Subject: Language Arts

English 10

Explore literature and nonfiction while sharpening analysis, writing, and multimedia interpretation in this self‑paced 10th‑grade English course.

Course Type: Standard High School

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Credits: 1.0

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Course Description

English 10 invites students to read widely across fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and multimedia to better understand themselves and the world. Through close reading and discussion, learners analyze how authors develop theme, characterization, conflict, and plot, and how tone, imagery, and point of view shape meaning. Historical and cultural context is woven throughout to deepen interpretation and connect texts across time and genre.

The course is organized into six modules that pair engaging themes with English Language Arts skills: Conflict and Connection: Analyzing Conflict in Literature, The Power of Perception: Tone, Imagery & Point of View, Hard-Won Liberty: Rhetorical Analysis & Figurative Language, Reckless Ambition: Theme & Structural Analysis, Forces of Change: Literary Devices & Text Comparison, and Our Place in Nature: Figurative Language & Idea Synthesis. Readings include works such as “Two Kinds,” “Harrison Bergeron,” “Lather and Nothing Else,” “By Any Other Name,” “Everyday Use,” excerpts from Self-Reliance, “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” selections from Macbeth, “The Necklace,” “Everything Stuck to Him,” “The Great Silence,” and contemporary essays and poems.

Students practice analytical, argumentative, and expository writing, support claims with textual evidence, compare treatments of themes across print and media, and present ideas with clarity. This 100% online, self-paced, asynchronous course delivers all materials through the Learn Stage platform and typically completes in about six months.

Course Objectives

Analyze how authors develop theme, characterization, and plot through literary elements and techniques.

Evaluate the relationship between historical context and literary expression across genres.

Develop and support arguments with textual evidence through analytical and expository essays.

Compare and contrast viewpoints, themes, and rhetorical strategies used in various texts.

Apply critical reading strategies to interpret literary and nonfiction texts.

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Course Contents

Module TitleModule Topic(s)
Conflict and Connection: Analyzing Conflict in Literature
The Power of Perception: Tone, Imagery & Point of View
Hard-Won Liberty: Rhetorical Analysis & Figurative Language
Reckless Ambition: Theme & Structural Analysis
Forces of Change: Literary Devices & Text Comparison
Our Place in Nature: Figurative Language & Idea Synthesis
Final Project: Reflection & Critical Response

Recommended Prerequisites

Carnegie Credits Explained: Our Approach vs. Trimester Credits

Carnegie Credit System
Excel High School follows the Carnegie Credit system, a widely recognized method of measuring student progress based on instructional hours. A single Carnegie credit reflects approximately 120 hours of coursework, typically completed over a full academic year.

Carnegie Credit vs. Trimester Credit
While Carnegie credits are awarded based on total hours over a year, trimester credits divide the school year into three terms. In a trimester system, students complete courses in shorter, intensive sessions, often earning partial credits (e.g., 0.33 or 0.5 per term). In contrast, Excel’s use of Carnegie credits ensures students have ample time to engage deeply with the material and develop a well-rounded understanding at a consistent pace.

Accreditation You Can Trust

Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.

Accreditation You Can Trust

Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.