ENGLISH The goal of the English Department is to help students become attentive readers and clear writers. The curriculum is founded on great works of world literature chosen to introduce students to important literary traditions, to help them learn to develop and defend their own ideas, and to foster a lifelong love of reading.
Middle School Courses English 6 This course strives to deepen a curiosity and appreciation for language and literature. We will read across the genres and across time and place. Our readings create the core for engagement and conversation and push us to see beyond our own perspective. This class will require you to read closely, look for larger ideas, and make connections beyond the text. Vocabulary is generated by our reading, and grammar begins with student writing. Representative texts: Selected poetry; cross-cultural creation stories; world fairy tales; mythology; The Birchbark House, Louise Erdich; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare English 7 English 7 is an exploration of identity in literature and life, touching on issues of conformity, coming of age, judgment, and the ways identities develop and change. We read short stories, watch short films, analyze pop culture texts (such as print and video advertisements), and explore full-length books ranging from classics to thought-provoking, contemporary young adult novels. Grammar lessons are drawn from the literature, with a focus on building clarity and precision of expression. Students develop a portfolio of analytical, creative, and persuasive pieces as they sharpen their ability to communicate their ideas to a wide range of audiences. Overall, this course is designed to challenge the growing minds of young teenagers while fostering a deep and lasting engagement with reading, writing, and discussion. Representative texts: Elatsoe, Darcie Little Badger; All American Boys, Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely; selected poetry and PIXAR short films; Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand, translated by Brian Hooker English 8 English 8 explores a range of increasingly complex texts and concepts through the lens of “coming of age.” English 8 serves as the crucial bridge between middle school and high school; students become comfortable tackling challenging works of literature and diving into deeper levels of analysis. Students build their analytical skills to produce rich paragraphs and some longer essays driven by clear thesis statements and carefully chosen evidence. Daily discussion - in large and small groups - allows students to find and develop their own voices. Creative and persuasive writing are also important components of the curriculum, and the study of grammar and vocabulary guides students to greater variety and precision in their use of language. Representative texts: The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros; The Book Thief, Markus Zusak; When the Emperor was Divine, Julie Otsuka; Everything Sad is Untrue, Daniel Nayeri; Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
Upper School Courses English I English I travels through texts from both classical and contemporary foundational traditions, all of which have at their core the themes of heroic journeys and the process of self-discovery. The assignments in both semesters provide students with a strong foundation in close textual analysis with an emphasis on crafting strong arguments, along with grammar and vocabulary mastery, as well as presentation design and delivery. All areas of
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