2021–22 Course Catalog

English Emma Stenberg, Department Head The English Department aims to encourage a love of language and an appreciation for its power to enrich lives. We offer a wide-ranging program of classic and contemporary texts from different cultures, genres, and historical periods. English classes foster each student's ability to read actively and critically; to write effectively in analytical, creative, and reflective modes; and to speak articulately in discussions and presentations of individual and collaborative work. Thus, over four years, a broad range of readings in both American and global literature helps students to understand themselves and enter into the lives of others with insight and empathy.

English 9—The Self, the World, and the Word Yearlong–Required in Grade 9 This course serves as an introduction to the study of reading and writing on the high school level. It also considers the importance of these practices in life beyond the classroom. A large part of finding our way in the world involves defining ourselves in relation to family, peers, and society. Students in English 9 therefore examine—through their own reading and writing as well as discussion—how the search for identity and values is portrayed in a wide array of texts and kinds of texts. Frequent writing assignments—mostly analytical, but also reflective and creative—enable the student to develop their own voice and vision while also deepening their appreciation for the voices and visions of others.

English 10—Bridges and Walls: What Divides and Connects Us Yearlong–Required in Grade 10 In this course, we will read a series of texts that wrestle with core parts of the human experience: the formation of individual identity; the creation of “the Other” and divisions within society; and the paths to empathy and healing. We will use the metaphor of bridges and walls to talk about who we are, what divides us, and how we can understand each other. Our texts include an array of genres, voices, and perspectives. Settings range from modern-day Afghanistan to the southside of Chicago, and from the Dutch Golden Age to the Iranian Revolution. Each text invites us to explore the beliefs and actions of individual characters; in doing so, it also invites us to explore ourselves and our own relationships in the world. We’ll supplement the major fictional texts with poetry and non-fiction to bring in related issues, additional perspectives, and contemporary events. Throughout 20