English Language Arts and Media Services
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About English and Course Offerings
Mission
English Department Mission
What is the mission of the Morton 201 English department?
The English Department of J.S. Morton High School District 201 develops critical thinkers, life-long learners, and responsible citizens who can access, read, analyze, and communicate information effectively in an ever-evolving global society.
Vision
English Department Vision
What is the vision of the Morton 201 English department?
Graduates of J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 will be able to read, write, and communicate effectively as engaged citizens in a global society. As life-long learners, they will be empowered to think critically and creatively to navigate a complex world.
Administration
Courses
English Department Courses
What English courses are offered at Morton?
Our District 201 students are given their core English classes upon registration and class selection. Students also have the option to take AP English, Honors English and English electives. Visit the Career Cruising page for full descriptions of core English courses. For a full description of the English electives, click on the English electives description PDF document. You can also view each individual course description by expanding each title.
English Department Core Courses
Click each course to view its description.
- English 1 and English 2
- English 3 and English 4
- English 5 and English 6
- AP Language and Composition
- AP Literature and Composition
English 1 and English 2
English 1 and English 2
English Courses
English 1(Fall)
Course description
This class is an introduction to reading, writing, literature and speaking at the high school level. A variety of reading strategies are used to improve comprehension and
examine elements of literature in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. The writing process will be reviewed and reinforced. Students will learn fundamental skills such as listening and research. Special emphasis is placed on test preparation and Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 09 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Placement by 8th grade Test Scores.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 1 (FALL), you must also take ENGLISH 2 (SPRING). ENGLISH 1 HONORS
English 2 (Spring)
Course description
This class is an introduction to reading, writing, literature and speaking at the high school level. A variety of reading strategies are used to improve comprehension and
examine elements of literature in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. The
writing process will be reviewed and reinforced. Students will learn fundamental skills such as listening and research. Special emphasis is placed on test preparation and Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 09 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Placement by 8th grade Test Scores.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 2 (SPRING), you must also take ENGLISH 1 (FALL).
English 1 Honors (Fall)
Course description
This class is an introduction to reading, writing, listening, and speaking at the high school level. Students work in an accelerated and in-depth structure to study
literature as presented through the novel, short story, drama, poetry and non-fiction. A variety of reading strategies are used to improve comprehension and examine elements of literature. The writing process will be reviewed and reinforced. Students will learn fundamental skills such as listening and research strategies. Special emphasis is placed on test preparation as well as Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards. Emphasis is on higher level writing and reading skills including analysis and evaluation.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 09 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Placement by 8th Grade Test Score and/or Teacher Recommendation.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 1 HONORS (FALL), you must also take ENGLISH 2 HONORS (SPRING).
English 2 Honors (Spring)
Course description
This class is an introduction to reading, writing, listening, and speaking at the high school level. Students work in an accelerated and in-depth structure to study
literature as presented through the novel, short story, drama, poetry and
non-fiction. A variety of reading strategies are used to improve comprehension and examine elements of literature. The writing process will be reviewed and reinforced. Students will learn fundamental skills such as listening and research strategies. Special emphasis is placed on test preparation as well as Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards. Emphasis is on higher level writing and reading skills including analysis and evaluation.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 09 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Placement by 8th Grade Test Score and/or Teacher Recommendation.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 2 HONORS (SPRING), you must also take ENGLISH 1 HONORS (FALL).
English 3 and English 4
English 3 and English 4
English Courses
English 3 (Fall)
Course Description
Students continue to develop reading & writing skills. They will examine how the development of the theme, character, plot, and setting contribute to the overall impact of literature. Special attention is paid to the Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards. There will be a focus on general literature, reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, grammar, vocabulary development, test prep strategies and research.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 10 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 1 and 2.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 3 (FALL), you must also take ENGLISH 4 (SPRING).
English 4 (Spring)
Course Description
Students continue to develop reading & writing skills. They will examine how the development of the theme, character, plot, and setting contribute to the overall impact of
literature. Special attention is paid to the Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards. There will be a focus on general literature, reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, grammar, vocabulary development, test prep strategies and research.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 10 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 1,2 and 3.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 4 CORE (SPRING), you must also take ENGLISH 3 CORE (FALL).
