English Courses
001 English 9
1 UNIT
This is a required course that meets NYS Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards. The students will study a variety of genres which will provide them with the framework necessary to successfully complete the ELA Regents Exam in grade 11. Reading, writing, listening and speaking for analysis and comprehension will be the focus of this course. Students are expected to complete projects and research related to literature studies and classroom instruction.
003 English 9 Honors
1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: Placement for this course is based upon multiple data points and a recommendation process involving the Humanities supervisor, the student’s school counselor, and teacher input.
This reading and writing intensive course serves as the foundation for the Advanced Placement Language and Literature Composition courses. Students will be expected to analyze literature, recognize use of rhetorical strategies, and develop a mature voice in writing in preparation for AP exams and the ELA Regents exam. Students who take this course must be prepared to work at an advanced level and be mature enough to handle a rigorous academic experience. It is expected that students will continue in the honors/AP program throughout high school.
019 English 10
1 UNIT
This is a required course that meets NYS Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards. An analysis of literature will be conducted providing students with an opportunity to build on those skills acquired in grade nine. The course is designed to prepare students to meet the demands of the ELA Regents Exam in grade 11. Critical reading and writing skills are emphasized.
016 English 10 Honors
1 Unit
Prerequisite: Students must have an 85+ average and/or teacher recommendation
This course is designed for 10th grade students who have successfully completed the English 9 Honors course and anticipate enrolling in advanced placement courses in Grades 11 and 12. It is a challenging class aimed at preparing students to meet the rigorous demands of college-level courses which is why in-person attendance is expected. Since the course’s focus involves a thorough analysis of literature and its corresponding writing demands, students who are both strong readers and writers are encouraged to continue their journey that started in English 9 Honors. Students will complete numerous writing assignments of varying lengths, will immerse themselves in complex reading, and will be held responsible for long/short-term assignments. All students will take the New York State Next Generation ELA Regents exam at the end of this course. Enrollment is limited to those students who meet the aforementioned prerequisites.
052 Contemporary Connections – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 10-12 | ½ Unit
Are you interested in reading about teenagers and learning more about yourself? This NYS Next Generation ELA course is designed for the student who wants to examine the conflicts young people face growing up in today’s diverse society. Through reading and writing, you will make connections to contemporary fictional and non-fictional characters, and you will be required to analyze their actions and motivations. You will also be expected to openly share your ideas and opinions based on your own experiences. In order to be successful in this course, class participation is mandatory. In addition, a research project using advanced research skills is required.
053 Detectives and Mysteries
Grades 10-12 | ½ Unit
As of recent, there has been a wave of refound interest in the classic genre of mystery. Human beings are fascinated with the idea of mystery because it peaks our natural curiosity, provokes our desire to know the unknown, and promotes our problem solving capabilities. This NYS Next Generation ELA course seeks to understand the roots of the mystery genre through characters and authors such as Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, read modern mysteries and related genres such as The Silent Patient, and anticipate where the future of this classic style will go. If you have an interest in psychology, crime, thrillers, unexpected twists, excitement, suspense, and/or exploring the darker side of humanity, this class is for you.
015 Public Speaking
Grades 10-12 | ½ Unit
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
Would you like to build your self-confidence while you develop formal and informal speaking skills? In this class, emphasis will be placed on finding your voice and discovering the important messages you want to share with others. In this NYS Next Generation ELA course, students will be encouraged to develop their thoughts, feelings and personal attitudes into effective messages for specific situations. If you have a desire to improve your self-confidence and want to learn techniques to represent your ideas more effectively, this course will be very valuable for you.
055 Call of the Wild – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 10-12 | ½ Unit
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to climb the world’s highest peak or descend into a desert canyon? Are you concerned about the global climate and the future of our planet? This NYS Next Generation ELA course is designed to improve and broaden your non-fiction reading and writing skills. Students will read several exciting accounts of real-life adventures, while maintaining a clear focus on how humans impact the environment. Students interested in this course should have good attendance, a strong interest in reading outside of class, and research writing proficiency.
034 Science Fiction in the Age of Dystopia
Grades 10-12 | ½ Unit
If the planet Earth came to an end, and we could restart human life on a different planet, what kinds of borders/ boundaries would we be crossing? What would citizenship look like? Who or what could belong in the New World? How would this world be shaped as our engrained human values are confronted by a new way of life? In this NYS Next Generation ELA course, students will delve into the dystopian realm through literature, discovering the dramatic changes due to our ever-evolving society afflicted by environmental disasters, plagues, and other technological advancements that change our world forever. In this course, this topic will be explored through reading, writing, and researching the world of dystopia.
