English

At least one full credit of English is required of every student all four years. All major papers must be typed, following the criteria of the department.
111 English 9 Grade 9 1 Credit
This introductory course is designed to review, strengthen, and develop skills in composition, vocabulary, syntax, and analysis of literature. Emphasis is placed on mastery of sentence writing. Phrases and clauses are studied to enable the student to construct more sophisticated sentences. Various genres of literature provide models for student writing.
115 Honors English 9 Grade 9 1 Credit
Honors English 9 explores different genres of literature. This intensive course will acquaint students with the beginnings of literary criticism and critical research. Special emphasis will be placed on writing skills. Grammar will be reviewed as an integral part of the writing program. Placement in the Honors English 9 course depends on the student's performace on the High School Placement Test and 8th grade transcript.
121 American Literature Grade 10 1 Credit
This course will acquaint the students with major trends and ideas in American Literature. The course stresses the historical, sociological, psychological, and artistic currents reflected in the works of major American authors. Representative works are examined with an interest toward helping students grow in the appreciation of their cultural heritage. Regular composition work is assigned with continued emphasis on organization, clarity, and accuracy. Discussion and practice for the Scholastic Aptitude Tests are included.
125 Honors American Literature Grade 10 1 Credit
This course replaces American Literature for sophomores. It covers American Literature in depth, with special emphasis on literary and historical criticism. Special attention is given to critical thought and writing. PREREQUISITES: “A” average in English 9 and department approval, or "B" average in Honors English 9 with teacher recommendation.
131 British Literature Grade 11 1 Credit
This course provides students with a survey of major British authors from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Course content illustrates the historical, philosophical, and artistic currents that are reflected in the literature and are, to some extent, dictated by it. Composition goals continue to emphasize organization, clarity, and precision. Analytical and/or research papers are assigned requiring the use of computer technology.
135 Honors British Literature Grade 11 1 Credit
This course replaces British Literature for juniors. It is an in-depth look at the literary periods in British Literature, with emphasis on philosophical, literary, historical, and political criticism. Students will produce several analytical papers of varying lengths requiring extensive library research. Computer technology is used for the course. PREREQUISITES: “A” average in American Literature and department approval, or a "B" average in Honors American Literature. In addition, students must pass a placement test and complete a summer paper as an entrance requirement with at least a grade of "B". Attendance of a Spring meeting is also required.
145 A.P. English Grade 12 1 Credit
The syllabus for this course is determined by the Advanced Placement Committee in terms of recommended texts. Through a study of World Literature this course teaches the theory and function of the major genres. The course is research and reading intensive. Students must use computer technology to complete several research papers using college libraries. Superior writing and analytical skills are reinforced. Currently the course offers: a study of classical philosophy, literary criticism and drama, a unit on the development of Shakespearean tragedy, modern fiction including Henry James and Joseph Conrad, and modern poetry. Class time is devoted to preparation for the A.P. examination. Time management skills are essential. PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Honors British Literature with a grade of "B" or better, passing the placement test, instructor interview, and summer paper assignment with at least a grade of "B+". All students must attend a Spring meeting with the instructor and have department approval to take the course.
146 Honors World Literature Grade 12 1 Credit
Honors World Literature is concerned with the archetypal patterns of creation/destruction and temporal/ethereal as traced throughout different cultures. The course begins with an in-depth view of ancient philosophy and its implications on the modern world, in order to trace the archetypal pattern throughout different modern cultures found in their literature. Emphasis is placed on Magical Realism in Spanish, African American, and Japanese literature.
Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course. PREREQUISITES: "A" average in British Literature, or a B average in Honors British Literature along with department approval.
150 Heroes and Heroines Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
The course will analyze depictions of heroes and heroines throughout various genre of modern (nineteenth and twentieth century) literature. Using the classical definition of the hero as our point of departure, we will discuss how modern writers redefine and reinvent the idea of the hero. Our discussions may focus on questions such as: "How are heroes and heroines developed? How do modern literary heroes and heroines differ from their classical predecessors? How do issues of gender, race, and class inform our understanding of these characters?" In addition to constructing original essays, students will develop oral presentations and projects designed to enhance our understanding of the literature and its main thematic concerns. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
163 Poe and Hawthorne Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
The course will investigate two of the most prominent American authors of the 19th century, Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Poe is generally considered the “father” of the horror story, the “father” of the detective story, and the “father" of modern literary criticism. His stories are legendary for their powerful study of the dark sides of humanity: revenge, terror, lost love, insanity, etc.