English 3 Honors (Fall)
Course Description
Students work in an accelerated and in-depth structure to study literature presented through the novel, short story, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. They will examine how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of literature. Special attention is paid to the Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards. Students will examine general literature, focus on reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, grammar, vocabulary development and research. The emphasis of this course is on higher level writing and reading skills, including analysis and evaluation. Continued emphasis will be on the development of critical
thinking skills and Test prep strategies.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 10 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: (1) Credit for English 1 and 2-Honors or (2) Appropriate grade in English 1 and 2 or Teacher Recommendation.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 3 HONORS (FALL), you must also take ENGLISH 4 HONORS (SPRING).
English 4 Honors (Spring)
Course Description
Students work in an accelerated and in-depth structure to study literature presented through the novel, short story, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. They will examine how
the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of literature. Special attention is paid to the Morton Literacy and Information Literacy Standards. Students will examine general literature, focus on reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, grammar, vocabulary development and research. The emphasis of this course is on higher level writing and reading skills, including analysis and evaluation. Continued emphasis will be on the development of critical thinking skills and Test prep strategies.
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature Grade 10 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: (1.5) Credit for English 1,2 and 3 Honors or (1.5) Credit and Appropriate grade in English 1, 2 and 3 or Teacher Recommendation.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 4 HONORS (SPRING), you must also take ENGLISH 3 HONORS (FALL).
English 5 and English 6
English 5 and English 6
English Courses
English 5 (Fall)
Course Description
The focus of this full-year course is the exploration of American literature. In it, students will continue to develop their reading and writing skills as they analyze & evaluate works by American authors. Through this study they will discover ideas to apply in meaningful ways to their own lives & be able to articulate them through written and verbal expression. A special focus is on the support & defense of a thesis. A Research Paper, which explores an aspect of American culture, is a MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR PASSING the course. In addition students will prepare for the ACT/PSAE which is administered junior year.
Offered: Semester Course
Fees: The purchase of supplemental readers may be required.
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature: Grade 11 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 1, 2, 3 and 4.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 5 (FALL), you must also take ENGLISH 6 (SPRING).
English 6 (Spring)
Course Description
The focus of this full-year course is the exploration of American literature. In it, students will continue to develop their reading and writing skills as they analyze & evaluate works by American authors. Through this study they will discover ideas to apply in meaningful ways to their own lives & be able to articulate them through written and verbal expression. A special focus is on the support & defense of a thesis. A Research Paper, which explores an aspect of American culture, is a MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR PASSING the course. In addition students will prepare for the ACT/PSAE which is administered junior year.
Offered: Semester Course
Fees: The purchase of supplemental readers may be required.
Required Textbook: The Language of Literature: Grade 11 (McDougal Littell / Houghton Mifflin 2001)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
AP Language and Composition
AP Language and Composition
English Courses
AP English 5: Language and Compostion (Fall)
Course Description
The focus of this course is the exploration of American literature. In it, students will continue to develop their reading and writing skills as they analyze & evaluate works by American authors. Through this study they will discover ideas to apply in meaningful ways to their own lives & be able to articulate them through written and verbal expression. A special focus is on the support & defense of a thesis. A Research Paper, which explores an aspect of American culture, is a MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR PASSING the course. In addition students will prepare for the ACT/PSAE which is
administered junior year. Summer readings will be required. Students must check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. Students may not drop the course once enrolled in it.
Offered: Semester Course
Fees: Course fee and mandatory AP exam fee.
Required Textbook: The Language of Composition (Bedford/St. Martin’s 2008)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: (2.0) Credit for English 1, 2, 3 and 4-Honors or (2.0) Appropriate grade in English 1, 2, 3 and 4.
COREQUISITES: If you take ENGLISH 5: LANGUAGE AND COMP (SPRING), you must also take AP ENGLISH 6: LANGUAGE AND COMP (SPRING).
AP English 6: Language and Compostion (Spring)
Course Description
The focus of this course is the exploration of American literature. In it, students will continue to develop their reading and writing skills as they analyze & evaluate works by American authors. Through this study they will discover ideas to apply in meaningful ways to their own lives & be able to articulate them through written and verbal expression. A special focus is on the support & defense of a thesis. A Research Paper, which explores an aspect of American culture, is a MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR PASSING the course. In addition students will prepare for the ACT/PSAE which is administered junior year. Summer readings will be required. Students must check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. Students may not drop the course once enrolled in it.
