English Department

Department Chair: Barbara Heiden

The Upper School English Department has worked to develop and implement a language arts program that integrates grammar, literature, and writing. The courses are taught by genre in the freshman and sophomore year. Much time is spent on literature and composition activities that foster a firm foundation for understanding the more complex courses presented in the junior and senior years. Selected readings of both the classics and modern literature are studied to show the students how to analyze different rhetorical strategies.

In the junior year, American literature is presented in a chronological approach which integrates the English classroom with American history. Students study American literature from 1492-2005. Students are also taught to personalize history through literary works, primary sources, and genealogical research. The AP English Language is also offered to students who want to develop advanced writing and analysis skills. College credit can be received if the student does well on the AP test and last year 100% qualified for credit.

In the senior year students take British Literature or AP English Literature. Students work on reading, critical thinking, and writing for college. The study of Shakespeare is also one of the primary objectives in both English AP and British literature. The students are immersed in the active exploration of reading, speaking, editing, and performing Shakespeare. At the end of the year, seniors are responsible for an exit project to show their language proficiency.

The English department also offers the following electives: Contemporary Literature, Grammar-Composition, World Authors, Writing Process, Speech, and an independent study in journalism. The teachers also feel strongly that students should have opportunities to publish their works through the literary magazine, the yearbook, and various national contests.

Starting in 2005 the English staff will be working on “CyberEnglish” and developing approaches to teaching and learning by creating Web pages and electronic portfolios. The goal of the English department at FRA is to engage all students in an organized curriculum that teaches them to be critical readers and thinkers who can write and speak effectively for the rest of their lives.