2026-2027 TSD Course Description Book - Flipbook - Page 29
English 11 Semester 1 - American Dramas and Musicals (001012)
Grade 11
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
This course will introduce students to dramas by American playwrights about the American Dream, American identity, and how the
American experience is reflected in the plays of the 20th and 21st century. Students will also interact with musicals
that showca se dreams, challenges and successes, and that explore identity and self -invention through music and performance while
learning about the traditions of the American musical form. Texts may include dramas such as Hamilton, View from the
Bridge, King James, and/or other plays and musicals. The course will emphasize critical thinking about dramas and musicals, analysis
of character and theme, historical context, and writing about drama. The course also includes focused sessions on preparing f or the
SAT.
English 11 Semester 2 - Persuasive Writing (001210)
Grade 11
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
Persuasive Writing is a semester-long course designed to empower students with the skills to think critically, argue effectively, and
communicate with clarity and confidence. Through a blend of reading, writing, speaking, and listening experiences, student s will learn
how to craft logical, evidence-based arguments and transform them into compelling oral presentations. Students will explore a wide
range of real-world issues, analyze model texts, and study rhetorical techniques used by accomplished speakers. They will practice
forming claims, selecting strong evidence, addressing counterarguments, and adapting their message to diverse audiences while
developing a personal voice and purposeful delivery style for both essays and speeches. The course also includes focused sessions
on writing a rhetorical essay in response to the SAT prompts and creating a working draft of a personal essay.
English 11 Semester 2 - Writing Imaginative Fiction (001211)
Grade 11
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
This course invites 11th grade students to explore the art of imaginative writing. Students will develop their creative voices while
learning essential elements of storytelling4character, setting, plot, dialogue, and narrative structure4as well as poetic techniques
such as imagery, metaphor, rhythm, and form. Through reading influential authors and poets, engaging in writing workshops, and
experimenting with a variety of styles, students will expand their understanding of how language can inspire emotion, s park ideas, and
communicate complex experiences. The polished creative work of the students will reflect their ability to think imaginatively, write
authentically, and connect with readers. This course will prepare students to take Creative Writing 2 in senior year. The course also
includes focused sessions on writing a rhetorical essay in response to the SAT prompts and creating a working draft of a personal
essay.
English 11 Semester 2 – Writing Personal Memoirs (001212)
Grade 11
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
This course invites 11th grade students to explore memoir writing as a powerful way to discover and shape their voices as aut hors.
Through close reading of mentor texts4memoirs, personal essays, and narrative nonfiction4students will study how writers
transform lived experiences into meaningful stories that connect with readers. Students will learn narrative techniques such as sensory
detail, structure, reflection, and the use of voice to reveal identity and perspective. Guided workshops will encourage students to write
from personal experience, experiment with form and tone, and develop confidence in sharing their stories. Each student will produce a
polished memoir and a collection of shorter writings that demonstrate growth, self-awareness, and the ability to tell true stories with
authenticity and craft. The course also includes focused sessions on writing a rhetorical essay in response to the SAT prompts and
creating a working draft of a personal essay.
