English (Cont.)

Advanced English Seminar: Chekhov (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Literature and Composition, Genre Studies and Departmental recommendation

11th/12th

This course focuses on the work of Russian author Anton Chekhov (1861-1905), whose short stories and plays are foundational texts in modern literature. Beginning by placing Chekhov in the context of late 19th century Russian literature and history, the course will examine his work as it increases in insight and subtlety across his short career, culminating in the extraordinary pieces produced in the last years of his life. The course will also consider at least one of Chekhov’s four major plays: The Seagull, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard. The course is discussion-based, and students will keep a reading journal throughout the semester. Assessments may include essays, creative writing, timed papers, graded discussions, acting, and a culminating project focused on independent reading. Students in advanced courses should be prepared to write with clarity and technical proficiency and to display critical and creative thought in extended arguments. Advanced second semester classes will continue through the end of May, culminating with a final exam. One week will be given in May to instruction of the college essay.

Advanced English Seminar: Classics of American Literature (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Literature and Composition, Genre Studies and Departmental recommendation

11th/12th

In this spring semester course students will return to a number of authors and works that used to make up the established American Literature canon. We’ll proceed chronologically from as early as the late 18th century through the current day. The pace of the class will be fast as daily readings will be short and numerous–poems and short stories only with one play, Miller’s Death of a Salesman, the exception; in addition students will choose a course-appropriate novel and write their culminating project on said book. Otherwise shorter texts will largely be online, daily class will be discussion-based, and assessments will include a number of shorter essays in addition to the noted final independent project and paper. Students in advanced courses should be prepared to write with clarity and technical proficiency and to display critical and creative thought in extended arguments. Advanced second semester classes will continue through the end of May, culminating with a final exam. One week will be given in May to instruction of the college essay. This course fulfills the American Literature requirement.

Advanced English Seminar: Contemporary Global Literature (0.5 credit, fall only)

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Literature and Composition, Genre Studies and Departmental recommendation

11th/12th

This discussion and reading-based semester course will examine global literature published in the current millennium. By digesting literature from around the world, students will be exposed to various cultural, political, and social platforms, thereby engaging with numerous perspectives. A variety of writing exercises, both creative and analytical, will supplement students’ understanding and discussion of the text. In addition to in class work, students will complete three asynchronous choice novel projects over the course of the semester. By the end of the semester, students will have read seven novel-length texts. The culminating project is a combination of creative and analytic, allowing the student freedom to craft and present a visual analysis of any material read in the semester. Authors encountered in the course may include, but are not limited to, Adichie, McEwan, Jones, Nelson, Madden, Sedira, Woodrell, Khalifa, and Kay. Students in advanced courses should be prepared to write with clarity and technical proficiency and to display critical and creative thought in extended arguments.

Advanced English Seminar: Creative Writing (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Literature and Composition, Genre Studies and Departmental recommendation

11th/12th

This second semester course is designed to briefly refamiliarize students with fundamentals of writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, using classic and contemporary works as models that afford students a better understanding of the creative process. Throughout the semester, students will complete week-long focused studies on the elements of the short story, including plot development, setting, character, dialogue, and point of view. For assessments, students will begin to either craft a longer piece of fiction, whether through chapters, or a collection of short stories linked by character or theme. In addition to biweekly check-ins regarding progress on the final portfolio/product, students will complete self-reflective writing to showcase their process and plans. Through daily and nightly writing assignments, students can demonstrate their writing skills as well as experiment with various strategies. Students in advanced courses should be prepared to write with clarity and technical proficiency and to display critical and creative thought in extended arguments. Advanced second semester classes will continue through the end of May, culminating with a final exam. One week will be given in May to instruction of the college essay. This course fulfills the writing requirement.

Advanced English Seminar: Detective Fiction (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Literature and Composition, Genre Studies and Departmental recommendation

11th/12th

This elective will examine the development of the detective story into a legitimate and mature literary type. Focus of lectures and discussions will be less on plot and actual solution of given crimes, and more on the authors’ unique rendering of character—the crime solvers themselves—and their psyches. We’ll pay particular attention to these writers’ fascination with the detective as ‘anti-hero.’ We’ll begin with the early practitioners (Poe and Holmes), spend time with the British legend Agatha Christie, move to an American hardboiled master like Hammett or Chandler, and wrap with a contemporary author. Assessments include weekly reading quizzes, and several in-class essays. In addition, students will be writing a final critical analysis of a detective novel read independently. Students in advanced courses should be prepared to write with clarity and technical proficiency and to display critical and creative thought in extended arguments. Advanced second semester classes will continue through the end of May, culminating with a final exam. One week will be given in May to instruction of the college essay.

Advanced English Seminar: Dystopian Fiction (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Literature and Composition, Genre Studies and Departmental recommendation

11th/12th

This course will begin with a brief examination of Plato’s Republic and Sir Thomas Moore’s Utopia before quickly moving into the darker futuristic visions of Vonnegut (Harrison Bergeron), McCarthy (The Road), Atwood (A Handmaid’s Tale), and Heller (The Dog Stars). Some time will be devoted to critical theory surrounding these works. Additionally, students will read another dystopian novel, chosen from a list provided by the teacher, to study and write on independently. Time permitting, students will present their chosen text to the class. Dystopian films designed to warn the world about the evils of human excess, loss of identity, and totalitarianism will also be a part of our inquiry. Possibilities include Metropolis, Blade Runner, Brazil, Gattaca, and Children of Men. Writing will range from mimetic essays in the style of a chosen author, short analytical pieces, a longer paper on their “choice” text, and journal responses. Students in advanced courses should be prepared to write with clarity and technical proficiency and to display critical and creative thought in extended arguments. Advanced second semester classes will continue through the end of May, culminating with a final exam. One week will be given in May to instruction of the college essay.