The English program introduces students to critical thinking
and technical skills necessary for college preparation.
Freshman English is a year-long
foundation course designed not only to build on students’ middle school
language arts experience, but also to introduce students to more challenging
material and perspectives. Much of the literature taught during the freshman
year deals with the themes of diversity and coming-of-age. Processing these
themes helps students better understand their own realities as individuals and
as members of a larger community.
As they read, students are
formally introduced to the workings of literature; that is, they learn not only
to understand the “what” a work of literature means, but also “how” it means.
This is the beginning of higher literary appreciation and analysis.
During the freshman year,
students also learn how to write specific rhetorical forms beginning with basic
expository paragraphs. They also write creatively, learning about poetry,
narrative, drama and myth by composing their own examples. Grammar is studied
in context, and students learn about various levels of usage and the importance
of context.
Along with content material,
students are taught study skills and metacognitive strategies that focus on the
development of their own ability to self-assess. Most written assignments
require access to word processing and printing technology.
The sophomore year in English
focuses on American literature, building on the foundation of knowledge and
skills during freshman year. Students read more challenging texts and deal with
more complex literary themes, especially those dealing with the American
experience.
Students continue developing
their writing skills, and learn the requirements of MLA (Modern Language
Association) format. Specifically, they write the standard five-paragraph
expository compositions, using the literature they read as primary source
material for literary analysis.
In both freshman and sophomore
foundational years of English, students are encouraged to practice many kinds
of writing, and by doing so, to begin to develop and appreciate their own
“voices.” Knowledge of grammar, usage and “rules” of Standard English is
emphasized as a critical component of college-ready writing.
At this level, students also
learn that while there are rules governing certain forms of expressions, they
have the right and responsibility to form their own judgments and to express
their own opinions, understanding that to do so effectively require them to
explain their judgments and to support their opinions.
Sophomores and juniors, when
planning for junior and senior years, work with their English teachers to
choose appropriate electives. Courses are available based on students’ interests,
needs, and future plans. All junior/senior English courses, with the exception
of Biblical Themes in Literature and AP English, are one-semester courses.
All students can become
involved in co-curricular activities by writing for the school newspaper,
yearbook, or Student Play Festival.
In summary, the Pius XI English
program is designed to:
Develop aesthetic discernment
and appreciation of the written word, whether the student is a reader or
writer.
Cultivate acceptance of diversity
and multiple perspectives, while acknowledging literatures (and life’s)
complexity and ambiguity.
Develop reading, writing,
speaking, listening, and thinking skills along with rhetorical strategies.
COURSES:
Freshman English
American Literature (sophomore
English)
20th Century
Literature and Theory
Biblical Themes in Literature
The Language of Literature and
Film
World Literature
College Writing
Creative Writing
AP English
Special Projects in English
English Faculty