Hawthorne, known for his penetrating insight into the psychological dimensions of his characters, forcefully depicts the Anti-Transcendentalist philosophy. Concerned with sin and evil, he captures the destructiveness of the human spirit in a way that continues to engage readers. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
167 The Romantics and Gothic Horror Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
Gothic writers knew how to entertain by terrifying, often by basing their tales on contemporary events, both personal and public. This course will examine the classic works of gothic terror focusing on Frankenstein, The Monk, and Dracula to discover how the imaginations of the writers achieved their intended effects. Relevant films with significant gothic value will likewise be viewed. Class participation is an important component. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
168 Science Fiction in the 20th Century Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
In a future setting, good science fiction dramatizes ideas that are too controversial for exposition in the present. By viewing episodes from the four series and movies, Star Trek will demonstrate that literate science fiction offers such insights into the human condition than more traditional authors, poets, and dramatists have likewise explored. Patrick Stewart’s expertise as a Shakespearean actor lends credibility to what Star Trek has accomplished: women’s rights, drug abuse, racism, treatment of war veterans, terrorism, and misuse of technology have all been Star Trek themes. In addition to viewing and discussing various episodes and comparing them to their social and literary inspirations, time will be devoted to creative projects, including the writing of script for submission to Paramount. Students will view selected episodes and analyze what techniques have made Star Trek the most successful sci-fi series in entertainment history. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
171 Film as Literature Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
This course will introduce students to film and film criticism as an aspect of literary studies. Students will be exposed to the formal, technical, and dramatic elements of motion pictures. The text, films, lectures, and research projects will present “the movies” in relation to other literary genres. In addition to viewing films, students will be required to read several works of literature that relate to the films. Due to the school schedule, students will be required to view three full-length films after school. In addition, students will be required to rent a minimum of three films to be viewed and studied at home. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
176 Shakespeare Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
This course provides a study of the works of William Shakespeare focusing on academic research and enjoyment of the texts. Plays from the early, middle, and mature periods of Shakespeare’s artistic development will be presented, focusing on the comedies, histories, and tragedies including Taming of the Shrew, the Henry plays, Othello, and the Tempest. Students watch the productions of the plays as well as read them. Historical, social, and philosophical background is presented when appropriate to enhance understanding of the plays, but the emphasis is on demonstrating how 'relevant' Shakespeare is to our own day. Class participation is an important component. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
191 World Literature Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
World Literature is concerned with ongoing themes universally found throughout the development of great literature. The course begins with an in-depth view of Ancient Greek Civilization (history, mythology, and implications on the modern world), traces the archetypal pattern throughout different cultures, and ends with a modern look at the universal themes. We read modern authors such as Pablo Neruda, Toni Morrison, J.D. Salinger, and Isabel Allende. The class is also dedicated to exposing the students to creative writing, including, but not limited to poetry and short stories. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
193 Tolkien Grade 11/12 .5 Credit
Prior to but especially since the hit movies, Lord of the Rings has earned preeminence as an imaginative epic, myth, political satire, and moral masterpiece. Blending these, Tolkien, himself a professor of ancient nordic languages, dramatizes the struggle between good and evil that is just as relevant and inspiring as during the dark days of World War II. We will examine the influences on Tolkien including his Essay on Fairy Tale Literature, excerpts from The Silmarillion and the complete Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The movies will also be viewed. Students will examine the influences on Tolkien’s literary theories and read the assigned literature. Class participation is an important component. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
194 Contemporary Short Fiction and Poetry Grade 11/12 .5 Creidt
The course will begin by studying Aristotle’s Poetics in order to understand his idea of what a story is, and how this has metamorphosed in modern times. In addition, it will discuss modern lyric poetry, which, like the short story, seeks to express a moment of emotion or insight. Beyond reading a variety of works of different styles and by different authors, students will gain proficiency in analyzing stories, and poetry and writing about them which can be directed toward their research paper. Students will also be given an opportunity to write their own fiction and poetry. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement for the course.
164 Multi-Media Journalism Grade 12 1 Credit
Multi-Media Journalism is a full-year, one-credit course for seniors. It will meet once a day, but students will have some before-school and after-school commitments. Students will be responsible for the digitally edited SJC News Program (the school's daily news show), as well as the production of The SABRE (the school newspaper). The objective of Multi-Media Journalism is to develop the students’ skills in writing, researching, interviewing, editing, and filming. Students will write articles and produce video projects. Students will also be responsible for completing a literature-based research paper. Students will need to complete a short assignment as a prerequisite for the course and must have department approval.