| Description |
This course is by invitation only. The course is designed for students
who have scored above the 93 percentile on standardized tests, and whose
writing sample, completed during the Spring prior to entrance to the
school, has been approved by a three member panel of the department.
During the course students are introduced to the four literary genres by
studying both classic and contemporary world authors. Communication
skills are developed through the study and practice of writing
expository, descriptive, and narrative papers. A component of research
writing is also done in conjunction with becoming familiar with all
facets of a library. A programmed grammar text is used to reinforce the
development of the students prose style. Vocabulary development is
handled both within the context of the literature and through a
supplemental text. |
The English curriculum is a
traditional program with an emphasis on critical thinking, literary
interpretation, public speaking and writing skills. During the first
three years, the department exposes students to an introductory study of
various literary genres (9th grade), American Literature (10thgrade) and
British Literature (11th grade). In the 12th grade, students choose from
World Literature, World Literature with Film, or World Literature with
Creative Writing. The department offers elective courses (American
Theater, American Poetry and Journalism) to juniors and seniors. Electives
must be taken in conjunction with the regular English classes. The
department offers honors courses at all levels and AP in the senior year.