Mater Dei's English Department

English 1A is a freshman-level English course that develops proficiency of the English language through reading comprehension and analysis, writing development, speaking fluency, vocabulary and grammar usage. Students are introduced to basic literary forms (the short story, the novel, the epic, poetry, and drama) designed to provide a background for further analytical study of literature. The writing process is emphasized throughout the year to support the compositional requirements in subsequent courses. The course is recommended for students who need encouragement in reading and English language development.  The course is intended to strengthen English skills and better prepare students for college-level curriculum. 

This course is an introduction to basic literary forms (the short story, the novel, the epic, poetry, and drama) designed to provide a background for further analytical study of literature. The following skills are developed and refined through a variety of in-class and at-home assignments: studying, vocabulary, grammar, and composition. The writing process is emphasized throughout the year to support the compositional requirements in subsequent courses.

World Literature is a college preparatory course which teaches students to apply literary lenses to texts written by authors from around the world. Through multicultural short stories, Shakespearean tragedy, works of nonfiction, contemporary novels, and poetry, students will consider the overarching question: How can reading literature from a variety of perspectives teach me about myself and others? Throughout the course, students will develop their language and writing skills through multiple forms of written responses and vocabulary assignments. Additionally, students will compose a research paper in which they examine the world around them in order to develop a deeper understanding as to how they fit within the greater context of society.

This course is a study of the major works of American literature from the Early American period to the Modern period. Students will consider the following overall question: What is America’s story and how is it told? While each unit is a chronological study of American literature, students will also be exposed to contemporary writings (informational, poetry, short stories, speeches, and more) in order to expand their growth and understanding of the complexities within each period. In addition to the study of literature, the course includes language study (grammar, usage, and vocabulary) and engaging in the writing process (multi-paragraph essay and a research paper).

This course is designed to give students reading and writing skills which will help them to succeed at the college level. Extensive work will be devoted to analyzing complex texts, developing critical thinking skills, and writing a variety of essays. Additionally, students are supported in various aspects of the college application process.

This course is a study of the major works of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Modern period. In addition to the study of literature, the course includes language study (grammar, usage) and writing in several genres (narrative, argumentative, expository).  Special emphasis will be given to drama, essays, poetry, and the novel. Through composition as well as literature studies, students are encouraged to develop and articulate an informed coherent personal world view that addresses the major moral, philosophical, and ethical problems faced by contemporary society.

This course provides an in-depth study of literature, including an introduction to a variety of literary genres: the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel.  It serves as the first building block in the series of English courses leading to Advanced Placement English.  The course introduces students to literary analysis through the study of literary terminology and writing about literature.  It focuses on the skills of close reading, critical thinking, literary analysis, writing about literature, essay writing, grammatical accuracy in writing, vocabulary development, and communication skills.  It also provides the foundation for much of the literature to be studied in the junior and senior years through study of biblical and mythological allusions and archetypes in literature.  Proficiency in grammar, reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and writing are vital.

Parents and student are required to sign a contract indicating an understanding that the course requires significantly more time and is significantly more challenging than the college prep course. NOTE: Students in Honors English must maintain a “B” in both semesters and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 in order to be eligible for honors English the following year.

This course provides an in-depth study of literature, including ancient and modern drama, the novel, romantic and classical poetry, and short story selections.  It serves as the second building block in the series of English courses leading to Advanced Placement English.  The course focuses on seminal works and masterpieces of British and American literature, as well as some world literature, and continues the development of the skills of close reading, critical thinking, literary analysis, writing about literature, essay writing, grammatical accuracy in writing, vocabulary development, and communication skills.  It continues to provide the foundation for much of the literature to be studied in the junior and senior years.  The course approaches literary works with scholarly criticism and attention to detail. Proficiency in grammar, reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and writing are vital.

Parents and student are required to sign a contract indicating an understanding that the course requires significantly more time and is significantly more challenging that the college prep course. NOTE: Students in Honors English must maintain a “B” in both semesters and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 in order to be eligible for honors or AP English the following year.

This course offers the student a rigorous and in-depth study of various fiction and non-fiction texts. As the emphasis of this course is rhetoric and writing studies, we will primarily focus on the study of speeches, essays, biographies and autobiographies as well as advertisements in order to prepare students for the AP examination. 

Parents and student are required to sign a contract specifying the student’s obligations in this class and indicating an under- standing that the course requires significantly more time and is significantly more challenging that the college prep course. 

