The focus of sophomore year English is world literature and rhetoric. Our thematic focus for the year concerns the individual vs. society and the ramifications within that relationship. Students will study one or two major works each semester, along with nonfiction essays and articles, visual media, short stories, and poetry that connect thematically.

We will use and develop the writing process throughout the school year. For many assignments, the writing process is just as important to the students’ grade as the resulting product. This is designed to reinforce students’ effort to internalize effective methods of revising and editing; when working independently in the future, on AP exams or on college coursework, such habits or knowledge will undoubtedly prove beneficial.

We will produce both reflexive and extensive pieces over the span of our academic year. This course will prepare your child to write well-organized responses to prompted essays as well.