effective problem-solving, group processing, leadership, storytelling, and television performance. Creative and critical thinking are an integral part of all Advanced Speech Communication activities. The skills emphasized in this course are important in the workplace. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Broadcasting Lab    
ENG210 | Second Semester
Prerequisite: Digital Journalism Performance & Production 
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This one-semester professional-based lab course focuses further on radio production, management, programming, and sales with additional on-air script writing and reporting. Students will develop programming that requires them to spend at least one hour per week on KWDM. Students will be able to further differentiate their learning experience by choosing a track to follow in the course with various deadlines and production, on-air, and scripting requirements. All students will be required to learn sales and marketing for KWDM. 

Interested students may take this course multiple times in order to expand their knowledge of broadcasting production, management, and programming, as well as build the level of expertise needed to possibly work with other departments and assist with school, district, and community media needs. Students will be encouraged to change the track focus when taking the course an additional time.

Debate I/Public Speaking
ENG601 and ENG602 | Full-Year Course
Speech ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

In this yearlong course, each student will develop debate and public speaking skills. Debate will include research, preparation, presentation, and evaluation of policy debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, public forum, and legislative debate. Students will use online research tools and subscription services such as Lexis-Nexis and JSTOR. Public speaking will include oratorical and extemporaneous speaking and interpretation of literature. Students will be required to participate in cocurricular activities beyond the school day. 

Requiring advanced reading comprehension and analytical skills, this rigorous course is intended for self-motivated students who can work both cooperatively and independently. This course fulfills the Speech graduation requirement. 

A debate course is required for all debate team members, and all members of the class will participate on the debate team. Students will be required to participate in a minimum of ten rounds of competitive debate per semester. This requirement can be met at two local competitions per semester. There will be no cost to the students at these local competitions.

Debate II
ENG603 and ENG604 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Debate I/Public Speaking
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

This yearlong course is designed to give students additional debate experience. Students will read critically and evaluate evidence in preparation for presentations. Examination of philosophy, fallacies in reasoning, and organization will be a significant component of the course. Students will engage in academic research, advanced writing, and speaking skills. Students will continue to use online research tools and subscription services such as Lexis-Nexis and JSTOR. A debate course is required for all debate team members, and all members of the class will participate on the debate team.

Digital Journalism Performance & Production (Iowa Western Community College)     
ENG207 or ENG208 | First OR Second Semester
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬜RAI

This one-semester professional-journalism based course involves students in producing programming (all elements needed for broadcast) on KWDM, Valley’s radio station. Students learn various journalism performance components as well as announcing style approaches, and FCC rules and regulations. There is a focus on on-air technique, including vocal development and use of digital technology equipment. Students will also write and produce pre-recorded materials, such as promotions, public service announcements, and news summaries. 

Classroom discussions and projects pertain to programming and broadcasting, target audience, announcing for the situation, commercial analysis, vocal analysis, interviewing, radio station formatting, and radio technology. This course must be taken for Iowa Western Community College credit.

Drama I: Acting     
ENG203 or ENG204 | First or Second Semester
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Acting is a one-semester course that improves students’ abilities in the theater arts and performing. The course encourages the development of self and group awareness. It emphasizes body control, voice development, improvisation, and character analysis. In addition, mime and movement, ensemble building, and audition techniques are studied. It concludes with the production of scenes from plays. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement for graduation or may be used as an English elective.

Drama II: Advanced Acting     
ENG211 or 212 | First or Second Semester
Prerequisite: Drama I: Acting
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

Advanced Acting is a one-semester course that improves students’ abilities in the theatre arts and performing. The course encourages the development of self and group awareness. It emphasizes advanced movement theories, in-depth vocal training, period styles, college auditioning techniques, and musical theatre. In addition, students will study historical acting periods. It concludes with the production of scenes from plays. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement for graduation or may be used as an English elective.

