English 1: Literary Genre (212)

Grade 9

Credit 1.0

This course provides an introduction to literary genre through texts that explore personal identity. Students learn to analyze literature and effectively utilize literary terminology through class discussions and written responses to literary works. Assessments include essays, class discussions, oral presentations, performance assignments, artistic expression, and creative writing. Students learn to approach writing as a process through brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. They prepare for the PSAT examination through ongoing vocabulary development, grammar instruction, and timed writing. Students also develop research skills and are introduced to MLA documentation.   

Honors English 1: Literary Genre (211)

Grade 9

Credit 1.0

Prerequisite: A student who scores in the 60th national percentile or above on the Reading and Language sections of the HSPT will be invited to sit for the Honors-level qualifying essay. A certain proficiency must be shown on the writing sample in order to secure placement in the course.

This course is designed for freshmen who have exhibited proficiency in both reading and writing skills. Students are introduced to various literary genres through texts that explore personal identity. They learn to identify the genres as well as the elements specific to each genre. The process of literary analysis is reviewed, and students enhance their analytical skills using various forms of response including essays, class discussions, presentations and performance, creative writing, and artistic expression. Students learn to approach writing as a process through brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. Students also develop research skills and are introduced to MLA documentation. Finally, students prepare for the PSAT examination through ongoing vocabulary development, grammar instruction, and timed writing.

English 2: American Literature (222)

Grade 10

Credit 1.0

This course provides a survey of American Literature, covering a variety of movements and voices throughout American history. Students explore the evolution of American identity and ideals of freedom. Classroom discussions and close textual reading aim to develop students’ analytical skills. Students also engage with the text through performance and creative expression. Writing instruction includes persuasive speeches, literature analysis essays, compare-contrast essays, and creative writing assignments. Students continue to prepare for the PSAT examination through ongoing vocabulary development, grammar instruction, and timed writing. In addition, they further develop their knowledge of research and MLA documentation. 

Honors English 2: American Literature (221)

Grade 10

Credit 1.0

Prerequisite: A student in English 1 wishing to register for this honors course must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 93%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a writing sample. A student in Honors English 1 must have earned a semester grade of 85% or higher to register for this Honors English 2 course.  

This course provides a survey of American Literature, covering a variety of movements and voices throughout American history. Students explore the evolution of American identity and ideals of freedom. Through classroom discussion, textual analysis, group presentations, and independent research, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills. Writing instruction includes literary analysis, persuasive speeches, and timed essays. The year culminates with the writing of an independent comparison and contrast essay on a major American Literature motif or theme. Students continue to prepare for the PSAT examination through ongoing vocabulary development, grammar instruction, and timed writing. In addition, they further develop their knowledge of research and MLA documentation.  Teacher approval required. 

AP English Language and Composition (220)

Grade 10

Credit 1.0

Prerequisite: An Honors English 1 student wishing to register for Advanced Placement English Language and Composition must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 91%, show proficiency on a writing sample, and receive a recommendation from her current teacher.  

The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods. The intellectual level and workload of the course are modeled on the expectations of an undergraduate writing course. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

English 3: British Literature (232)

Grade 11

Credit 1.0

This course provides an introduction to the literary history of Britain, from the epic poem Beowulf to the modern era, and focuses on social criticism and cultural analysis. Through reading and discussion, students reflect on and analyze selected literary works and continue to practice a recursive writing process with emphasis on critical analysis. The course culminates in the students writing research papers using the MLA documentation style. Vocabulary, grammar, and timed writing skills are further developed to support students as they prepare for the SAT examination. 

Honors English 3: British Literature (231)

Grade 11

Credit 1.0

Prerequisite: A student in English 2 wishing to register for this honors course must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 93%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a writing sample. A student in Honors English 2 must have earned a semester grade of 85% or higher to register for this Honors English 3 course. A student in AP English Language and Composition must have earned a semester grade of 83% or higher to register for this Honors English 3 course.   

