This course engages students in becoming skilled readers and writers of prose. Emphasized are the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing styles that form the basis of academic and professional communication, as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of creative facilities. Students also learn to synthesize primary and secondary sources in their own compositions, and to cite sources using professional conventions.

This course is designed around the intensive study of representative works from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century and from various genres. Students read deliberately and thoroughly in order to understand a work’s merit and complexity. Through close reading and annotation, students will experience, interpret, and evaluate literary works while learning to explore and annotate diction, style, tone, and figurative language. 

AP Research students conduct independent research, where they develop skills in problem-solving, written and verbal communication, inquiry, and analysis. Students learn key information about research such as important terms (i.e. validity, population, sample), basic structure of a research paper, and common methods (i.e. quantitative, quasi-experimental). Emphasis is placed on designing and executing a year-long research project that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in depth while utilizing established scholarly approaches. Students learn to formulate research questions, gather and analyze relevant data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. They also refine their skills in writing a formal academic paper, integrating sources, and presenting their findings in a clear, organized, and professional manner. Throughout the course, students hone their ability to synthesize and communicate complex ideas effectively, both in written and oral formats.

AP Seminar ELA is a rigorous, college-level course that combines close study of literary texts from English 10 with the College Board's AP Seminar framework. Students analyze and write about diverse literary and nonfiction texts while developing cross-disciplinary research, critical thinking, and communication skills. Analytical essays, a major research paper, and both individual and collaborative presentations are central components of the course. Students also practice responsible use of digital sources and engage in structured academic discourse. This course is the first in the two-course sequence required for the College Board AP Capstone Diploma.

Sophomore English continues the analytical and interpretive work begun in Freshman English. Students continue to annotate, analyze, discuss, and write about a variety of literary and nonfiction texts, while developing research and communication skills appropriate to the Digital Age. Students write a major research paper in their second semester.

Students are expected to perform critical reading and writing in this course through the analysis of short stories, novels, plays, and poetry. They study literary devices, write persuasive essays based on literature, and research and write literary criticism.

The primary aim of English 12 includes honing students’ ability to read deeply, analytically, and actively.  In the process of achieving this goal, this course emphasizes the development and refinement of expository writing.  As students improve the quality of their writing, they also improve the quality of their thinking. 

Freshman English introduces students to an in-depth study of literary elements found in a variety of genres including short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. The year commences with an in-depth study of classical Greek mythology by reading Homer’s The Odyssey Students will learn to read and annotate texts in order to develop deep understanding of the imagery, symbolism, and themes of the text.  Students will then use this knowledge to produce their own literary analyses in writing.  Other types of writing include creative writing, expository writing, and persuasive writing.   

Literature and History of the Old Testament Era focuses on developing students’ ability to read deeply, analytically, and actively while building a strong foundation in biblical literacy. By exploring the historical and literary context of the Old Testament, the course enhances students’ understanding of its themes and significance. As they refine their literacy skills, students also strengthen their critical thinking abilities, enabling them to engage thoughtfully with scripture and its enduring relevance.

As taken from the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA): Debate is for those who want to combine research with argumentation. If you’re interested in philosophy, ethics, and reasoning, as well as topics such as economics, domestic and foreign policy, and more, explore debate further. Debate helps you improve your evidence gathering, writing, and speaking skills all at once.

Writing from Life Experiences is a writing course designed to fulfill Brookwood's desire to develop the “whole child.” This course seeks to provide our students with necessary life skills that will set them apart. The course will also enhance writing skills as the student reflects on the “real world” activities they will participate in and encounter. They will learn through hands-on experience, direct instruction, and engagement with community experts in their fields.