English

All students need four non-elective credits in English—one of which must be Patterns of Literature & Learning—in order to graduate. Perspectives in Literature, American Literature and Professional Communication & Composition are the subsequent courses that most students will elect to take to fulfill the required four credits. There are “Advanced” equivalents to these courses that students may take for a greater challenge. Those students wishing to progress beyond these offerings will have the opportunity to take English Literature & Composition (Advanced Placement).

Patterns of Literature and Learning

All students must enroll in and pass Patterns of Literature & Learning. All freshmen students, unless otherwise recommended by staff, must enroll in this course. This is a yearlong, heterogeneously grouped survey course that will expose students to the power of story: from ancient mythology to modern day literature, students will explore the art of storytelling through the lens of Focus, Form, Voice, Depth, and Audience. Students will build vocabulary attack skills and acquisition, practice identifying and using parts of speech, and apply these to developing the skills and organization needed to plan and execute a written essay, as well as improve overall reading comprehension. Students will also work concurrently with guidance on personalized learning plans. All teachers will support the development of executive functioning skills such as organization and time management. During the second semester, students may elect to attempt an advanced studies path. Successful completion of this path includes reflecting on growth and using coursework as evidence of proficiency in transferable skill areas.

Perspectives in Literature

Perspectives in Literature will emphasize the reading and analysis of complex texts spanning a range of time periods and geographic locations. This course will utilize excerpts and larger works to explore a range of cultures. As consistent with the departmental philosophy, these literary and informational texts will be explored through the use of Focus, Form, Voice, Depth and Audience.

Perspectives in Literature (Advanced)

This course will extend beyond the standard curriculum for Perspectives in Literature and go into greater depth of key concepts and understanding. Aside from a level of rigor, Advanced Perspectives in Literature will maintain the same curriculum as Perspectives in Literature: reading and analysis of complex texts spanning a range of time periods and geographic locations; exploring historic culture; implementing Focus, Form, Voice, Depth and Audience; and analytical writing.

American Literature

This course explores themes central to American culture and identity through both modern and classic texts. Students will use novels, poetry, film, historical documents, and non-fiction writing to enhance their critical thinking and analysis skills. Themes and concepts such as freedom, the realities of the American Dream, society’s influence on the individual, and others will be explored, The course is designed to be responsive to student need and interest. Through creative and personal writing, analytical responses, presentations, and projects, students will strive towards goals in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through the lenses of Focus, Form, Voice, Depth and Audience.

American Literature (Advanced)

This is an accelerated, rigorous course that involves critically reading and responding to American Literature from America’s conception to modern times. Students will construct a sense of the American Identity through an exploration of modern and classic novels, essays, poetry, film, short fiction, and critical analyses. Themes and concepts such as freedom, the realities of the American Dream, and inequalities of the past and in the present will be explored through close reading, critical analysis, and structured discussion. In this course, there will be a focus on literary techniques and various literary theories in order to assist students in stepping into the role of literary critic, pushing their critical thinking, problem solving, and awareness of perspective to an advanced level. This course will prepare students for Advanced English and Composition.