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I Am a . . English
Course # 212
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Required of: Freshmen
Prerequisite: Previous grade school record and testing results
Literature offers us the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of many and to shape ourselves in the process. Through literature, we explore heroism, tragedy, love, and triumph. We open our minds and hearts, and we learn from the characters on the page. This course offers those experiences. In English I, students read varied and diverse literary works that explore four universal themes: Search for Self; Life’s Complexities; Love, Loss and Reconciliation; and, Justice and Injustice. They learn to read deeply, moving beyond an understanding of plot into an analysis of character, theme, and the beauty of the author's craft. In addition, they learn to write effectively, sharing their ideas and insights through well-structured essays and creative works. Throughout the course, students study grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and active listening to hone their communication skills.
The selected literature provides a framework for guiding each student to develop a compassionate understanding that will help guide their lives and help them positively influence the lives of others through a willingness to serve and make personal sacrifices for the betterment of their communities and families. In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students learn to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students will practice respecting the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to advocate for justice.
Course #211
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Freshmen
Prerequisite: Previous grade school record and testing results
Literature offers us the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of many and to shape ourselves in the process. Through literature, we explore heroism, tragedy, love, and triumph. We open our minds and hearts, and we learn from the characters on the page. This course offers those experiences. In English I, students read varied and diverse literary works that explore four universal themes: Search for Self; Life’s Complexities; Love, Loss and Reconciliation; and, Justice and Injustice. They learn to read deeply, moving beyond an understanding of plot into an analysis of character, theme, and the beauty of the author's craft. In addition, they learn to write effectively, sharing their ideas and insights through well-structured essays and creative works. Throughout the course, students study grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and active listening to hone their communication skills. The honors level course will include additional readings from the Reserved Reading section of each unit, including works with greater text complexity, more rigorous formative and summative assessments, and higher expectations for text analysis and independent reading.
The selected literature provides a framework for guiding each student to develop a compassionate understanding that will help guide their lives and help them positively influence the lives of others through a willingness to serve and make personal sacrifices for the betterment of their communities and families. In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students learn to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students will practice respecting the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to advocate for justice
Course #222
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Required of: Sophomores
Prerequisite: Completion of Freshman English
In English II, students study varied literary works focused on the relationship between the individual and society - the pressure to conform, the desire for recognition and power, the need for compassion, and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of injustice. As an important part of the course, students explore the power of language to influence others. They analyze how the individuals and societies portrayed in literary works use language to support, persuade, and control others; how the author chooses words to impact and move others, and how they can use language to share ideas and feelings with others. In all cases, students examine the ability of language to build a sense of community or alienate us from each other. This course reinforces strategies for reading comprehension and annotation, emphasizes grammar and form in writing, and calls for students to construct thesis driven essays with supportive evidence from the text. Students should expect to read independently in preparation for class discussion and demonstrate their understanding through varied learning activities, such as informal journal writing, essays, public speaking, and projects.
In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, all students learn to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students will practice respecting the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to advocate for justice.
Course #221
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Sophomores
Prerequisite: 80% average in ENG I Honors, 92% in English I CP-A with teacher evaluation
In English II, students study varied literary works focused on the relationship between the individual and society - the pressure to conform, the desire for recognition and power, the need for compassion, and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of injustice. As an important part of the course, students explore the power of language to influence others. They analyze how the individuals and societies portrayed in literary works use language to support, persuade, and control others; how the author chooses words to impact and move others, and how they can use language to share ideas and feelings with others. In all cases, students examine the ability of language to build a sense of community or alienate us from each other. This course reinforces strategies for reading comprehension and annotation, emphasizes grammar and form in writing, and calls for students to construct thesis driven essays with supportive evidence from the text. Students should expect to read independently in preparation for class discussion and demonstrate their understanding through varied learning activities, such as informal journal writing, essays, public speaking, and projects. The honors level course will include additional readings from the Reserved Reading section of each unit, more independent literary analysis, more rigorous formative and summative assessments, and higher expectations for student discourse in class discussions. Honors levels students should expect to read independently and extensively in preparation for their coursework. Texts that are unique to the honors level are noted in the syllabus.
In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, all students learn to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students will practice respecting the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to advocate for justice.
