Primavera Language Arts courses nurture an appreciation for literature while developing a proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, grammar usage, spelling and vocabulary.
COURSE INTRO VIDEOS
COURSE CATALOG
Click on a course below for description, suggested grade level and prerequisite requirements:
FRESHMEN ENGLISH
In this course, students read and analyze both literary and informational texts, including autobiographies, personal memoirs, newspaper and magazine articles, and poetry. Students understand explicit and inferred meaning and identify support for them. They also learn how figurative language impacts the text. In addition, students learn about basics in grammar, usage, and punctuation. They also learn vocabulary words, and Greek and Latin affixes, and roots. In addition, they learn the elements of writing so that they can plan, write, revise, and edit their own personal memoir and literary analysis. Through the lessons provided in this course, they master techniques that will help them achieve a deeper appreciation of literary and informational texts.
Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: None
FRESHMEN ENGLISH
In this course, students read and analyze both literary and informational texts. These texts take many different forms, including biographies, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, poetry, and influential historical documents. The course’s reading selections demonstrate ways to understand explicit and inferred meaning through textual evidence; theme, central ideas, and details that support them; and structural elements and their influence on style, among other ideas and concepts. Throughout this course, you will read the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand. They will also examine informational texts to better understanding of historical moments throughout the history of the United States, including presidential speeches and a famous letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. during his imprisonment in a Birmingham jail at the height of the civil rights movement. As they read the selections in this course, students practice ways to recognize textual evidence, identify themes and central ideas, make inferences, and identify figurative and connotative language in a variety of texts. In addition, students review information on context clues and word nuances, and learn about spelling conventions, style manuals, phrases clauses, parallel structure, semicolons, and colons. Students also learn the definitions, parts of speech, and etymology of various vocabulary words you will see throughout the reading selections. In addition, they learn the elements of writing so that you can plan, write, revise, and edit informational essay and argument essays.
Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: English 9A
FRESHMEN ENGLISH
In this course, students read and analyze both literary and informational texts, including autobiographies, personal memoirs, newspaper and magazine articles, and poetry. Students understand explicit and inferred meaning and identify support for them. They also learn how figurative language impacts the text. In addition, students learn about basics in grammar, usage, and punctuation. They also learn vocabulary words, and Greek and Latin affixes, and roots. In addition, they learn the elements of writing so that they can plan, write, revise, and edit their own personal memoir and literary analysis. Through the lessons provided in this course, they master techniques that will help them achieve a deeper appreciation of literary and informational texts.
Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: None
FRESHMEN ENGLISH
In this course, students read and analyze both literary and informational texts. These texts take many different forms, including biographies, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, poetry, and influential historical documents. The course’s reading selections demonstrate ways to understand explicit and inferred meaning through textual evidence; theme, central ideas, and details that support them; and structural elements and their influence on style, among other ideas and concepts. Throughout this course, you will read the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand. They will also examine informational texts to better understanding of historical moments throughout the history of the United States, including presidential speeches and a famous letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. during his imprisonment in a Birmingham jail at the height of the civil rights movement. As they read the selections in this course, students practice ways to recognize textual evidence, identify themes and central ideas, make inferences, and identify figurative and connotative language in a variety of texts. In addition, students review information on context clues and word nuances, and learn about spelling conventions, style manuals, phrases clauses, parallel structure, semicolons, and colons. Students also learn the definitions, parts of speech, and etymology of various vocabulary words you will see throughout the reading selections. In addition, they learn the elements of writing so that you can plan, write, revise, and edit informational essay and argument essays.
Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: Honors English 9A
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH
Students strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the different styles and types of writing. Emphasis is placed on the specific and separate trait qualities of the 6-Traits of Writing: functional, expository, expressive, persuasive, and research. At the same time, they learn how to relate to and utilize the written word in their own lives.
Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: English 9B
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH
English 10B: World Literature broadens students’ reading experience with exposure to literature from around the world. Students evaluate diverse reading selections such as epics, persuasive narrations, cause/effect essays, plays, and poetry using a wide variety of literary elements. Students are encouraged to connect and relate to the various authors and gain deeper appreciation and understanding of other cultures through the contexts of the passages. In addition, students are guided through an active reading process that increases their ability to make inferences as well as to comprehend and analyze a variety of materials. Students are expected to respond to assigned reading materials in a variety of activities and are graded on their ability to review, summarize, analyze, and connect to the materials appropriately. Additionally, students practice important reading strategies such as determining the meanings of unfamiliar words. They produce an independent vocabulary assignment as evidence of their familiarity with these strategies. Students are also expected to create original materials in an effort to grasp the complexity of the genres studied.
Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: English 10A
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH
English/Language Arts II (10th grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.
Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: English 9B
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH
English/Language Arts II (10th grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.
Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: Honors English 10A
JUNIOR ENGLISH
In this course, you will read and analyze informational and argumentative texts across a number of genres and from a number of sources, including government publications and websites, magazine articles, legal proceedings, and video presentations. Through the presentation of topics as varied as zombie insects, Mars exploration, and the need for sleep, the course demonstrates ways to understand central ideas, organizational structures, and techniques of composition. You will examine argumentative writing in seminal US documents, such as the work of John Adams and speeches by 20th-century US presidents. You will also learn how to interpret consumer documents such as government publications and financial information. These examples will help you to evaluate use of language, determine meanings, make inferences, grasp central ideas, evaluate bias, and draw conclusions. The course also will instruct you in speaking and writing formally, and in using rhetorical devices to persuade audiences. As you read the selections in this course, you will practice ways to analyze evidence, recognize symbolism, examine word choice, and identify figurative language in informational writing. You will also review basics in spelling, grammar and usage, and punctuation. Writing activities will give you tips and techniques as you research and organize expository and argumentative compositions. Through the lessons provided in this course, you will master techniques that help you achieve a deeper appreciation of informational and argumentative texts.
Suggested grade level: 11
Prerequisites: English 10B
JUNIOR ENGLISH
English 11B is a survey of American literature from before the Declaration of Independence to the present. Here students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of American culture through examination of the literature of each major era. Emphasis is placed on the works of major American authors and literary movements. Vocabulary, oral communication, formal communications, and research skills are also included.
Suggested grade level: 11
Prerequisites: English 10A
JUNIOR ENGLISH
English/Language Arts III (11th grade) courses continue to develop students’ writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.
Suggested grade level: 11
Prerequisites: English 10B
JUNIOR ENGLISH
English/Language Arts III (11th grade) courses continue to develop students’ writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.
Suggested grade level: 11
Prerequisites: Honors English 11A
SENIOR ENGLISH
Advanced Composition and Rhetoric is the first semester of the 12th grade English Language Arts course. This course covers the art and craft of rhetoric—persuasion and argument—using informational and nonliterary texts, with a special emphasis on the understanding of reasoning and logic. These texts include documents and speeches that have been integral to the development of legal and social policy in the United States.
The course builds in depth and complexity from beginning to end, starting with instruction on central ideas and word choice. In this course, students will learn the everyday tools of persuasion, including ethos, pathos, and logos. These serve as the foundation for understanding more complex topics, such as the elements of argument and the chain of legal reasoning used in court cases and historical documents.
Note: This course is also available for Dual Enrollment Credit; please speak to a Guidance Counselor
Suggested grade level: 12
Prerequisites: English 11B
SENIOR ENGLISH
Exploration of British Literature covers in-depth literary analysis—comprehension and evaluation—using a wide variety of narrative texts from British literature. Texts cover eras from the Middle Ages through modern times.
Students will acquire the necessary skills for gaining a deeper understanding of literature and literary analysis. The course builds in depth and complexity, starting with instruction on explicit and implicit meanings, use of figurative language and literary devices, and development of central ideas and themes. Students integrate ideas from multiple texts to compare and contrast the treatment of narrative and structural elements. These skills serve as the foundation for understanding the ways in which literature and language evolve, and appreciating authors and styles from many eras of British literature. The course includes two writing projects: a fictional narrative in the style of Gothic Romanticism and a literary analysis comparing or contrasting two texts from different eras of British literature. In these projects, students write in both short and extended forms. Emphasis is placed on the writing process, from note-taking and outline-making to revising and editing for content and style. Students take a final writing assessment as well as a Final Exam. In addition, students build their vocabulary and language skills with guided instruction and exercises, and engage with their classmates in discussions as part of each lesson.
Note: This course is also available for Dual Enrollment Credit; please speak to a Guidance Counselor
Suggested grade level: 12
Prerequisites: English 12A
SENIOR ENGLISH
Advanced Composition and Rhetoric is the first semester of the 12th grade English Language Arts course. This course covers the art and craft of rhetoric—persuasion and argument—using informational and nonliterary texts, with a special emphasis on the understanding of reasoning and logic. These texts include documents and speeches that have been integral to the development of legal and social policy in the United States.
The course builds in depth and complexity from beginning to end, starting with instruction on central ideas and word choice. In this course, students will learn the everyday tools of persuasion, including ethos, pathos, and logos. These serve as the foundation for understanding more complex topics, such as the elements of argument and the chain of legal reasoning used in court cases and historical documents.
Note: This course is also available for Dual Enrollment Credit; please speak to a Guidance Counselor
Suggested grade level: 12
Prerequisites: English 11B
SENIOR ENGLISH
Exploration of British Literature covers in-depth literary analysis—comprehension and evaluation—using a wide variety of narrative texts from British literature. Texts cover eras from the Middle Ages through modern times.
Students will acquire the necessary skills for gaining a deeper understanding of literature and literary analysis. The course builds in depth and complexity, starting with instruction on explicit and implicit meanings, use of figurative language and literary devices, and development of central ideas and themes. Students integrate ideas from multiple texts to compare and contrast the treatment of narrative and structural elements. These skills serve as the foundation for understanding the ways in which literature and language evolve, and appreciating authors and styles from many eras of British literature. The course includes two writing projects: a fictional narrative in the style of Gothic Romanticism and a literary analysis comparing or contrasting two texts from different eras of British literature. In these projects, students write in both short and extended forms. Emphasis is placed on the writing process, from note-taking and outline-making to revising and editing for content and style. Students take a final writing assessment as well as a Final Exam. In addition, students build their vocabulary and language skills with guided instruction and exercises, and engage with their classmates in discussions as part of each lesson.
Note: This course is also available for Dual Enrollment Credit; please speak to a Guidance Counselor
Suggested grade level: 12
Prerequisites: Honors English 12A