LANGUAGE ARTS
The language arts are based on the truth that God is the Ultimate Communicator. Because of this, God is concerned that our communication be clear and easily understood. To effectively convey and discern the intended message accurately and every utilization of the language arts program should reflect our recognition of the patterns and principles God has communicated to us.
Language Arts Curriculum Goals
In accordance with the philosophy of language arts, the students will be encouraged to develop skills necessary to:
- Understand and discern truth drawn from God’s Word
- Become effective communicators of God’s truth through their writing
- Accurately communicate God’s truth through speech
- Recognize and appreciate the beauty of patterns in literature
Freshman English
The student will receive instruction in and demonstrate the ability to use proper grammar, specific vocabulary words, and various writing skills. The student will also be able to recognize various thematic, figurative, poetic, and dramatic devices used in a broad range of literary genres. Students will also learn about 300 vocabulary words and how to use them.
- Prerequisite: 8th Grade English
- Credit: 1.00
- Grade Level: 9th
Sophomore English
At first, students will review grammar and writing rules. Then students will read various forms of literature including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, analyzing the author’s purpose. In addition, the students will analyze themes from a Biblical perspective. The students will write responses to their readings and analysis. Students will also learn about 300 vocabulary words and how to use them. Finally, in conjunction with the history department, students will write a research paper.
- Prerequisite: 9th Grade English
- Credit: 1.00
- Grade Level: 10th
American Literature
The students will receive instruction in and focus on an understanding of various usage and punctuation issues. They will also be able to track the ideological development of America as reflected in its speeches, journals, poetry, prose, and drama. Students will also learn about 300 vocabulary words and how to use them. Finally, they will job shadow and write about the experience.
- Prerequisite: 10th Grade English
- Credit: 1.00
- Grade Level: 11th/12th
British Literature
The students will receive instruction in and focus on an understanding of various usage issues, as well as punctuation. They will also be able to track the development of the major themes and movements of British Literature as reflected in its poetry, prose, drama, and novels.
- Prerequisite: 10th Grade English
- Credit: 1.00
- Grade Level: 11th/12th
Speech
Students will learn how to speak in public and to communicate well. Students will improve their confidence and thinking skills and enhance their ability to communicate a Christian worldview in a secular world.
- Prerequisite: None
- Credit: 0.5
- Grade Level: 11th/12th
AP English Language & Composition
The students will read various forms of literature with a primary focus on nonfiction, analyzing the author’s purpose and use of language. In addition, the students will analyze themes from a Biblical perspective. They will study various forms of writing, including a synthesis essay in which they will draw conclusions from various types of sources. The students will write responses to their readings and analysis. Students will also learn about 300 vocabulary words and how to use them. Finally, they will job shadow and write about the experience.
- Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
- Credit: 0.5
- Grade Level: 11th/12th
AP English Literature & Composition
The students will gain competence in those skills of language, literature, and composition that were introduced and reinforced in previous English courses. In addition, the students will analyze themes from a Biblical perspective. The students will complete the work of college preparation through experiences that anticipate the demand of the AP exam. Students will also learn about 300 vocabulary words and how to use them.
- Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
- Credit: 1.00
- Grade Level: 11th/12th
Yearbook
This is a full year course designed to work like a business. This course will give students an opportunity to capture the memories of their school year while learning skills that will prepare them for life beyond high school. Students will be required to meet deadlines, manage costs and budgets, sell advertisements, and work independently as well as collectively. Students will learn necessary journalism skills such as interviewing and caption writing. Students will learn page design and layout in addition to acquiring a basic foundation in photography. Considerable time outside of class will be required to prepare the yearbook for publication.
- Prerequisite: Application and Teacher Approval
- Credit: 1.00
- Grade Level: 9th-12th