Course #240
Level: AP
Credit: 1
Open to: Sophomores
Prerequisite: 92% average in ENG I Honors
In AP English Language and Composition, students read a wide variety of literary and informative texts and study these works as models of effective writing and argument. Students analyze essays, speeches, letters, novels, memoirs, and poems from a variety of historical and global perspectives; they study writers’ perspectives, purposes and stylistic choices, and they learn to recognize the validity of authors’ claims and the importance of relevant evidence and sound reasoning to support these claims. Most importantly, they learn the power of language to affect positive change in the world, and they develop their own capacities to use language to effectively share ideas and persuade audiences. Throughout the course, students practice sophisticated strategies for reading and writing. They should expect to read independently in preparation for class discussion and demonstrate their understanding through varied learning activities, such as comprehension quizzes, timed writings, journal writing, posts on message boards, projects, thesis-driven argumentative essays, and public speaking presentations. By becoming better readers and writers, students will strengthen their performance on the national AP English Language and Composition Exam.
In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students focus on developing their own moral compass and honing their ability to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students practice respecting the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to advocate for justice.
Course #232
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors
Prerequisite: Completion of ENG II
This multicultural course guides students to explore all facets of American literature, from Native American myths and folkloric traditions to contemporary fiction and literary criticism. Through this course, students develop their abilities to read and respond to complex literature while gaining a genuine appreciation of American letters as presented through its literary history. Units of study are organized chronologically, and all units focus on the fundamental question of what it means to be American. The course encourages
students to develop their own perspectives as they read closely, analyze critically, argue logically, and express their ideas clearly. Texts, which are varied in length and content, are selected to provide a well-rounded literary experience that will prepare students for college and lifelong reading. As a hallmark of all Holy Cross English courses, lessons are guided by the underlying philosophy that more discerning, experienced readers will be better able to negotiate the narratives that they confront in life.
In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students will share their ideas and perspectives with kindness, thoughtfulness, and mutual respect, particularly when learning about viewpoints that might differ from their own. Thus, students will practice respecting the beliefs of others while appreciating the diversity that represents what it means to an informed and empathetic global citizen.
Course #231
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors
Prerequisite: 80% average in AP Language and Composition, 80% average in ENG II Honors, 92% average in ENG II CP-A with teacher evaluation
This multicultural course guides students to explore various works of American literature, primarily from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. Through this course, students develop their abilities to read, critique, and respond to complex literature while gaining a genuine appreciation of select American works as presented through various historical periods. Units of study are organized thematically, and all units focus on the essential question of what it means to be American and how the concept of the American Dream has been represented and critiqued through various authors’ works. The course encourages students to develop their own perspectives as they read closely, analyze critically, argue logically, and express their ideas clearly. Texts, which are varied in length and content, are selected to provide a well-rounded literary experience that will prepare students for college and lifelong reading. Honors levels students should expect to read independently and extensively in preparation for their coursework. Texts that are unique to the honors level are noted in the syllabus.
As a hallmark of all Holy Cross English courses, lessons are guided by the underlying philosophy that more discerning, experienced readers will be better able to negotiate the narratives that they confront in life. In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students will share their ideas and perspectives with kindness, thoughtfulness, and mutual respect, particularly when learning about viewpoints that might differ from their own. Thus, students will practice respecting the beliefs of others while appreciating the diversity that represents what it means to an informed and empathetic global citizen.
Course #241
Level: AP
Credit: 1
Open to: Juniors and Seniors (per approval/request)
Prerequisite: 80% average in AP Language and Composition, 92% average in ENG II Honors, 95% average in ENG II CP-A with writing sample and teacher evaluation
This course introduces students to the intellectual challenges and academic rigor of a college-level English literature and composition course. Specifically, this course guides students to appreciate and analyze complex literature while also preparing them for the Advanced Placement English Literature Examination. The AP English Literature and Composition Exam tests the student’s understanding of literary concepts, their ability to interpret texts and support their interpretations with text evidence, and their ability to analyze how a literary concept or idea contributes to an interpretation of a literary work. Throughout the course and on the AP exam, students are asked to construct sound, evidence-based arguments to support their analyses.
Students are involved in an intensive study of literary works of recognized merit from various genres and periods, ranging from sixteenth century English poets and playwrights like John Donne and William Shakespeare, to the contemporary American fiction of Toni Morrison. In addition, students spend considerable time studying poetry from various time periods. They are expected to consider the social and historical values revealed in the literature while also reading for a deeper understanding of the work’s structure, style, and themes. Moreover, students are encouraged to make connections between and among centuries, genres, authors, and cultural movements. Since the Advanced Placement Literature Examination privileges writing about literature, writing is a major component of this course. Thus, analytical essays about literature are stressed, although other types of writing, including response journals, reaction papers, and creative writing may also be assigned to promote thinking and varied learning opportunities. Students will also practice writing the essay under timed conditions.
