US History: Does your high school student truly grasp the history and culture of our great nation, have a working understanding of how our government works, and realize what makes America unique? Can your student identify all major aspects of American geography? By taking this course, students will gain all of this knowledge, plus public speaking and essay writing experience. Rather than just absorbing facts from a textbook, students watch movies, read historical fiction novels, memorize geography and facts using various mnemonics, and do internet research and writing projects to make the past come to life. American Literature: Studying great works of literature will include vocabulary exercises, essay writing, memorization and recitations, oral and multimedia presentations, and in-class essays. Students will receive instruction on writing research, descriptive, persuasive, and opinion essays, as well as writing poetry and short stories. Unit exams, a long-term research project, oral presentations are all included in the coursework. Instruction will include reading comprehension, writing strategies, text analysis and annotation, research, grammar and spelling mechanics, oral presentations, multimedia presentations, and more. This rigorous course requires that students complete daily reading and homework assignments, and turn them in for evaluation every week. Parents, students, and the instructor collaborate through the year to ensure understanding and completion. Grades will be assigned according to the student’s homework, tests and quizzes, writing assignments, presentations, and class participation.