HNHS students study poetry, drama, short stories, the novel, and a Shakespeare play each year—opening their minds to appreciate the power and wonder of the written word. Holy Names High School graduates leave fully prepared for writing, analytical thinking and literary analysis at the college level.

See below for descriptions of the English courses offered:

 

 

GRADE  9

YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

The course reviews and reinforces basic writing elements such as grammar, punctuation, usage, and sentence structure.  Students sharpen their ability to write unified and coherent paragraphs and expository essays.  Additionally, they develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical skills.  The course is literature-based, and students study a variety of genres including short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, novels, and the epic. 
 

 

 

GRADE   10

YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

The course continues to refine the basic writing skills studied in English 9.  The writing assignments include increasingly challenging pieces such as analytical and persuasive essays and a research paper.  The literature study includes a memoir, drama, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and novels from a variety of cultures.  

 

 

 

GRADE   11

YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

The course emphasis is on writing analytical essays and developing a scholarly vocabulary. American literature is the focus and includes short stories, drama, poetry, essays and novels. Study of the literary history of the United States culminates in the preparation of a research paper about a major American author.

 

 

GRADE   11

YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

PREREQUISITE A- or above  in English 10 and/or Teacher Recommendation

Students will complete regular eleventh grade work, including reading short stories, drama, poetry, essays and the novel, emphasizing essay writing, developing vocabulary, and writing a research paper about a major American author, but will read in greater quantity and depth and do more extensive work in expository writing than students in English 11.

 

 

GRADE   12

YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

The course is a study of world literature from the Renaissance to modern times. Students are expected to develop sophisticated concepts about literature. They are also expected to have a firm grasp of expository essay forms and to develop and express ideas about literature using these forms. The course encourages correct, organized writing, vocabulary development. The course also includes a research paper during the second semester.

 

 

GRADE   12

YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

PREREQUISITE A- or above in English 11 and/or Teacher Recommendation  B or above in English 11 Honors and/or Teacher Recommendation

Advanced Placement English is a course in world literature and advanced composition.  It is designed for highly skilled and motivated seniors who plan to take the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition for which they may earn college credit. The course focus is literary analysis, writing critically and competently about literature in an essential component of the class.

 

 

40 credits. All HNHS English courses are certified as meeting the requirements for admission to the University of California and California State University systems.