This course will lead students through a study of the “themes” in literature. It will provide grammatical tools to help students speak and write properly. Weekly spelling, vocabulary, composition assignments and a second semester research paper round out this college prep English course. Literature selections reflect Christian principles with an emphasis on character building and life-enriching themes. A syllabus will be sent home to ensure proper communication between all involved. Curriculum required: 1) Themes in Literature 4th edition Abeka student book / $39.65 @ christianbooks.com 2) Abeka Vocabulary, Spelling & Poetry III student book/ $16.60 @ christianbooks.com 3) Dictionary, Thesaurus 4) Laptop (NOT required but HIGHLY recommended) for research paper 5) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1st semester) Ben Hur by Lew Wallace (2nd semester) These can be borrowed from local libraries. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, thoughts or concerns. Tammy Bulford This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   The purpose of this introductory speech & debate class is to help students become comfortable discussing hard issues, so that when the time comes they can defend their faith and beliefs. First semester will take students through an in-depth analysis of several historically significant speeches. After close examination of each speech, students will write and deliver some of the following platform speeches: 1) Original Oratory (expository & persuasive) 2) Literary Interpretation (humorous & dramatic) 3) Other Speeches (prose, poetry & storytelling) 4) Limited Prep Speeches ( impromptu & extemporaneous) During the second semester, students will examine the lives of some of the fifty six men who signed the ‘Declaration of Independence’ and compare them to the men and women who currently run this great nation. They will then discuss the little compromises that are made in choices such as songs they listen to, movies they watch and how, over time, these compromises restructure their world views. They will debate controversial issues and learn to argue with rules as they begin to grasp team policy debate. This course will also focus on current events, helping students become able to think critically and communicate effectively about today’s issues. If it is in the news, they could be discussing it in class. This course will require research, a willingness to speak and a general understanding of our constitution. Curriculum Required: 1) Bible / Dictionary/ Thesaurus 2) Great Speeches for Better Speaking / $14.75 @ Rainbow Resources A limited number of copies are available in the HERC library 3) Assumptions That Affect Our Lives by Dr. Christian Overman / $18.50 Rainbow Resources There may or may not be copies available in the HERC library 4) An Introduction to Argumentation & Debate by Christy Shipe / $5.00 Amazon 5) Laptop (NOT required but HIGHLY recommended) There are several copies available in the HERCF library Questions are expected and encouraged. Parents are welcome to observe any class. Feel free to contact me with any questions, thoughts or concerns. Tammy Bulford This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.