Theatrics
ENG105 or ENG106 | First OR Second Semester
Speech ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RA

This one-semester course encourages the development of self and group-awareness. It will emphasize theatre culture, performance, and appreciation. National Standards for the Arts will be addressed through scriptwriting, oral interpretation, criticism, research, history, movement, ensemble work, and careers. This course will satisfy the fine arts requirement for graduation if elected. This is a one-semester course.

Advanced Composition
ENG403 or ENG404 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Writing or Ninth-Grade Literature and Composition
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

Advanced Composition is a one-semester course intended to prepare students for the expository, argument, analysis, and scholarly research writing they will encounter in college and AP classes. Students will hone a variety of writing skills.  In addition to developing their writing skills, students will further develop their ability to read and evaluate a range of informational text and use text details to support ideas in their writing.

Students who struggled to meet the standards of Fundamentals of Writing or feel they need more writing practice should consider Intermediate Writing before moving on to Advanced Composition.  Any student planning to attend a four-year college should strongly consider Advanced Composition before graduating from Valley. The course also serves as a prerequisite for AP English courses.

Advanced Creative Writing 
ENG405 or ENG406 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Writing and Creative Writing I
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬜RAI 

This course is designed for self-motivated students interested in deepening their understanding of creative writing. The focus of the course centers on four objectives: writing, reading, publication, and literacy. The course will be offered to students who have successfully completed Creative Writing. Students will be adding to the portfolios they assembled in Creative Writing by working in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. The course will involve extensive work-shopping, revision, and reflection. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Advanced Publications Concepts     
ENG407 and ENG408 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Two semesters of Publications: Newspaper or Publications: Yearbook
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Students will participate in publications as editors and perform all editorial functions: section planning, assigning, designing, researching, writing, editing, pre-press production, and publication evaluation. This course, which cannot be used as the required writing unit for graduation, should be taken only by those students who have previously taken two semesters of publication coursework.

American Heritage
SOC307 and SOC308 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Writing
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This interdisciplinary course integrates history, literature, and writing in an exploration of important literacy trends and themes in Literature and the Land and American Literary Voices, especially as it relates to cultural and historical events from the 17th Century forward. In this yearlong course, students will earn four (4) credits: one for each semester of U.S. History, one American Literary Voices credit, and one Intermediate Writing credit. See those course descriptions for more details regarding curricular topics.

This course, taught by one social studies teacher and one language arts teacher, meets daily for two periods (or one block period). This reading intensive and project-based course will emphasize group interaction, research projects and field trips to explore real world connections.

Students interested in working with others on group projects are well suited for the interactive and exploratory nature of this class. Because students in this course work with the same peers and teachers for both semesters, they will form deeper relationships with each other than often happens in shorter courses.

Please note: students previously enrolled in Intermediate Writing or either Literature and the Land or American Literary Voices are not eligible. Additionally, students who complete this course should not schedule another semester of Literature and the Land or American Literary Voices or Intermediate Writing. There may be limited availability to register for this course. 

American Studies (PBLN)
SOC307p and SOC308p | Full-Year course
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Writing
Writing & Literature ELECTIVE and US History ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This course is taught using project-based instructional strategies.  In this yearlong course, students will earn four (4) credits: one for each semester of U.S. History, one American Literary Voices credit, and one Intermediate Writing credit. See those course descriptions for more details regarding curricular topics.

Analysis of Society (PBLN)
PBL402 | Second Semester
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This course integrates Advanced Composition with Sociology using project-based instructional strategies. Students will earn 1 credit for Advanced Composition (NCAA, RAI) and will earn  1 credit for Sociology (NCAA, RAI). Please see each individual course for further course information.

AP Language and Composition      
ENG501 and ENG502 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Advanced Composition and one of the following literature courses: Literature and the Land or American Literary Voices,  Gender, Race, and Culture,  Science Fiction and Fantasy, Bards, Rebels, & Renegades: Shakespeare & Contemporary Literature, American Heritage, World Literature, or Advanced Contemporary Literature
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

AP Language and Composition is designed to develop critical analysis abilities through the reading and study of classic and contemporary nonfiction works, both textual and visual, as well as to develop the ability to compose prose directed to a specific audience. Students are expected to become more sensitive to the nuances of effective prose and literary style and to use more than one rhetorical strategy in a literary context. This course helps students enhance general discipline-specific vocabulary, improve writing style, and use rhetorical strategies. A summer reading assignment will review foundational skills, stress individual reading and analysis, and lay groundwork for the class. Throughout the year, students will keep a metacognitive journal highlighting their learning as well as their growth as a world citizen.

