Curriculum

 

English (Language Arts) - Grade Six

GRAMMAR

Houghton Mifflin English, Level 8: parts of speech;
prepositional phrases.

USAGE

Sentence parts and patterns; compound sentences; sentence types; subject/verb
agreement; subordinate clauses.

MECHANICS

Capitalization and punctuation.

VOCABULARY

Wordly Wise 3000, Book 4

COMPOSITION

Writing complete sentences; sentence combining; all
grammar skills are integrated in writing. Students write
about the literature they read.

PARAGRAPH
CONSTRUCTION

Forming and placing topic sentences; supporting details;
logical concluding sentences; journal keeping.

MULTI-PARAGRAPH
PERSONAL ESSAY

Folk tale; myth; compare and contrast essay; narration,
description, exposition, dialogue, beginning (conflict);
middle (developing characters); end (resolution); students
are writing two-paragraph essays by April.

FIVE-PARAGRAPH
CRITICAL ESSAY

n.a.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Introduction to Cone Library and to concept of academic
integrity; use of Galenet, unabridged dictionary, reference
section; following a style manual.

LITERATURE STUDY

Organized by themes. Fiction: short stories, epic, novels,
folk literature, plays, poetry. Nonfiction: biographies, auto-
biographies, essays, articles; comprehension and analysis.

NOVELS

Three novels are assigned for summer reading and covered through projects and testing.
 Each student also reads three of four supplemental novels independently.

   

The Grade 6 Language Arts Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English I - Grade Seven

GRAMMAR

Parts of speech, parts of sentence, phrase, clause.

USAGE

Agreement, correct use of verbs, pronouns, modifiers.

MECHANICS

Capitalization and punctuation.

VOCABULARY

Study of over 300 words through various exercises and techniques;
synonyms, antonyms, pronunciation, spelling, shades of meaning,
analogies, sentence completion, and word families.

PARAGRAPH
CONSTRUCTION

Frequent compositions, 100-300 words, examining works from
assigned readings in literature; topic sentence, development, logical
conclusions.

MULTI-PARAGRAPH
PERSONAL ESSAY

Composition of 300-500 words: instructor-devised topics from
reading, experience, memory: narration, description, exposition,
dialogue.

FIVE-PARAGRAPH
CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent analyses of literature, 300-500 words; students will have
practiced the five-paragraph formula before the first-semester exam
in December; forming and restricting thesis; use of textual
evidence; arranging ideas in order of importance; revision

LITERATURE STUDY

Short stories, drama, nonfiction: essays, autobiography, biography,
articles and speeches; poetry, at least three novels.
Students will be able to define, identify, and analyze in class
discussions and writing the following literary terms: plot,
characterization, setting, point of view, inference, rhyme, rhythm,
simile, metaphor, imagery, symbol, alliteration, assonance, onoma-
topoeia, theme, mood, tone, satire, foreshadowing, flash-
back, figurative language, irony, allusion, stereotype, hyperbole and
personification.

NOVELS

In addition to the three novels read as part of the curriculum,
students read at least one supplemental novel per semester and are
assigned three age-appropriate novels for summer reading.

The Grade 7 - English I Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English Expression I - Grade Seven

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Three to five essays, ranging in length from one to three
pages; guidelines focus on figurative language and precision
in word choice to create mood and image.

NARRATIVE WRITING

Two to four personal experience essays ranging in length
from one to four pages; guidelines focus on development of
plot through effective description and dialogue.

CRITICAL WRITING

One research-based essay on current events topic; three to
five pages in length; three sources cited; guidelines of five-
paragraph essay are introduced, focusing especially on
construction of effective three-point thesis.

RESEARCH SKILLS

With the aid of library staff, classroom and hands-on
instruction in the use of Infotrac; SIRS on-line; use of
internet to find primary and secondary sources; focus is on
using different search engines and evaluating sources.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Frequent oral readings of written assignments in class and in small groups. 
Students deliver four formal oral presentations: one poem, one descriptive speech,
 one narrative, and one book review.  After thorough revision,
 using a visual aid and note cards, students make presentations progressing
 in length from one to five minutes.

OUTSIDE READING

Two novels of choice from a list given in class.

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

 

 

English II - Grade Eight

GRAMMAR

Parts of speech; parts of sentence; phrases, complements, clauses.

USAGE

Agreement; pronoun cases; modifiers.

MECHANICS

Punctuation

VOCABULARY

Studies include denotation, connotation, primary meaning,
secondary meaning, meaning from context, analogies, roots,
word origins, affixes, homonyms, synonyms,
antonyms.

PARAGRAPH
CONSTRUCTION

Frequent compositions, 200-300 words, based on readings
from literature.

MULTI-PARAGRAPH
PERSONAL ESSAY

One essay, 300-600 words, instructor-devised topics;
narration, description, exposition, dialogue.

FIVE-PARAGRAPH
CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent compositions, 300-600 words, five-paragraph
literary analyses that cite and examine textual evidence.