Covering centuries of literary achievement from the Anglo-Saxons to the modern era, this course offers both a survey of British masters and an in-depth study of selected works, focusing on social criticism and cultural history. Special focus is placed on developing thoughtful, valid, and independent literary analysis through class discussions, oral presentations, and research. In order to prepare the students for college courses, the writing program strives to further develop the students’ persuasive and expository writing skills by focusing on both untimed and timed essays. The course culminates in the students writing research papers using the MLA documentation style. Vocabulary, grammar, and timed-writing skills are further developed in preparation for the SAT examination.  Teacher approval required. 

SENIOR ENGLISH

Seniors not taking AP English Literature must choose two of the semester-long courses to complete their senior English credit. 

The English Department might not offer all of the following seminar courses each year and cannot guarantee specific placements. The department will attempt to offer those courses that are of the greatest interest to the majority of seniors. Staffing and scheduling constraints may affect course offerings and availability.

Through seminar-type discussions and other class activities, students will further their skills in communication and critical thinking. In honors and AP level classes, students will also be introduced to various forms of critical theory. The curriculum for first semester classes will engage students in the writing process to complete a research paper. The independence and critical thinking fostered by the first semester research process prepares students for the second semester curriculum, which includes a public speaking assignment and culminates with a creative writing project.

English 4: Modern American Literature (254)

Grade 12

Credit 0.5

This course is designed to extend the American Literature curriculum beyond Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Students will explore the American Dream in novels written in the late 20th century and early 21st century. The works of Richard Yates, Toni Morrison, and Colson Whitehead offer a diverse range of perspectives across ethnicity, religion, and gender. 

English 4: The Literature of Social Justice (257)

Grade 12

Credit 0.5

This course will provide an examination of social justice issues through literature using global texts and varied genres. Using literature, students will study the struggle of humanity against social injustices with issues involving race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic class, and (dis)ability. Students will explore the meaning of social justice and its relationship with literature. Does literature promote social justice in our society? If so, how does literature grapple with issues of social justice? What is literature’s role in activism in movements involving emancipation and equality? In turn, do social justice issues affect literature as to its content and form?   

English 4: Short Story, Poetry and Song (259)

Grade 12

Credit 0.5

Students will study an eclectic set of short stories ranging from selected Grimms’ Fairy Tales to Victorian fiction to 21st-century fiction along with Romantic, Modern, and 21st Century poetry in order to analyze common themes across these genres and eras. Students will make thematic and aesthetic connections among these literary works and current popular songs from diverse genres. Analysis will focus on understanding the conventions of each medium and on how short stories, poetry, and music have similarities in regard to meaning, emotion, and expression. The course is organized around significant thematic topics such as the teachings of fairy tales, parent-child relationships, women and “madness,” and writers’ reflections on their own craft. Students will produce their own short stories and poetry as well as various pieces of analytical writing. 

Honors English 4: The Outsider in Literature (250)

Grade 12

Credit 0.5

Prerequisite: A student in English 3 wishing to register for this honors course must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 93%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a writing sample. A student in Honors English 3 must have earned a semester grade of 85% or higher to register for this honors course. 

In this course, students will explore the effects of stereotypes and marginalization in society and literature. Which voices are heard in literature and which are not? Students will reflect on the ways that individuals are alienated, considering at the same time the effects that this phenomenon has on both society and the individual. How can literary spaces allow us to recognize our common humanity and foster belonging? The course will explore a variety of different genres and examine the themes of marginalization and alienation across different cultures.   Teacher approval required.  

Honors English 4: 20th Century Drama Studies (251)

Grade 12

Credit 0.5

Prerequisite: A student in English 3 wishing to register for this honors course must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 93%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a writing sample. A student in Honors English 3 must have earned a semester grade of 85% or higher to register for this honors course.   

Students will study the works of influential 20th century playwrights, spanning the early 1900s through the 1990s. Works by Lady Gregory, W.B. Yeats, Lillian Hellman, Reginald Rose, Arthur Miller, and Anna Deavere Smith will be explored in the classroom along with scholarly and critical essays about these plays. Students will analyze these texts within specific thematic ideas, including the interpretation of truth, the exploration of personal beliefs, and the impact of widespread social crises. Throughout the course, students will work both independently and collaboratively to write reflectively and analytically surrounding the themes tied to each text.  Teacher approval required. 