All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in English Language and Composition. An AP Exam Fee applies. Students have the option to take the AP Exam in English Literature and Composition as well.

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 12

A-G Designation: “B” – English

NCAA: NCAA-approved course – English

Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous English courses (Required)

The grade 12 Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) engages students in the discovery of who they are as persons, the realization of the ways in which they can participate in society, and their development as critical consumers and effective communicators within society. Teachers and schools build and personalize the yearlong course by selecting from approximately 40 modules (instructional units) to meet rigorous, college-preparatory learning goals in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for all students while promoting student interest and motivation. Employing a rhetorical, inquiry-based approach that fosters critical thinking, student agency, and metacognition, the course includes five to six full-length modules drawn from three categories: 1) Shakespeare drama; 2) full-length books; and 3) contemporary issues (three to four modules). In addition, the course includes two short portfolio modules and at least three mini-modules that address transferable skills applicable to conceptual development and practice across all modules, e.g., genre awareness, goal setting and self-assessment, rhetorical situation, Aristotelian appeals. The core structure of all the modules—the Assignment Template—progresses along an “arc” from reading rhetorically (preparing to read, reading purposefully, and questioning the text) to preparing to respond (discovering what you think) to writing rhetorically (composing a draft, revising rhetorically, and editing). By the end of the course, students will have read a range of literary and nonfiction text genres and produced 10-12 culminating projects, including academic essays, creative writing and performances, and multimedia presentations/research reports, from initial draft to final revision and editing.

This class is designed to prepare students for competitive speaking and debating through the fundamentals of effective oral delivery, voice and diction, physical presentation, and appropriateness as well as the basics of rhetorical analysis and structure of both prepared and extemporaneous speeches and the various debate formats. For each of the interpretive events, students will read a variety of potential scripts from established writers of drama, poetry, fiction and nonfiction, analyze and edit the chosen work, and perform the selection in class and in competition. Students will study and analyze the various elements of speeches of significant merit by a variety of public figures then prepare interpretations of selected speeches, again in class and in competition. Original persuasive and informative speeches will be researched, written, and prepared for delivery.  Students will develop the skills needed to evaluate and incorporate research, build a working knowledge of national and international public policy issues and contemporary cultural trends, and apply this knowledge to preparation for and competition in spontaneous events and debate topics. In addition to discussions reflecting student interests, all students will prepare for a competitive debate format using topics selected by the National Speech and Debate Association. Because this is a co-curricular course, students will be required to compete at a minimum of four local speech and debate tournaments during the year.  Parents of students will be expected to judge events at these competitions in order to keep the necessary fees reasonable.

This course prepares students for the February competition of the Academic Decathlon.  The Decathlon is offered nationwide and gives students an opportunity to compete in ten different academic areas:  mathematics, science, language and literature, economics, social science, fine arts, essay, speech, interview and super quiz.  Nine students will be selected to compete as a team in February:  three “A” students, three “B” students, and 3 “C” students, based on the Decathlon G.P.A. guidelines.  Winners from the competition receive medals and many students have received scholarships to college based on their performance. This is not a UC and CSU approved course. 

This course provides students with a rigorous and diverse learning experience that spans many academic disciplines. Students will deeply research and study topics in seven academic areas: language and literature, music, art, economics, science, social science and mathematics. They will also study and participate in the performance activities of speech, essay-writing and interviewing. Students will develop research skills, critical thinking skills, and inference abilities, through working both individually and as a team.  

Students compete at the local, regional, and state levels. “A” students, “B” students, and “C” students participate, based on the Unites States Academic Decathlon GPA guidelines. Winners earn medals, and many students have received scholarships to college based on their performance.

A semester elective course where students will explore the craft of creative writing, including nonfiction, short story, drama and poetry. Students will develop observation, analytical and writing skills, as well as developing their knowledge and ability to use common literary devices. The students will read literary works critically in order to aid them in their own writing process. The focus will be on helping the students develop a unique, personal voice and style within their writing. If you enroll in Creative Writing I for the fall you will automatically be enrolled in the Creative Writing II course for the spring.

A semester elective course where students will specialize in one genre of writing introduced in Creative Writing 1: non-fiction, short story, drama or poetry. The students will read pieces from masters in their field of study as a source of inspiration, work independently on teacher-guided lessons, participate in writing workshops, and work collaboratively with classmates in the editing process.