Departments

This elective, which meets once per cycle, focuses on learning the basics of journalism including writing, editing, and laying out content. The class is responsible for publishing the school newspaper The Academy Torch. (1 Credit)

Students in this course will read classic works from the major genres of literature, review crucial aspects of grammar, engage in extensive vocabulary development, and write increasingly challenging compositions and essays. Personal expression, critical analysis, and research writing will prepare the students for success in their continued study of English at CBA. (5 Credits)

This course provides a fundamental introduction to the responsibilities of college preparatory English work.  Teachers stress grammar, basic genres of literature, critical reading skills, development of vocabulary, and writing. Upon completion of this course, students will have engaged in a comprehensive investigation of the principles of language, communication, and the mechanics of grammar. (5 Credits)

Students in this course will continue their detailed investigation of creative and expository writing and will engage in demanding reading and research assignments.  Assignments will increase student awareness regarding the interplay between grammar and writing style. Students will take an in-depth look at the chronology, literature, and cultural realities of America. By the course’s end, students should have a clear understanding of tenets of the American Spirit, as well as an ability to write argumentatively with a focus on proper grammar, style, and vocabulary. (5 Credits)

This course covers three basic areas of English education. It emphasizes a literary survey of American literature, including a chronological and philosophical approach that offers insights into the American spirit. The course also presents exercises in expository, descriptive, and argumentative prose, with an introduction to the research essay. In addition, the course presents studies in vocabulary, spelling, and syntax. By the course’s end, students should have a clear understanding of the American Spirit, as well as a developing understanding of argumentative writing with the ability to employ proper grammar, style, and vocabulary. (5 Credits)

Structurally, this course differs little from the description outlined in English III; however, the intensity and complexity of the work is such that students enrolled in this course will receive an accelerated rating through their study of the intersection of British history and literature. Students should expect a greater quantity of abstract and analytical literary work. Finally, students will learn advanced writing techniques, through literary analysis and research. (5 Credits)

This course covers three basic areas of English education. First, the course surveys thousands of years of British literature. Second, it emphasizes the fundamental principles of writing through various writing assignments, including a thorough research paper. Third, the course stresses the more complex and demanding areas of grammar, syntax, spelling, vocabulary and speech. (5 Credits)

This course offers students a class that not only seeks to analyze some of the most influential classic and current literature ever written, but also offers an intensive preparation for the AP Literature and Composition exam. The core purpose of the class is to prepared students for the AP exam, as well as any college level course that requires critical thought and analysis. (Students are required to take the AP Exam in May.) (5 Credits)

This course presents three areas of college preparatory English education. First, the course surveys world literature, entailing the study of the major literary and philosophical works throughout the Western tradition. Second, the course presents expository and argumentative writing assignments in the areas of prose and literary analysis. Third, the course stresses competency and creativity in editing, grammar, and other sophisticated linguistic skills. Students are expected to write at the college level by May. (5 Credits)

This senior elective is designed to help students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and to become skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.  Students are asked to examine the role of the written word in not only world culture but also in their lives.  All students in this course are required to take the AP Exam in May. (5 Credits)

This senior elective is designed to educate students in methods of writing creative fiction, creative non-fiction, and screenwriting. Students are also asked to examine the role of the written word in not only world culture, but their own lives. The class is centered around the workshop: an entire class period dedicated to each student’s individual creative work. The main purpose of the elective is not only to encourage creativity and independent thought, but also to foster a unique and intellectual approach to the spiritual side of the world. (5 Credits)

In this class, students will learn how to use various forms of media and technology to most effectively communicate ideas, encourage positive public behavior, promote institutions and places of interest as well as sell products. Collaboration and problem solving will be main focus of class in honing a more diverse skillset for college and the workplace. In addition, students will be encouraged to explore their own ideas and personal interests. Class time will be used primarily for work shopping to plan, create, and evaluate products, but also for teacher-directed activities and student discussion. (5 Credits)

This senior elective offers a full-year survey of the development of the motion picture. Students view over thirty full-length films in order to understand the cultural and technical elements of the American and world film industry. They will deepen their knowledge through class discussion, verbal and written analysis, and explanatory readings. At the end of the course, students should consider themselves astute critics of the major motion picture. (5 Credits)

This senior elective provides the college-bound student with an additional level of writing instruction, particularly on the elements of composition with hands-on, in-class practice in writing college-level prose. The student will demonstrate a developed clarity of expression through diagnosis and response to persistent problems in rhetoric. (5 Credits)