English

Grade 9 Level 4.3 1 Credit Sem 1-2

This introductory composition and literature course reviews the rudiments of English grammar, explores writing as a means of self-expression, and surveys the various literary genres. Writing instruction first addresses increasing student proficiency in composing effective sentences and paragraphs, then introduces various organizational strategies, and culminates in the development of structured essays. Literary study of poetry, plays, short stories, and novels teaches students how to read critically. Guided vocabulary study complements the study of grammar and composition.

Grade 10 Level 4.3 1 Credit Sem 1-2

Building on what the students explore in EN100, this survey course further examines the worlds of literature, literary styles, vocabulary, and composition. Myths, poems, epics, and plays from around the world from ancient times to the present are studied thematically. Students will develop skills in research and writing through the completion of a research paper and a variety of formal and personal writing assignments. The successful completion of the research paper is required to earn credit for this class.

Grade 10 Level 4.8 1 Credit Sem 1-2

This course is for highly motivated students who are willing to read and discuss more challenging material. Building on what the students explore in EN100, this survey course further examines the worlds of literature, literary styles, vocabulary, and composition. Myths, poems, epics, and plays from around the world from ancient times to the present are studied thematically. Students will develop skills in research and writing through the completion of a research paper and a variety of formal and personal writing assignments. The successful completion of the research paper is required to earn credit for this class. The advanced rigor of this course will allow for enrichment opportunities including a more in-depth look at certain authors, an additional full novel, and additional writing assignments.

Prerequisite: “B+” average in freshmen Introduction to Composition and Literature

Grade 10 Level 4.8 2 Credits Sem 1-2

This honors course, taught from a literary and historical perspective, offers an interdisciplinary inquiry into world themes, cultures and historical patterns. This course meets the curricular needs for successful completion of the AP World History exam, as dictated by the College Board. The AP World History curriculum in the World Studies course provides academically able and willing students a more rigorous study of World History while differing in scope and sequence from the World History II course. Section numbers may be limited based on enrollment and department needs.

Prerequisite: “A” in Introduction to Composition and Literature

Grade 11 Level 4.3 1 Credit Sem 1-2

This course aims to celebrate the beauty of America — its institutions, its history, its culture (especially its literature) — and Americans of all generations, genders, ethnicities, religions, and regions. Readings and course work explore the “landmark” imaginative accomplishments of American authors and develop close reading skills (active reading), expand general vocabulary, and nurture and hone writing skills for success when writing in future college classes and professional life. In addition, students will successfully complete a research paper and a living cultural history research project to receive credit for the class.

Grade 11 Level 4.8 1 Credit Sem 1-2

UM-St. Louis COURSE: English 1170 American Literary Masterpieces (3 credits) This course is for highly motivated students who are willing to read and discuss more challenging material. This course aims to celebrate the beauty of America — its institutions, its history, its culture (especially its literature) — and Americans of all generations, genders, ethnicities, religions, and regions. Readings and course work explore the “landmark” imaginative accomplishments of American authors and develop close reading skills (active reading), expand general vocabulary, and nurture and hone writing skills for success when writing in future college classes and professional life. In addition, students will successfully complete a research paper and a living cultural history research project to receive credit for the class. The advanced rigor of this course will allow for enrichment opportunities including a more in-depth look at certain authors, an additional full novel, and additional writing assignments.

Prerequisite: “A” average in World Literature or at least a “B+” average in World Studies or Honors World Literature

Grade 11 Level 4.8 2 Credits Sem 1-2

SLU COURSE: HIST2600 History of the US to 1865 (1st sem. - 3 credits) and HIST2610 History of US Since 1865 (2nd sem. - 3 credits) UM-St. Louis COURSE: EN1100 First Year Writing (1st sem. - 3 credits) and EN1170 American Literary Masterpieces (2nd sem. - 3 credits) This honors course, taught from a literary and historical perspective jointly by the English and History departments, offers an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature of American character and culture. The class approach involves the study of America from historical, literary, political, and sociological perspectives dating from the Puritans to the present. In order to best accomplish this goal, special emphasis is placed on examining primary documents. Writing assignments involve exposition, critical analysis, and research papers. This course is for highly motivated students who are willing to read and discuss more challenging material. Students have the option of taking the AP U.S. History exam in May.

Prerequisites: “A” average in World Literature or at least a “B+” in World Studies or Honors World Literature

Grade 12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This survey course offers an overview of British literature focusing on significant literary figures and their works. By examining these authors and their works, students will study the impact of English culture on English literature along with the impact of the literature on the culture. The time periods studied in this class will include Medieval, Elizabethan, Romantic, Victorian, and Modern/ Contemporary. Two formal papers are required in order to enable students to develop their own evaluation, analysis, and writing skills. All seniors, except those enrolled in AP, ACC, or ACP English courses, are required to complete one semester of British Literature

Grades 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course, specifically intended for students with a strong interest in creative writing, requires students to develop their writing style and voice through a variety of exercises and assignments, which may include personal narratives, short stories, poems and drama. Additional focus is on the revision process to help students work on fine-tuning their skills. Students will submit two works for publication. Only those self-motivated students seriously interested in working regularly on writing and revising should take this course.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course focuses on the process and act of writing — pre-writing, writing, and rewriting. Unlike other English courses, this is not a literature course. Though students will read model essays and refer to a textbook for guidance, this course will be devoted to writing and the students’ progress as writers. For such progress to occur, students must be flexible and open to change and growth; they also must be willing to adapt style, structure and language depending on their environment. The final required assignment in this class will be the completion of a portfolio containing the student’s revised essays. The course is strongly recommended as a foundation course for juniors interested in taking EN560/EN561 their senior year.

