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Academics at Saint Mary High School
English Department
Faculty:
Ms. Emily Salvas, chair
esalvas@stmaryhs.com
Mr. Andy Shea
ashea@stmaryhs.com
Dr. Bonnie Moriarty
bmoriarty@stmaryhs.com
The main objectives of the English Department are that the students, upon graduating, will possess a general familiarity with, and knowledge of, the literature they have read, and will be able to read with comprehension and insight any material they may be presented in the future. They are expected to be able to write clearly, both in analyzing literature and in expressing themselves. This clarity of expression is encouraged by consistent study of vocabulary and grammar.
It is part of the mission statement that Saint Mary High School is a college preparatory school, and it is the hope of the English Department that every student is prepared for the rigors of college reading and writing – not only in a collegiate English class, but in any discipline. In the interest of encouraging a “caring, diverse” environment, it is the belief of the English Department that the study of literature is an opportunity to draw certain moral lessons, and literature is selected for class readings with this in mind.
A variety of writers are read throughout all of the school’s English classes – authors of different times, cultures, genders, religions, and race. In directing classroom discussions in such a way as to draw various moral lessons, it is inevitable that many pieces of literature encourage students to cultivate a respect for and understanding of the diversity of the human race.
In all courses students are encouraged to use computers for word processing and the internet as a preliminary research tool.
Each student is required to take four years of English, studying the American literature, British literature, and world literature. Each course includes the study of grammar and vocabulary, giving the students a solid understanding of the structure of the English language.
219 – Writing Lab – Grade 9
This is a required course for all freshmen.
This course is designed to give students an introduction to college preparatory writing. The methods and form introduced this class follows MLA format and is standard to all courses at St. Mary High School. Students will: gain an appreciation for writing as a process, including inventing, drafting, revising, and editing; learn the conventions of punctuation, grammar, and usage; write effective thesis statements; develop arguments and evidence to support a thesis statement; be able to write well-developed paragraphs, essays and papers; and gain control of the writing process.
201 – English I, Literature Survey – Grade 9
This course introduces students to the five major literary genres through a thematic approach to literature. Exploration of the four major themes (cultural awareness, family identity, mythology, and a sense of self), in addition to the study of Shakespeare and a Shakespearean tragedy, novels, short stories, essays, and poetry are included. Vocabulary study, study skills, essay writing, and creative writing will be assigned.
218 – English I, Literature Survey – Grade 9
Honors Level- Prerequisite: B+ in Eighth grade English Course or Teacher Recommendation
This intensive course introduces students to the five major literary genres through a thematic approach to literature. Exploration of the four major themes (cultural awareness, family identity, mythology, and a sense of self), in addition to the study of Shakespeare and a Shakespearean tragedy, novels, short stories, essays, and poetry are included. Vocabulary study, study skills, essay writing, and creative writing will be assigned. Supplemental literature will be used in addition to the class text.
202 – World Literature – Grade 10
This course provides students with a comprehensive survey of Literature spanning not only time, but also the globe. All genres of literature, including novels, poetry, and scripts will be discussed in a manner that makes direct correlations to the society of a given time. This includes, but is not limited to, politics, religion, economics, art, and theater. Grammar, vocabulary, and writing will play an integral role within the course.
214 – World Literature – Grade 10
Honors Level – Prerequisite: B+ in English one, teacher recommendation
his intensive course provides students with a comprehensive survey of Literature spanning not only time, but also the globe. The course will follow a faster pace and allow for a more in-depth study of World Literature than the level I course. All genres of literature, including novels, poetry, and scripts will be discussed in a manner that makes direct correlations to the society of a given time. This includes, but is not limited to, politics, religion, economics, art, and theater. Grammar, vocabulary, and writing will play an integral role within the course. In addition to the required reading and writing assignments for the level one course, supplemental literature will be used in addition to the class text.
203 – American Literature – Grade 11
This course provides students with a comprehensive survey of American Literature from the Early American – Modern periods. All genres of literature including novels, short story, poetry, and drama will be studied. In addition to the readings, the relationship between literature and the political, religious, and economic state of United States of America will be an integral part of this course.
213 – American Literature – Grade 11
Honors Level – Prerequisite: B+ in World Literature, teacher recommendation
This intensive course provides students with a comprehensive survey of American Literature from the Early American – Modern periods. The course will follow a faster pace and allow for a more in-depth study of American Literature than the level I course All genres of literature including novels, short story, poetry, and drama will be studied. In addition to the readings, the relationship between literature and the political, religious, and economic state of United States of America will be an integral part of this course. In addition to the required text, supplemental works of literature will be assigned.
204 – British Literature – Grade 12
This course surveys British Literature from the Anglo Saxon period – 20th Century. Major works include authors from each important literary era, showing how they reflect the area, influence other writers, and are the voices of their time. English drama and novels will also be studied. In addition to appropriate grammar and vocabulary study, essay writing, and creative projects, students will work to prepare their college essay in the early fall.
242 – Advanced Placement English – Grade 12
Advanced Placement – Prerequisite: A- in American Literature, teacher recommendation
The AP English Literature and Composition course is designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students will deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students will consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Intensive reading and writing are the two key components of this course. The course will culminate in the completion of the AP English examination in the late spring. All students enrolled in the course are required to take the exam.
211 – Literature as Film – Grades 11 & 12 - Elective
Students will examine, discuss, and respond to works of literature and film. This class will explore nonfiction films in their relationship to literature. Students will explore the relationship between text and image, fact, truth, and composition in films. Reading and writing are the key components of this course. Placement in this popular course is on a first-come, first-served basis, for students who can be accommodated during the sixth period of the day.
215 – Yearbook – Grades 11 & 12 – Elective
Students will learn the journalistic style of writing and have the opportunity to learn the basics of photography, layout and design. This is a hands-on learning experience. Students enrolled in the course must have the dedication and commitment to work independently, follow deadlines, and see projects through from start to finish. Confidence and competence in writing is a must to take this course.
216 – Creative Writing – Grades 11 & 12 – Elective
Introduction to the principles and techniques of creative writing aimed at developing the creative process. This course includes lectures, reading, and writing exercises in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
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