As a hallmark of all Holy Cross English courses, lessons are guided by the underlying philosophy that more discerning, experienced readers will be better able to negotiate the narratives that they confront in life. In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students share their ideas and perspectives with kindness, thoughtfulness, and mutual respect, particularly when learning about viewpoints that might differ from their own. Thus, students practice respecting the beliefs of others while appreciating diversity in life and art.
Course #243
Level: 2
Credit: 1
Open to: Seniors
Prerequisite: Completion of ENG III
In English IV CP-A, students explore a variety of themes from modern literature, including diverse perspectives on discerning wisdom, discovering truth, and developing the self. Students are encouraged to read closely and deeply to analyze themes, evaluate author’s craft, and make connections between literary works and their own lives. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to expand their writing skills by emulating the authors’ styles studied through their readings. Students are encouraged to share ideas and insights through narrative and creative works as well as literary analyses and argumentative essays. They are expected to compose well-structured works that incorporate the fundamentals of academic writing, including proper citation and attribution. In English IV, students compose and revise a variety of essays beginning with narrative college admissions essays.
Our study of literature provides a framework for guiding students to develop a compassionate understanding that will help guide their lives and positively influence the lives of others through a willingness to serve and make personal sacrifices for the betterment of their communities and families. In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students learn to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students will practice respect for the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to
advocate for justice.
Course #242
Level: 1
Credit: 1
Open to: Senior Honor Students
Prerequisite: (80% average in AP Literature and Composition, 80% average in ENG III Honors, 92% average in ENG III CP-A with teacher evaluation)
In English IV Honors, students explore a variety of themes from modern literature, including varied perspectives on discerning wisdom, discovering truth, and developing the self. Students develop their ability to read complex texts closely and deeply, analyzing themes and author’s craft. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to share ideas and insights through narrative and creative works, expanding their writing skills by emulating the authors’ styles studied through their readings. Students also compose and revise a variety of informative essays, beginning with the college admissions essay. As the year progresses, students hone their abilities to write varied, insightful compositions, including literary analyses and researched arguments. All student work is expected to incorporate the fundamentals of academic writing, including proper citation and attribution. At the honors level, students are required to read and analyze literary works independently and to engage in meaningful and prepared discourse in the classroom setting.
Our study of literature provides a framework for guiding students to develop a compassionate understanding that will help guide their lives and help them positively influence the lives of others through a willingness to serve and make personal sacrifices for the betterment of their communities and families. In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students learn to follow a moral compass rooted in respect, integrity, hope, and kindness. Students will practice respect for the beliefs of others, learn to value the uniqueness of every human being, and learn to advocate for justice.
Course #245
Level: AP
Credit: 1
Open to: (80% average in AP Literature and Composition, 92% average in ENG III Honors & writing sample, 95% average in ENG III CP-A & writing sample, or with teacher evaluation)
As suggested by its ECE moniker, this seminar-style class gives students a college-level academic experience within a high school setting, where college credit is awarded to students who successfully achieve the benchmark provided by each assessment. The course offers instruction in academic writing through reading literature with an emphasis on literary texts as a starting point for inquiry, information literacy, reflective writing, and multimodal ways of approaching texts in order to help students identify and develop their own critical methodology conducive to literary scholarship offered at the college level. Revision of both formal and informal assignments is stressed, particularly as a means of reconsidering and expanding the way students approach the texts they read. This class offers a wide-ranging selection of texts situated both within and outside the typical English literary canon.
Organized thematically, each unit presents literature that crosses disciplines, genres, and cultures in an effort to generate and support projects that extend beyond the purview of any particular work. As a seminar, classes emphasize close-reading, class discussion, group work, and multi-modal responses that serve as a starting-point for primarily student-led, inquiry-driven projects. The central point of inquiry for this course is just precisely this – to explore inquiry itself, both in and out of purely academic contexts – as students develop how they learn from and convey their ideas about the texts they examine. To be clear, this is not a lecture or survey course, nor is it a course about literature or an introduction to literary analysis. Rather, students should think of the seminar as a series of opportunities that will help them broaden their ability to respond to ideas presented in literature as they develop both a discerning critical lens and a healthy repertoire with which to express it.
In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students share ideas and perspectives with kindness, thoughtfulness, and mutual respect, particularly when learning diverse viewpoints. Thus, students practice respecting the beliefs of others while appreciating the diversity that represents what it means to an informed and empathetic global citizen.
