English

English 9

English for ninth graders at Luther Preparatory School is designed to train students to critically think, analyze, and communicate through the written and spoken word, as well as analyze and appreciate literature as Christian readers. Students will read a variety of fiction and informational texts. Students will study and apply the conventions of grammar in the context of writing. Students will gain experience organizing their thoughts, collaborating in groups, creating projects, and presenting in front of an audience.

Course Objectives

Read and comprehend various types of literature, being able to reflect and respond critically, from a faith-based perspective.
Craft and produce clearly-developed and organized writing, being fluent in English grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Participate in class discussions and collaborate in groups, expressing voice and opinion clearly and confidently.
Prepare and present projects, writing, dramatic interpretations, and discussion points in front of an audience.

English 10

This is the second course for the Luther Prep English sequence. It continues and reinforces grammar and usage, the writing process, literary analysis, and oral language introduced in English 1. This course works in literary genre, literary techniques, and writing about literature; descriptive, narrative, and expository writing; library skills; English usage and mechanics; and oral language are some of the major topics.

Course objectives

Appreciate the complex gift of language God has given us.
Learn the grammar of the English language and use it together with reading, writing, and speaking skills to effectively communicate with others.
Read and study various literary works and realize the significance of their historical and emotional value.
Demonstrate oral speaking skills.
Read and study literature with a Christian perspective.
Complete several major writing assignments.

English 11

This is the third course in the Luther Prep English sequence. Its focus is on American literature and formal speech experiences. Major literature topics include reading literature critically, writing critically about literature, connections between American history and American literature, modern American literature, and emphases on several major American writers. Major speech topics include expressive (spoken) and receptive (listening) communication. Students build confidence in speaking and writing as they develop speeches for presentation to their classroom audience.

Course Objectives

Read various kinds of literature with discerning mind, comprehending and evaluating what is read according to the guide of God’s Word.
Improve listening skills.
Improve oral speaking skills.
Write clear ideas in response to literature.
Promote positive attitude in the students toward interpersonal communication and public speaking.
Develop greater self-confidence of expression in the students.
Create an awareness of the different types of speeches and speaking situations.
Provide an opportunity for writing and delivering speeches.
Recognize that speech is a gift of God and our main means of communication of His word.

AP® English Language and Composition

This course is designed to offer a rigorous program of study for juniors in preparation for college with emphasis given to developing readiness for the AP English Language and Composition Examination. The course cultivates the reading and writing skills necessary for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. Students will be guided in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts and will become flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes. The reading and writing students do in the course should deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations.

Course Objectives

Explain how writers’ choices reflect the components of the rhetorical situation (Rhetorical Situation - Reading).
Make strategic choices in a text to address a rhetorical situation (Rhetorical Situation - Writing).

Identify and describe the claims and evidence of an argument (Claims and Evidence - Reading).
Analyze and select evidence to develop and refine a claim (Claims and Evidence - Writing).
Describe the reasoning, organization, and development of an argument (Reasoning and Organization - Reading).
Use organization and commentary to illuminate the line of reasoning in an argument (Reasoning and Organization - Writing).
Explain how writers’ stylistic choices contribute to the purpose of an argument (Style - Reading).
Select words and use elements of composition to advance an argument (Style - Writing).
Appreciate the complex gift of language which God has given them, to communicate both with each other and with an unbelieving world.
Evaluate texts critically on the basis of their Christian worldview.

“AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.”

English 12

This is a theme-related, literature-based, integrated course focused on the history of British literature designed for all 12th grade students at Luther Prep. The literature is chronologically divided into historical literary periods, beginning with the Anglo-Saxon Period and ending with the 20th Century. Attention is given to theme-oriented poetry, short stories, essays, non-fiction, and full-length works. Emphasis will be given to literary devices, content, style, and cultural diversity. Vocabulary, communication, research skills, public speaking, various forms of composition, as well as the use of technology are integrated into each semester’s study. Students will improve grammar and usage skills through daily grammar practice. Stress is placed on the development of critical and analytical thinking skills through discussion and compositions. In order to prepare students for the college setting, knowledgeable discourse of the subject matter will be required. A formal, documented research paper is required during the first semester. Academic writing will also include a required Literary Analysis during the second semester. Readings supplementary to the text will also be required. English 12 meets both semesters for four periods each week and receives 1.0 credits toward graduation.

