English 9 incorporates grammar, vocabulary, literary techniques, writing, speaking and study skills. Projects, tests, writing assignments and oral presentations reflect 21st century skills, the state standards and college and career readiness expectations will assess student achievement. Technology skills will support students’ preparation and completion of course projects. The course includes practice for the Ohio Graduation Test and other Common Core assessments.

In addition to the course content of English 9, the Honors section includes a challenging summer reading list, independent projects and presentations and at least four major writing assignments covering different styles of writing (i.e., narrative, persuasive, expository, compare and contrast, etc.). The course requires a more rigorous study of literature and vocabulary reflective of 21st century skills, the state standards and college and career readiness expectations while preparing students for the Ohio Graduation Test, PSAT and other achievement/Common Core tests.

Sophomores will analyze and interpret a chronological collection of American writings that reflect the social forces, dominant ideas and historical events in American literature and culture. Students will integrate 21st century skills, the state standards and college and career readiness skills into the study of grammar and word usage as they concentrate on short expository themes and essays. The course also prepares students for the Ohio Graduation Test, PSAT and other achievement/Common Core tests.

Honors English 10 – American Literature
This course is a chronological study of American literature, which includes considerable outside reading (including summer reading), vocabulary study and writing. Special emphasis is placed on improving reading and vocabulary skills to achieve higher scores on the PSAT, SAT and ACT tests. Grammar and essay writing reflective of 21st century skills, the state standards and college and career readiness skills are aimed at refining students’ verbal and written expression. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors English 9, or English faculty committee recommendation.

English 11 – World Literature
This course focuses on the literary contributions of many world cultures and a wide variety of world authors. Language arts skills reflective of 21st century skills, the state standards and college and career readiness skills will continue the development of expository and analytical writing. Oral interpretation of literary works will occur in group, pair and individual projects as well as class discussions. A review of grammatical, writing and usage skills will be incorporated. Vocabulary building continues in the context of literary and writing assignments. The course includes preparation for the PSAT, ACT, SAT and Common Core assessments.

AP English Language and Composition is a class for students who love to read and write, think deeply, and work with a community of learners to discover and uncover truths in literature, the world, and themselves. It combines literature with the components of AP English Language and Composition, so there will be a combination of fiction and non-fiction readings. The intense concentration on language use in this course should enhance students’ abilities to use and identify grammatical conventions both appropriately and with sophistication as well as to develop stylistic maturity in their own prose. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors English 10, or English faculty committee recommendation.

In this British Literature survey course, students read the oral poetry of the early Middle Ages and representative works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, the Romantic poets, Victorian and Twentieth Century writers. Through reading, writing, dramatizing and discussing literature, students develop critical-thinking skills that are reflective of 21st century skills, the state standards and college and career readiness skills. Composition assignments require pre-writing, several drafts and revisions for polished final products. A comprehensive review of grammar, usage, punctuation and vocabulary development are included in this course. 

This college-level course is designed in alignment with 21st Century skills. Students engage in rigorous, intensive reading and analysis of both prose and poetry. The literature of Great Britain is approached from both a historical and topical standpoint. Approved students understand that this is a fast-paced class that requires a consistent work ethic. Students may take the Advanced Placement Examination in May for possible college credit.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP English Language and Composition, or English faculty committee recommendation.

The purpose of this course is to publish The Visor approximately twice each month. Students learn to discern topics of current interest, research them and present them in a journalistic style. Journalism is learned by hands-on application rather than by lecture and presentation. Emphasis is on the application of the rules of written English for improvement and refinement of articles. Students are also responsible for artwork, photography and headlines. Typing skills, while helpful, are not prerequisite and work is done on a personal computer using a word processing program. Class size is limited.

Prerequisite: (Students in grades 10, 11 and 12) Teacher’s recommendation
At the senior level, only those who have taken Newspaper as juniors will be considered for the class.

The purpose of this course is to produce The Way. Students learn principles of computer design, layout and graphics as well as copy writing and editing. Students are responsible for photography and artwork. Students should have access to a digital camera. Computer skills are helpful, especially knowledge of Photoshop. Previous course work in Digital Photography and Digital Imaging are recommended. Out-of-class work after school will be necessary. Students must follow through with the yearbook's completion in June. Class is limited to 15 students.

Prerequisite: (Students in grades 11 and 12) Application. Teacher’s recommendation. B or higher in English at the end of the first semester of the applying year.

This course addresses the needs of students who have been identified by their scores on our placement test as students who may have difficulty adjusting to Hoban's academic standards. It will focus on reading and writing skills needed for the student to graduate college and career ready. They will also work to improve their executive functioning skills, such as motivation, organization and self-discipline, as well as study skills. When necessary, it will address the content areas of the Ohio Graduation Tests.