Offered: Semester Course
Fees: Course fee and mandatory AP exam fee.
Required Textbook: The Language of Composition (Bedford/St. Martin’s 2008)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: (2.5) Credit for English 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Honors or (2.5) Appropriate grade in English 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
COREQUISITES: If you take AP ENGLISH 6: LANGUAGE AND COMP (SPRING), you must also take AP ENGLISH 5: LANGUAGE AND COMP (FALL).
AP Literature and Composition
AP Literature and Composition
English Courses
AP English 7: Literature and Composition (Fall)
Course Description
This course continues the work begun in English 5/6 AP or Honors on critical reading of world literature and analytical writing. This course includes another major research paper. At the conclusion of the year, students should take the Advanced Placement test in English for college credit. Summer readings are required. Students should check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. The student may not drop this course once enrolled in it.
Offered: Semester Course
Fees: Course fee and mandatory AP exam fee.
Required Textbook: Riverside Reader, 8th Edition (Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt
2004)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: (3) Credit for English 5 and 6 or AP English Language and Comp or (3) Credits and Appropriate grade in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: If you take AP ENGLISH 7: LITERATURE AND COMP (FALL), you must also take AP ENGLISH 8: LITERATURE AND COMP (SPRING).
AP English 8: Literature and Composition (Spring)
Course Description
This course continues the work begun in English 5/6 AP or Honors on critical reading of world literature and analytical writing. This course includes another major research paper. At the conclusion of the year, students should take the Advanced Placement test in English for college credit. Summer readings are required. Students should check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. The student may not drop this course once enrolled in it.
Offered: Semester Course
Fees: Course fee and mandatory AP exam fee.
Required Textbook: Riverside Reader, 8th Edition (Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt
2004)
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: (3.5) Credit for English 5 and 6 or AP English Language and Comp or (3.5) Credits and Appropriate grade in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: If you take AP ENGLISH 8: LITERATURE AND COMP (SPRING), you must also take AP ENGLISH 7: LITERATURE AND COMP (FALL).
English Department Course Electives
Click each course to view its description.
- College Preparatory English
- Contemporary Literature
- Creative Writing
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Latin American Literature
- Multicultural Themes
- Science Fiction
College Preparatory English
College Preparatory English
English Department Course Electives
College Preparatory English (Fall)
Course Description
Students examine all areas of language arts:reading, writing, speaking, listening, technology, and research. Heavy emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, critical reading and comprehension strategies, reading rate flexibility, study skills, preparation for college classes and college writing.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
College Preparatory English (Spring)
Course Description
Students examine all areas of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, technology, and research. Heavy emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, critical reading and comprehension strategies, reading rate flexibility, study skills, preparation for college classes and college writing.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Contemporary Literature
Contemporary Literature
English Department Course Electives
Contemporary Literature (Fall)
Course Description
In this semester-long course students will be exposed to a wide variety of contemporary works with an overarching goal of enhancing reading for enjoyment. By discussing and analyzing theme based units, these reading intensive courses aim to promote literacy while aligning evaluative techniques. Through written and oral reflection, students will extrapolate relevant parallels between their roles as American teenagers and those of society at large.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Contemporary Literature (Spring)
Course Description
In this semester-long course students will be exposed to a wide variety of contemporary works with an overarching goal of enhancing reading for enjoyment. By discussing and analyzing theme based units, these reading intensive courses aim to promote literacy while aligning evaluative techniques. Through written and oral reflection, students will extrapolate relevant parallels between their roles as American teenagers and those of society at large.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
English Department Course Electives
Creative Writing (Fall)
Course Description
Students write poetry, autobiographical pieces and short stories after reading examples from each genre and being instructed in various creative-writing techniques. The course is designed to be an outlet of self-expression for students as they explore how they think and feel about a variety of topics and issues. Students will be expected to submit at least one piece of work for publication or competition.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Creative Writing (Spring)
Course Description
Students write poetry, autobiographical pieces and short stories after reading examples from each genre and being instructed in various creative-writing techniques. The course is designed to be an outlet of self-expression for students as they explore how they think and feel about a variety of topics and issues. Students will be expected to submit at least one piece of work for publication or competition.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Humanities
Humanities
English Department Course Electives
Humanities (Fall)
Course Description
Students read and write about significant works of world literature. Special emphasis is placed on examining how these works fit into various cultural, historical and artistic contexts. Students are challenged to make connections between what they read and various works of artistic merit in the fields of music and visual arts. Students end the
semester with a research project which incorporates their understanding of the course theme and its connection to a significant work of literature.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Humanities (Spring)
Course Description
Students read and write about significant works of world literature. Special emphasis is placed on examining how these works fit into various cultural, historical and artistic contexts. Students are challenged to make connections between what they read and various works of artistic merit in the fields of music and visual arts. Students end the
semester with a research project which incorporates their understanding of the course theme and its connection to a significant work of literature.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Journalism
Journalism
English Department Course Elective
Journalism (Fall)
Course Description
Journalism is a senior English class designed to teach students elements of journalistic writing. A major objective of this course is to contribute to publications such as the school newspaper and yearbook. The class is writing intensive, and the main goal is to teach students how to write for different media. Students will also spend time discussing and evaluating the importance of ethical journalistic behavior. Students will also study libel and press laws, photo caption and headline writing, and mechanical production. Additional hours before and after school will be required to meet deadlines for finishing the literary publications.