Course Objectives

Learn to appreciate the complex gift of language which God has given us, to communicate both with each other and with an unbelieving world.
Learn to critically evaluate literature on the basis of our Christian viewpoint.
Grow in appreciation, enjoyment, and understanding of the culture and thought of the British, from whom we have received a great literary heritage.
Apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, critically analyze, evaluate, and appreciate texts.
Develop the ability to communicate clearly and correctly.
Learn to write rich, vibrant ideas in response to literature.
Gain understanding of the historical development of English literature by studying key writers and writing trends.
Utilize daily grammar practice to better understand the English language and to strengthen writing skills.

Link to Summer Reading List 2026

This course is designed to offer a rigorous program of study for seniors in preparation for college with emphasis given to developing readiness for the AP® English Literature and Composition Examination. Literary analysis and evaluation, both orally and in written form, are important processes in this course. Students will engage with challenging texts that force them to think critically and analyze in an in-depth fashion. Students will also strengthen their vocabulary and writing skills through composing in a variety of modes. Additionally, students will learn the value of academic conversation through engaging discussions regarding the texts analyzed as part of the coursework.

Course Objectives

Analyze the interaction and development of a complex set of ideas, sequence of events, or specific individuals over the course of the text.
Evaluate how an author’s point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging.
Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts.
Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college-and career-readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Determine and analyze the relationship between two or more themes or central ideas of a text, including the development and interaction of the themes; provide an objective summary of the text.
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences and conclusions based on and related to an author’s implicit and explicit assumptions and beliefs.
Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama.
Evaluate the structure of texts including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the texts relate to each other and the whole.
Develop and analyze the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
Organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a whole; use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text; provide a concluding statement or section that supports the information presented; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension.

“AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.”

Speech

Speech is an elective course offered to juniors and seniors. In this course students will model and further develop their God-given gifts of vocal expression through preparation, practice, and performance of literary works. The course will also provide opportunities for interpretation and expression of material written by the student. Finally, students will learn to prepare speeches and interpretive material that fits a purpose, applies to a specific audience, and incorporates appropriate language form.

Course Objectives

Explain the communication process (speaking and listening) and apply this understanding to a variety of situations.
Research and organize written speech content in preparation for oral delivery.
Model and apply communication skills developed through preparation and practice.
Vocally and bodily interpret and perform various genre that reveals the author’s emotional intent and literary content.
Demonstrate an ability to work responsibly in independent and group activities.
Develop an understanding and respect for individual differences regarding gifts, talents, ideas, and needs.
Analyze and evaluate various speakers in communication activities as it relates to purpose, content, and delivery.

Introduction to Multimedia Communication

This course is designed to teach students how to use various forms of multimedia technology in order to communicate. Students will create video, print, and digital publications. Students will study the principles of design. Students will study the principles of making a video and composing a picture. Students will need to have a smartphone that can take high-quality pictures and shoot videos. This course will focus on how we can use these forms of multimedia to share the Gospel.

Course Objectives

Coming soon.

The Novel

This is a theme-related, literature-based, integrated course focused on works of fiction in a “book” format. It is designed to demand that students read works of length and detail in a short period of time (one semester) that will prepare them for similar literary volume and short time constraints that they will face in college. Students will develop critical and analytical thinking skills through discussion, compositions, and presentations. In order to prepare students for the college setting, knowledgeable discourse of the subject matter will be required.

Course Objectives

Learn to appreciate the complex gift of language which God has given us, to communicate both with each other and with an unbelieving world.
Learn to evaluate literature critically on the basis of our Christian viewpoint.
Apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, critically analyze, evaluate, and appreciate texts.
Develop the ability to communicate clearly and correctly.
Learn to write rich, vibrant ideas in response to literature.
Appreciate the complex gift of language which God has given us, to communicate both with each other and with an unbelieving world.

Prof. Joe Gumm

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English, Children's Theater
Prof. Lucas Krogmann

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Music, English, Forensics
Prof. Martin Pagel

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English, Yearbook
Prof. Ryan Finkbeiner

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Prof. Jacob Rothe

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English, Social Studies
Tutor Jenna Boggs

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Dorm Supervisor, English
Tutor Lilianne Zimpelmann

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