This course requires a time commitment above that of most high school English courses. Students will be required to have and use excellent active reading and writing abilities. The critiques will follow College Board expectations for college-level analysis.

 It is highly advised to take the Advanced Placement exam as a culmination of the AP course curriculum.  Students who successfully complete an AP course will have a .5 weighted grade applied to their gpa for the course. Students who participate in the AP exam will have a total of 1.0 weighted grade applied to their gpa for the course. Regardless of exam participation, a student's transcript will reflect the title of the AP course they enrolled in.  This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

Each exam has a cost that will be incurred by the student.  If students are in need of financial assistance to help with the cost of AP exams, please see your assigned counselor for information.

Creative Writing I 
ENG401 or ENG402 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Writing
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

This one-semester course is offered to help students develop their individual creativity and to appreciate that of other writers. The course includes a survey of various types of creative writing, a critical analysis of styles and methods, and practice in writing poetry and prose with special attention given to development of personal style. Students will reflect on the process behind their written pieces and a portfolio of selected writings is required of each student at the end of the course.

Intermediate Writing 
ENG305 or ENG306 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Writing
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

This one-semester course will continue to reinforce and extend the skills from Fundamentals of Writing. Students will develop strong essays in a variety of writing modes with an emphasis on the writing process: prewriting, drafting, evaluating, revising, and editing. Students will practice research techniques and review MLA documentation. The class will include review lessons of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Students will read a variety of mentor texts in order to build on their understanding of effective writing styles and to develop vocabulary skills. 

Intermediate Writing (PBLN)
ENG305p or ENG306p | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Writing
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

This course is taught using project-based instructional strategies. Students will earn 1 credit for Intermediate Writing. Please see the Intermediate Writing course description for further information.

Journalism I    
ENG215 or ENG216 | First OR Second Semester
Writing ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

A one-semester specialized writing class, this course includes news, feature, and opinion writing. Students will examine their world for its news potential, review basic writing competencies, experiment with a variety of journalistic writing styles, practice interviewing and library research methods, and acquaint themselves with the basics of prepress production. Several projects will be produced on the computer using software useful for yearbook and newspaper courses. 

Also emphasized are press freedoms and responsibilities. The course is of value to anyone interested in expanding his or her skills in communications and is a prerequisite for Publications: Yearbook and Publications: Newspaper courses.

Publications: Newspaper     
ENG309 and ENG310 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Journalism I
Mass Communications ELECTIVE 
⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

A one- or two-semester course dealing with the practical application of journalistic skills. Students will assume reporting and photography positions on Spotlight, Valley’s student newspaper. They will assist in all aspects of producing the newspaper, from planning to pre-press production. Selected students will also assist in the business aspects of the publication, including advertising sales and record keeping. Students interested in assuming editorial positions on Spotlight are encouraged to take this course as early in their high school career as possible.

Publications: Yearbook     
ENG311 and ENG312 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Journalism I
Mass Communications ELECTIVE 
⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

Yearbook is offered as a one-semester course; however, it is recommended that students take the course for two semesters, beginning with the fall semester. The course applies fundamental language arts and journalism skills in producing the yearbook. Students will assume staff positions and be responsible for completing assignments according to a deadline schedule. Knowledge of a word processing program and the InDesign program will greatly benefit students taking this course for the first time. A working knowledge of computers is necessary since all copy is electronic submission and layouts are electronically-generated online. 

Students should be adept in language arts with good writing and communication skills.

Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.