035 Sports in Literature – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 10-12 | ½ Unit
For centuries, sports have shaped the core values of human culture. As they have evolved over the years, becoming an essential part of the western civilization, people have allowed these experiences to shape who they are. In recent years, the world of sports has taught lessons of determination, commitment, and perseverance, meanwhile creating a true passion for something bigger than oneself that cannot be replicated by any other venture. In this NYS Next Generation ELA course, students will dive into the world of sports through reading, writing and researching the various modern topics and issues our society faces today.
AENG 106 Introduction to Literature and Film (University at Albany)
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit | 3 UHS Credits
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and/or teacher recommendation
Why do the best movies start as written stories? This is a question we’ll explore during our semester together. By the end of our semester, you should be well-versed on many aspects of filmmaking, film history, and film analysis. We will explore many elements of creating a movie, from the principles of film form, to types of movies, elements of narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, acting, editing, sound, and film history. We will read a number of short stories, novels, and screenplays before analyzing their adaptation to the big screen. Your attendance in the course is mandatory, as skills learned early in the course will benefit you later in the course. This course is run as a college seminar and therefore places a premium on preparation and participation. Our learning community requires consistent attendance and engagement. Expect to immerse yourself in the world of film and filmmaking, with the end-goal of becoming an expert at looking at movies.
025 English 11
1 Unit
This is a required course that meets NYS Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards. This course focuses on the development of skills in the areas of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, literary analysis, and critical writing. Emphasis will be placed on skills necessary for success on the ELA Regents exam given at the end of the school year. A research project, as well as the study of a Shakespearean play, is required.
057 AP English: Language and Composition
Grades 11-12 | 1 Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and teacher’s recommendation
This advanced course concentrates on the reading and analysis of varying non-fiction sources and on the strategic processes of effective writing. Students will investigate the language from various fields and eras in order to analyze the context that drives writers’ and speakers’ choices. This course’s myriad writing assignments allow for the exploration of different styles and tones, and through such study and practice students will gain an understanding of the principles of effective writing which will in turn allow them to become more productive writers. The course prepares students for the AP College Board Examination which they will take in May, which is why in-person attendance is expected. Students who take the course should enjoy reading and writing, should be able to manage independent assignments, and should embrace the rigorous standards that this course demands.
056 AP English: Literature and Composition
Grades 11-12 | 1 Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and/or teacher recommendation
Through the examination of the elements that constitute a particular genre, this course will explore how these devices can and are manipulated to produce various forms within the genre, as well as investigate the similarities and differences between the genres. To achieve this goal, students will intensively study a few representative works from several genres and time periods, concentrating on works of literary merit. It is an intensive reading course where students can expect to write critically about different genres including narratives, poetry, drama and fiction. Students who take the course should enjoy reading and writing. The course prepares students for the AP College Board Examination which they are required to take in May.
036 Introduction to Teaching – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ GPA in Honors English or 92+ in Regents English and teacher recommendation. 11th grade students must take an additional English course.
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
This first semester course introduces the concepts of teaching at the secondary level. Students will learn how literacy applies to all content areas, and there will be a focus on creating resources to help facilitate learning at the high school. Students will be required to fulfill service hours in the CCHS Literacy Center. This course is open to both juniors and seniors, and it must be taken in conjunction with the second semester course Exploring Teaching as a Profession.
ETAP 201 Exploring Teaching as a Profession (University at Albany)
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ GPA and must earn an 85+ in Introduction to Teaching
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
This second semester course reviews and explores contemporary education with a major focus on secondary school. There will be an emphasis on concepts in schooling, the changing role of teachers, restructuring schools, the history of education, and teaching as a career. Students will examine theories of teaching and learning for the purpose of challenging assumptions about today’s schools and extending expectations concerning tomorrow’s schools. Students will be required to fulfill service hours at the CCHS Literacy Center. This course is open to both juniors and seniors, and it must be taken in conjunction with the first semester course Introduction to Teaching. Students must earn an 85+ in Introduction to Teaching to qualify for this college course.
COM 203Y Speech Composition and Presentation (University at Albany) – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and/or teacher recommendation
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
This semester-long course focuses on the introduction to the composition and presentation of speeches. Students will determine the most effective strategies and arrangements for public speaking, as well as develop skills and knowledge to understand and critique oral presentations. This course centers around four types of speeches: introductory, informative, persuasive and commemorative.
