English & Literature
The core of the humanities curriculum is a sequence of integrated classes that every student undertakes. These “block” classes combine history, literature, and drama. Each block class meets at the beginning of the day for 1 ½ hours, with three to four weeks set aside to delve into each subject. Combined with required “track” classes in English, history, and foreign languages, this offers a rich and challenging college preparatory program in the humanities. Grades 9 and 10 experience an integrated English program, with English and block teachers working together in science and social science classes to deliver an English curriculum which is fully connected with the block topic.
Block Courses
Grade 9: Comedy & Tragedy
Grade 10: Odyssey and Greek Drama
Grade 11: Shakespeare, and Parzival
Grade 12: Transcendentalists, Göethe’s Faust
Annual Plays
Each year all of the students are involved in mounting a dramatic production as part of their studies in the humanities. The plays range from classic Greek drama, through the comedies and tragedies of Shakespeare, to modern musical theater. The twelfth grade year culminates in the study and production of the Senior class play.
Track Classes
English 9, 10, 11, 12
Great Novels
Literature
Creative Writing
