First-year English is a two-semester course that stresses the use of the English language through composition and discussion. The course introduces students to various literary genres, with an emphasis on world literature. The course also includes vocabulary development, grammar, and related language skills.

First-year English Honors is a two-semester course that stresses the use of the English language through composition and discussion. The course introduces students to various literary genres, with an emphasis on world literature. The course also includes vocabulary development, grammar, and related language skills. Covering the same material as the college-prep course, the Honors course has additional reading assignments, more demanding standards for writing assignments, and works at an accelerated pace. Honors students are expected to possess advanced skills in writing, reading comprehension and grammar and also be eager and proactive to improve those skills. Students should anticipate 45 minutes of homework each night.

Prerequisite: Department approval based on entrance exam and test scores.

Sophomore English is a two-semester course which presents an intensified study of the principles of writing including vocabulary, grammar, usage, and organization. The course includes a survey of major works of American Literature, along with reading and analytical skills. Second semester includes a research paper project done in conjunction with the History department.

Prerequisite: CP or Honors Literary Genres and Composition 

Honors American Literature and Composition is a two-semester sophomore course which presents an intensified study of the principles of writing including vocabulary, grammar, usage, and organization. The course includes a survey of major works of American literature, along with reading and analytical skills. Second semester includes a research paper project done in conjunction with the history department. In addition to the work of the college prep course, the Honors class analyzes additional selections throughout the year, expects a higher level of discussion and generally moves at a swifter pace. Students should anticipate 45 minutes of homework each night.

Prerequisite Course:  Literary Genres and Composition or Honors Literary Genres and Composition

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

Junior English focuses on a survey of British Literature and advanced composition skills. The goal of the course is to improve students' analytical thinking and careful reading and use of evidence. The writing proceeds through various rhetorical modes of essays, including a research paper done in conjunction with the History department.

Prerequisite: CP or Honors American Literature and Intermediate Composition

The course focuses on 20th century and contemporary interpretations of theatre from Ibsen to more contemporary authors and examines plays both as text and as a medium for performance. Classes will include a focus on staging and specific dramatic components and prioritizes student-led discussions. Students will analyze theatrical content and structure in sophisticated written essays. Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature-based research paper.

The purpose of this course is to study in depth the literary forms of the short story and the short novel and to analyze the five basic elements of plot, theme, character, setting and point of view. In our analysis, we seek not only to understand the author’s intent, but also the social, political and cultural context depicted in the work. This course also fosters the ability to respond to literature, to sharpen critical thinking, to improve analytical writing and listening skills, and to read representative texts of the 20th century and contemporary literature.Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature-based research paper.

Creative Writing is a course designed for students who want to deepen their experience of writing as an art form. The course involves an in-depth examination of models of poetry, short story, and essay (both personal and expository). There will be a series of writing assignments in each genre designed to enhance the student’s understanding of the form and enhance each student’s appreciation of the style and vocabulary of the literary imagination. The course also explores the meaning and implications of the creative impulse. Creative Writing is an intense seminar course designed for students seriously pursuing the art of creative writing. Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature-based research paper.

This senior elective explores non-fiction literature in books, essays, articles, poetry, and/or drama to discover the character, conflicts, themes, and imagery too often associated only with fiction. By discussing this literature in a seminar format and writing critical essays, students study and analyze non-fiction work, both historical and contemporary, through a wide range of topics from sports to pop culture, manners to movies, catastrophe to survival, and peace to politics. Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature-based research paper.

This course examines the subjects of isolation, persecution and demonization prominent in 20th century and contemporary literature by exploring the historical, philosophical, and moral issues that confront humanity. What happens when we lose—through weakness or cowardice or despair—that which makes us human, forever changing the course of our goodness? What social and cultural issues cause groups or individuals to feel marginalized or demonized? This seminar course will use a variety of genres (novels, short stories, drama) to examine alienation as a common theme in modern literature. Ultimately, it also seeks to discover what, if anything, can restore us to our decency and to our world. Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature-based research paper.

Women Writers is a course designed to appeal to all students who are interested in exploring the major themes, issues, and concerns about gender that affect both men and women today. Students will read important works by major women writers (and some men) from a variety of genres, including short fiction, poetry, short nonfiction, drama, and the novel. It will also be the goal of this course to sharpen critical thinking, to refine writing, and to develop seminar skills. Upon completion of this course, the students should have a better understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.

AP English Language and British Literature surveys British literature and introduces advanced writing skills; in doing so, it also prepares students for the AP English Language exam. The AP Language exam tests students on rhetoric and argument; according to the College Board course description, "the purpose of the AP English Language and Composition course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers." The course prioritizes critical thinking, close reading, and careful writing.

Prerequisite Course:  Honors American Literature and Intermediate Composition

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.

A two-semester college-level course designed to prepare students for AP Literature and Composition exam and to emphasize rigorous analysis of poetry, prose, and drama. The course will broaden and deepen the students' knowledge of literature and their critical and analytical thinking and writing skills. Second semester will include more poetry than the first and will emphasize specific test-taking techniques. Both semesters will require a challenging variety of critical compositions, independent study, and intensive reading. Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature- based research paper. 

Prerequisite Course: AP English Language and British Literature

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.