A ENG 102Z Introduction to Creative Writing (University at Albany) – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and/or teacher recommendation
This second semester course is designed to guide students in creative writing through the elements of fiction, drama and poetry. We will look closely at the craft of writing through a variety of activities. Students will study innovative writers from the past and present through discussion and a wide range of exercises that explore the different techniques of the creative process.
030 English 12
Grade 12 Only | ½ Unit
This is a required course that meets NYS Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards for seniors who are not taking a full-year UHS or an AP pathway. Students will benefit from an in-depth review of those skills presented in grades 9-11 with an emphasis on using more sophisticated language in speaking and writing. Students will create resumes and compose personal narratives, college essays and cover letters. Students will also practice interview techniques and gain other reading and writing skills essential to success after high school. This is a first semester course only.
ENG 121 Reading Literature (University at Albany) – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grade 12 Only | 1 Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and/or teacher recommendation
In this course students will critically analyze, interpret and evaluate works of literature from a variety of genres (fiction, non-fiction, drama, short stories, poetry). Ideas, reactions and understandings of the texts will be developed and then demonstrated by oral and written responses to literature. The work in this course will foster the growth of skills necessary to achieve a higher awareness of literature, and the values and connections it has for readers. English 121 is a reading intensive course and all assigned reading must be completed for success. This is a college course, where students receive three credits that must be earned through hard work, participation, and dedication.
JRL 100 Foundations in Journalism (University at Albany) – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ in previous English course and/or teacher recommendation
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
This course will help students become more informed about media and introduce them to the major issues in journalism. Topics range from how journalism is linked to democracy, to the transformation of journalism in the digital age, and the ethical and legal issues related to news media. In addition, students study and research a human rights issue facing citizens of our world. Throughout the course, students will learn about current events and participate in discussion panels regarding issues facing our society.
JRL 200Z Introduction to Reporting and News Writing (University at Albany) – Curious to learn more? Watch the video!
Grades 11-12 | ½ Unit
Prerequisite: B or higher in JRL 100
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
In this introductory workshop- style class, students develop skills of practicing reporters and news writers. They acquire the news judgment that allows them to identify what should be reported and written about, and they learn the fundamental forms of journalistic writing. Students familiarize themselves with journalistic sources and evaluate their reliability. They practice revision and learn about Associated Press style. This is the second semester class.
HS045 Production, Broadcasting & Journalism
Grades: 11-12 | 1 Unit (all students must still take English 11 and English 12)
Prerequisite: 11th-12th graders with a 90+ grade in English 10 or an 85+ in English 10 Honors
Stop watching the news and start making it. Production, Broadcasting & Journalism is an immersive, hands-on course that empowers students to become the official storytellers of South Colonie. As members of Wolf Pack Productions, students move beyond the classroom to cover live events, school performances, athletics, and community stories that matter.
This 1.0 credit course blends journalism, media literacy, and digital production in a fast-paced, workshop-style environment. Students learn to plan and produce compelling visual narratives, developing skills in scriptwriting, interviewing, videography, and editing using industry-standard tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro. Emphasis is placed on ethical reporting, audience engagement, and clear communication across multiple platforms.
Students gain experience working with professional camera, audio, and lighting equipment while collaborating in real-world production roles, including reporter, camera operator, editor, producer, writer and director. Projects culminate in the publication of original content on platforms such as YouTube, allowing students to build a polished digital portfolio that reflects both technical skill and creative voice.
Broadcast Journalism & Production is designed for students interested in media, storytelling, communications, and creative technology. Through authentic production experiences, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and career-ready skills while highlighting South Colonie’s very own newsworthy events and notable individuals.
AP Seminar
Grades 11 | 1 Unit
Prerequisite: 85+ average in 10H or recommendation from English 10 teacher
AP Seminar is a course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of real-world topics and issues by analyzing a variety of perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students will take responsibility for their own learning by posing their own questions. They will learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Unlike other AP classes, this class has several assessments throughout the year, rather than just one exam in May. This AP College Board assessment includes two presentations, a research essay, and a culminating examination in May.
478 Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP)
Grade 12 | ½ Unit | Pass/Fail
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
Seniors participate in a 54-hour unpaid internship related to education, communication, fine arts, or performing arts. Topics include workplace etiquette, employability skills, workplace laws, and safety. Students complete instructional assignments, maintain work journals, and submit a final report. Transportation is the responsibility of the student, and internships are supervised by CCHS Work-Based Learning Coordinators.
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