Because the ability to write clear English prose is the mark of the educated person, Andrews Academy requires that its students receive sufficient practice toward this end. The ability to write well is, in fact, the sine qua non of the educated person. The four years in high school are the time students should use to hone their writing skills, and the writing courses offered at Andrews Academy provide the opportunity for the student to become a practiced writer. Students and parents should note that the students must put forth honest effort and be willing to write and rewrite their assignments before handing them in. Students and parents should also note that the work meriting an "A" is work that is submitted on time. Handing in work that is days or even weeks late is not the mark of excellence in a student.
* English I (0.5 unit/semester)
Freshman English focuses on a study of selected works from young adult literature, as well as poetry, drama, and fiction from American and British literature. Writing is an essential component of the course. Instruction in standard English grammar also constitutes part of the subject matter. English I credit. First and second semesters.
* English II (0.5 unit/semester)
Sophomore English builds on the writing skills practiced in the freshman year and examines a selection of poetry, fiction, and essays from American and British literature. The course will also introduce the student to discussion and critical analysis. Instruction in standard English grammar will build on the knowledge gained during the freshman year. English II credit. Prerequisite: English I. First and second semesters.
* Freshmen and sophomores must enroll in these courses.
► Note: Not all of the following courses are taught each year and are subject to change. For a list of current courses, please see the class schedule.
American Classics I (0.5 unit)
Emphasis will be on selections of poetry and narrative literature from Colonial times through the Civil War. Written analysis is required. Literature credit. Prerequisites: English I and II.
American Classics II (0.5 unit)
Literary works chosen for study in this course come from such authors as Mark Twain, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Stephen Crane, and Willa Cather. The literature read may vary each time the course is offered, but they will be of equal rigor and depth. Written work and oral interpretation also constitute an integral part of the course. Literature credit. Prerequisites: English I and II.
American Ethnic Literature (0.5 unit)
This course is devoted to the study of various literary, cultural, and social issues as examined in the works of American authors of non-European descent. Over the course of the term, students will examine a variety of written genres, including but not limited to, works of poetry, fiction, short essay, and autobiography. Students are asked to consider the ways in which these authors frame the concept of the “American Experience” through these genres. Prerequisites: English I and II.
Beginning English Composition and Literature (0.5 unit/semester)
This course is designed to assist international students in learning the fundamental elements of literature and writing to prepare them for academy level English courses. It is highly recommended for international ESL students after completion of the ESL Program.
British Classics I (0.5 unit)
This course is designed to immerse upper division students in some of the best British literature that has been written and spoken in the English language from the British Medieval to the Early Modern periods. In addition to giving attention to specific works from these periods, study will be given to the history and culture of Britain up to the Restoration. Students may also have opportunities for research and writing of their own concerning a variety of topics connected with in-class texts. Prerequisites: English I and II.
British Classics II (0.5 unit)
This course is designed to immerse upper division students in selected works of British literature written from the Early Modern period to the turn of the twentieth century. Students will give attention to the cultural and historical climate in which various literary forms emerged, with special attention paid to the genre of Satire. Prerequisites: English I and II.
Children’s Literature (0.5 unit)
This course explores various types of literature geared specifically to children and young adults, and provides students with the opportunity to consider the ways in which a range of issues are specifically handled within that context. Students may also study various theories on child development, and may apply these concepts by participating in activities such as reading groups for children or composing a children’s book of their own. Prerequisites: English I and II. First semester.
Educational Tours (0.5 unit)
These tours are directed study, week-long, travel/study courses conducted by the History/English Departments. These tours are planned to focus on specific historical themes, such as American Heritage; Washington, D.C.; the New England area; Gettysburg; the New York area; Atlanta; the South; and England. The courses meet throughout second semester with preliminary studies and preparation for the touring week. The courses continue to meet on return, completing the study objectives as identified in the course outline. The tours rotate on a four-year cycle. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Second semester.
English as a Second Language I (1.0 unit/semester)
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes I and II are designed for students who do not speak English as their first language. In this class, the students will be given the opportunity to increase their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English communication. Students are given a placement test when they arrive, and will be expected to achieve sufficient English fluency and an 80% grade average in ESL before being allowed to take regular English classes. This class meets for two class periods five days a week during the fall semester. Two semesters of this class fulfill the Modern Language requirements for high school graduation, one credit each semester.
English as a Second Language II (1.0 unit/semester)
English as a Second Language II is a continuation of ESL I at a higher level. Students who passed ESL I will finish their Modern Language credits by taking ESL II. Upon successfully completing ESL I and II, an international student will be prepared to take the regular English classes. Two hours per day during the spring semester.