Cultural Literacy (PBLN)
ENGp101 and ENGp102 | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Cultural Literacy is a PBL-integrated course. Cultural Literacy is a two-semester course and is a broad-based investigation of world regions. The course focuses on the geography and cultures of Latin America, the Middle East, East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Antarctica, and the Pacific World. In addition to these area studies, the course will emphasize the five themes of geography, map skills, research skills, and current global issues. This social studies course will integrate with the ninth-grade core courses and electives.

Note: Cultural Literacy at Valley Southwoods fulfills the graduation requirement of two semesters of Language and Literature. 

Debate III    
ENG605 and ENG606 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Debate II
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This yearlong course is designed to give the student the knowledge of advanced theories of logic and argumentation. Specific models of logic will be examined. Advanced research methods as well as specific testing of various forms of evidence will be utilized. Additional opportunities in the areas of original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking and oral interpretation of literature will be provided. Students will prepare for presentations in Lincoln-Douglas, policy debate, public forum, and legislative debate. Students will use online research tools and subscription services such as Lexis-Nexis and JSTOR. A debate course is required for all debate team members, and all members of the class will participate on the debate team. 

Debate IV 
ENG607 and ENG608 | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Debate III
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

This full-year course is designed to allow students to undertake individual research projects as approved by the instructor. Advanced research techniques will be utilized and topics will be associated with the problem area being debated during that particular year in Lincoln-Douglas and policy debate. Students will be expected to research and analyze several critical national and international issues, both socially and politically in public forum and legislative debate. Research levels comparable to those required in entry-level college courses will be expected. Students will use online research tools and subscription services such as Lexis-Nexis and JSTOR. Advanced work in original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, and oral interpretation of literature may serve as an alternative to some research assignments. A debate course is required for all debate team members, and all members of the class will participate on the debate team. 

ESOL I 
ENG333 and ENG334 | Full-Year Course
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This full-year course is designed for English learners to begin to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to construct meaning and participate in grade-appropriate discourse. Targeted, systematic language development instruction is designed to support students’ transition into the American school system and culture. Instruction and assessment align to ELP Standards 1, 2, 3, 4. ESOL services are provided to students identified in accordance with the criteria set by the state of Iowa. Qualifying students may take this course multiple times for credit.

ESOL II    
ENG219 and ENG220 | Full Year Course
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This full-year course is designed for English learners to continue to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to construct meaning and participate in the grade-appropriate discourse. Instruction is designed to support students’ development of clear and coherent grade-appropriate English language usage. Targeted, systematic language development instruction and assessment align to ELP Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10. ESOL services are provided to students identified in accordance with the criteria set by the state of Iowa. Qualifying students may take this course multiple times for credit.

ESOL III
ENG329 and ENG330 | Full Year Course
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This full year course supports English Learners with integrated content specific and academic language expansion focused on acquiring the language needed to read, write, listen and speak in grade-appropriate content in order to prepare students for postsecondary learning, careers, and life. Instruction and assessment align with the English Language Proficiency Standards 4 -10. ESOL services are provided to students identified in accordance with the criteria set by the state of Iowa. Qualifying students may take this course multiple times for credit.

ESOL IV 
ENG411 and ENG412|Full Year Course
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

This full-year course supports English learners with integrated content-specific and academic language expansion focused on developing the language needed to comprehend and express understanding of grade-level work. Instruction and assessment align to English Language Proficiency Standards 4 through 10. Students continue to expand their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in order to prepare students for postsecondary learning, careers, and life. ESOL services are provided to students identified in accordance with the criteria set by the state of Iowa. Qualifying students may take this course multiple times for credit.

ESOL Reading 
ENG335 or ENG336 | First OR Second Semester
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

ESOL Reading provides targeted, systematic language development specifically in the area of literacy. Students experience instruction in the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.  Instruction and assessment are differentiated to meet the needs of the students in the classroom and is aligned to ELP Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4 with a focus on reading and writing skills. This course provides specialized learning opportunities for students who are beginning to develop foundational literacy skills alongside oral language development. Qualifying students may take this course multiple times for credit.

