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Curriculum

English

The English Department at Calvert Hall aims to prepare students for the challenges of reading and writing at a collegiate level. The basis for both individual work and collaborative efforts in English courses is literature regarded as having significant literary merit.
  • English I - 511

    511 - English I (College Prep A) Grade 9
    Fundamentals of Writing and Literature This course develops a student’s ability to write precise, clear, and effective sentences and paragraphs, with attention to grammar and punctuation skills. Students learn to analyze short stories and novels in verbal and written exercises that deepen skills of self-expression. Vocabulary study accompanies the assigned literature.
    Prerequisite: Placement from the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Honors English I - 515

    515 - Honors English I Grade 9
    Literary Genres/Composition This accelerated course examines major literary genres as a basis for specialized study. Interpretive skills and proficiency in writing are deepened through the reading of great literary works. The course encourages independent work and student-oriented creative projects.
    Prerequisite: Placement from the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • English II - 521

    521 - English II (College Prep A) Grade 10
    Literary Genres/Composition Students will study plays and poetry, mastering the terminology of each and their ability to write about and interpret samples from these genres. Students identify play components, explicate poems, begin developing term paper research skills and to write cohesive multi-paragraph essays. Students also develop reading skills and verbal strategies for standardized testing.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & successful completion of English I.
  • Honors English II - 525

    525 - Honors English II Grade 10
    World Literature/Advanced Composition This course provides an examination of World Literature through thematic consideration of the human experience, highlighting the myths, customs, and value systems of various cultures, including their major historical events and authors but focusing on the major universal experiences of all people. While oral presentations and creative writing are important parts of this course, students will demonstrate proficiency in analytical writing and research skills.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of English I with a grade of 93 or higher or successful completion of Honors English I with a grade of 85 or higher.
  • English III - 531

    531 - English III (College Prep A) Grade 11
    American Literature/Composition Using a chronological approach to works of American authors who are contributors to major American literary movements, English III enhances student ability to write clear, analytical pieces about short stories, plays,poems and novels. Vocabulary development continues. The research paper constitutes the major writing project of this course.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & successful completion of English II.
  • Honors British Literature - 535

    This course provides the student with a chronological survey of British Literature, highlighting important periods, major writers, and notable works.
  • English IV - 541

    541 - English IV (College Prep A) Grade 12
    British Literature/Composition This course provides the student with a chronological survey of British Literature, highlighting important periods, major writers, and notable works. Class discussion, written literary analysis and a major written research project in the area of British literature are to be expected.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation & successful completion of English III.
  • AP English - 545

    This course helps students master skills necessary for writing theme papers about each of the literary genres. Examination of challenging literature includes recognition of patterns, motifs, themes and designs in authors’ artistic schemes.
  • Creative Writing/ Journalism - 551

    We develop writing talent by focusing on what is common to good journalism, good fiction and poetry: precision, color, succinctness. We write publishable character sketches, news stories, short stories, poems and narratives.
  • Honors World Literature - 565

    This course provides an examination of World Literature through thematic consideration of the human experience, highlighting the myths, customs, and value systems of various cultures, including their major historical events and authors, but focusing on the universal experiences of all people.  While oral presentations and creative writing are important parts of this course, students will demonstrate proficiency in analytical writing and research skills.
  • African Am Lit - 566

    This Junior/Senior elective traces African American Literary and artistic contributions from the 1700’s to contemporary works. This course presents a diverse collection of fiction, non- fiction, poetry, drama, speeches, songs, paintings, and photography.
  • Communication - 571

    This course is a two-semester introductory survey of the mediums of film and television. The course will examine a chronological history of the mediums including aspects of television and film production, a critical analysis of classic films and TV.
  • AP English Language and Composition - 553

    553– AP English Language & Composition Grade 11
    This is an introductory college-level composition course that builds on an in-depth study of American Literature. Students will cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claim, evidence, reasoning, organization, and style. The course is specifically designed to prepare students for the AP Language and Composition exam, while concentrating on rhetorical analysis. Students are required to take the AP Exam.
    Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation & Department approval.
  • AP Literature and Composition - 554

    554 - AP English Literature & Composition Grade 12
    This course helps students master skills necessary for writing theme papers about each of the literary genres. Examination of challenging literature includes recognition of patterns, motifs, themes, and designs in authors’ artistic schemes. Investigation of writer styles and personalities helps students find their own writing voices. The course is specifically designed to prepare students for the A.P. exam while concentrating on literary analysis. Students are required to take the AP Exam.
    Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation & Department approval.
  • Honors English III - 537

    537 – Honors English III Grade 11
    American Literature/Advanced Composition Explore the rich tapestry of American literary heritage in this Honors American Literature course. Delve into seminal works by iconic authors, examining themes that shaped the nation's cultural and social fabric. Analyze the evolution of literary movements and their impact on American identity, fostering critical thinking and nuanced understanding. Engage in spirited discussions, hone analytical skills, and cultivate a profound appreciation for the diverse voices that have contributed to the American literary landscape. This course invites students to embark on a thought-provoking journey through the pages of classic and contemporary literature, culminating in a term paper that allows for in-depth exploration of primary and secondary sources.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of English II with a grade of 93 or higher or successful completion of Honors English II with a grade of 85 or higher.
  • Honors English IV - 547

    547 - Honors English IV British Literature/Advanced Composition Grades 12
    This course provides a chronological survey of British Literature, highlighting important periods, major writers, and notable works. While programs of oral presentation and creative writing are parts of the course, analytical writing is the most important aspect, focusing on the expansion of the student's research skills.
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of English III with a grade of 93 or higher or successful completion of Honors English IV with a grade of 85 or higher.

Faculty

  • Photo of Gino Greco
    Gino Greco
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  • Photo of Ted Alsedek
    Ted Alsedek
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  • Photo of Thomas Dougherty
    Thomas Dougherty
  • Photo of William Guy
    William Guy
  • Photo of David Hallman
    David Hallman
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  • Photo of Jennifer Hauser
    Jennifer Hauser
  • Photo of Stephen Hooper
    Stephen Hooper
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  • Photo of Wilson Knight
    Wilson Knight
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  • Photo of Paul McMullen
    Paul McMullen
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  • Photo of Lauren Santi
    Lauren Santi
  • Photo of Samantha Snider
    Samantha Snider
  • Photo of Eric Sundell
    Eric Sundell
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  • Photo of Rich Zinkand
    Rich Zinkand
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