English Electives

Shakespeare, Race and Gender ENG 2086 0.5

Use Shakespeare to make statements about societal problems like racism, antisemitism, sexism, homophobia. No worksheets, no lectures, no translating. Yes to discussions, movies, acting, music, art, and creativity. We’ll use interpretations of Shakespeare to battle White supremacy and be critical of Shakespeare’s historical position as a tool of colonialism.

Culture in Literature ENG2033 0.5

In this one-semester course, students examine texts whose authors represent cultural and ethnic groups from around the world. Through their reading of essays, poems, short stories, novels, and films, students develop a greater awareness of cultural dynamics and a deeper understanding of how cultural perspectives are reflected in literature.

Myth and Modern Culture A/B ENG2044 A/B 0.5

This first semester of Myth and Modern Culture focuses on the myths of the Ancient World: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece and Rome. Students examine creation and fertility myths, pantheons, heroes, the afterlife beliefs and the similarities that exist in these cultures. By comparing the differences among the three ancient cultures’ myths, students see how a culture’s environment and social norms impact the mythological stories. Using epic poems, short stories, films, and historical documents as texts, students analyze the purpose of mythological stories and the impact of mythology on art, literature, and culture. All students have the opportunity to incorporate art, film, research, and analytical and creative writing into assignments and lessons.

Informative and Argumentative Speaking 

ENG2069 0.5 CM PreReq: English 10

Students interested in competitive debate and effective speaking will enjoy this course. Students develop their skills in speechwriting, argumentation, and extemporaneous and impromptu speaking. Students experience all phases of speech planning, preparation, delivery, and analysis and become familiar with the protocols of competitive forensics and debate.

Literature as Film ENG2073 0.5

Many movies originally started out as novels, plays, or short stories. This course examines the original texts and choices made by writers and directors in the adaptation process. Students gain the skills necessary to critically read and analyze texts and films to evaluate the works of professionals and peers. Opportunity exists to produce original essays, storyboards, critiques, and short films. Genres covered include drama, mystery and film noir, western, comedy, gangster, and horror/thriller.

Creative Writing A/B  ENG2048 A/B 0.5

PreReq: English 9

This course is designed for students interested in creative and advanced expository writing. Students receive guided instruction in creative writing with special emphasis on poetry, drama, fiction, and expository writing. Regular guidance and instruction take place mainly in small, common-interest groups, supplemented by frequent teacher-student conferences and critiques.

Graphic Novel Literature ENG2040 0.5

This course is designed to introduce students to graphic novels as literary texts suitable for critical analysis. Students will encounter graphic novels of literary merit representing multiple genres such as memoir, fiction, historical narrative, and autobiography. Reading and discussion of texts will focus on both the content of the literature (the story) and the craft (the use of formal conventions in both writing and art). Students will use their knowledge of these formal conventions to engage in class discussions and respond to the text in informal and formal written critical analyses.

African American Literature ENG2039 0.5

In this course, students will learn to critically analyze texts within the African American literary tradition written from the later part of the eighteenth century to the present. These texts will be approached as manifestations of the struggle of African-Americans to create identity and to articulate their concerns for justice and equality. Students will examine closely the literary character of these texts while seeking to place these works within the context of the socio-cultural milieu in which they were generated.

Journalism A/B ENG2053 A/B 0.5

PreReq: Journalism A before Journalism B

This basic journalism course is recommended for all students interested in working on school publications and is required for those seeking editorial positions. Students develop skills in gathering and reporting news, editing, copyreading, and headlining. Students also consider issues such as the responsibilities of the press, libel and slander laws, problems of censorship, and the role of the news media in shaping public opinion.

Yearbook 1 and 2* ENG2060 A/B  and ENG2061 A/B

*PreReq: Yearbook 1 or by permission of instructor 

Wheaton's Yearbook course explores journalism through the publication of an annual school Yearbook. Within the class, students explore skills related to journalism such as design, photography, the interview process, and story writing. Students practice and fine-tune these skills over the course of deadlines, allowing them to see how a real Journalism publication functions. At the same time, Yearbook also exercises other skills such as project management, leadership, collaboration, and marketing through the way the class approaches the planning and distribution of the completed Yearbook. The end goal of Wheaton's Yearbook course is to publish a book that represents each member of the community, whether staff or student, fairly and accurately.