Desert Ridge High School Home of the Jaguars

Courses Offered

EN100 ENGLISH I – ANALYSIS OF LITERATURE
Grade: 9 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
Students will learn the universal themes in literature while applying all the stages of composition--pre-writing, writing, revising, and proofreading. The course stresses literary analysis, application of literary terms and writing skills.

EN105 ENGLISH I – COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION
Grade: 9 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
This course will use essays and other forms of literature as the basis for student writing. All stages of the writing process will be emphasized as well as speech activities.

EN110W ENGLISH I - HONORS
Grade: 9 1 Year 1 Credit-Weighted Grade
Prerequisite: Placement is based on District criteria and/or honors teacher recommendation
Students in this course will learn narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository essay writing skills. Readings include novels, short stories, essays, dramas, biographies, poetry, and an epic poem. Literary studies include critical analysis and analytical reading. Required summer reading lists are available in the back of the course description book.

EN205 ENGLISH II
Grade: 10 1 Year 1 Credit
Students in this course will learn the universal themes in world literature with an emphasis on critical reading skills. The writing skills of drafting, revising, and proofreading are emphasized.

EN210W ENGLISH II - HONORS
Grade: 10 1 Year 1 Credit-Weighted Grade
Prerequisite: Placement is based on District criteria and/or honors teacher recommendation
Students in this course will continue to develop the essay and language skills required for entry into advanced placement programs in English. World literature is the basis for reading and writing activities. Composition skills are emphasized. Required summer reading lists are available in the back of the course description book.

EN305 ENGLISH III
Grade: 11 1 Year 1 Credit
Students in this course will study American themes, authors, and literary movements with an emphasis on combining analytical thinking skills with essay writing.

EN310W HONORS/AP ENGLISH III
Grade: 11 1 Year 1 Credit-Weighted Grade
Prerequisite: Placement is based on District criteria and/or honors teacher recommendation
Students in this course continue to develop the skills required for entry into advanced placement programs in English. American literature is the basis for the reading and writing activities. The course examines American ideas as reflected in American literature and traces the themes and literary movements in America. Required summer reading lists are available in the back of the course description book.

HU301 ENGLISH III/AMERICAN HISTORY TWO HOUR BLOCK
Grade: 11 1 Year 2 Credits
This course combines the curriculum of American/Arizona History and American literature into an interdisciplinary, cross-curricular program of study. This course is taught by two teachers, one from each discipline. Students are involved in simulations, research, and other special projects. Composition skills are emphasized.

EN410W ENGLISH IV - HONORS
Grade: 12 1 Year 1 Credit-Weighted Grade
Prerequisite: Placement is based on District criteria and/or honors teacher recommendation
This course fulfills senior composition requirement upon completion of the entire year.
Students in this course will explore the universal themes in literature and critically analyze the works of some of the world's great authors. Advanced composition skills will be taught in conjunction with the literature studies. Required summer reading lists are available in the back of the course description book.

EN411W ENGLISH IV - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Grade: 12 1 Year 1 Credit-Weighted Grade Prerequisite: English III-Honors and/or teacher recommendation
This course fulfills senior composition requirements upon completion of the entire year.
Students in this challenging course will prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam. Critical reading and in-class writing skills are emphasized. Because of the mature reading level, honor students who are interested in this course may wish to review the reading list. Only students planning to take the Advanced Placement Exam should take this course. Required summer readings are available in the back of the course description book.

EN415 ENGLISH IV - CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
This course will involve examining a number of literary works including poems, essays, short stories, novellas, and novels to illustrate the social and philosophical underpinnings of our contemporary human existence.

EN416 ENGLISH IV - SENIOR COMPOSITION
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
Students in this course will learn expository, research, and creative writing. This course will also focus on the development of vocabulary, literary analysis, and logical thinking.

EN417 ENGLISH IV – ENGLISH COMPOSITION 101
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
Must be taken for dual credit
This course involves a study of the grammatical and rhetorical structure as it applies to effective writing. Frequent writing assignments are an integral part of this course.

EN430 ENGLISH IV - WORLD LITERATURE
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
Students in this course will study an array of world literature, including poetry, short stories, novels, and drama. Emphasis will be on developing analytical reading and writing skills.

EN431 ENGLISH IV - CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
This course will involve examining a number of literary works including poems, essays, short stories,
novellas, and novels to illustrate the social and philosophical underpinnings of our contemporary human
existence.
E435 ENGLISH IV - SHAKESPEARE
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
Students in this course will study four to five Shakespearean comedies and tragedies, emphasizing the critical reading of Elizabethan literature.

EN440 ENGLISH IV - SCIENCE FICTION
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
This course does not satisfy Arizona university entrance requirements.
Students will develop basic essay writing, interpretive, and critical thinking skills through the exploration of literature. The course will also emphasize composition skills.

EN446 ENGLISH IV - THE GREAT BOOKS OF THE WESTERN WORLD
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
Students in this course will study some of the most important literature since the beginning of Western Civilization. The course will include readings from Plato, Homer, Marcus Aurelius, Virgil, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Dante, Milton, Pascal, and Francis Bacon, among many others.

EN450 ENGLISH IV - SPORTS LITERATURE DRHS, GHS & MHS ONLY
Grade: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Credit
This course does not satisfy Arizona university entrance requirements.
Students will develop basic essay writing, interpretive, and critical thinking skills through the exploration of literature dealing with athletics. Class discussions and written work will explore themes such as the importance of establishing dreams and goals and having the courage and persistence to follow them. The course will also examine sports as a microcosm of the human life experience.

