The ultimate goal of the CCS Language Department (all English, Foreign Language, Language electives, and Public Speaking classes), is to create a curriculum that will produce effective communicators with a Christian world view understanding today’s philosophies.
Core Values
- Christian Perspective
- Ethics-based
- College prepatory
- Philosophically influenced
- Intellectual Self-sufficiency
9th Grade
All students should expect to read texts representing a variety of eras and countries, and will be exposed to a wide range of literary genres; including, but not limited to novels, nonfiction, poems, plays, and short stories. Students will learn to analyze and discuss basic literary elements; such as: plot, setting, character, mood, climax, dialogue, theme, conclusion, and subtext.
All students should expect to write (both in the class and outside the class) critically and creatively in response to topics given each semester. Students should expect to improve grammar and vocabulary skills, and to learn the fundamentals of the literary essay (thesis statements, use of quotation as evidence, etc.). Students should also expect to produce a variety of one paragraph to five paragraph essays. The second semester also emphasizes nonfiction writing, particularly research writing, for which students will learn to interpret and cite information from a variety of sources.
10th Grade
All students should expect to read major works from the Classical and European works (World Literature, and to develop an appreciation for how those works of literature reflect and comment on the historical eras from which they emerge. Students will learn about the major philosophical and artistic movements (such as, Rationalism, Romanticism, and Modernism) that provide historical context for the texts, and may be asked to consider the texts through a variety of critical approaches.
All students should expect to write (both in the class and outside the class) critically and creatively in response to those works and/or topics given each semester. Students should expect to build upon and move beyond the basic knowledge of grammar and vocabulary skills, the fundamentals of the literary essay (thesis statements, use of quotation as evidence, etc.), the one to five paragraph essays, and the basic knowledge of a research paper. Students will learn to focus especially on literary analysis and how to deepen and develop ideas. The second semester also emphasizes nonfiction writing, particularly research writing, for which students will hopefully master how to interpret and cite information from a variety of sources.
11th Grade
There are three likely options for Juniors. First, students can enroll in Regular 11th Grade English. In this class, all students should expect to read major works from the Classical and American works and to develop an appreciation for how those works of literature reflect and comment on the historical eras from which they emerge. Also, all students should expect to write (both in the class and outside the class) critically and creatively in response to those works and/or topics given each semester. Students should expect to build upon and move beyond the skills learned in the first two years, focusing especially on specific objectives on each level determined by the teacher. This will include all aspects of a major research paper, for which students will hopefully master how to interpret and cite information from a variety of sources.
Second, students can enroll in Advanced Composition, which is a high school writing only class and is taught by a Front Range instructor. Third, students can take the Front Range accu-placer test to possibly test into the college level English Class (121/122). These English classes are college level and taught by Front Range instructors, and if the student passes the class, the student can receive college credit.
12th Grade
There are three likely options for Seniors. First, students can enroll in Regular 12th Grade English. In this class, all students should expect to read major works from the Classical and British works and to develop an appreciation for how those works of literature reflect and comment on the historical eras from which they emerge. Also, all students should expect to continue to write (both in the class and outside the class) critically and creatively in response to those works and/or topics given each semester. Students should expect to build upon, move beyond, and hopefully master the skills learned in the first three years, focusing especially on specific objectives on each level determined by the teacher. This will include mastering all aspects of a major research paper.
Second, students can enroll in Advanced Composition, which is a high school writing only class and is taught by a Front Range instructor. Third, students can take the Front Range accu-placer test to possibly test into the college level English Class (121/122). These English classes are college level and taught by Front Range instructors, and if the student passes the class, the student can receive college credit.
General Overview for Elective English Classes
Shakespeare
This class will be focusing on the Life and Works of Shakespeare. It will consist of extensive reading and writing of Shakespeare’s life and works. At least two Shakespearean plays will be read, analyzed, and parts acted out each quarter. After each play is read, the elements of rhetoric will be discussed and applied. There will also be a final project (paper, acting out scene, hands-on, etc.) required by each student at the end of each quarter.
Drama
1. To give the students a better understanding of the differences between several types of Speeches (i.e., Prose, Poetry, Public Speaking) and Dramatic Interpretation and Acting.
2. To introduce them to acting concepts such as Monologues, Biblical Readings, Characterization, Duet Acting, Reader's Theater and Plays.
3. To encourage students that have a natural ability with Acting to not only participate in school Drama, but also to participate in their churches with skits, plays or cantatas.
4. To create a fun atmosphere and promote teamwork in every aspect of Drama, so when the final product is ready to be performed, the students will have the joy of knowing they worked together and did their best to the glory of the Lord.
5. To ultimately perform a Three Act Play/Musical in the Spring.