ENGLISH DEPARTMENT 

Central to the English program at Duchesne are the literary and cultural classics which are read, discussed, and analyzed in writing. The strong emphasis on writing, grammar, and vocabulary is therefore geared to the books which are read. In the ninth grade, selections are made from the literature of ancient and of early Europe. Tenth grade British literature is read in historical context, with genres studied within literary eras. In eleventh grade, American literature is studied in conjunction with American history. The twelfth grade examines nineteenth and twentieth century world literature. Students read a Shakespearean play each year.

The four-year program is designed to help the student read, discuss, analyze, and write clearly, skillfully, and forcefully about major works and seminal ideas of Western culture, preparing her with the background and skills necessary for further study on the university level. 

111 - Western Literature	1 year
Required for Grade 9	1 credit

Western literature study focuses on mythology, ancient Greek epic and drama, Roman epic, Shakespeare's Julius  Caesar,  Dante's Inferno, the components of epic poetry, and an in-class novel, A Tale of Two Cities, the reading of which reinforces the study of the French Revolution in history class.  A strong writing program features syntax skills, vocabulary and the structuring of the five- paragraph essay.  Research skills are introduced and reinforced through the writing of several short papers.

121 - British Literature	1 year
Required for Grade 10	1 credit

Sophomore British Literature continues the study of drama, epic, and the novel and adds lyric and narrative poetry and the essay.  Literature selections begin with the Anglo-Saxon period, continue to the nineteenth century, and emphasize Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare's Macbeth.  The students develop research skills and write expository essays.  Grammar review and vocabulary study continue.

131 - American Literature	1 year
Required for Grade 11	1 credit

This course surveys major works, trends and topics in American literature that correlate with American History; it stresses close reading and analysis of poetry.  In the first semester, the course develops analytical essay writing skills, emphasizing content and development of ideas.  In the second semester, it offers systematic practice in the different types of expository essays and in the different modes of writing students need: essay test, summary, critical summary, paraphrase, personal essay, and persuasive paper.  The Shakespearean play read in the eleventh grade is Othello.

132 - AP English Language and Composition	1 year
(Prerequisite: teacher recommendation)	1 credit

In this course, students are exposed to the use of literary criticism and to the methods of research.  Through seminar work, students focus intensely on several works by a major author such as Hawthorne, in addition to covering works studied in the regular American Lit. course.  Many writing assignments are designed as preparation for the AP exam in English Language and Composition.  All students sit for the examination in May. This course has veen audited and approcved by the College Board.

141 - Senior Composition & Literature	1 year
Grade 12	1 credit

This course emphasizes the analysis of a variety of literary works selected from a master list of suggested readings for the college-bound, and provides students with a transition to college English.  Hamlet  is the Shakespearean play studied; other works examined, drawn primarily from modern continental and British literature, include plays, poetry, short stories and novels.  The development of critical writing skills is emphasized, and a research paper is required.

144 - AP English Literature	1 year
Grade 12  (Prerequisite: teacher recommendation)	1 credit

This course, a major works survey of classic and modern British and  continental works, provides a broad  literature background for the advanced student.  During the first semester, the course concentrates on drama, from Sophocles to Stoppard, and on seventeenth century poetry.  The Shakespearean play read is Hamlet.  In the second semester, students read closely modern and contemporary novels and poems that frequently appear on the Advanced Placement exam they are expected to take in May.  A research paper is required.  This course has been audited and approved by the College Board.

145 - Creative Writing	1 year
Grades 11-12	.5 credit

Creative Writing is an elective course for the aspiring writer who wants guidance, practice, and ideas on a range of genres.  Students will develop a portfolio each semester and will be encouraged to submit entries to contests.  Students will be encouraged to contribute to the school's literary magazine.  This course may be taken as an Independent Study.

The Shakespeare elective provides an opportunity for the student to explore works of Shakespeare not usually covered in the high school curriculum.  The course concentrates on the comedies, stressing critical reading and performance.  It examines the relationships between plays and the development of character, theme, and imagery.  Offered in alternate years.