American Literature (11)
Credit: 1/2
Grades: 11
An historic study of the religious attitude of the age is an important part in developing an understanding of oneself and one's beliefs in comparison to the beliefs of others before him. Students learn to develop their own "voice" to express themselves and their beliefs through creative writing.
British Literature (12)
Credit: 1/2
Grades: 12
The strong religious and political influence behind British Literature is studied and compared to the students' lives today and how Christ wills for us to pattern our lives.
Creative Writing (11-12)
Creative writing class encompasses the study in writing of many different styles of writing including short stories, poetry, journals, essays, and other unique projects. Students create writings that express who they are as God's covenant children and what their beliefs are. They work through the writing processes of brainstorming, planning, writing, editing, and rewriting. Students also enter their works in literary publications and contests.
This course combines a study of a variety of literature genres (short story, poetry, drama, essay, novel etc.), grammar review, vocabulary building exercises, and creative writing. Using a biblical overview, students will become more adept at silent reading, oral communication, expository and creative writing, and analyzing the English language.
In each of these years, the course involves various literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary and communication skills. Each years builds on the skills of the years before. Utilizing a literary anthology as well as novels and other supplementary literature materials, students learn to appreciate the various literary genres as well as respond to literature through discussions, written responses, and creative writing exercises, and drama. A student should not only know how to read but also should develop a love for it and know how to be critical of what he/she is reading in the light of scriptures. This can only be accomplished under guidance that leads the student to an independent ability to explore with a complete awareness of how Christ would have him respond to the history, thoughts and values of people. Grammar and mechanics are not taught in and by themselves but are often followed by applicatory written and oral exercises. Students learn the importance of grammatical and mechanical accuracy in all of their communications. Students also explore and integrate the use of technology as they read and write.
Authority and involvement in one's own writing are focused on at this level, along with grammar and composition, diction, and the various forms of literature. Whether it is writing or reading the works of others, every student must learn to critique all he does according to God's will.
This course helps students become more perceptive "readers" of both film and fiction and examine how film and fiction affect us as Christian readers/viewers. It alerts students to the language of the film. By comparing and contrasting novels with films based on them, students analyze how directors enforce, amplify, or depart from a novel's theme.
Grammar and Composition (11)
This course includes an in depth study of parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentence structure, and the mechanics of writing. The concepts learned are incorporated onto formal and informal essays. Study skills are also covered including a brief overview of the ACT test. Students are encouraged to strive for Christian excellence in all aspects of this course.
From a biblical world view, students critically examine the various media: television, advertising, movies, radio, newspapers, and magazines. Students also involve themselves in creatively analyzing and responsibly designing various media projects.
Direct experience in speech is received as students study the various steps involved in formal speaking. A wide range of speech is covered from informative and persuasive to demonstration and entertainment. In the class, students are encouraged to hone their speaking as will as their listening skills through daily exercises. A central objective of the course is that students gain self-confidence while speaking in front of a group and learn to use God's gift of communication wisely and responsibly.
