St. Mary’s English department offers an academically rigorous curriculum that allows students to further their knowledge and understanding of English. With an emphasis on strengthening critical thinking skills, writing, and vocabulary, the courses offered in this department allow students to take a variety of classes that expose them to many different genres of literature. In the Loretto tradition, all English courses include women writers, writers of varying ethnic backgrounds, as well as underrepresented authors. Additionally, students read and explore many of the classics in their English courses. Summer reading is required in all English courses. The 9th grade curriculum starts students in their college preparations with an intensive exposure to genres and a heavy focus on organization in writing. The 10th grade English course, World Visions, centers on world literature, with cross-curriculum bridges to history and religion. Students in this course work to further their critical thinking skills, while also working on building independent theses. In 11th grade, American Literature, students study literary works that offer a variety of viewpoints from the American perspective. American Literature also expands structures in writing and thinking. In their senior year students are able to draw from any number of courses, all of which help to hone their skills for their freshman year in college. Students may also choose to take creative writing courses, which count as elective credit.
Introduction to English
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the four central genres in literature: poetry, fiction (long and short), nonfiction, and theatre, and to teach them to express what they find in that literature through the use of five-paragraph essays which work to prove a thesis, and through orals based on the same organizational structure. Students will read a great deal of literature, will write about it on a regular basis, and will learn to talk and think about literature both analytically and creatively. The course will center on the way in which literature has been a forum for exploration of central human questions and perspectives, the examination of which has captivated humans since our inception as a species. As a class, we will involve ourselves in the consideration of the authors’ perspectives, as well as the questions which their writings reveal. Additionally, attention will be given to improving both grammatical and vocabulary skills, so that students will be able to express themselves accurately and effectively.
top of page
World Visions: Literature (1 credit; part of two-block, 1 semester WV course)
This course will cover the entire span of written communication from the ancient epic of Gilgamesh to Ursula K. LeGuin’s science fiction masterpiece, The Left Hand of Darkness. The titles read and the analysis taken on will coincide with the progression of humanity from pre-history to the present day. We will not study any one genre or time period for any length of time, but rather we will study the nature of written and spoken communication as it documented and changed our lives and the lives of our ancestors—as well as how it will affect those to come. Academic writing skills will be worked on extensively throughout the semester.
World Visions: History
World Visions: Religion
top of page
American Literature
Juniors read a variety of texts that expose them to the American experience. To facilitate this study, students complete close and precise textual analysis. The writing component of this course requires students to expand on the five paragraph structure so that they are capable of writing more complex and sophisticated essays. Additionally, students take weekly vocabulary quizzes in an effort to expand their own word bank and to prepare them for the SAT.
top of page
Each of the following courses fulfills at least one credit toward the English requirement. Seniors must take one of these courses. Some are open to Juniors, but none replace the American Literature requirement.
American Cultural Studies
Prerequisite: parent’s approval
Students study an amalgamation of material that gives them specific insight into American culture from the end of World War II to the present. Drawing from many different perspectives, this course includes the intricate study of literature, music, film, television, history, and culture, all in an effort to help students further their understanding of the complex dynamics of American culture.
top of page
Introduction to College Writing
Introduction to College Writing is a course where students develop the skills necessary to excel in the college writing arena. Every paper assigned is drawn from a correspondence with a college professor, assuring the tasks are preparing students for college writing. Through writing such papers as personal narratives (suitable for use as a college essay), journal article reviews, creative writing assignments, and research papers, students will have the confidence, experience, practice, and tools needed to make a fluid transition from high school to college writing.
top of page
AP English Literature and Composition (1.5 English credits; full block fall, half block spring)
Prerequisite: B+ or higher in American Literature, recommendation from American Literature teacher, and 5 or higher on the course’s entrance test.
