Course Offerings ANNUAL PREREQUISITE: Keyboarding skills; instructor's permission; application process (9, 10, 11, 12) Students gain experience in the following areas: photography, darkroom technique, computers, desktop publishing using PageMaker, the ŒPremier Page Layout Program,õ publishing books and graphic design. A junior or senior will be chosen to fill the position of Editor. Expense paid summer conferences are standard. Hours outside of the school day are often required. This course meets the Fine Arts requirement for admission to four year colleges, but only if your emphasis is on annual photography. ENGLISH LITERATURE-AP PREREQUISITE: Instructor's permission (11, 12) AP English is a year course (2 consecutive semesters). Students will study important works from three major genres: poetry, novel, and drama. In this course, essay writing is an integral component. AP English will fulfill the requirements for American Literature (1 year) or Senior English/Senior Composition (1 year). Students are required to take the AP exam in May and depending on their success may receive college credit. Because of the intensity and commitment required, students will receive a special grade and credit adjustment  ENGLISH 9 PREREQUISITE: NONE (9) English 9, also known as Freshman Communications, is the introductory level English course at Blaine High School, required of all Freshman students. The course focuses on the development of reading, writing, and oral communication skills necessary to succeed in higher level courses, and reinforces the competencies students will be expected to demonstrate on the Washington State Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Literature study is integrated into the course to assist in the development of critical thinking skills and an appreciation for literature of varied forms. Literary forms studied include drama, short stories, poetry, and the novel.  ENGLISH 10 - WORLD LITERATURE PREREQUISITE: English 9 (10) English 10 is an intensive survey of World Literature, mirroring the units of study covered in World History. As sophomore students are enrolled in both courses, they will participate in a number of activities designed to link the concepts from both courses which will be evaluated by both history and literature instructors. This integrated approach to the links between history and literature helps students draw connections between the two subjects, and facilitates a meaningful, more connected and thorough learning experience. The course also continues to develop student writing competency through writing activities and research projects. Special emphasis on WASL test preparation will also be included.  ENGLISH 11 - AMERICAN LITERATURE PREREQUISITE: NONE (11-required as year-long 11th grade English) Students will study, discuss, present, and write about selections from American literature and culture beginning with revolutionary times through the present. This course will be integrated with U.S. History. Students will work on and improve their language skills, including listening, reading, speaking, thinking, and writing. SENIOR COMPOSITION PREREQUISITE: NONE (12) Senior Composition is a second semester English course intended to follow Senior English and for those students who need four years of English to attend university or to complete their 3.5 English credits to graduate. The course is based on the writer‚Äôs workshop approach. Students will study model essays, compose original work and meet often in editing groups. Students will read and revise their work as well as serve as editors for their peers. Students will create portfolios of their compositions and develop useful revision strategies. SENIOR ENGLISH PREREQUISITE: NONE (12) Students will study Beowulf, Chaucerõs The Canterbury Tales, and a selection of Shakespeareõs plays and sonnets. Students will write compositions related to the readings. Acting, speaking, and dramatic reading are required.  Note: Numbers in parentheses denote grade levels accepted in each class.