British Literature is the basis of this curriculum. It is a historical survey starting with Anglo-Saxon literature, proceeding through Medieval, Renaissance, Puritan, 17th Century, 18th Century, Romantic, Victorian, and 20th Century writers. The literature used as a departure point for a variety of writing exercises. Specific and appropriate reading skills are taught. In addition, students are required to read four full-length works per semester. Instruction in language and grammatical skills is systematically provided. Usage and fundamental communication skills are reviewed. Because this is the last formal educational situation for many of our students, the primary thrust of the language instruction is clear communications.
Writing is the direct result of ideas encountered in literature. Sentence sense, paragraph cohension, and thesis development are stressed. These writing techniques are reviewed and practiced while elements of developing a personal style of writing are introduced. Writing is essentially an intergrated thinking process, and as such, it is the most important activity of the Twelfth Grade curriculum.
Some formal speech instruction is provided, and occasional formal speaking opportunities are an option available to all students.
Informal speaking skills are the main thrust of classroom speech instruction. The course’s literary study is generated from an active informal speech environment. Much of British literature can only be understood through thorough discussion and intensive idea exchange between peers and teachers. As a result, students are expected to verbally challenge, interpret, clarify, and digest the ideas and materials they encounter.
Listening instruction is an ongoing process of an intergrated curriculum. Students are taught to focus on the listening task, recognize verbal cues, identify main ideas, interpret meaning and evaluate the validity of a speaker’s tone and purpose.