LITERATURE STUDY

Studies of novels and short stories require students to
analyze irony, figurative language, character development,
point of view; units include representative works of the
gothic, the western, science fiction, historical fiction,
contemporary fiction, Dickens’ social commentary, and
Shakespearean tragedy. Poetry units present a variety of
verse genres and require students to analyze figurative
language, extended metaphors, rhythm, meter, rhyme
scheme, theme.

NOVELS

In addition to the novels from the curriculum, students read
at least two supplemental novels per year and three age-
appropriate novels for summer reading.

The Grade 8 English II Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English Expression II - Grade Eight

WRITING

Two to four descriptive essays, 1-3 pages; guidelines focus on
figurative language and precision in word choice to create mood
and image.

Two to four narrative essays, 1-3 pages; focus on development of
plot and effective characterization.

One research-based persuasive essay supporting one side of a
controversial issue; 3 sources required, 2 of which must be Internet
sources.

RESEARCH AND
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Use of Tom-infotrac, SIRS on-line, Lexis-Nexis Scholastic Universe, and reference books in library.

Use of internet to find primary and secondary sources; focus is on
using different search engines and evaluating sources.

 

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

One two-to-four minute anecdotal speech illustrating an idiom.
Focus is on all aspects of public speaking such as eye contact,
projection, vocal expression, rate, stance.

One two-to-four minute informative speech on a topic that is of interest to the student

Frequent oral readings of written assignments in class and in small groups.

One four-to-six minute persuasive speech that clearly demon-
strates mastery of the five-step process and a knowledge of logic
and logic flaws.

One one-minute impromptu speech based on
contemporary topic.

OUTSIDE READING

Two novels of choice from list given in class.

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English 9 - Grade Nine

VOCABULARY

Enlarging vocabulary through central ideas; prefixes and
roots from Anglo-Saxon, Latin, Greek.

PERSONAL ESSAY

Occasional (2); variable length; topics relating reading to
student experience.

CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent textual analyses (6-9 yearly); in-class essay tests,
and other essays analyzing character, theme, and setting.
Long-term essay (term paper) examining themes from
outside reading novel.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Learning use of all resources in the Cone Library and
available to Cone Library, culminating in a research projects throughout the year.

LITERATURE

Introduction to a variety of genres noting specific elements
    of each; works are drawn from a variety of ethnic back-
    grounds and time periods. Genres include short story, non-
    fiction, poetry, Shakespearean tragedy, nineteenth-century British novel, modern American novel.
  Students study setting, development of theme and character, use of figurative language,
and literary terms appropriate to the individual pieces of literature.

NOVELS

In addition to novels read for class, 3 summer-reading
novels & at least 1 novel as a primary source for term paper.

The Grade 9 English 9 Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English10 - Grade Ten

VOCABULARY

College-level workbook; context, central idea, Greek, Latin
derivations: Anglicized French, Italian, Spanish, and Anglo-
Saxon words; words from classical literature and mythology.

CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent (6-12 yearly), varying lengths; textual analysis;
examination of character development, setting, theme;
rewriting (Includes 2 papers on outside reading, one of
which synthesizes, under single thesis, analysis of two works

PERSONAL ESSAY

Occasional (2 yearly), 750 words; topics relating text to
student experience, developed by narration, dialogue,
description; rewriting.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Four-page paper on poetry from an instructor-prepared list,
using at least two secondary sources beyond general
reference; documentation skills; rewriting.

LITERATURE

Short stories: plot, character, theme, point of view, irony.
Poetry: denotation/connotation, imagery, figurative
language, dramatic situation.
Shakespearean Tragedy: technique and theme.
Novels: influence of setting, developing relationships among
protagonists and antagonists; themes of personal and social
values.

NOVELS

In addition to novels studied in class, 3 summer-reading
novels and 2 novels for outside-reading papers.

The Grade 10 English 10 Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English 11 / English 11 Honors - Grade Eleven

VOCABULARY

Success with Words: preparation for SAT I verbal section; synonyms, analogies, meaning through context, roots, prefixes, suffixes.

MULTI-PARAGRAPH
PERSONAL ESSAY

Occasional (2-4 yearly), variable in length; topics from
experience; style, tone, development; narration,
description, exposition, dialogue.

CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent (6-10 yearly) textual analyses, examination of
character, motif, theme, setting, genres, recurring images
and patterns.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Two research papers, each requiring original analysis of primary source and written summary of secondary source.  

LITERATURE STUDY
ENGLISH 11



ENGLISH 11 HONORS

Survey of American Literature, emphasizing the American experience and including themes of initiation,
moral struggle, spiritual quest, and the American dream. Supplemented by several novels.

Survey of traditional canon of American literature taken
from Norton Anthology of American Literature, Sets A-E, and supplemented by several novels.

NOVELS

In addition to the novels studied in class, students read
primary sources for research papers and three thematically
connected novels for summer reading.

The Grade 11 English 11 Texts
The Grade 11 English 11 Honors Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

Public Speaking - Grade Eleven

SPEECH ANALYSIS

One three – minute speech critiquing a professionally written speech.

