This course prepares students for college writing assignments. With an emphasis on both structure and style, this course focuses on fundamental writing skills. Students will gain familiarity with and feel confident using different forms of writing, including argumentation, critical analysis, narration, and description. Students will master the basics of grammar, mechanics, and usage; in addition, they will develop their own voices as writers and learn how to make the structure and form of their writing match its content.
One semester, one credit, required of juniors.
Advanced Film is for students who wish to continue their study of film beyond the Film Studies course. Students will analyze screenplays, write original screenplays, study narrative structure in film, and complete shot-by-shot analysis of film scenes. Students will make their own short documentaries as well as narrative and experimental films. This course combines further analysis of film with more opportunities for digital filmmaking.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
This course does not meet the core course requirements of the NCAA.
American Literature (S1) (S2)
This course will consist of a survey of major American writers and the major themes that characterized their works. The course focuses on the development of American culture as seen through the novels, poetry, history, and art of these major authors.
One semester, one credit, required of juniors.
British Literature (S1)
This is a survey course of British literature including major works from England, Scotland, and Ireland, dating from medieval times to the present. Authors whose writing will be studied include Chaucer, Shakespeare, Swift, Milton, Wilde, and Shaw.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Contemporary World Literature (S2)
In this course, students will explore the contemporary works and authors of a variety of cultures throughout the world. Regions of focus are Africa, South and Central America, Asia, India and the Caribbean. Topics in this course will include investigating universal themes of family, struggle, and fears, as well as the differences in unique and individual cultures. Designed as a seminar, students will investigate the issues facing people in diverse backgrounds through short stories, novels and poetry. This course will involve reading, research, presentations and class discussion.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Creative Writing (S1)
This course is for those students who love to write and who want to develop their craft. The class will expose students to a variety of forms of the written word in order to cultivate creativity and enhance students’ forms of expression. Stories, plays, scripts, and poetry, will be used as both examples and tools in this class which offers students the opportunity to broaden their creative horizons, develop their own voices, and refine their individual techniques.
One semester, one credit, open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
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Debate (S1) (S2)
Students in this course will learn effective argumentation and the principles of debate. They will study valid persuasion techniques as a defense against irrational argument and use these techniques to influence others. Students will be involved in researching topics, learning debate techniques and terms, and improving speaking skills. Three types of debate will be covered in the class: Lincoln-Douglas, Classic, and Parliamentary. No previous experience in debate is necessary, and students may enroll in the course without being on the school's debate team.
One semester, one credit, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Drama Through the Ages (S2)
In this course, students will trace drama from its origins through the 1900s. The journey will begin in ancient Greece, linger in the Elizabethan era with the study of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, move on to Restoration drama, and end with the comedies and popular melodrama which anticipate the West End and Broadway theaters of today. The course offers a wide variety of dramatic content and will require that students read, discuss, adapt, create, and occasionally perform.
One semester, one credit, open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
English 9 (YR)
The goals of English 9 are to help the student grow in appreciation of literature, develop critical skills, express him/herself in an articulate manner both orally and in writing, and to effect a better command of the English language. Writing skills, with a review of the fundamentals of grammar, are stressed with emphasis on paragraph structure and the five-paragraph essay format. Short stories, plays, essays, and novels are read and studied. A vocabulary program is also part of the curriculum. Students should anticipate a required reading over the summer.
Two semesters, two credits, required of freshmen.
English Composition (YR)
This course seeks to improve reading and writing skills for students who have demonstrated difficulty in these areas. Emphasis is on individual improvement with students working at a level where they can be successful. The aim of this class is to help those students with particular needs in language skills become more confident, so that they will be better equipped to deal with the demands of English 9 and beyond. This course does not apply towards English credits for graduation.
Prerequisite: Entrance into this course is based on the Explore test results and/or teacher recommendation.
This course does not meet the core course requirements of the NCAA.
English 10 (YR)
The level 10 reading program explores a variety of literary genres, the study of which will develop and advance those critical and interpretative reading skills that were introduced in English 9. The composition portion of this course reviews paragraph development and multi-paragraph essays, including an emphasis on research skills. Included in the first semester are a research unit and a speech unit in which students will gain experience in organizing and delivering formal and informal oral presentations. A vocabulary program is also part of the curriculum. Students should anticipate a required reading over the summer.
Two semesters, two credits, required of sophomores.
Film Studies (S1) (S2)
This course is intended for students who are genuinely interested in film as a contemporary means of communication and art. The course will cover a history of film along with various genres from classic to contemporary. Students will be expected to write frequently, putting into practice critical thinking skills as they respond to various films. Students will also have the opportunity to make their own short films on computers. In short, because of the high level of writing and discussing, the course will be much more than just watching movies.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Great American Novels (S2)
This discussion-based course is designed for students who are serious readers and who want to have a grasp of American classics as they prepare for college. It picks up where American Literature leaves off, focusing on great novels from the first half of the Twentieth Century. Students will explore how American novels reflect the diversity of the American experience.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Humanities (S2)
Students in this course will examine the richness and diversity of human expression through the ages. The focus will be primarily on literature, but other forms of creative expression will be considered to broaden the student’s understanding of what it is to be human. Guided by an eclectic and packed syllabus, students will be required to consider historical, philosophical, and religious perspectives as we examine a broad range of materials spanning from the ancient Greeks until today. Students will be expected to read, research, discuss, write papers, and make formal presentations.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Journalism I-Knight Errant (YR)
This course has two purposes: to make students aware of the power and influence of the mass media and to produce the school newspaper, the Knight Errant. Students will study, discuss, and critique various forms of the mass media as well as study and discuss current issues from the world of journalism. In addition, students will learn the different forms of journalistic writing and how to write for a large audience.
Prerequisite: Application form (includes personal data, essay, writing sample, and teacher recommendations). Course will be limited to 20 students. Selection process will be based on quality of applications as determined by members of the English department.
Two semesters, two-credit, open to juniors and seniors. *Sophomores may enroll, with instructor approval.
Journalism II-Knight Errant (YR)
This course is a continuation of Journalism I and is open only to students who have been assigned leadership positions on the Knight Errant staff. Students will use advanced page-design software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. Students will be responsible for the design and production of the Knight Errant. Students will also be required to submit stories for publication on a regular basis. Students must also enroll in one additional English elective each semester.
Prerequisite: Journalism I and instructor approval.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
This course does not meet the core course requirements of the NCAA.
Mythology (S2)
This course covers a wide range of myths from various countries and time periods. From these, students will examine the universal archetypes underlying many of the world’s cultures and, as a result, will seek to broaden their understanding of their own culture. The primary texts will be Edith Hamilton’s Mythology and Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth, but the course will pursue many other avenues of research. Students will be required to participate in class discussion, submit papers, take review tests, and make formal presentations.
One semester, one credit, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
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Science Fiction Literature (S1)
This course is designed