ESOL Resource
ENG415 or ENG416 | First OR Second Semester
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

ESOL Resource is intended to support emerging ELs with their English language development and attainment of academic content.  This course supports students' cultural transition to U.S. schools and their development of academic language in content classes.  Students focus on comprehension, interactive language development, talking and writing about texts, developing oral and written arguments, and determining the meaning of general academic and content-specific words.

Film As Literature
ENG217 or ENG218 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language & Literature (Valley Southwoods)
General ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬛RAI

Film as Literature is a one-semester elective course that fulfills a Language Arts elective requirement.  This is a course designed to examine films as pieces of literature, while also examining film for its cinematic qualities.  This class has strong emphasis on 21st century critical thinking skills.  Students will be viewing several types of film genres in this class and will be required to write about and analyze these films. Analyses can come in many forms:  verbal, written essays, or tests.  Finally, students will be required in the first half of the class to view a film of their choice and complete a film analysis. 

Fundamentals of Writing Lab     
ENG109 or ENG110 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature (Valley Southwoods)/Ninth-Grade English
Support ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬛RAI 

Fundamentals of Writing Lab (Blended)
ENG109 or ENG110 | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisite: Language and Literature (Valley Southwoods)/Ninth-Grade English
Support ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬛RAI 

Fundamentals of Writing Lab is a one-semester course that meets every day, and students take this course concurrently with Fundamentals of Writing.  This class is for students whose writing skills are below grade level. Enrollment is based on assessment scores and staff recommendation. The purpose of Fundamentals of Writing Lab is to provide students with further development of writing skills and strategies to help them be successful in Fundamentals of Writing and other future writing. Specific areas of focus include additional instruction on developing and organizing writing for specific tasks, purposes, and audiences; finding, evaluating, and incorporating sources for research writing; and applying standard expectations for writing conventions. 

Literature and Composition
ENG227 and ENG228 | Full-Year Course 
Elective ADVANCED 
⬛9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

Literature and Composition is a compacted 2-credit course, fulfilling the graduation requirements of two semesters of Language and Literature and one semester of Fundamentals of Writing. The course moves at a rigorous pace, exposing students to multiple genres of literature with varying complexity and all of the modes of writing. Literature will be analyzed for craft, structure, style, character development, and themes, including short stories, novels, poetry, and drama. An emphasis will be placed on Pre-AP literary analysis. Writing will include a full-length MLA style research paper, expository, personal narrative, literary analysis, and argument.  Poetry will include original writing and explication of poetry with advanced analysis. Students will have weekly requirements for vocabulary development.

Reading Resource    
RDG107 and/or RDG108  | First and/or  Second Semester
Support ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI 

Reading Resource is a pass/no pass class. The purpose of this course is to provide students with additional direct instruction in Reading skills and strategies. Students will be assessed for problem areas, and review key concepts using a variety of strategies and methods. Enrollment is based on assessment scores and staff recommendation. If it becomes apparent by the building administrator that the student has been inappropriately placed, an adjustment will be made.

Self, Society, and Literature 
ENG343 or ENG344  | First OR Second Semester
Prerequisites: Language and Literature or Literature and Composition
General ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI 

This one-semester elective course fulfills a Language Arts requirement and will focus on
providing authentic reading experiences to help students develop the habits of lifelong readers.

Through independent reading and self-reflection, students will explore how themes in literature connect to both their own experiences and the world in which they live. Students will engage in critical reading, thinking, and writing to examine how and why authors reinforce themes related to human nature and society. The course will emphasize student choice and self-directed learning, requiring students to select and read several books a quarter where they will explore relationships among themes in student-selected literature, contemporary nonfiction articles, and one’s own understanding and experiences.

Technical Theater Production     
ENG206 or ENG207 | First OR Second Semester
Speech ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAI

This one-semester course gives the student a basic knowledge of stagecraft, stage design, makeup, and costuming. In addition, stage lighting, publicity, and sound design are also explored. Students will design an entire production for a full-length play, as well as study the dramatic structure of that play. This course can satisfy the fine arts requirement for graduation, or it can serve as an English elective.