Dublin School
English Department Philosophy
Classroom

The study of literature is at the heart of a liberal education. At Dublin, we believe it is more than that, though; we believe it is the study of life, and we attempt to impress upon our students the idea that only by reading and writing can we truly experience that which lies beyond the pale of ordinary existence. During their four years at Dublin, our students are exposed to a wide range of literature and instructed in the reading, writing, and language skills that enable them to explore more fully the world of ideas on the page. Our goal is to help students develop independent thinking and learning skills, and, in a supportive environment that is sensitive to all learning styles, we emphasize the mastery of essential skills and a thoughtful respect for the work of others. Students read a variety of forms of literature and write in a wide variety of formats, developing their imaginative and expressive powers. Electives in the senior year broaden students’ perspectives on and appreciation of world literature. The English Department strives to inculcate a love of reading and writing.

Full-Year Course Offerings

English 9
English 10
English 11
English 12: Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Western Literature
Honors Courses
Recent Electives


English 9
This course is designed to introduce students to the major literary genres of poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel. Vocabulary and essay assignments emanate from the literature as the class learns the basic skills of literary analysis. Students also rigorously review grammar as they work through the construction of sound sentences, effective paragraphs, and eventually the five-paragraph expository essay.
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English 10
Sophomore English is intended to encourage all sophomores to become better writers and readers, to enhance their vocabulary, and to develop their working knowledge of English grammar. The teachers of sophomore English have worked together to develop the curriculum, the syllabus, the course expectations, and the assignment list so that English 10 is a consistent experience for all sophomores. By the middle of the third trimester, sophomores should be prepared for the demands of their junior year. Half of the work in the course is devoted to writing; the other half consists of literature, grammar, and vocabulary.
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English 11
Students of English 11: American Literature will examine the major works of a variety of luminary American authors. Throughout the course of the year, students will explore the concepts of revolution (socially, historically and literally), rebellion, and “the American dream” as well as others which are present in the genre. Over the course of a chronological exploration of American literature that begins with Native American Indian creation mythologies and ends with the Post-modernism of the contemporary era, students will be expected to synthesize an understanding of the changes which have occurred in the genre and to periodically produce written work outlining this understanding (culminating in a final term paper). Emphasis is also placed upon continued development of vocabulary, written and oral communication skills and appreciation of multi-culture literature.
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English 12: Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Western Literature
This course uses drama, fiction, and poetry to examine from many different perspectives the role of the hero in Western literature. Students start with the classical tragic hero of ancient Greece, move to Shakespeare’s great anti-hero Hamlet, and on to more contemporary works, which critique the role of the hero in society. Students should expect a variety of writing assignments, from informal explorations of their own understanding of heroism to more creative responses to texts, and of course more formal essays as well, as they learn the skills of literary analysis. This is a required course for all seniors in their fall trimester.
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Honors Courses
Honors-level courses are offered in English 11 and English 12. These courses, while maintaining the content and design of the curriculum, are taught at an accelerated pace, allowing greater depth of discussion and consideration.
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Recent Electives
Here are some Senior electives offered in the recent past. Current offerings will be determined by student and faculty interest.

 

Black Poets/Slamming
Shakespeare’s Villains
The Radical Tradition in Literature
Journalism (open to underclass students)
The Literature of New Orleans
Heroines/The Great Drama Queens
Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R)
Russian Literature
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