In this full-year course, students are introduced to the major types of literature from around the world, including the novel, short stories, drama, and poetry. A variety of works will be read and analyzed introducing Antigone, Julius Caesar, The Pigman, Flowers for Algernon, Romeo and Juliet, and Bless the Beasts and Children. In addition to literature, composition work including keeping a journal and becoming familiar with the argumentative essay, stresses usage, spelling, vocabulary building, punctuation, and paragraph structure. Finally, formal grammar is thoroughly taught.

American Literature

Tenth graders who have successfully completed grade 9 English are eligible for this course. This course is designed to help the students understand the impact that historical events have had on literature, while at the same time, the students will come to understand the impact that literature has had upon our society. Specifically, this course will survey American Literature, beginning with the Colonial Period and ending with the pre-Civil War period. A number of works will be read and analyzed. These works may include The Crucible, 1776, The Declaration of Independence, The Red Badge of Courage, Shane, The Scarlet Letter, and Huckleberry Finn. In addition, students will be asked to express themselves effectively in a variety of ways: orally, in writing, and in formal presentations. Preparation for the HSPT and the SAT, both taken in junior year, will also be stressed.

European Literature

Eleventh graders who have successfully completed grade 10 English are eligible for this course. Students will survey European Literature chronologically by reading, analyzing, and discussing representative works from each historical era. These works may include Animal Farm, 1984, Lord of the Flies, Macbeth, Hamlet, and The Time Machine. In addition to novels, students will work from an anthology, studying works from a variety of literary periods, beginning with the Anglo-Saxon Period up to and including Twentieth Century Literature. Composition work will employ the writing process and include character analysis, interpretation/analysis of literature, and a formal research paper.

Literary Masterpieces

This course will focus on reading, discussing, and analyzing a wide range of Wolrd Literature. Students will investigate various genres of World Literature, exploring challenging and multi-cultural literary works. Furthermore, pupils will continue to strengthen their writing skills by reviewing the writing process and by completing various writing tasks. Equally important, they will improve their speaking skills. An important aspect of this course is the development of critical thinking; the students will develop confidence and the skills necessary to assess their own interpretative and writing strategies. Finally, students will use and manipulate technology in order to enhance their knowledge of World Literature.

A.P. Literature

During the year, this survey course will present a selection of literary masterpieces that offer students an opportunity to critique said works through analyses of language and theoretical interpretations. Through critical discussions, research, and a perusal of primary source, students will hone their interpretative and writing skills, expand on foundations for literary argument, and hopefully, forge a deeper appreciation for literature and communication.

The instructor of this course encourages students to (1) establish a work ething, (2) respect the beliefs of other individuals and cultures, and (3) address issues in an academic fashion, demonstrating a command of the English language both orally and in writing.

A.P. English Language and Composition