English

Faculty Members
Diane Bisping (dbisping@lhsmayer.org)
Kevin Boozikee (kboozikee@lhsmayer.org)
Kris Gustin (kgustin@lhsmayer.org)

Course Offerings (Certain courses may not be offered every semester)
Transition English 1 Credit Grade 9
Foundations of English 1 Credit Grades 9-10
American Literature 1 Credit Grade 10
Practical English .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Creative Writing .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Drama .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Christian Literature .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Poetry .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Short Story .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Novels .5 Credit Grades 11-12
British Literature .5 Credit Grades 11-12
College Writing .5 Credit Grades 11-12
AP English 2 Credits Grades 11-12

Rationale

The English curriculum will emphasize a Christian approach in comprehension, interpretation and application. The English curriculum includes literature, grammar, composition, speech, and drama and provides challenging activities for all student levels. For students to become effective Christian leaders, they need to know how best to utilize the skills of effective communications. Applying these skills aids students in understanding the concerns of ohter people, and in transmitting their own ideas, concerns and emotions to others. As these skills are learned, applied and enhanced, students will gain confidence and self-awareness in their ability to encourage others in the faith and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Goals of the Department

The students will:
1. Develop competency with communication skills.
2. Develop an awareness of personal potentialities.
3. Apply communication and literary techniques to understand other people and cultures.
4. Communicate effectively through writing.
5. Gain appreciation for listening and reading as important learning tools.
6. Develop the ability to read critically and analytically in all genres.
7. Evaluate and apply learning in a meaningful way to life as a Christian.

Department Goal Achievement Strategies

The goals of the English department will be achieved through:
1. grammatical and usage exercise,
2. formal speeches, oral presentations and collaborative exercises,
3. a survey of the writing process (including editing skills),
4. exploring study skills, research techniques and media center use,
5. testing and evaluating student work,
6. structured writing assignments, including development of a thesis, and
7. literary interpretation of novels, poetry, short stories and drama.