Expository Composition (0.5 unit)
Expository writing focuses on the media, and requires three essays on the hidden persuaders of magazine or television advertising, a book review, and practice in writing précis or abstracts on current issues. The course will teach students how to craft an introduction to an essay, how to develop paragraphs that begin with a focusing topic sentence, how to stay on the subject stated in the topic sentence, and how to develop coherence in the essay. The degree to which the student develops proficiency in the skills mentioned above determines his/her grade in the course. Composition credit. Prerequisites: English I and II. Second Semester.
Literary Composition (0.5 unit)
This course is designed to immerse upper division students in the rudiments of the English language within the specific context of written composition. Over the course of the semester, students will read, analyze, and discuss a variety of literary genres with the expressed intention of composing a range of written responses to these works including the summary, précis, outline, and analytical essay. Some attention may also be given to the appropriate citation of source materials within an essay. Prerequisites: English I and II. First semester.
Literary Interpretation (0.5 unit)
A performance course emphasizing speech, teamwork, acting, and play production techniques (including technical aspects), and literary interpretation culminates in the presentation of a full-length play before live audiences. Students interested in this course must audition and obtain approval from the teacher. They must also be prepared to commit extended after-school hours to practice. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Nautical Literature (0.5 unit)
The study of three or four substantive works of literature drawn from experiences on the sea. Emphasis is given to close textual reading, analysis and interpretation, study and evaluation of literary devices and techniques, as well as composition. Prerequisites: English I and II. Second semester.
Nautical Literature Arts (0.5 unit)
This class provides an innovative, exciting, and unique synthesis of language arts and a practical, hands-on approach to learning as students work in groups to build–from the keel up–an attractive and functional sailing dinghy. Emphasizing teamwork, short- and long-term planning, project management, writing and documentation via an online blog, construction skills and techniques, and developing an appreciation for great nautical texts, the course has at its core a service component: the students’ completed project boats will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. (Can be taken for Applied Arts credit.)
Principles of Writing (0.5 unit)
This course focuses on learning the fundamental elements of writing for a variety of purposes. Standard English grammar will also be reviewed throughout this course. Students will produce a research paper after practicing and completing a step by step process. This is a class that is highly recommended for international ESL students after completion of the ESL Program.
Research Composition (0.5 units)
This course informs the students about proper annotation, note-taking, and bibliographic methods for writing a research or term paper, focusing on an appropriately narrowed topic. The subjects of research vary from time to time, but the class usually studies a particular area for research, and the students then select a narrowed topic relating to that area. The course fulfills the requirement for credit in writing and the more rigorous requirement for Graduation with Academic Honors or with the Comprehensive Endorsement. Composition credit. Prerequisite: English II with a minimum average grade of B or submission of a sample essay approved by the teacher. Second semester.
Shakespeare Literature (0.5 unit)
Studying three genres – comedy, tragedy, and history – British Literature: Shakespeare explores history's most prolific playwright, his stage, theater, and historical context, concentrating on A Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard III, and Macbeth. The course emphasizes critical reading, textual analysis, and expository writing. Prerequisites: English I and II.
* Note: Foreign language is taught as a second language and is not appropriate for those for whom it is their mother tongue.
* Spanish I (0.5 units/semester)
An introduction to the Spanish language and culture. It provides the necessary skills to begin communicating in the language. Equal emphasis is placed on the fundamental skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The geography, history and cultural life of Spain, Latin America, and Hispanic-America are carefully incorporated into the lessons. Active participation in class is essential for student success. First and second semesters.
* Spanish II (0.5 units/semester)
A review and enhancement of the major grammatical structures in order to increase student's listening and speaking ability, and to expand reading and writing skills. New vocabulary will be introduced and practiced. Further study of the Spanish-speaking world is done through a balanced blend of cultural presentations including music, selected literary passages and art. Active participation in class is essential for student success. Prerequisite: Spanish I with a minimum grade of C. Students wishing to pursue advanced Spanish studies are encouraged to enroll in the applicable Spanish courses offered in the International Language Studies Department at 老司机传媒.
Speech and Composition (0.5 unit)
Speech and Composition is a course designed to combine the essential elements of both interpersonal communication and public speaking with the rhetorical rudiments of written composition. Over the course of the semester, students will both draft and present compositions of their own, as well as practice the public oral delivery of works by published authors. Significant attention is given to the various visual and rhetorical strategies inherent to various types of writing/presentation including but not limited to product advertising, propaganda techniques, and political debate. Attention is also given to various interpersonal communication techniques. Students should be aware that both in-class and public presentation form a significant piece of the graded material for this course. Prerequisites: English I and II. Second semester