The English Department fosters connections between students and the world around them through the literature they read, the essays they write, and the discussions they have with their peers.
The English faculty is committed to developing communication skills in students that will enable them to be successful in college and beyond. We want students to develop their own unique voices and to understand the importance of literature and language in their everyday lives and find personal connections to the texts that enhance their understanding of themselves and the world.
All literature requires us to look at the world from a different perspective than our own. Effective writing and speaking also requires that we reflect on the perceptions and beliefs of others.
Students will encounter a wide variety of literary genres and styles in our classes. Students will read both fiction and nonfiction texts from ancient times through today, including myths, epics, short stories, poems, novels, plays, speeches, essays, and more. Students will also develop their writing skills through a range of writing assignments, from short responses to persuasive essays and research papers. Students will refine their writing with grammar and vocabulary instruction as well.
Courses
Introduction to Literature
5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This course introduces students to the study of literature and helps lay the foundation for high school English. Through close reading, discussion, and written analysis of short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction, students will explore essential literary elements such as plot, character, setting, theme, and symbolism. Major works may include classic and contemporary texts from a range of cultures and time periods.Students will develop their critical thinking and communication skills as they learn to interpret texts, support ideas with evidence, and express their insights in both writing and discussion. In addition to literary study, the course emphasizes vocabulary development, grammar, and composition skills. By the end of the year, students will be better equipped to approach literature thoughtfully and confidently in future English classes.
Course Objectives
World Literature
5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This 10th-grade English course, aligned with NJ Student Learning Standards, explores global literature from ancient to modern times. Students will read and respond to diverse genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and novels—through cultural and historical lenses. Writing instruction focuses on process, revision, and audience, with vocabulary support for SAT/ACT readiness. Students will complete shorter assignments and an MLA-style research paper. Collaborative learning and discussion are emphasized.
Course Objectives
American Literature
5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This 11th-grade English course follows the NJ Student Learning Standards and offers a chronological exploration of American literature from Native American texts to contemporary works. Students will analyze how literature reflects the nation's cultural and historical shifts, with special attention to rhetorical strategies in foundational documents. Writing instruction emphasizes clarity, audience, and purpose, culminating in a formal MLA-style research paper. Collaborative learning and discussion are key components of the course, which prepare students for college-level English.Honors Section:Honors students engage in deeper literary analysis and in their interpretation and their writing assignments. A formal MLA style research paper is required.
Course Objectives
British Literature
5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This 12th-grade English course follows the NJ Student Learning Standards and offers a chronological exploration of British literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Students will analyze how British literature and the English language were influenced by both geography and history. Key texts include Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and a play by Shakespeare. Writing instruction emphasizes development of ideas, critical thinking, and clarity of communication, culminating in a formal MLA-style research paper. Collaborative learning and discussion are key components of the course, which prepare students for college-level English.
Course Objectives
AP English Language and Composition
5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods.The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts and becoming flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes. The reading and writing students do in the course will deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations.The course will prepare students to take the AP English Language and Composition exam given in May. Those who score a 3 or higher on the exam may be eligible to receive credit at the college of their choice.
Course Objectives
College Writing
2.5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare seniors for the academic, personal, and social demands of college and beyond. Through a combination of rigorous writing instruction, self-discovery, and skill-building, students will sharpen their ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and manage their time and stress responsibly.Students will write at a mature and collegiate level, engaging in personal, analytical, persuasive, and research-based writing. Emphasis will be placed on clarity, structure, voice, and revision. In addition to developing advanced writing skills, students will explore their individual learning styles, build healthy coping strategies for stress, and strengthen time management habits that support academic success.The course also includes instruction and practice in public speaking, enabling students to develop confidence and competence as communicators. Research and information literacy will be emphasized, with students completing a college-level research project that utilizes credible academic sources and adheres to MLA citation standards.By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the essential tools and mindset needed to transition successfully into post-secondary education and lifelong learning.
Course Objectives
Creative Writing
2.5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This elective course invites students in grades 9–12 to explore and develop their unique voices through a variety of imaginative writing forms. Students will engage in creative exercises that strengthen descriptive writing skills, using visual and written prompts as inspiration. Throughout the semester, students will write original short stories, poems, and scripts, refining their ability to craft compelling narratives, vivid imagery, and authentic dialogue. Emphasis will be placed on the writing process—including brainstorming, drafting, peer feedback, and revision—in a supportive workshop environment. This course encourages self-expression, experimentation, and the development of a personal writing style while also introducing foundational literary techniques and elements of storytelling.
Course Objectives
Critical Thinking and Writing
5
Credits
-
Semester
Full Year
Course Description
This foundational course equips students with essential tools for academic achievement through an emphasis on thinking clearly, writing effectively, and managing responsibilities with confidence. Students will develop strong writing skills through frequent practice in analytical, reflective, and research-based writing, with a focus on organization, clarity, and purpose.A central component of the course is building critical thinking skills through structured argument, evidence-based reasoning, and evaluation of sources. Students will also improve their note-taking, study habits, and presentation skills to support learning across disciplines.The course includes instruction in research strategies and citation formats, time management techniques, and stress management tools. Students will explore the differences between a fixed and growth mindset, learning how beliefs about intelligence and effort impact academic and personal success. Conflict management strategies are also introduced to build self-awareness, resilience, and effective communication.This course provides underclassmen with a strong foundation for high school and beyond, promoting independence, academic confidence, and lifelong learning skills.
Want to hone your public speaking and critical thinking in discussions on hot-button issues with your peers? Then Debate Club is the place for you. Each week students gather to express their opinions and learn debating strategies in an informal environment.