PERSUASIVE SPEECHES

One three-to-five minute speech; focus on Aristotelian
concepts of confirmation, refutation, concession, and
exhortation; use of extended outline; topic should be within
student’s realm of expertise; student cites at least three sources 

INFORMATIVE SPEECH

One five-minute reading

DEMONSTRATION

INFORMATIVE SPEECH

One three – five minute speech, open topic.

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

English 12 / English 12 Honors - Grade Twelve

VOCABULARY

Words and terms drawn from assigned readings.

MULTI-PARAGRAPH
PERSONAL ESSAY

Occasional (2); variable length; topics relating reading to
student experience.

CRITICAL ESSAY

Periodic (6-10); 300-1500 words; literary analysis; revision.

RESEARCH PAPER

Two papers due; 1,000-2,000 words;  original analysis of primary sources and written summary of secondary sources.

LITERATURE

Survey of British Literature:  students read literature in the context of cultural history.
 Techniques, genres, meter, and language of poetry are reviewed from Beowulf through contemporary
verse; students read and analyze a variety of novels and short stories that typify literary movements up through post-modernists.

HONORS AND AP: Norton Anthology of English Literature

NOVELS

In addition to works read for class, students read primary
sources for research papers and three thematically
connected novels for summer reading.

The Grade 12 English 12 Texts
The Grade 12 English 12 Honors Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

Advanced Placement English Literature - Grade Twelve

PERSONAL ESSAY

Occasional (4); variable length; topics relating reading to
student experience.

CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent (18-20); varying length, literary analysis;
revision.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Two research papers per year; at least one primary source;
per paper at least three secondary sources; research in literary
journals; MLA Bibliography.

LITERATURE

Advanced Placement English begins with an intensive study
of the western epic tradition and then turns to a
chronological survey of British literature, presented
through the Norton Anthology of English Literature and a
series of supplemental novels and plays. Literary history,
critical schools, and literary terms are studied
systematically throughout the year.

NOVELS

Three thematically-connected novels are read for summer
reading, and at least two novels are read as primary
sources for research papers.

The Grade 12 AP English Literature Texts

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

Advanced Topics in Writing:

Journalism

Grades Eleven - Twelve (Elective)

 

HISTORY OF

MEDIA

 

Knowledge of major events, figures, court cases.

 

 

TERMINOLOGY

 

Parts of newspaper, story, layout.

 

WRITING

 

News, features, sports, and editorial writing; research assignment; creative non-fiction; in-class exercises.

 

COPY EDITING

 

Associated Press Stylebook (reference); knowledge of copy editing symbols, writing and editing headlines.

 

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

 

Basics of desktop publishing; familiarity with Aldus PageMaker; use of art, graphics and photograph; design a newspaper front page.

 

MEDIA ETHICS

 

Class discussions on ethical dilemmas incorporated in all units, with a special unit on ethical principles and ethics case studies

 

MEDIA LITERACY

 

Class discussions on media related issues incorporated throughout the course; outside-class reading project.

 

ENRICHMENT

 

Classroom speakers; field trips to local media organizations.

 

 

 

 

Advanced Topics in Writing:

Creative Writing

Grades Eleven - Twelve (Elective)

 

APPRENTICESHIP

Specific practice of foundational generic conventions through skill-focused exercises before moving on to more open-ended assignments.

TASTE

Outside reading and writing assignments encourage students to find writers whose work appeals to them and to articulate the nature of that appeal.

TERMS

Rigorous development of precise and accurate use of and execution of genre specific literary terms

TECHNICAL READING

Careful examination and class discussion of the structure and strategies of composition of contemporary writers' work.

WORKSHOPS

Constructive peer and teacher evaluation of student work in a seminar setting.

GENERIC VARIETY

Exploration of the genres of poetry, screenwriting, memoir, and fiction.

COLLABORATION

Production of short film scripts by the videography class in the Visual and Performing Arts Department.

 

 

 

 

Advanced Topics in Literature
Grades Eleven - Twelve (Elective)

MULTI-PARAGRAPH
CREATIVE ESSAY

Two per semester exploring issues related to current reading
assignments.

CRITICAL ESSAY

Frequent in-class essays and at least two out-of-class papers
analyzing literature from the syllabus.

RESEARCH SKILLS

One paper, 8-10 typed pages due at the end of semester one in
place of a semester exam. The paper must cite at least one
primary source and at least two secondary sources, which may
include interviews or formal research. Students may choose to
do in-depth theme, genre, or author study by basing their papers
on at least three primary sources.

LITERATURE

Students take two consecutive semesters of the course groupings
as listed below. Only one Advanced Topics in Literature class
is offered per semester, and course groupings are offered on a
rotating basis. Course descriptions and reading lists are given in
the Curriculum Guide.

SEMESTER ONE
The Doppleganger
Shakespeare: Comedies
Voices of Women
African-American Literature

SEMESTER TWO
American Guilt and Gothic
Shakespeare: Tragedies
Philosophy and Literature
Multicultural Literature

| Return to the Top | Return to the English Department Homepage |

© 1998-2000 Berkeley Preparatory School.  Please send comments to the Web Site Coordinator.