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Oakland School for the Arts

Value, Uplift, Honor
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Oakland School for the Arts

Value, Uplift, Honor

English

overview

overview

The English Department believes language is the primary means through which people define themselves and their world, that reading inspires empathy and compassion, and that effective written and spoken communication is an essential tool both for individual success and the positive transformation of society. Although each course has a unique emphasis (American Literature, World Literature, Narrative Forms, Modernism, etc.), the classes share a common goal: to foster students’ abilities to investigate and synthesize information and to express themselves effectively through written, oral, and artistic means. We require students to use their artistic talent in order to access and enter into dialog with texts and to make positive contributions to the school community and beyond.  At every level, students are engaged in various forms of spoken and written expression, media and textual analysis, problem solving and critical thinking. Our curriculum builds on itself, as students are guided toward language mastery that will set them up for success at OSA and beyond.
 

We expect our students to:

  • Learn to read critically.
  • Be able to write clearly and creatively.
  • Develop effective speaking skills.
  • Comprehend and evaluate literal and implied meaning in multiple forms of expression and media (e.g. written, oral, multimedia).
Course descriptions

Course descriptions

Stacks of Books

 

 

 

 

Books on ShelfEnglish 6

Students read selected literature in several genres, including novels, short fiction, traditional literature, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies to enhance their comprehension. They develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, and expository writing. They learn strategies for planning and organizing their writing, editing and revising their work. Listening and speaking strategies are emphasized during class discussions and oral presentations.

 

 

Student reading in the darkEnglish 7

Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, and expository writing. Vocabulary study focuses on academic language and Greek and Latin roots. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions and oral presentations.

 

 

Don Quixote1English 8

Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and poetry. Vocabulary study focuses academic language and the history and origins of the English language. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions, oral presentations, and Socratic seminars.

 

 

 

 

Books open

English 9

In this class, you’ll learn to use language as an artistic and social tool. You will be challenged to examine your community and beliefs, and grow as a reader, writer, and thinker. We’ll be exploring many things about our world, especially how people use language to influence others and tell the human story. It will be difficult, but it will also be fun. Welcome to the journey!

 

Stack of Books and coffeeEnglish 10

Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and poetry. Vocabulary study focuses academic language and the history and origins of the English language. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions, oral presentations, and Socratic seminars.

 

 

Death of SocratesEnglish 12

Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and poetry. Vocabulary study focuses academic language and the history and origins of the English language. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions, oral presentations, and Socratic seminars.

 

Thinking HeadsEnglish III

In keeping with OSA’s tradition of high academic standards, this course engages students with classic literary texts in order to prepare you for the English Literature course offered senior year and in college. Through our study of these works, which are representative of every genre, you will learn how sophisticated readers use analysis to develop a deeper understanding of the text.

 

 

Student buried in booksHonors English 12

Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and poetry. Vocabulary study focuses academic language and the history and origins of the English language. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions, oral presentations, and Socratic seminars.

 

 

Typing on Old TypewriterElective: Creative Writing 

Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, narrative writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and poetry. Vocabulary study focuses academic language and the history and origins of the English language. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions, oral presentations, and Socratic seminars.

CreativeWritingGIFComposite
KATY ZAUGG
Katy Zaugg

       Chair, English Department
Katy Zaugg

 
As the chair of the English Department among her varied roles, Ms. Zaugg has been an integral part of OSA for many years, most recently as the Director of Enrollment and Student Services. She lives in Oakland with her husband and adorable dog, and always knows what students are up to. In her role as Director of Enrollment and Student Services, she will continue to her previous duties, including student services, and she will take on additional school wide management and leadership for arts and academic teachers. Before shifting into education, Katy began her career in the arts as a proud graduate of California College of Arts and Crafts. She worked for four years in public schools and alternative education programs before coming to OSA. In addition to working at OSA, Katy supervises student teachers in the field for the Mills College Educators for Liberation, Justice, and Joy credential program.