Honors English 4: Women in Literature (252)

Grade 12

Credit 0.5

Prerequisite: A student in English 3 wishing to register for this honors course must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 93%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a writing sample. A student in Honors English 3 must have earned a semester grade of 85% or higher to register for this honors course.

This course examines the contributions of women writers to literature throughout diverse time periods and cultures. Aided by the study of literary criticism and theory and using a global perspective, students explore literature by women and men that emphasizes the powers and challenges of women in society—past and present, near and far. There will be an emphasis on the impact of women despite social and economic inequality.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Literature and Composition (240)

Grade 12

Credit 1.0

Prerequisite: An Honors English 3 student wishing to register for Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition must have earned a 1st semester and year-end grade of at least 91%, show proficiency on a writing sample, and receive a recommendation from her current teacher.  

This course engages students in close reading and critical analysis of literature. Through careful reading of a variety of works representing multiple genres and literary periods, students deepen their understanding of the tools writers use to provide both meaning and pleasure. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that will enable students to express ideas, develop understanding, and engage in conversation with others. Through reading, writing, and meaningful conversation, students will have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, challenge their preconceptions, and ultimately define their own understandings. The intellectual level and workload of the course aligns with the expectations of an undergraduate literature course. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

ENGLISH ELECTIVES

Creative Writing (244)

Grade 11, 12

Credit 0.5

This course focuses on writing as an art form, encouraging students to develop creative ideas and express them through writing in a variety of genres. The four major genres of creative writing featured in this curriculum are creative nonfiction, short fiction, poetry, and playwriting/scriptwriting. Within this course, students will collaborate in workshop groups and build a creative community to explore their ideas.  Students will also focus on writing as a process.  The four components of this course are writing creatively across genres, finding a student's voice, seeing writing workshops as a community, and generating reflective responses to creative texts.  Creative Writing is an elective course in addition to the English requirement. 

Honors Creative Writing (243)

Grade 11, 12

Credit 0.5

This course focuses on writing as an art form, encouraging students to develop creative ideas and express them through writing in a variety of genres. The four major genres of creative writing featured in this curriculum are creative nonfiction, short fiction, poetry, and playwriting/scriptwriting. Throughout this course, students will collaborate in workshop groups and build a creative community to explore their ideas.  The four components of this course are writing creatively across genres, finding a student's voice, seeing writing workshops as a community, and generating reflective responses to creative texts.  The course aims to engage students in critical analysis of creative literature and to enable students to create their own advanced works of literature in various genres. Throughout the semester, students will be required to produce both a working portfolio and a showcase portfolio. Honors Creative Writing is an elective course in addition to the English requirement.  Teacher approval required. 

Public Speaking (263)

Grade 10, 11, 12

Credit 0.5

This course focuses on the study, writing, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches as well as speeches for particular occasions common in 21st Century life. Students also prepare for and engage in debates, with an emphasis on extemporaneous speaking. Students will study the work of master orators in each speech category, transfer the skills and strategies to their own writing, and then deliver the speeches in class. Students will incorporate research and implement technology during assigned speeches throughout the semester. Public Speaking is an elective course in addition to the English requirement.

Writing Mentoring: Theory & Practice (264)     * NEW !!! *

Grade 10, 11, 12

Credit 0.25

This course will prepare students to collaborate effectively with peers, to communicate both verbally and in writing, and to provide verbal and written feedback to mentor other writers. Students will study various examples of writing theory and writing center pedagogy and will engage with writing from across the curriculum, from essays and lab reports to professional emails and presentations. Students in this course must be willing to engage in critical thinking and to take a mentoring role with peers through active listening and conversation. After taking this course, students will be equipped with the confidence, knowledge and skills to advance their own independent growth as writers. They will be expected to work as Writing Mentors in the Villa Maria Writing Center, and in doing so, they will have the opportunity to earn service hours. Students who have no spring RFT will be put on the list of Mentors who will mentor before or after school on an on-demand basis. A signed acknowledgement of the Writing Center commitment will be required. Enrollment in this class will be limited.