My Classes
American Literature
American Literature is a true survey course covering many of our country’s major literary works from Colonialism to Present Day. Students will study the origins of this literature beginning with Colonial/Neo-Classical poetry from Bradstreet, Taylor and Wheatley. This will be followed by a study of Romanticism and Transcendentalism, including such authors as Hawthorne, Emerson, and Thoreau. Our studies will continue through Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism with selections from Twain, Wharton, Hemingway, Steinbeck and others to foster our discussions. By closely aligning the study of American Literature with the study of American History, students will be encouraged to look at all forces acting upon an author, both societal and personal, in order to more fully engage with the texts and form compelling analyses of the works studied. A substantial joint English/History research project will offer the students an opportunity to delve deeply into a topic of their choosing, thereby further cementing their understanding of the relationship between history, society, and literature.
Modern Literature
Students will read a wide variety of Post Modern literature, works written since 1945, developing and honing their critical reading and thinking skills through Socratic discussion, dialectical journaling, impromptu written responses, individual as well as group responses, timed in-class essays and formal essays. This variety of experiences will allow students to grow in their critical thinking as well as their writing ability, creating opportunities for students to enter into dialogue with the texts, positioning themselves in connection with the works being studied, then furthering their writing experience by allowing reflection and revision. Proper research technique and research paper format will be highlighted. A substantial joint interdisciplinary research project will offer the students an opportunity to delve deeply into a topic of their choosing, thereby further cementing their understanding of the relationship between history, society, and literature, Christian worldview and their own journey.
AP Literature
Students will read a wide variety of literature (in the form of various novels, dramas, and poetry) from a variety of literary periods, which will help students in developing and honing their critical reading and thinking skills through Socratic discussion, dialectical journaling, impromptu written responses, individual/group projects, timed in-class essays and formal essays. This variety of experiences will allow students to grow in their critical thinking as well as their writing ability, creating opportunities for students to enter into dialogue with the texts, positioning themselves in connection with the works being studied, then furthering their writing experience by allowing reflection and revision. Proper research technique and research paper format will be highlighted. A substantial joint interdisciplinary research project will offer the students an opportunity to delve deeply into a topic of their choosing, thereby further cementing their understanding of the relationship between history, society, and literature, Christian worldview and their own journey.
Creative Writing
While academic writing is critical to success, more creative writing outlets allow students to not only practice and perfect their underlying writing skills, but to enhance their overall communication skills while building a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Students will practice the skills of creative writing as well as journalistic writing, understanding the differences inherent in each, including purpose and audience. Students will frequently read their work out loud in a workshop setting, giving and receiving feedback. Students will revise and edit their creative work multiple times, ultimately producing a finished project that will be bound.