2026-2027 TSD Course Description Book - Flipbook - Page 32
Graphic Novels (001205)
Grades 11-12
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
Students must successfully complete English 9 and English 10 to enroll. This course explores the unique combination of
visual art and narrative storytelling in graphic novels to delve into complex historical and human themes. Students will
develop critical visual analysis skills and gain new historical perspectives often overlooked in traditional courses. The
curriculum includes interpreting and critiquing visual elements, exploring diverse narratives, and creating original graphic
texts. Students will also engage in inquiry synthesis projects and rhetorical analysis writing to understand the author's
purpose in combining text and visuals. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared for future academic work in
literature, history, art, and cultural studies.
Personal Communication (000352)
Grades 9-12
1 semester 0.5 credit
This is an English elective that studies the different aspects of communication. In this interactive class, students will explore
interpersonal communication, nonverbal/verbal communication, perception, group communication, leadership, and self-concept. This
class combines the psychology of communication with the practice of a variety of communication skills and how we use these in our
everyday lives. Students will participate in small and large group activities that represent how we work as group members, our
leadership style, the role we play in groups, and the effectiveness of how we communicate with others. Students may also seek
opportunities in the community to further their skills in these communication areas. Students interested in business, law, health
occupations, education, sales, marketing, or any profession that is people centered, will benefit.
Speech 1 (000392)
Grades 9-12
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
The class is designed to provide an opportunity for students to become comfortable in a variety of speaking situations by developing
skills in preparing, presenting, and evaluating speeches to improve communication skills. The student will gain confidence and learn
to manage speech anxiety by practicing techniques in small and large group discussion, as well as delivering speeches on their chosen
topic that fit given categories like informative, sales, and persuasive speaking styles. Students will hone their individual speaking
skills for interviews and public speaking settings so they are comfortable and confident. Highly recommended for students interested
in law, politics, business, education, marketing, sales, broadcasting, and leadership, or any job that involves speaking.
Speech 2 (000142)
Grades 10-12
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
Students must successfully complete Speech 1 to enroll. This course is designed to further students’ growth and development from
Speech 1. The assignments in this class are individually tailored to help students develop the exact skills that will further them as a
speaker and presenter. Students’ assignments will be based on individual student interests as a speaker. They will explore a variety of
speaking styles, including PowerPoint presentations, original oratory, persuasive, sales pitches, and informative speaking. Emphasis is
on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses, delivery style, and a concentrated study to fine tune speaker delivery. This course may
be taken up to two times.
Sports Literature (000322)
Grades 10-12
1 semester 0.5 credit
Meets NCAA requirements
Students must successfully complete English 9 to enroll. Sports Literature engages students in reading and writing through the lens of
sports as a reflection of culture, identity, and society. Students explore diverse voices and current issues such as gender equity, race,
mental health, activism, and the business of sports through novels, memoirs, journalism, podcasts, and film. By redefining what counts
as “sports literature,” students connect personal interests to broader cultural conversations and develop their own voices within the
ever-evolving world of sports.
