English Curriculum

Introduction to Literature (English 9)

This on-level course introduces students to various literary genres, basic grammar, essential composition skills and techniques, SAT preparation, and several significant works of literature. The students explore mythology, Greek epic, drama, poetry, non-fiction, and short stories. They hone analytical thinking skills, formulate critical thinking questions, and write about issues and ideas. They also learn to use context clues to enhance reading comprehension and practice grammar and composition. The students also learn to incorporate grammar objectives into writing for immediate application of learned theory and applied skills by utilizing workbooks and SAT preparation materials.

British Literature (English 10)

This on-level course introduces students to British literature and tragedy, both Greek and Renaissance, through a survey of significant literary works. Beginning with Greek drama they will study the Aristotelian structure of tragedy and apply its criterion to the Oedipus cycle by Sophocles. The students will then study the oldest known Anglo-Saxon epic, Beowulf and major works and periods of British literature, Arthurian legends, medieval literature, 16th and 19th century English poetry, Renaissance drama, novels and short stories.

British Literature Honors (English 10)

This course follows the same course outline as on-level British Literature. However, the honors course includes a much more rigorous writing component. Honors students will be required to write with more frequency and skill while maintaining the workload of the British Literature curriculum.

American Literature (English 11)

This on-level course introduces the students to American literature from each major time period beginning with the colonial up through the mid-20th century. Various types of literature including novels, drama, short stories, poetry, and non fiction will be covered. Practice and application of style techniques, and general composition strategies are practiced and taught. Writing essays, critiques, summaries and a major literary criticism research paper and SAT preparation are also a part of this curriculum.

American Literature Honors (English 11)

New for 2011-2012, course description coming soon.

AP English: Language and Composition (English 11)

This course introduces students to logic, rhetoric, analysis, argumentation, and American literature and will survey works beginning with the colonial up through the mid-20th century. Various types of literature are represented, including:

• Novels, drama, short stories, poetry, and non fiction
• High level discussion, analysis and pertinent terminology is discussed and reinforced.
• Grammar application, practice, techniques, and composition strategies essays, critiques, and timed essays, SAT preparation.

World Literature and Advanced Composition/Honors (English 12)

This course is designed to equip students to write proficiently and think critically and analytically. The literature studied is a mix of genres and time periods including ancient works such as the Book of Job, tragedies, modern poetry, various novels, plays and selected non-fiction.

• The course is centered around four key themes:
• The Human Struggle/Suffering
• The Depravity of Man
• Order and Justice
• Love and Redemption

AP English: Literature and Composition (English 12)

This course is designed to equip students to write proficiently and think critically and analytically. The most important goal of this class is to produce excellent thinkers and communicators who will be lifelong learners, with a positive side effect of performing well on the national AP exam. Western literature is the focus including Crime and Punishment, Hamlet, Lear, Heart of Darkness, Faustus, Pride and Prejudice, Inferno.

• Course content is an exercise in verbal problem solving
• Students will respond at the highest levels of application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
• Extensive college level writing
• Learn and apply literary techniques and terms
• develop test taking skills
• Clearly discern biblical truth