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The Study of Literature
The study of literature is the foundation of any English
department. Studying literature promotes critical thinking
skills that are necessary in an increasingly complex
society. To engage in careful, reflective thought is a
fundamental characteristic of an educated person and is
developed partly through reading and studying literature.
The Importance of Writing
Since writing is a skill that needs constant practice and
improvement, BCA offers composition classes separate from
English/ literature classes for the Lower Academy. In these
classes, the students learn the process of writing from
brainstorming to publishing. The composition classes are
designed for the students to learn to express themselves
clearly in writing, to overcome time-consuming writer's
blocks, and to learn how to communicate through significant
writing. In addition, creative writing assignments allow the
student to use imagination to create works of vivid imagery
and originality.
The emphasis on writing continues in the Upper Academy
primarily in English but in other courses as well. Writing
in other classes such as history and science helps the
student see the importance of writing in all areas of life
and prepares the student for college courses that require
writing across different curricula.
The Importance of Research
During each level of composition, students develop an
understanding of writing as a form of clear and effective
means of communication. Learning to present ideas and
research topics in clear and logical writing in turn
promotes clear and logical thinking and reasoning.
The Importance of Grammar
Studying grammar gives insight into the way language works
and therefore allows the student greater control of
expression. Studying grammar also gives the student an
excellent base for learning other languages, such as
Spanish, French, and Latin. Since communicating ideas and
making sure those ideas are understood and well-received are
such an important part of everyday life, the study of
grammar helps to ensure that the student will be prepared in
all subjects and for communicating ideas especially through
writing and speaking.
Shakespeare Studies (A Unit Study)
Shakespeare studies begin in the fifth and sixth grades and
continue through the Upper Academy English classes. These
studies are age appropriate and the text selection is geared
for the reading level of the middle school student and for
the high school student. Because Shakespeare is considered
the greatest writer of the English language, studying
Shakespeare's plots and themes encourages critical thinking
and help students to see the influence he had on developing
the English language. In addition, his emphasis on Christian
values provides a basis for class discussion; Shakespeare's
insights into human behavior are profound, showing man at
his best and worst. Reading Shakespeare gives students a
sense of history, not only for the Renaissance but also for
the historical context of his plays.
The Importance of Summer Reading
The summer reading selections create a foundation for other
readings during the school year and prepare the students for
meaningful class discussion at the beginning of the school
year. The selections are meant to encourage reading as a
part of one's life, not just for school.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
English 5/6
– Instructor: Mary Hearn. Explores two Newbery
Award-winning novels per semester, explores poetry and the
short story, focuses on summarizing and note taking skills,
deepens students’ understanding and interest in reading.
Includes hands-on activities that make literature exciting
even for the reluctant English student
English 7th
– Instructor: TBA. Focus on literature and writing;
reading various genres, including short stories, poetry,
novels, and a Shakespeare play; analyzing works on a deeper
level and searching for various literary devices such as
irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, and more; writing revolving
around different types of writing, including journals,
essays, narratives, research papers, and creative
assignments; completing a vocabulary unit each week that
focuses on words from reading assignments.
Composition 1/Grammar
– Instructor: Mary Hearn. Exploring grammar skills,
learning how to use words, learning basic sentence
structures for formal and creative writing, building
vocabulary, hands-on activities with paragraphs, poetry,
letters, and journals.
Composition 2/Grammar
- Instructor: Mary Hearn.
Recognizing and correcting major sentence errors, exploring
formal and creative writing, introduction to research,
journaling, building vocabulary, short stories writing.
English 8th
– Instructor: Joy Johns. Offers a broad range of
reading, reasoning, responding, and writing about
literature.Helps to prepare students for high school English
classes. Emphasizes the writing process, importance of
spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and MLA style. Focuses on
short story and novel elements, such as character, plot,
setting, theme; focuses on poetry elements, such as types of
rhyme, meter, scansion. Helps students to feel deeply and to
respond with discernment and compassion toward others.
Composition 3/Grammar
- Instructor: Kayla Bowen. Overcoming writing
anxieties, writing for various subjects, beginning research
skills with emphasis on MLA format, understanding the
writing process, building vocabulary and journaling skills,
composing writing that is significant, clear, and
grammatically acceptable, sending of student’s writing for
publication with cover letter.
English 9th
– Instructor: Kelly Harlin. Takes an in-depth look at
literature and focuses on critical analysis in writing.
Students will read a variety of genres, including novels,
short stories, poetry, epics, and plays; these works vary
from ancient oral tradition to modern novels. In addition to
reading, students will analyze literary devices and
understand the works on a more critical level. Students will
participate in class discussions, collaborate with
classmates, and create both individual and group projects to
enhance the meaning of the works and understand the relation
of the work to their lives. Students will write often and in
various types of writing, including journals, essays,
narratives, and creative assignments. Vocabulary is a key
component of this class as we prepare for the SAT/ACT.
American Literature
- Instructor: Kelly Harlin. Focuses on
American literature from the colonial period to modern day.
Students will analyze not only literary elements of the
works, but the picture the works paint of American society
at a particular time. Throughout the year, students will
write critically about literature by analyzing literary
techniques the authors use. In addition, students will read
a book of their choice and write a critical analysis
research paper on that book. Other writing assignments will
include journals, narratives, and creative writing.
Vocabulary assignments will aid in preparing for the
ACT/SAT.
British Literature
– Instructor: Kayla Bowen. Examination of a wide
range of literature within its historical context including
literature from Anglo-Saxon England and all time periods
henceforth including contemporary; development of
understanding of literary techniques and devices and how an
author uses them strategically within a work; critical
thinking and analysis skills; writing skills; application of
concepts learned in class through creative expression such
as poetry, art, graphic design, etc.; appreciation of
literature as an art and a means of expression and
communication.
World Literature
- Instructor: Kayla Bowen. A survey of world
literature from ancient to modern, including a broad range
of genres such as the novel, the short story, poetry, and
drama. The course will predominantly focus on analyzing and
responding to literature critically through writing but may
also include group work or creative projects. Students will
learn to think critically as they approach literature within
its historical context and appreciate literature as an art
form and means of human expression.
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