English Department

The English curriculum trains students to be good readers: of texts, of the world around them, and, ultimately, of themselves. The study of English literature and composition is a discipline that is related to art in its approach to symbolism and design; to language in its focus on culture, grammatical systems, and modes of expression; and to history in its attention to periods, causes, patterns of influence, psychology and the search for truth. From ninth grade on our students develop their analytical skills through the study of a broad range of challenging texts, lively and probing discussions, and focused, challenging critical and creative writing assignments.

Middle School:

Language Arts 6:

Language Arts in the sixth grade is a two-part course consisting of grammar and vocabulary moving into literature and writing. One part focuses on building, grammar and vocabulary skills through a variety of activities. Students will master the conventions of capitalization, punctuation and spelling while applying key concepts governing usage of the parts of speech. They will also learn to recognize Greek and Latin roots and recognize those prefixes, suffixes and roots that assist with spelling and deconstructing a word for meaning. Sixth graders will develop an understanding of the more advanced parts of speech and translate that understanding into their own writing of more complex sentences. The second part of the course, allows students to explore a variety of literature genres including mythology, short stories, realistic fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction.

Language Arts 7:

Language Arts in the seventh grade is an integrated curriculum consisting of strands in literature, grammar, vocabulary, writing in a variety of genres and verbal communication. Emphasis is placed upon comprehension, analysis, application, and the development of the students’ ability to communicate more effectively in both oral and written expression. Students refine their grammar knowledge base through different language exercises that reinforce complex sentence structure and the appropriateness of the sentence usage and syntax. Students use that grammar knowledge writing in all genres communicating in a well-structured manner that presents their ideas in an engaging format. Seventh grade students hone their writing skills by presenting papers with increasing complexity in sentence structure and adding voice and purpose to their pieces. Students will study a variety of literature genres and analyze them for theme, tone, and purpose. In addition, students will learn to recognize literary elements and story structure and, in turn, apply that knowledge to their own written work.

Language Arts 8: Literature & Composition

Literature & Composition I emphasizes writing, literary analysis, research application, and oral language. Writing instruction focuses on essay development. Grammar instruction is embedded in the writing process and includes parts of speech, punctuation, and sentence structure. Classic, current, and multicultural literature serve as an impetus for the related skills of communication, speaking, listening, vocabulary development, and writing.

Upper School:

Literature & Composition: (Required – Year Long – 1 credit – Grade 9)

This course includes a balance of composition, applied grammar, and both literary and informational texts, with a focus on world literature and documents from American history. Students will analyze and respond to complex texts appropriate for 9th graders. Developing vocabulary, speaking, listening, researching, and test-taking skills are integral parts of the course curriculum.

American Literature: (Required – Year Long – 1 Credit – Grade 10)

This course includes a balance of composition, applied grammar, and both literary and informational texts, with a focus on American historical documents and literature. Developing vocabulary, speaking, listening, researching, and test-taking skills are integral parts of the course curriculum.

World Literature: (Elective – Year Long – 1 Credit – Grade 11)

This course aims to introduce students to a selection of classical and modern literary works from various parts of the world. One of the goals of the class is to analyze and discuss the works in their respective socio-historical contexts, with a special focus on the theme of encounter, be it textual or cultural. The impact of various factors (class, race, gender, generation, religion, and so forth) will be taken into consideration in our discussions. The students’ critical engagement with the assigned works of literature will be further enhanced by the historical and literary background provided by lectures and secondary sources.

AP English Language & Composition: (Elective – Year Long – 1 Credit – Grade 11)

In this course, students read complex texts with understanding and write engaging prose that emphasizes content, purpose, and audience. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the Advanced Placement exam.

*Requires departmental recommendation based on solid A achievement in prior coursework, including a demonstrated potential to actively participate and succeed in a college-level course. Must take College Board AP exam in the spring.

British Literature: (Elective – Year Long – 1 Credit – Grade 12)

This course includes a balance of composition, applied grammar, and literary and informational texts, with a focus on British authors and historical documents, and a comparative analysis of them. Developing vocabulary, speaking, listening, researching, and test taking skills are integral parts of the course curriculum.

AP English Literature & Composition: (Elective – Year Long – 1 Credit – Grade 12)

This survey course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literature. The objectives for this course follow the College Board syllabus, preparing students for the Advanced Placement exam.