EN451 SOUTHWEST STORIES DRHS, GHS, MHS ONLY
Grade: 12 1 Year 1 Credit
This course is for students who are interested in understanding the multicultural dynamics of the American Southwest. This class will focus on a diverse group of carefully selected Southwestern authors as well as the relevant history of the Southwest. Topics include prejudice, ethnocentrism, civil rights, and the changing demographics of the Southwest.

EN500 CREATIVE WRITING
Grades: 11, 12 1 Semester 1/2 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Sophomores accepted with instructor approval
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course does not satisfy Arizona university entrance requirements.
Students in this course will develop writing skills through the critical analysis of literature and the student’s own compositions. Students will also write in a variety of paradigms including the short story, the informal essay, and poetry.

EN900 AIMS WRITING PREP
Grades: 12 1 Semester 1/2 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Referral by a counselor or an administrator
This course will meet District graduation requirements for English IV composition.
This course does not satisfy Arizona university entrance requirements.
Students in this course will learn the composition skills necessary to meet the expectations of the AIMS writing proficiency requirement. Students who have not met District writing proficiency requirements will be placed in this course.

EN600 BEGINNING ELL (ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER) DRHS, GHS & MHS ONLY
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 English Credit
Prerequisite: Placement by language assessment 2 Elective Credits
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course is for students whose English experience is very limited. The focus is on language acquisition. Emphasis is on functional vocabulary, basic grammar, listening, and oral skills. Reading, writing, and study skills are introduced. Students enroll for 3 hours of ELL daily. One credit will be considered an English credit and two elective credits can be earned.

EN601 INTERMEDIATE ELL (ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 English Credit
1 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Beginning ESL, intermediate level on language assessment measures, or teacher recommendation
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course is for students whose English experience is limited yet functional. The focus is on more specific/specialized vocabulary and more complex grammar structures. Emphasis is on written expression and reading; however, speaking and listening skills continue to be developed. Study skills are further defined and refined. Students enroll for two hours of ELL daily. One credit will be an English credit and one elective credit can be earned.

EN602 ADVANCED ELL (ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER) DRHS, GHS & MHS ONLY
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 English Credit
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Intermediate ESL, advanced level on language assessment measures, or teacher recommendation
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course is for students whose English (speaking, reading, and writing) skills are generally good. The focus is on listening, reading, writing, and speaking, especially as these skills are used to acquire and communicate ideas. Emphasis is on establishing fluency in writing and speaking, along with sharpening reading and listening comprehension. Students enroll for one hour of ESL.

ES153 ELL MENTOR DRHS, GHS & MHS ONLY
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of ESL proficiency. Placement by ESL teacher recommendation
only
This course may be taken only once.
This course is for students who have achieved Non-LEP status. It is designed to support students who are taking mainstream English for the first time. Instructors will consult with mainstream English teachers concerning individual students’ assignments. Remediation within various English skill areas may be required. Supplemental lessons that support major objectives in reading, writing, and speaking will also be periodically presented. One elective credit can be earned.
COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLICATIONS/SPEECH

EN505 BEGINNING SPEECH
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Semester 1/2 Elective Credit
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course will provide students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of speaking situations in order to become successful communicators. Beginning speakers are encouraged to observe competitive speaking events.

EN507 FORENSICS (ADVANCED SPEECH)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit
Competition in a minimum of four tournaments is required.
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
Students will learn the skills in forensics and will be prepared for college forensics. They will learn:speech writing, argumentation, philosophy, research and delivery skills; as well as literary analysis and interpretation and current events. They will participate in at least two tournaments per semester. This is a speech and debate team prep class, it is performance based, and students will be required to attend weekly practices. *Students competing in speech tournaments are subject to and governed by the AIA and District eligibility rules.

EN510 BROADCAST JOURNALISM I (TV) DRHS, HHS & MHS ONLY
Grades: 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit Lab Fee
Prerequisite: Completion of Journalism I or Beginning Theater Arts or Beginning Stagecraft or Beginning Speech and teacher recommendation Can be taken for dual credit
This course will meet computer technology proficiency requirement. Meets MST requirement
This course will teach students the basic skills of radio and TV production. Students will write and produce programs for the school and broadcast the daily announcements.

EN511 BROADCAST JOURNALISM II DRHS, HHS & MHS ONLY
Grades: 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit Lab Fee
Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism I and completed application
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change. Can be taken for dual credit
This course will meet computer technology proficiency requirement. Meets MST requirement
This course will teach students how to produce video products including a video yearbook documenting important events and school activities. Students will learn how to plan video content, handle administrative activities, write scripts, edit video, secure copyrights, and create graphics.

EN515 JOURNALISM I
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Completed application and teacher recommendation
Meets MST requirement
This course will teach students basic journalism skills. Writing design and layout is emphasized. This course is a prerequisite for Journalism II.

EN516 JOURNALISM II
Grades: 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Completed application Meets MST requirement
Course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course will meet computer technology proficiency requirement upon completion of the entire year.
This course will implement the skills learned in Journalism I by publishing the school newspaper.

EN520 YEARBOOK
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Completed application Meets MST requirement
This course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change.
This course will meet computer technology proficiency requirement upon completion of the second year.
This course will teach students the skills to produce the school yearbook. Students learn the basics of reporting, layout design, photography, and business management.

VA145 PHOTOJOURNALISM
Grades: 11, 12 1 Year 1 Elective Credit
Prerequisite: Photo Imaging I & II, application process
Course may be repeated for credit but not for grade change. Meets MST requirement
This course will teach students the skills necessary to provide all photos for school publications, including yearbook, multi-media, video productions, and the student newspaper. Extensive after-school and evening commitments are expected. The major topics will include all aspects and techniques of photojournalism.

10045 East Madero Mesa, Az 85209