English Composition

Summary:

This class is designed to refine students' abilities to craft with the written word. Students will be given the tools to form persuasive work—with an emphasis on logic—as well as descriptive literature—with an emphasis on imagery.

The class will start by establishing the value of grammar and structure. This will create a foundation that allows for elegance and rigor. Among many other topics, we'll wrestle with logical fallacies and how they impact our words. We'll also pursue the fine balance between fiction and non-fiction.

Objectives:

• Develop a solid understanding of the building blocks of English.

• Identify logical fallacies in one's own writing as well as other's.

• Adorn non-fiction with creative elements.

• Root fiction in tangible and universal themes.

• Respond to and evaluate other's work.

• Present work in different contexts and formats.

Materials:

• Plenty of lined paper

• Pens and/or pencils

Reading List:

• Students are invited to bring any four books they choose. Students will confirm their selections with the teacher, but, with rare exceptions, almost anything goes. If students are unsure about their selections or want some recommendations, click here.

Schedule

The class is 36 weeks long, running from the weeks of September 11 to May 12.

Sessions will occur on Thursdays, 12:30–2.

The class is designed for a minimum of 8 students.

Cost

The full year costs $900 per student, which amounts to $25 per class.

Since the first half of the year will focus on more formal writing and the second half on more creative writing, students can choose to attend only one semester. Accordingly, the price would be halved.