Offered: Semester Course
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12 (10 & 11 as a general elective only) NOTE: Sophomores may take this course as an elective in addition to the English 3/4 class: instructor approval is required. Juniors may take this course as an elective in addition to the English 5/6 or AP English Language class: instructor approval is required.
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: If you take JOURNALISM (FALL), you must also take JOURNALISM (SPRING).
Journalism (Spring)
Course Description
Journalism is a senior English class designed to teach students elements of journalistic writing. A major objective of this course is to contribute to publications such as the school newspaper and yearbook. The class is writing intensive, and the main goal is to teach students how to write for different media. Students will also spend time discussing and evaluating the importance of ethical journalistic behavior. Students will also study libel and press laws, photo caption and headline writing, and mechanical production. Additional hours before and after school will be required to meet deadlines for finishing the literary publications.
Offered: Semester Course
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE:12 (10 & 11 as a general elective only) NOTE: Sophomores may take this course as an elective in addition to the English 3/4 class: instructor approval is required. Juniors may take this course as an elective in addition to the English 5/6 or AP English Language class: instructor approval is required.
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: If you take JOURNALISM (SPRING), you must also take JOURNALISM (FALL).
Latin American Literature
Latin American Literature
English Department Course Electives
Latin American Literature (Fall)
Course Description
In this semester-long course students will focus on examining texts by writers of Latin American ancestry. Students will read and analyze various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. The course will develop each student’s ability to analyze literature and communicate through both written and oral expression as they develop their own understanding of Latino perspectives.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Latin American Literature (Spring)
Course Description
In this semester-long course students will focus on examining texts by writers of Latin American ancestry. Students will read and analyze various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. The course will develop each student’s ability to analyze literature and communicate through both written and oral expression as they develop their own understanding of Latino perspectives.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Multicultural Themes
MULTICULTURAL THEMES
English Course
Course Description
This course presents multicultural themes and perspectives in literature. This multi-cultural literature is writing that represents the works of marginalized Americans who illustrate the ethnic diversity of America and the cross cultural experience that is a part of American life. Emphasis is placed on developing a deeper understanding and awareness of cultural diversity as reflected in contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and other artistic works. Junior students enrolling in English electives must simultaneously be enrolled in either English III or AP Language and Composition.
Offered: Semester Only.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English III or AP Language and Composition.
Science Fiction
Science Fiction
English Department Course Electives
Science Fiction (Fall)
Course Description
In this semester English course, students analyze both science fiction literature and non-fiction writings associated with the literature. Heavy emphasis is placed on critical reading, higher order thinking skills, technology and research.
Offered: Semester Only
Fees: Course fee.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
Science Fiction (Spring)
Course Description
In this semester English course, students analyze both science fiction literature and non-fiction writings associated with the literature. Heavy emphasis is placed on critical reading, higher order thinking skills, technology and research.
Offered: Semester Only
Fees: Course fee.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Previous enrollment in English 5 and 6.
COREQUISITES: None
English Language Arts Flier
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