American Literature

In this course, students explore themes of technology, language, illusion, and independence, and see how these themes are shaped by gender, ethnicity, class, and regionalism. Within the American literary tradition, students read a culturally diverse selection of essays, short stories, novels, autobiographies, historical writings, nonfiction, and poetry. Through multimedia presentations, students receive vocabulary enrichment and textual insight that guide them to a better understanding of the readings. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills, and are introduced to peer review for the development of analytical and creative work.

Two semesters

• The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange
• The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros

(Note: Some of these materials contain some mature themes and language; parents may want to preview these readings before selecting this course.)

Two years English Literature/Language Arts (Literary Analysis and Composition II or equivalent)