Course Details

English IV is a two-semester course in which students explore key elements of narrative and rhetoric across a variety of nonfiction texts and literary genres to develop skills for effective, college-level composition and critical discourse. This senior-level English course is based on the Expository Reading and Writing curriculum (ERWC) from the California State University system. Students will demonstrate a command of standard American English and research, organize, draft, and revise papers of at least fifteen-hundred words each. In addition to both formal and extemporaneous presentations, class discussion is essential for student success. Semester One examines prose, poetry, and nonfiction to support and strengthen skills required for college and post-secondary reading, writing, and oral communication. Students also explore creativity, design thinking, and teamwork in a variety of projects this semester. In Semester Two, students dive deeper into critical thinking, academic reading, and the writing process. A culminating student portfolio is required in May to demonstrate mastery and proficiency of essential learning standards and fulfillment of class requirements.