AP/DC English

Sophomore Honors

Class Maximum: 20 students
Course Description: This course is for sophomores who have shown interest and ability in English, namely reading critically and writing well. In this course, we will read a variety of literary selections, including short stories and poetry from our anthology, novels, plays, and non-fiction works. We will practice writing various essays and will complete a research paper using the MLA documentation style.

Prerequisites and Requirements:

Completion of English I with a final semester grade above 85%
Completed application
3.0 cumulative GPA or above
One writing sample (creative or formal)
One 200-word short essay concerning why the student feels they should qualify for the class
For students new to UCA only: A letter of recommendation from a teacher describing the student’s work ethic

Class Maximum: 20 students
Course Description: This class surveys American literature from Native American oral tradition until the present and includes works by major American authors and their works according to American literary periods. Writing, both formal and creative, and analysis is heavily practiced and emphasized in order to prepare students for college-level classes. Students will need a well-rounded understanding of diction and syntax, and basic literary analysis skills in order to understand the nuances of themes in American literature. This class is also responsible for the creation and publishing of UCA’s school newspaper Echoes, for which students will learn the basics of journalism. Students can write, edit, design, and take photos for Echoes depending on their skill set.

Prerequisites and Requirements:

Completion of English II with a final semester grade above 85%
3.0 cumulative GPA or above
Completed application
One formal writing sample, i.e. an essay, report, or analysis
One creative writing sample, i.e. a poem, short story, or personal essay
One 200-word short essay concerning why the student feels they should qualify for the class
For students new to UCA only: A letter of recommendation from a teacher describing the student’s work ethic

Class Maximum: 18 students
Course Description: This course teaches close reading and the writing process, including a clear writing style and the basic elements of academic writing. We will practice critical thinking skills as we read and discuss classic novels, plays, and non-fiction works and students will learn how to write for analysis and argumentation. Students must achieve a grade of “C” or above to receive dual credit. Course earns 3 semester hours college credit from Southwestern Adventist University.

Prerequisites and Requirements:

Senior standing
3.5 cumulative GPA or above
Completion of English III with a final semester grade above 90%
Completed application
One formal writing sample, i.e. an essay, report, or analysis
One creative writing sample, i.e. a poem, short story, or personal essay
One 200-word short essay concerning why the student feels they should qualify for the class
Personal interview with instructor (in-person or online)
For students new to UCA only: A letter of recommendation from a teacher describing the student’s work ethic

Class Maximum: 18 students
Course Description: This course is a continuation of the previous semester. It refines students’ skills in close reading, critical thinking, and written argumentation, and introduces students to the evaluation and use of primary and secondary sources. We will write a short Literary Analysis paper in MLA documentation style and a longer argumentative paper which will use a documentation style appropriate to the research discipline. Students must achieve a grade of “C” or above to receive dual credit. Course earns 3 semester hours college credit from Southwestern Adventist University.

Prerequisites and Requirements: