zunshynn Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 American Lit... I really liked The Chosen by Chaim Potok (I can't remember if I read that freshman year or sophomore year, or if it was an AP or general book, so I'm not sure how challenging it is... but it was very good... good for themes, and studying literary devices. I also read Angela's Ashes, which I really liked, but that was before my conversion, and I don't know if it portrays the Catholic Church badly or not. I just wouldn't have noticed that then. I thoroughly recommend Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck... I don't know if most students outside of CA read much Steinbeck, but he's so good. I liked Of Mice and Men too... both really bring up good ethical issues too. To Kill a Mockingbird, too, is a must read. And Fahrenheit 451 is pretty good. I also liked Great Expectations, and The Scarlet Letter. My world lit. class was primarily British and Russian. In my class you had to pick a theme to read for your outside reading throughout the year... I picked E. M. Forster, and I LOVE his books. Absolutely some of the best prose, in my opinion, in the English language. Especially Where Angels Fear to Tread, but Howards End and A Passage to India are also fantastic. The characterization and the employment of the setting as an integral part of the story in his novels are exceptional, and they are good because they help you think about the relationships between people and society, and each other, and their ideas, in such a way that it allows the reader to really reflect and form their own thought processes. During class we read Hamlet... which I liked, personally, and I don't really like Shakespeare. I did not like The Importance of Being Earnest, though most of my classmates did. I think we mostly did short stories for the Russian... which I don't remember. I think short stories, overall, are kind of pointless, at least they were for me. Even if they're excellent literature, I didn't remember them, and can't tell you what they taught me about literature in general. About half the year we studied poetry. We would take different time periods, learn about the poets, and then we had to find a poem from each of the poets we studied and analyze them. I was surprised to discover that I really enjoyed that. I liked being able to pick the poems myself because it was a good opportunity for me to find poems that reflected the poets faith... that helped me in so many ways. I loved learning about mythology too... and its so helpful... unlocks so much when reading a lot of literature, especially poetry. Being able to understand the allusions makes poetry so much more enjoyable, and it just constantly comes in handy. This class was also preparing us for the AP English II test, so we did a lot of practice with timed writes, which were good for me, I think.
Marie-Therese Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 Kids today have so many choices!! I had the dullest, most traditional HS curriculum ever. Granted, I graduated in 1994 so things have changed a bit in the last few *coughcough15coughcough* years. Oh no. I really AM that old, aren't I? LOL The only thing that we had that was a plus was our large array of AP choices...we had a very small HS (my graduating class was 150) and offered AP in English, US History, Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. I took all but the Calculus, because I hate math, and the physics, because I had way too much invested in the Chemistry to change track. The only foreign language offered for us was French, until I was a Senior, then they started offering classical Latin, but by that point I had 4 years of French in, so I didn't attempt the Latin. I'd rather teach myself anyway. But to think...to have forensics and all that stuff! Wow! I would have been really happy. As far as sophomore lit, where to start? I always think that high schoolers should include To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies on the list. MUST READ. Both encompass timeless themes, fairly complex literary pieces which are age appropriate. They both involve some controversial subject matter, but in both cases I think that it is material that people encounter in the course of life, and in both cases it is important material.
BG45 Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) Out of high school, but took (and this is by no means exhaustive): Web Design, CCNA 1 (Cisco networking course), CCNA 2 (networking course), Spanish, English 9 (Paper Writing), English 10 (Mideival Lit, still can't spell the time period), Honors English 11 (American Lit, had to do 500 note cards required for one paper once), World War II History, Modern American History (1970 to present), Civil War History, Political Science, French, an introductory Art course, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Entrepreneurship (had six weeks to make a fully operable, if rough, business plan for a final project), Keyboarding, a few basic computing courses, and ancient civs (I loathed it, my teacher would read straight from the book, only to interrupt with "your author says".), Chemistry, Physics, two basic science courses covering geology and pre-chem. There was also a Shakespearean Lit course we were expected to memorize speeches for, it was kinda fun when we teamed up with the Latin classes to put on a production of Julius Caesar. "Friends, Romans, Countrymen. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him..." Our school also offered dual enrollment courses with the university I graduated from in undergrad and I'm getting a Masters with. And through that I took an additional two English courses, an introductory psych course, and a required basic computer course. Edited July 25, 2009 by BG45
MissyP89 Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 If you'd like poetry recommendations, by the way, I just finished a whole course on it.
Marie-Therese Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 I am a published poet. Off topic, maybe we need to start a Phatmass Writers Corner here!
pat22 Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) iawtc! talk to rachael! she'll put it up as an "important" topic Edited July 25, 2009 by pat22
Resurrexi Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 [quote name='Marie-Therese' post='1931053' date='Jul 24 2009, 07:23 PM']I am a published poet. Off topic, maybe we need to start a Phatmass Writers Corner here![/quote] I'd like to read your poetry.
homeschoolmom Posted July 25, 2009 Author Posted July 25, 2009 My Contemporary American Lit class (which I loved) consisited of: The Great Gatsby Grapes of Wrath The Heart is a Lonely Hunter A Perfect Day for Bananafish A Raisin in the Sun To Kill a Mockingbird A Choice of Weapons and other stuff, I'm sure.... (for some reason, we studied Ray Bradbury in World Lit. )
CatherineM Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 We studied the Martian Chronicles, but in Science Fiction/Fantasy not Literature.
Groo the Wanderer Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 Kiddo is going into high school this year, in the IB (international baccalaureate) programme (fancy french spelling). Here is her curriculum: 9th: Honors Eng 1, Spanish 1, Pre AP Biology, Honors geometry, Speech, Health, Athletics, Choir 10th: Honors Eng 2, Spanish 2, World History, Honors Chemistry, Honors Algebra 2, Info Technology in a Global Society, Athlectics, Choir 11th: IB English, Spanish 3, History of Americas, IB Biology, IB PreCal/Trig, Economics, Theory of Knowledge, Choir, Creativity/Action/Service, Elective 12th: Ib English, Spanish 4, History of Americas w/Govt, IB Physics, IB Calculus, Theory of Knowledge, Choir, IB Visual Arts, Elective
Marie-Therese Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 [quote name='Resurrexi' post='1931058' date='Jul 24 2009, 08:27 PM']I'd like to read your poetry. [/quote] Aww, thanks Rex! Here is one piece...my only attempt ever at a sonnet. This one is unpublished. Background: written for my nephew Noah, who died 5 days after his birth in December 2005. There were complications during labor which deprived him of oxygen. I couldn't really put my grief anywhere else except this, and for some reason a sonnet came out. Never wrote one before or since. It is a long way from my best work, but it's personal. So, for Rex... For Noah. How can we be by life and death so vexed, And left to question how and why we see The mysteries which leave us thus perplexed By all the subtly graded hues of cruelty? Why now this cut be dealt upon two hearts Whose sole desire to see their children grow Is the trunk that roots the branching flowered parts? It is the darkest irony I know. He is a whispered wind, a gentle touch Upon the cheek that gives remembrance plain To all who prayed and wept, and suffered much, But wait for God’s anointing to sustain. This day is shot with pain, and thick with sorrow; I pray that peace be found upon the morrow.
zunshynn Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 [quote name='Marie-Therese' post='1931276' date='Jul 24 2009, 10:31 PM'] Aww, thanks Rex! Here is one piece...my only attempt ever at a sonnet. This one is unpublished. Background: written for my nephew Noah, who died 5 days after his birth in December 2005. There were complications during labor which deprived him of oxygen. I couldn't really put my grief anywhere else except this, and for some reason a sonnet came out. Never wrote one before or since. It is a long way from my best work, but it's personal. So, for Rex... For Noah. How can we be by life and death so vexed, And left to question how and why we see The mysteries which leave us thus perplexed By all the subtly graded hues of cruelty? Why now this cut be dealt upon two hearts Whose sole desire to see their children grow Is the trunk that roots the branching flowered parts? It is the darkest irony I know. He is a whispered wind, a gentle touch Upon the cheek that gives remembrance plain To all who prayed and wept, and suffered much, But wait for God’s anointing to sustain. This day is shot with pain, and thick with sorrow; I pray that peace be found upon the morrow.[/quote] Wow... that's beautiful! The sorrow intertwined with hope...
Resurrexi Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 [quote name='Marie-Therese' post='1931276' date='Jul 24 2009, 11:31 PM'] Aww, thanks Rex! Here is one piece...my only attempt ever at a sonnet. This one is unpublished. Background: written for my nephew Noah, who died 5 days after his birth in December 2005. There were complications during labor which deprived him of oxygen. I couldn't really put my grief anywhere else except this, and for some reason a sonnet came out. Never wrote one before or since. It is a long way from my best work, but it's personal. So, for Rex... For Noah. How can we be by life and death so vexed, And left to question how and why we see The mysteries which leave us thus perplexed By all the subtly graded hues of cruelty? Why now this cut be dealt upon two hearts Whose sole desire to see their children grow Is the trunk that roots the branching flowered parts? It is the darkest irony I know. He is a whispered wind, a gentle touch Upon the cheek that gives remembrance plain To all who prayed and wept, and suffered much, But wait for God’s anointing to sustain. This day is shot with pain, and thick with sorrow; I pray that peace be found upon the morrow.[/quote] I'm sorry about your nephew. That poem is really good! Sonnets are pretty much awesome.
Marie-Therese Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) Zunshynn and Rex, thank you! I haven't written much in the last few years, I need to start writing again. I wrote a lot of poetry, and then wrote about half a book before I put it down and left it. Rex, for some reason I find it very humorous that someone who waxes eloquent as often as you do then offers the response that "sonnets are pretty much awesome." 5 points if you can give me the sonnet type. Edited to add: starting new thread so we quit hijacking HSMom's. Edited July 25, 2009 by Marie-Therese
pat22 Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 this is the "maybe" scedule for holy house next year( and i do just do this as an extra-curricular thing): Children of the Holy House 2009 - 2010 Proposed List of Courses & Instructors ======================================== ========================== Course Name Instructor Grade Level(s) ======================================== =========================== ART Art Elements Mrs. Nancy MacArthur Gr. 3-12 Advanced Art Methods Mrs. Nancy MacArthur Gr. 7-12 Pre-requisites: Art Elements and Art Principles classes Artfully Teaching the Faith (t.b.c.) Gr. 3 & up Figures & Composition Mrs. Jo Birch Gr. 3-12 Pre-requisites: Basic Art course Icons & Icon Writing (t.b.c.) Mrs. Jo Birch & Mrs. Kathy Smith Gr. 8-12 Pre-requisites: (to be advised) Introduction to Knitting (t.b.c.) Mrs. Sheila Theisen Gr. 3-12 Knitting I (t.b.c.) Mrs. Rose Graham Gr. 3-12 Rosary Making & Marian Activities Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Newberry Gr. 3 & up ENGLISH Grammar & Writing Mrs. Linda Dybala Gr. 9-12 Writing Mrs. Linda Dybala Gr. 6-8 Voyages in English 7 Mrs. Ana Newton Gr. 6-8 GOVERNMENT Principals of Government Mr. John E. Rocha Gr. 9-12 (requires internet access) Children of the Holy House 2009-2010 Proposed List of Courses & Instructors p. 2 of 4 ======================================== ========================== Course Name Instructor Grade Level(s) ======================================== =========================== HISTORY Western Civilization Dr. Helen Kolb Gr. 9-12 History Mrs. Ana Newton Gr. 6-8 LATIN Prima Latina Mrs. Mary Jo Kenny Gr. 3-5 (Third graders must be reading at grade level or better) Latina Christiana I Mrs. Mary Jo Kenny Gr. 4-7 Libellus - Section A Mrs. Ana Newton Gr. 6-9 Pre-requisites: Promoted from Latina Christiana I or passed assessment test Libellus - Section B Mrs. Ana Newton Gr. 6-9 Pre-requisites: Promoted from Libellus A or passed assessment test Henle I – Section A not offered this year Henle I - Section B Mr. Jim Walsh Gr. 9-12 Pre-requisites: Promoted from Henle 1A or passed assessment test Henle I - Section C Mr. Jim Walsh Gr. 9-12 Pre-requisites: Promoted from Henle 1B or passed assessment test Advanced Latin Dr. Francesca D’Alessadro Behr Gr. 10-12 Pre-requisites: Promoted from Henle 1C or passed assessment test Greek II Mrs. Kaye Roewe Gr. 4 & up Pre-requisites: Promotion from last year’s Greek I class Greek III Mrs. Kaye Roewe Gr. 5 & up Pre-requisites: Promotion from last year’s Greek II class Greek IV Mrs. Kaye Roewe Gr. 5 & up Pre-requisites: Promotion from last year’s Greek II class Children of the Holy House 2009-2010 Proposed List of Courses & Instructors p. 3 of 4 ======================================== ========================== Course Name Instructor Grade Level(s) ======================================== =========================== La Escuelita - Spanish for Beginners Mrs. Maureen Wilkins Gr. 3 & 4 Sign Language Mrs. Linda Dybala Gr. 3 & up LITERATURE Shakespeare Dr. Clinton Brand Gr. 9-12 Classical Tradition Dr. Jeremy Wilkins & Mr. John E. Rocha Gr. 10-12 LOGIC & PHILOSOPHY Logic & Philosophy Mr. Daniel De Haan Gr. 10-12 MATH Algebra 1 and 2 Tutoring (t.b.c.) Gr. 9-12 Pre-requisites: Algebra ½ or similar pre-Algebra course Math Tutoring (t.b.c.) Gr. 6-8 MUSIC Elementary Gregorian Chant Mr. M. Jackson Osborn Gr. 3-7 Two classes--one for 3rd-4th and one for 5th-7th Advanced Gregorian Chant Mr. M. Jackson Osborn Gr. 8-12 Minimum of 5 students Pre-requisites: Previous instruction in chant Music Theory Mr. M. Jackson Osborn Gr. 8-12 Pre-requisites: At least three years of private music instruction Children of the Holy House 2009-2010 Proposed List of Courses & Instructors p. 4 of 4 ======================================== ========================== Course Name Instructor Grade Level(s) ======================================== =========================== SCIENCE Astronomy Mrs. Terry Arnold Gr. 3-7 Two classes--one for 3rd-4th and one for 5th-7th Minimum 5 students each class Botany Mrs. Terry Arnold Gr. 3-6 Two classes--one for 3rd-4th and one for 5th-6th Minimum 5 students each class Biology & Lab Mr. Jim Walsh Gr. 9-10 Pre-requisites: Take concurrently with Algebra 1. Chemistry Dr. Mary Anne Jurica Gr. 7-9 Pre-requisites: To be advised Minimum 5 students Chemistry Dr. Mary Anne Jurica Gr. 4-6 Pre-requisites: To be advised Minimum 5 students Physical Science Mr. Jim Walsh Gr. 8 & 9 THEOLOGY Catechism of the Catholic Church Dr. Jeremy Wilkins Gr. 8-12 WEE SAINTS Mrs. Catalina Brand 5 year olds LITTLE SAINTS Mrs. Monique Close 6 & 7 year olds Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Mrs. Jessica Langley Wee & Little Saints (open to little ones who are on campus in the afternoon)
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