Advanced Placement English is reserved for the stronger English students in the senior class. The first semester requires students to delve into serious and complex literature that spans 2400 years of literary tradition and history. In the second semester the focus is on preparation for the exam. Students complete a challenging study of poetry and write on AP English prompts every week. The spring session of the course is titled AP English II.
top of page
British Literature
British Literature deals with a broad range of English and Irish literature—from Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf. It is not a survey course, but does address the strength and merit of the accepted canon. Each work will, in essence, be considered contextually. It is the job of the class to investigate and discuss the important themes of these works. It is the job of each student to write in-depth essays expressing the ideas and themes brought up in class. It should be noted that this is a class wherein strength in academic writing is stressed to a great degree.
top of page
African Literature
Prerequisite: For seniors only.
In this course we will look at a number of African authors and their works from around the continent. The students will learn about the different regions and cultures that generated the works as well as the general themes which are common to all African literature. These themes include but are not limited to: The individual versus the community, the issue of education, post-colonial African on African oppression, and the legacy of European colonialism on the continent. All students within the course will be required to write a number of academic essays and demonstrate knowledge of the texts read.
top of page
Multicultural Literature
Prerequisite: For seniors only.
Multicultural Literature examines the work of American writers whose cultural heritage originates in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Consideration of what it means to assimilate in the United States will include an analysis of ethnicity, cultural perspectives, and racial identity. Historical and political contexts as seen through the unique lens of each writer are likewise examined. The authors’ use of a variety of literary techniques, including experimentation with point of view, revivals of cultural mythology, and innovative storytelling devices will aid students in understanding, redefining, and challenging their views of what it means to be an American.
top of page
The following courses do not fulfill credit toward the English requirement.
Creative Writing (0.5 credit; half block, 1 semester)
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the three central genres of creative writing: fiction, theatre, and poetry. We will read a variety of work in each of the genres as a springboard to doing our own work as writers. We will also do some work with personal essays or “creative nonfiction,” and will read several works by other authors about their craft. This class is only for those students who are truly interested in writing; you will be creating your own creative work on a daily basis, and you will be expected to be willing to challenge yourself and be a participating member of a group of serious writers. You will also develop your critical skills through reading and critiquing the work of your peers, and are expected to be mature about the constructive criticism you provide.
top of page
Expository Writing (0.5 credit; half block, 1 semester)
Expository Writing is a course where 10th and 11th grade students enrich their academic writing skills. Emphasis and focus of structural composition and organization of papers, as well as SAT essays and in-class essay exams allows the students to strengthen their approach to writing. Students will gain proficiency, confidence and the tools to apply this knowledge to the rest of their studies.
top of page
Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry Workshop (0.5 credit; half block, 1 semester)
Prerequisite: Creative Writing
The goal of this course is to facilitate students’ continued development as creative writers, specifically in poetry and creative non-fiction. I expect that students who take this class have already explored and practiced creative writing fairly extensively, and are ready to take their work and development to higher levels. Students will create most for the content of this course, through the poetry you bring to workshop and the poets you present to the class. You will use significant poets as your central teachers, but must also be willing to share your own writing with the group and be open about receiving feedback. Most of all, this class is meant to bring together serious writers; you don’t have to plan to be the next Sylvia Plath, but you must be willing to approach this course with an independent work ethic.
top of page
Literary Magazine Production (0.5 credit; half block, spring semester)
Students in this class partake in the production process of the annual SMA literary magazine, The Burning Page. Students execute most of the production aspects of the magazine, which include working with art and literature. Students gain excellent technical skills and knowledge about the production process.
top of page
Publications (A and B) (0.5 credit; half block; offered each semester)
Students publish the High School Yearbook. They conduct interviews, write copy and captions, take pictures, and prepare all of these for publication. Students gain excellent working knowledge of Adobe PageMaker. This class can also provide leadership opportunities as students assume editorial roles. The Fall class is Publications A, the Spring class Publications B. The class may be taken in both semesters.
top of page
Women and Film: The Heroine’s Journey
In this course students will view, analyze, and discuss films from a variety of genres, depicting the journeys of diverse female protagonists. Whether studying Japanese anime, Hollywood classics, inspiring documentaries, or “indie” cult favorites, students will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at the powerful and compelling stories of strong women and girls.
top of page