Freshman English is a two semester course which 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.

Freshman 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.

Pre-requisite: Department approval based on entrance exam and text 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 chronological survey of major works of American Literature, along with reading and analytical skills. Second semester includes a short research paper project done in conjunction with the history department.

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 chronological survey of major works of American Literature, along with reading and analytical skills. Second semester includes a short research paper project done in conjunction with the history department. In addition to the work of the college prep course, the Honors classes analyzes more historical selections throughout the year, reads two additional novels, and generally moves at a swifter pace. Students should anticipate 45 minutes of homework each night.

Pre-requisite: Department approval.

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 use of evidence. The writing proceeds through various techniques of organizing the medium length essay and culminates in a second semester research paper done in conjunction with the history department.

The course will focus on 20th century and contemporary interpretations of theatre from Ibsen to more contemporary authors. We will look at plays both as text and as a medium for performance. Classes will include a focus on staging and specific dramatic components. It will also be the goal of this course to analyze theatrical content and structure in sophisticated written essays.

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 will seek not only to understand the author’s intent, but also the social, political and cultural context depicted in the work. This course will also foster 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.

A course designed for the student who wants to deepen his or her 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.

Pre-Requisite: Department Approval, see Mr. Jordan before registering

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 will study and analyze non-fiction work, both historical and contemporary, through a wide range of (possible) topics, from sports to pop culture, manners to movies, catastrophe to survival, and peace to politics.

This course will examine 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 will also seek to discover what, if anything, can restore us to our decency and to our world.

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 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.

Pre-Requisite: Department Approval

A two-semester college level course designed to prepare students for A.P. 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 and drama than first and will emphasize specific test-taking techniques. Both semesters will require a demanding variety of critical compositions, independent study, and intensive reading.

All spring senior elective courses will include a literature-based research paper. Students taking more than one elective will complete a short research project in one of the electives and the full project in the other. If you want to take two English courses, fill in one of them as an elective (rather than as a second choice) on your course selection sheet. Students must take at least one elective each semester.

PRE-REQUISITE: Senior Standing, Department Approval