English Department

The Bishop Amat English Department offers a number of academic courses to advance the skills of reading, writing, and speaking for students in the 21st Century. Our English courses include standard level English courses, Honors courses, AP courses, IB courses, one semester of Freshman Composition, and a plethora of English Elective courses.

During the four years at Bishop Amat, students will study a variety of texts and genres from classic and contemporary literature featuring both male and female authors who represent diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Students will learn to closely analyze literature and respond formally in assignments and during live testing. They will also learn to write formal compositions, use the library for research, and understand how to properly cite sources to avoid plagiarism. In preparation for the college admission process, students write at least two drafts of their personal statement for college admission and receive feedback from their teachers.

Courses

English

FRESHMAN COMPOSITION (one semester; Freshmen)

This introductory course reinforces the writing process, reviewing grammar, sentence structure and issues of logic and rhetoric so that students can craft successful paragraphs and expository essays. Students will be exposed to various types of experiential and non-fiction writing.

ENGLISH I (CSU/UC) (one semester; Freshmen)

This course introduces the student to the various types of literature and certain literary terms in connection with this reading. Composition skills are stressed through writing performed as an outgrowth of reading and class discussion with a strong emphasis on literary analysis. This course includes instruction in vocabulary, study skills and critical reading. A summer reading assignment is required.

ENGLISH II (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Sophomores)

This course exposes students to world literature from a variety of ethnicities, while reinforcing the study of literary genres through class examination and discussion. English basics are reviewed through student writing based on literature studies. Appropriate work in grammar, vocabulary and spelling mastery will be stressed. Summer reading assignment is required.

ENGLISH III (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors)

This is a chronological survey of American Literature beginning with Native Americans and continuing through many important works of the 20th Century. There will be a focus on how historical events and major literary movements impacted American Literature. Critical writing and literary analysis will be taught and a research paper will be required. Outside reading and a summer assignment is required.

ENGLISH IV (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Seniors)

This course surveys the great masterpieces of British Literature from 400 AD to the present in their historical, cultural and literary phases. Writing based on reading and class discussion is expected. Completion of a research paper is required. Summer assignment is required.

SHAKESPEARE (CSU/UC) (one semester; Juniors, Seniors)

Students will bring three of Shakespeare’s plays to life by putting on costumes and reading/performing each play in front of the class. In doing so, students will gain a greater understanding of each play, strengthen their reading and comprehension skills, and become more confident in their public speaking ability. There will be a focus on Shakespeare’s life, the Globe Theater, Elizabethan culture, and Middle English vocabulary. Through the reading/performance of the play, class 8 discussions, lectures, viewing of stage productions/movies, and various writing assignments, students will learn to enjoy and appreciate Shakespeare’s works and understand the impact that his plays made on the modern world.

THE SHORT STORY (CSU/UC) (one semester; Juniors, Seniors)

This course is designed for students who enjoy reading short stories. Students will read, watch, and listen to a variety of stories by well-known and lesser known authors. Mysteries, detective, science fiction, and tales of fantasy will be included in addition to more conventional themes. Students will practice writing on theme, setting, characterization, and narrative style. Students will learn to write a short story. Participation in discussions based on reading and individual oral presentations are expected of students.

LITERATURE AND FILM (CSU/UC) (one semester; Juniors, Seniors)

This college preparatory elective is designed to focus on the interdisciplinary relationship between literature and film. Students will critique important works of literature and their cinematic adaptations and demonstrate proficiency in analysis of both literature and film through oral and written formats. Students will view films, take notes, and write responses about film and demonstrate the ability to understand film as a unique medium of expression with its own language, history and development. Outside reading is required.

LITERATURE OF SPORT (CSU/UC) (one semester; Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

This college preparatory course focuses on the interdisciplinary relationship between literature and sport. Students critique, analyze, investigate and study from a literary perspective, the experience of sport. Students will examine the characteristics of various modes of discourse including: the novel, non-fiction, essay, short story, poem and film. Through expository writing and exams they will demonstrate their understanding of sport, as a reflection of history and changing social concerns.

JOURNALISM (CSU/UC elective) (two semesters; Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

Journalism is a hands-on course in which students will learn the basics of news writing, editing and design, journalism history and theory. Students will participate in publishing Amat’s online newspaper, THE LANCE, and contribute to the weekly LANCERS IN THE NEWS production.

