In the 1984-85 school year, the 3-year Honors English course was initiated at Stonewall Jackson and Charleston High Schools in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Focusing on its humanities approach to language arts instruction, this curriculum guide outlines a sequential, thematic program designed to provide students with an historical background of language and literature. A discussion of Kanawha County's educational history and diverse population provides an historical perspective. Literature bases and corresponding language/composition activities are listed, starting with the beginning of recorded history through the Middle Ages (10th grade), the Renaissance to 1860 (11th grade), and the American Civil War era to the present (12th grade). The curriculum rationale lists the following objectives: (1) recapture teacher and student enthusiasm for excellence and pride in achievement; (2) cultivate higher level thinking; (3) apply critical thinking skills to literary selections; (4) develop writing and speaking skills; (5) promote understanding of the purposes of writing and speaking and of author/audience relationships; (6) enhance the study of literature through social, historical, and aesthetic perspectives; (7) relate communication skills to other curriculum areas; and (8) employ teaching methods that help students assume more responsibility in the learning process. The program described utilizes community resources through guest lecturers and field trips and seeks the cooperation of specialists on the regular school and county administrative staffs. (JD)