Star Academics

Courses and Curriculum

Curriculum Summary

Download 2009 - 2010 Curriculum Summary Chart

Humanities

Our humanities program focuses on composition and literature at every level. In some courses, students are immersed in the history and cultures of the world, as well as history’s influence on art. Students participate in hands-on projects, give oral presentations, and write reports. The methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing program are used in composition instruction in the 7th and 8th grade levels.

Parent Expectations: Please proofread all papers and assignments, and help students organize the large volume of papers and assignments necessary in a complete humanities program.

Note on Course Content: Star Academics instructors, tutors, and staff are dedicated to upholding the Biola doctrinal statement as found on the Biola website (biola.edu/about/doctrinal-statement/). As the primary educator of your students, we strongly recommend that you preview all course material and discuss it with your students as they go through the course.

Parents: Please note that the reading material assigned in Star Academics courses includes books written for an adult audience which occasionally contain mature themes and language. Each text has been carefully selected with a mind to the significant impact certain authors have had in shaping the ideas and culture in which we live. However, some of the authors studied were not Christians or were Christian in name only and espoused anti-Christian worldviews. With all of the texts studied in Star Academics, however, we believe that, overall, the curriculum is wholesome, instructive, and redemptive. Additionally, Torrey Academy students in Foundations of American Thought read texts by authors who are essential to understanding early American thought, which was not always Christian. Likewise, the Faith of Our Fathers class includes more mature content with time devoted to understanding Pre-Reformation Medieval spirituality and theology. It is our objective to help students understand and critically address ideas and worldviews in light of Scripture while staying firmly rooted in the basic creeds of “mere Christianity,” as C. S. Lewis coined it. We desire that students become prepared to be sent out “as sheep in the midst of wolves,” disciples of Christ who are “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Courses Offered

Listed by grade level.*

World History w/ Art (7)

Students study history through art, from creation to modern times. As an academic history class, the curriculum focuses on major events in history and teaches students about their place in world history. Students complete maps, timelines, and bi-weekly compositions along with in class art projects which complement the period of history being studied. Instructors emphasize the interpretation of historical events in light of God’s providence.

Beginning Composition (7–8)

Join us as we demystify the art of good writing using “baby steps” to learn the basic skills of composition. This course is an introduction to the Institute of Excellence in Writing Syllabus of Structure and Style. Writing instruction includes note making and paragraph writing, narrative summaries, essays, and research writing, as well as creative writing, and writing stories from pictures. An in-depth study of English grammar is included as parts of speech, parts of a sentence, sentence diagramming, sentence patterns and agreement are examined. This course is for students with no prior IEW experience.

American History w/ Art (8)

Students study the major periods of American history. From Native American society through modern America, students use art projects in class to enrich their study of America’s past. Gaining an appreciation of the providence of God in the development of a country based on Biblical principles, the class discusses great works of American art as well as politics, geography, and events that shaped America’s history. This course complements the Intermediate Composition course.

Intermediate Composition (8)

Now that you have found your “balance” and are “walking” on your own in the development of good writing skills, let’s combine it with good literature. Read award-winning books from American literature while working through the Institute for Excellence in Writing, Syllabus of Structure and Style. Elements of the IEW program are utilized as students read novels and respond to the ideas within. Discussion of time period, author and theme will add light to the readings. Vocabulary study and grammar review build confidence in students’ writing skills. This course is intended for those with one year IEW experience and coordinates nicely with the American History with Art course.

General Literature and Composition (9)

An exciting overview of literature and its elements is explored in this course. Conflict, character, theme, structure, point of view and moral tone are examined through stories in the Bob Jones University’s Fundamentals of Literature anthology and selected novels. Study of authors and time periods give perspective to these readings. The course includes weekly writing assignments utilizing the Brief Wadsworth Handbook. Class discussion and group projects enhance the classroom experience.

Geography (9)

“…from every tribe and nation…” Every Christian has been given the great commission to reach the lost for Christ. What better way to acquaint your student with their neighbors throughout the world than through this comprehensive course. Geography includes the study of location as well as cultures and people groups. Through the textbook, extensive map work, and enrichment projects, students gain knowledge of different climates, regions, and cultures. Using Christian doctrine, students learn to evaluate both individual cultures and ideas about multiculturalism.

American History (10–11)

Stroll through the years of the good ol’ USA to gain an understanding of God’s grace in the development of our nation. Addressing both the providence of God and the shortcomings of humanity in the formation and movement of our country, the students discuss geography, politics, economics, and current events to formulate reasoned Christian viewpoints on issues in contemporary America. This course is complementary to the American Literature course. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently.

American Literature (10–11)

Taking a stroll through American Literature, students will discover the values and ideas of the classic authors of this great country. A chronological reading of stories in Bob Jones University’s American Literature anthology and selected novels along with discussion of authors, worldviews, and time periods are an integral part of this course. Class discussion, compositions, quizzes, and group projects encourage the student to take a deeper look at the ideology of American people and culture. The Students develop critical thinking and literary review skills as they analyze the events and writings of authors of each period. This course is complementary to the American History course. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently.

World History (10–11)

Travel through the tunnel of time to see what God has done! His-story, from creation to modern times shows God’s hand at work in every major event and individual culture. Providing class discussions, activities, and lectures, instructors bring history to life. Geography, politics, economics, and current events interwoven throughout the course bring application and understanding to the idea that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This course is complementary to the World Literature course. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently.

World Literature (10–11)

See world history unfold through this course as students explore World Literature chronologically using stories in A Beka’s World Literature anthology and selected novels. Students will study and begin to recognize major political and literary shifts in power and sentiment. Discussion of authors, worldviews and time periods are integral to this course. Critical thinking skills are developed as students read, analyze, and write about the ideas of authors through the ages confronting the various World views that emerge through this study. Class discussion and group projects enhance the classroom experience. This course is complementary to the World History course. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently.

British Literature (12)

British writers throughout history have captured our minds and imaginations. This course covers British Literature chronologically through stories in Bob Jones University's British Literature anthology and selected novels. Critical thinking skills are developed as students read, analyze, and write about the ideas of authors. Creative and fiction writing, vocabulary and literature quizzes, class discussion and group projects allow students to imitate excellent writing styles to develop their own skills. A college quality term paper and persuasive and expository essays are written, preparing the students for college requirements.

Government (12)

“We the people…” As part of our Christian heritage, it is critical for all to comprehend the operation of our government so that we can reclaim our nation for the Lord Jesus Christ. Students learn how America’s foundation was set on Biblical principles. Make your vote count, and sign up for this informative class. This one-semester course in civil government from a biblical perspective will provide opportunities for lively classroom discussion about politics and current events as well as participation in community service.

* The course levels listed in parentheses are guidelines. We realize that homeschoolers often cross grade-level "boundaries" for many subjects; therefore students are welcome to enroll in any class that suits their level of achievement. Please remember that our courses are college preparation level, and students will be expected to maintain these high standards. Please see the site class overviews for class days and times.