Grades 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2
Not offered in 2022-2023, but offered in alternating years (2023-2024).

Irish Literature is a semester-long elective course open to juniors and seniors. This class will examine works by Irish authors, about Irish life, and about the culture of Ireland. Topics include rural and urban life, pagan and Christian beliefs, and Catholic and Protestant struggles. The class also investigates the history of Ireland from the ancient past to the modern, and its strife with her often bullying neighbor England. We will explore myths and stereotypes about the Irish, but also celebrate their great gift of storytelling. Two papers, one short, one a bit longer and one presentation are required.

Grade 12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

UM-St. Louis COURSE: ENGL1120 Introduction to Literature (3 credits) Who exactly do we think we are? From where does our identity come? The highly motivated students in the novels course examine novels, short stories, poetry, and essays on a quest to explore the concepts and themes that form our sense of place and view of the world. Through units on Identity Theory, Gender, Existentialism/Absurdism, Faith Interpretation, and finally Dystopia students will participate in stimulating classroom discussion, complete 3-4 shorter essays, two formal papers, and one course project.

Prerequisite: “A” average in American Literature or at least a “B+” in ACP American Literature or American Studies

Grade12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

UM-St. Louis COURSE:  ENGL2370 Drama: Greatest Hits (3 credits) This course is for highly motivated students who are willing to read and discuss more challenging material. This survey course offers an overview of British literature from old English up-to and including the 18th century, focusing on significant literary figures and their works. By examining these figures and works chronologically, students should gain a firm understanding of the impact of English culture on English literature along with the impact of the literature on the culture. Major works include Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales; major authors include Chaucer, Shakespeare, Swift and more. Two formal papers — a book review and a poem analysis — are required to help students develop their own evaluation, analysis, and writing skills. All seniors are required to take a college level senior English class OR British Literature. The advanced rigor of this course will allow for enrichment opportunities including a more in-depth look at certain authors, an additional full novel, and additional writing assignments.

Prerequisite: “A” average in American Literature or at least a “B+” in ACP American Literature or American Studies

Grade 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2
Offered in 2021-2022, and offered in alternating years (2024-2025).

Throughout history classic mythical tales are refocused and retold to fit current culture. And myth has great power to form our opinions, our beliefs, and our life goals. A study of archetypes, structure and universal theme will focus the semester’s study of: first the classic mythology that is the basis for much of Western literature, then the classic folklore and fairy tales that follows us from childhood, and then the ideas that lead into the current myths we take as fact. Students will do original research on a myth while writing a 5-6 page analytical essay, create their own mythical origin tale, and participate in investigative discussion on the myths that have shaped our lives.

Grade 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

Special Topics in English is a seminar-style course designed to a examine a specific topic in English. Students will be required to contribute to in-depth group discussions and compose various types of writing related to the theme. The course for the 2020- 2021 school year will be Literature of the African Diaspora.

The term “diaspora” is of Greek origin, and its literal translation is “a scattering or sowing of seeds.” Today, diaspora refers to any ethnic group forced to leave their traditional homeland, the dispersal of the group, and the changes and new developments in the group’s culture resulting from their “scattering.” This course will introduce students to the Black Atlantic experience, which includes African writers from three regions: Africa, the Americas, an Europe. Throughout the semester, we will discuss writings from the 19th century through the present day. Students will read and discuss selected major works of literature written by African writers of the diaspora in addition to a selection of essays, short stories, and poems. Students will generate two short reader response essays and one longer literary analysis paper.

Grade 12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

UM-St. Louis Course: ENGL2330 Poetry: Greatest Hits (3 credits) This course is for highly motivated students who are willing to read and discuss more challenging material. This survey course offers an overview of British literature from the 19th century to modern times, focusing on significant literary figures and their works. By examining these figures and works chronologically, students should gain a firm understanding of the impact of English culture on English literature along with the impact of the literature on the culture. The time periods studied in this class will include the Romantic Period, the Victorian Period, and the Modern/Contemporary Period. Two formal papers — a book review and a poem analysis — are required to help students develop their own evaluation, analysis, and writing skills. All seniors are required to take a college level senior English class OR British Literature. The advanced rigor of this course will allow for enrichment opportunities including a more in-depth look at certain authors, an additional full novel, and additional writing assignments.

Prerequisite: “A” average in American Literature or at least “B+” in ACP American Literature or American Studies

Grades 12 Level 4.8 ½ credit Sem 1 or 2

SLU COURSE: ENGL1900 Adv Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (3 Credits) This one-semester course is designed for students with a firm foundation in literature and writing. This course prepares students for college courses by emphasizing the complex literacy of reading, writing, thinking, and speaking. Students will be introduced to the specific requirements and rigorous standards of academic writing, including essay format, voice, and organizational strategies. Students produce and revise essays throughout the semester and, at the end of the course, create a portfolio of their work. Attention is given to the production of literary analyses and applications of literary theory. By completing college level work, students will be prepared to take the AP English Language and Composition exam in May.

Prerequisite: “A” average in American Literature or at least a “B+” in American Studies or ACP American Literature