AP/DC English – Upper Columbia Academy

Enhance Your English Journey with AP/DC English

At UCA our AP/DC English program is tailored to prepare students for academic excellence and critical engagement with language and literature.  To ensure readiness and success in this advanced program, specific prerequisites apply for students at different grade levels. These requirements help us place students in the course that aligns with their current skills and prepares them for the challenges ahead.

Sophomore Honors

Class Maximum: 20 students, This course is ideal for sophomores with a strong passion for English. Students will read diverse literary selections, including poetry, novels, and plays, while learning to craft well-structured essays and research papers in MLA format.

Prerequisites and Requirements:

Completed application

3.0 cumulative GPA or above

One writing sample (creative or formal)

Completion of English I with a final semester grade above 85%

For students new to UCA only: A letter of recommendation from a teacher describing the student’s work ethic

Junior Honors

Class Maximum: 20 students. Students explore American literature from oral traditions to modern eras, mastering literary analysis and creative writing. As part of this class, students contribute to the UCA school newspaper, Echoes, gaining skills in writing, editing, and design.

Prerequisites and Requirements:

Completion of English II with a final semester grade above 85%

One formal writing sample, i.e. an essay, report, or analysis

Completed application

3.0 cumulative GPA or above

One creative writing sample, i.e. a poem, short story, or personal essay

One 200-word short essay concerning why the student feels they should qualify for the class

For students new to UCA only: A letter of recommendation from a teacher describing the student’s work ethic

College Writing (ENGL 121): first semester

Class Maximum: 18 students. This course focuses on academic writing, including argumentation and critical analysis, while exploring classic literary works. Students earn 3 semester hours of college credit through Southwestern Adventist University

Prerequisites and Requirements:

Senior standing

Completed application

3.5 cumulative GPA or
above

One formal writing sample, i.e. an essay, report, or analysis

Completion of English III with a final semester grade above 90%

Personal interview with instructor (in-person or online)

One creative writing sample, i.e. a poem, short story, or personal essay

One 200-word short essay concerning why the student feels they should qualify for the class

For students new to UCA only: A letter of recommendation from a teacher describing the student’s work ethic

Research Writing (ENGL 220): second semester

Class Maximum: 20 students, Building on College Writing, this course enhances students’ research and argumentation skills while teaching documentation styles for various disciplines. Students write a short literary analysis and a longer argumentative research paper, earning 3 additional college credits

Prerequisites and Requirements:

3.5 cumulative GPA or above

Senior standing

Completion of College Writing with a 73% or higher

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