In high school language arts classrooms at Kamehameha Schools Maui, students develop their proficiency in language (listening and speaking) and in literacy (reading and writing), gaining important skills they will use on a daily basis as Hawaiian leaders in college or in 21st-century careers. Throughout their four years at KSM High School, students read, analyze, and evaluate a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction. They study important authors, poets, and playwrights of various historical periods or genres and critique their works. Students write and produce increasingly sophisticated research reports and multimedia presentations. The students build and apply oral and written skills to develop their ideas and express their thoughts effectively.
English 9 [MH02133] – Year A/B
1 Credit. Literature studies in English 9 revolve around several themes: Search for Identity, What it Means to be the “Other,” and the Hero’s Journey. Students read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction—the anchor texts being The Odyssey and Night and then choices ranging from the classics such as Romeo and Juliet to modern works such as Hate List. Through the readings, discussions, classroom activities, and writing assignments, this course is designed to enhance and improve reading, critical thinking, and writing skills. Student writing focuses on summaries, analysis, and research. Students review and utilize MLA format in their writing. Summer reading is encouraged and might be required for some students. Required for all freshmen.
Honors English 9 [MH02145] – Year A/B
1 Credit. Literature studies in English 9 is meant for students of high ability and motivation. English 9 Honors shares the goals of English 9 at an elevated level of rigor. Literature studies in English 9 revolve around the theme Search for Identity. Through the readings, discussions, classroom activities, and writing assignments, this course is designed to enhance and improve reading, critical thinking, and writing skills. Student writing focuses on summaries, research and literary analysis. Students review and utilize MLA format in their writing. Students will be required to read and complete assignments prior to the start of English 9 Honors. Prerequisite: Students interested will need to provide a timed writing sample.
English 10 [MH02135] – Semester Daily
1 Credit. American Literature is the literary focus for English 10, engaging students in an examination of the American experience through a variety of lenses. From reading Death of a Salesman or Fahrenheit 451 to reading Middle Son, a novel set on a Maui sugar cane plantation, students are asked to compare and contrast their own personal experiences and understandings with the diverse perspectives they encounter in traditional and contemporary American literature. Students develop their ability to recognize and analyze literary symbols. They evaluate the writing craft of various authors in order to make informed choices when communicating their own messages. They utilize MLA format when producing their own research or literary analysis papers. In addition, students build academic vocabulary in preparation for the SAT exam. Summer reading is encouraged. Required for all sophomores. Prerequisite: English 9 or Honors English 9.
Honors English 10 [MH02149] – Semester Daily
1 Credit. This course is intended for students with high ability and motivation who would like to progress in their literature study at an elevated level or rigor and accelerated pace. Literary study for sophomores focuses on American Literature. Honors students will read and analyze literature, both classic and contemporary, in order to develop an understanding of the way literature reflects the development and diversity of American identity. Students will refine their ability to communicate in written form through daily writing. Students will be required to read and complete assignments prior to the start of the course. Prerequisite: English 9 or Honors English; passing score on placement rubric. Please contact Mrs. Yatsushiro for further information: noyatsus@ksbe.edu.
English 11 [MH02138] – Semester Daily
1 Credit. Traditional and contemporary British and European compositions provide the basis for developing literature and language study in English 11. Shakespeare’s sonnets, Jonathan Swift’s satire, Anton Chekov’s short stories, and folk tales of both Leo Tolstoy and the Brothers Grimm reveal universal themes that complement Hawaiian myths and legends as well as proverbs from Pukui’s ʻŌlelo Noʻeau. An exploration of current events launches students into relevant local, national, and global issues that complement their specific academy and provide them with opportunities for individual investigations. This course develops students’ reading, writing, speaking, and technological skills for college and other post-high school pursuits, with an emphasis on persuasion. Required summer reading assignment is due by the end of the first day of school. Required for all juniors. Prerequisite: English 10 or Honors English 10.
Honors English 11 [MH02151] – Semester Daily
1 Credit. Juniors of high ability will hone their skills in analytical reading, critical thinking, and strategical writing. The literature accessed through this course is mostly non-fiction and exposes students to a variety of human issues and perspectives. Composing timed essays of rhetorical analysis and argumentation is emphasized, and students practice strategies for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Additionally, the exploration of universal themes launch students into personally relevant local and national issues that inspire them to convincingly compose, speak and present. Required summer readings with accompanying assignments are due by the first day of class. Prerequisite: Honors English 10 or teacher recommendation. Please contact Mr. Oliver for further information: mioliver@ksbe.edu.
English 12 [MH02136] – Semester Daily
1 Credit. This senior-level course provides students with a program of writing, literature and language study. The emphasis is on literary analysis, research skills, and grammar and mechanics for college and other post-high school pursuits. Students become strategic users of the language process by developing and implementing strategies for a variety of purposes and audiences and evaluating and refining their effectiveness. The study of world literature includes both traditional and contemporary texts written for a variety of purposes and audiences. The role of language in communicating and shaping thought and behavior will be examined. Students must complete a “summer reading” assignment by the end of the first week of the school year. Students are strongly encouraged to use the summer break to fulfill this requirement. Prerequisite: English 11 or Honors English 11.
Expository Writing – ENG 100 [MH02106] – Semester Daily
1 Credit. Expository Writing (ENG 100) discovers and applies the concepts of purpose, audience, and tone in writing. It emphasizes evaluating written texts and writing various types of essays, including writing from sources. The course focuses on developing critical thinking skills. This course is offered through UH Maui College. Upon successful completion, students earn three (3) college credits. Prerequisite: (KS) C grade or better in English 11 or Honors English 11, cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and successful completion of UH Maui placement test.
Moʻokalaleo Hawaiʻi – Hawaiian Literature [MH03251] – Semester A/B
0.5 Credits. This course will offer a general survey of our moʻokalaleo – our literature – ranging from its simplest to more complex forms. Both aspects of moʻokalaleo, prose and poetry, will be studied which will include vocabulary, names, sayings, lists, riddles, kaʻao – legends, and mele – songs, and the context of each within the larger culture. Each literary form surveyed will be given two treatments. Students will learn examples of each from the past. Students will then further solidify their learning of those forms by composing their own examples for the present and future. Note: Course last offered during School Year 2017-2018.