Students read three novels, explore poetry from a variety of authors, read a play and enact a scene, and strengthen grammar and vocabulary. Writing skills are strongly emphasized in the Oak Meadow English curriculum, and this course develops those skills through a variety of writing assignments (expository, interpretive, satirical, and character portraits). Students are encouraged to develop critical reading skills, ask questions, look deeply, and make discoveries. The following books are included with this course:
Oak Meadow Introduction to Literature & Composition Syllabus
The Least You Should Know About English
A Wizard of Earthsea
Animal Farm
To Kill a Mockingbird
Our Town

Literature & Composition II continues the development of writing skills started in Introduction to Literature & Composition, and includes a wide variety of writing assignments, such as compare/contrast, process, analysis, archetypal stories, and vignettes. Grammar and punctuation skills are refined through written work. In addition, students write two research papers following the traditional form. Students also read three novels and explore poetry by a variety of authors. Reading comprehension and critical thinking are emphasized. The following books are included with this course:
Oak Meadow Literature & Composition II Syllabus
A Separate Peace
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Anthem

Students explore the thoughts and feelings of American men and women who have helped create and articulate the unique heritage of the American people and the rich fabric of the culture. Active reading and critical evaluation is emphasized. Students refine composition and presentation skills by writing essays (expository, interpretive, contrast/compare), magazine columns, travel guides, interviews, editorials, and speeches. In addition, students explore the works of modern American poets and write a literary research paper. The following books are included with this course:
Oak Meadow American Literature Syllabus
The Great Gatsby
The Red Badge of Courage
To Be a Slave

Students read the works of international authors, both contemporary and historical, and refine grammar and composition skills through numerous writing assignments. In addition to active reading and critical evaluation of literature, students’ writing instincts are further honed and challenged with a variety of essays (expository, compare/contrast, personal opinion, and interpretive), a biographical research paper, poetry, movie reviews, news articles, an analysis of symbolism and irony, and a one-act play. The following books are included with this course:
Oak Meadow World Literature Syllabus
Don Quixote
The Ramayana
The Metamorphosis
A Doll’s House

Enrolled Students Only —Open to Eleventh and Twelfth Graders
This course presents a selection of works from British Literature, spanning from its origins through the 20th century. Beginning with the earliest written work of British Literature, Beowulf, students will read an illustrated translation of this epic poem whose hero becomes a king by defeating a family of dreadful monsters. King Arthur and the Arthurian legends will be explored in The Once and Future King by T.H. White. The second semester brings a comic confusion of magical creatures—faeries, monsters, kings and heroes—cavorting in Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students then move forward in time to the 19th century to explore the Hero as a child in David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens. A study of Victorian poems will be followed by a selection of English short stories, where students will need to look more carefully to discover the magical creatures, heroes and monsters within. Written assignments include interpretive essays, creative stories and projects.
Beowulf
The Once and Future King
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
David Copperfield
The Oxford Book of English Short Stories

While preparing students to take the AP English Language and Composition exam, this course provides training in literary analysis as well as analytical and persuasive writing. In addition to practicing essay test-taking techniques, organization, and time management, students study the interactions among subject, authorial purpose, audience needs, generic conventions, and the resources of the English language. Assignments include a directed narrative, analyses of test questions, analyses of rhetorical strategies, and persuasive essays. Students will also practice taking multiple choice tests which mirror those found in the AP exam.

This course has been reviewed and approved by the College Board.

Course Length: Intensive spring session (12 weeks) requires 5-7 hours per week. Academic year session (30 weeks) requires 2-3 hours per week, with breaks for holidays.

Required Materials: A textbook purchase is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Qualifying reading/verbal score, completion of grade 10 English, and the submission of a satisfactory writing sample