English @ OA

Welcome to the Orinda Academy English Department. The philosophy of the department is to develop a passion for reading in our lower division and elective courses through multi-cultural and traditional world literature; the upper division courses focus predominately on the study of American and European Literature. All courses teach applicable literary terminology and the development of themes and techniques in various movements of literature. The writing program focuses on the knowledge and application of grammar rules and on the development of ideas through a coherent thesis in a well-organized essay. In the upper division courses, our department directs the study of vocabulary and writing towards performing well on the SATs, college essays, the Advanced Placement Exam, and in college. Each grade level assigns research projects that are to be complete and instructs on the guidelines for MLA formatting.  The English Department is dedicated to instilling a strong knowledge of literature and writing with the hope that all our students develop a love for the written word and a desire to continue their studies of writing and literature in college.

Ryan H. Devine
Head of the English Department

Women’s Literature        
Teacher:  Elaine Chu
The teacher and students select literature by women and about women’s issues; students analyze how the media portrays women; the class explores the historical and modern issues that women face and offers a place for constructive debate.

English 8           
Teacher:  Robyn Lindner
This course features an interdisciplinary Shakespeare Project in conjunction with the History department and an introduction to notetaking skills. Also included are novels that focus on the qualities of a leader and a hero:  The Hobbit, White Fang, The Red Badge of Courage, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Bi-weekly vocabulary lessons and quizzes measure student progress.

English 1           
Teacher:  Robyn Lindner
In English I the Shakespeare Project weaves with Outside Reading and Research Project with an introduction to notetaking skills. The study of novels, short stories, and historical narratives focuses on the role of voice and point of view and the multi-faceted qualities of the hero through the study of The Lord of the Flies, The Man Who Planted Trees, Night, Romeo and Juliet, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Thematically based SAT prep vocabulary lessons and quizzes round out the course.



English 2           
Teacher:  Robyn Lindner
English 2 concentrates on novels and plays that focus on the corruptibility of human nature:  A Separate Peace, Macbeth, Secret Life of Bees, and Things Fall Apart. Other course highlights include weekly SAT prep vocabulary lessons and quizzes, daily journal writing and regular presentations with public speaking instruction.

English 3           
Teacher:  Katherine Saxby
English 3 kicks it up a notch with novels and plays that focus on the movements of American Literature, the physical/spiritual conflict and the question of American meritocracy’s existence. Weekly SAT prep vocabulary lessons and quizzes and regular presentations continue to build student skills. Writing tasks range from short interior/exterior monologues to more lengthy essays.

Honors American Literature   
Teacher:  Ryan Devine
This course is a first year prep for the AP exam.  Novels and plays that focus on the movements of American Literature, notions of the American Individual, and free speech are read and discussed. Students complete weekly SAT prep vocabulary lessons and quizzes. Also featured are quarterly presentations, writing research, argumentative and timed essays.

Advanced Composition   
Teacher:  Ryan Devine
The Advanced Composition course instructs on the nine patterns of expository writing and works towards the mastery of the steps for investigative research. Other facets of this course include: an enhancement of the use of correct grammar and punctuation; writing original ideas and thinking logically, eloquently, and creatively in the development of original voice; and four research papers and presentations a year. 

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition   
Teacher:  Ryan Devine
AP English features novels, poems, and plays selected in preparation for the AP exam. Quarterly practice exams, bi-weekly literary term quizzes and bi-weekly practice timed essays are used to measure student progress. Quarterly research presentations are an integral part of the class. Students can expect three analytical essays a quarter; This course is approved by the College Board.