CREATIVE WRITING (CSU/UC elective) (one semester; Juniors, Seniors)

This course is designed for students interested in creative writing. It will provide students with an opportunity to write their own fiction stories, creative nonfiction, comic books, and poetry while studying the craft of each genre. Reading from a prepared list will be required. Students will keep a writing journal and share work with peers. A writing portfolio of the student’s best work is required.

SPEECH (one semester; Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)

This course aims to acquaint the student with various aspects of effective speaking, listening, and writing skills with an emphasis on critical thinking. Opportunity is provided to develop self-confidence in the delivery of a short speech. This course is highly recommended for students who wish to improve their oral communication skills and techniques.

POETRY & COMPOSITION (pending CSU/UC) (one semester; Juniors, Seniors)

This course is designed for students interested in contemporary poetry. It will provide students with an opportunity to read and analyze poetry from diverse, living poets in order to enrich their own skills. Students will create their own collections of poetry and be introduced to publishing opportunities in high school journals.

Honors English

HONORS COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE I (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Freshmen: WEIGHTED)

This course covers the material studied in English I in more depth and detail, demands more precision from students with regard to written and oral responses. Additional reading is required. This course aims to prepare students for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Honors English courses at the sophomore, junior and senior levels. A summer reading assignment is required.

HONORS COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE II (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Sophomores; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: B- in Honors Comp. and Lit. I or A- in English I; overall 3.5 GPA) This course features multiple styles of writing and covers texts from around the world. It demands greater precision from students in written and oral responses. Additional reading will be done and students will be introduced to writing a research paper. This course aims to prepare students for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Honors English courses at the junior and senior levels. Summer assignment is required.

HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE III (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: B- in Hon Comp II or A- in English II This is a chronological survey of American Literature and its major literary movements demanding a greater precision in written and oral responses than English III. This course is designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement English Literature or Honors British Literature by developing their ability to analyze, synthesize, criticize, and communicate. At least two processed essays following MLA standards will be completed each semester and a research paper will be required. Outside reading and a summer assignment is required.

HONORS BRITISH LITERATURE (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: B- in Hon American Lit, B- in AP English Lang , A- in English III; overall 3.3 This course is for college bound students. Students will examine, in depth and detail, the great masterpieces of British Literature. Greater precision in oral and written exercises will be required than that in English IV. Additional reading and a research paper required. Summer assignment is required.

Advanced Placement

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: B in Hon Comp II (or A- in Eng II with teacher recommendation/ department chair approval); overall 3.5 GPA This course is taught at the college level. Students study literature, nonfiction, and practice writing to strengthen their critical writing and reading skills. There is an intensive focus on expository and argumentative writing. Students write numerous inclass timed writing prompts, essays, responses to literature, and one research paper. Additional reading is required. Summer assignment is required. EXAM FEE CHARGED.

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITE: B- in Hon American Lit or B- in AP English Lang or A- in English III; (with teacher recommendation / department chair approval); overall 3.5 GPA This course is taught at the college level. Students compose formal and informal essays following the Modern Language Association format, as well as compose multiple timed AP practice essays. A variety of literature including novels, plays, poetry, essays and supplementary material will be read. Students are required to actively participate in class and will orally present during each semester. A culminating research paper is assigned. SUMMER ASSIGNMENT REQUIRED. EXAM FEE CHARGED.

International Baccalaureate®

IB ENGLISH HL 1 (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Juniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITES: B- in Hon Comp/Lit II or A- in English II; completion of IB application process This is the first year of a required two-year sequence that fulfills the Language A1 requirement for the IB Diploma. Students read and analyze several texts grouped by themes or genres, as selected from a list of prescribed authors. Students will gain skills in the critical examination of literary works through individual oral presentations and written examinations. Summer assignment is required. EXAM FEE CHARGED SENIOR YEAR.

IB ENGLISH HL 2 (CSU/UC) (two semesters; Seniors; WEIGHTED)

PREREQUISITES: C- in English IB HL 1. This course completes the requirements for the Higher Level IB English examination. Students completed detailed analyses and in-depth studies of selected works of fiction, drama, and poetry, with an emphasis on world literature. IB EXAM REQUIRED. Summer assignment is required. EXAM FEE CHARGED.