In this course, students explore the relationship between what we see and what we know by asking “Is seeing believing?” in a universal and specific sense. By reading contemporary short fiction, essays, poetry and nonfiction texts, such as David Cullen’s “nonfiction novel” “Columbine,” along with visual texts, such as classic and contemporary films, journalistic photography…

The objective of this course is to dispel the notion that literature is something of the past, that it is a purely historical phenomenon, which in our 21st century world has been replaced with television, film and the Internet. Students encounter and wrestle with perspectives, commentaries and portrayals of the world we live in now…

In this course, students read, discuss and dissect the works of great short story writers, such as Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Mansfield, Anton Chekhov and J.D. Salinger. They also read the short stories of slightly lesser known, but equally innovative, writers from diverse ethnic and geographical backgrounds. The goal for this course is to give students…

Is Shakespeare the greatest writer in the history of the English language? Why do audiences still flock to performances of his plays? What themes in his plays still resonate with us after 400 years? This course explores the world of William Shakespeare, arguably the most influential writer in Western literature, through a close study of…

Students are introduced to works of imaginative literature (primarily short stories, science fiction, essays and autobiographies) on scientific topics and non-fictional works of science. Students consider how the intersections between literature and science raise fascinating questions in science, literature, and ethics. Students study vocabulary in the content area, and review grammar and research writing skills.…

This course explores aspects of satire, beginning with a clear definition of satire, and making distinctions between satire and other forms of humor (sarcasm, comedy, etc.) The course follows the history of satire in both England and America. Starting with the earliest writers and moving toward present-day writers, students are introduced to some of the…

How do we continue to construct ourselves and evolve as a nation? Who is now part of that reconstruction process, either by invitation, invention or force? What new and different challenges face us as a nation? Anticipating the future, who and what will we become as a nation? What role does literature continue to play…

To understand how an engine works, a mechanic must take it apart, examine its components, and reassemble it. Learning to write well functions the same way. In this course, students will read, write, and analyze different forms of creative nonfiction and journalism to better understand how personal essays and news features can inform, persuade, and…

To understand how an engine works, a mechanic must take it apart, examine its components and reassemble it. Learning to write well functions the same way. In this course, students will read, write and analyze different forms of fiction to better understand how literature can persuade, inspire and move its readers — a skillset that…

According to Frances Mayes, “Some pull of inner necessity draws the poet to the page, whether to explore a problem, pursue a rhythm, break apart logic, express an emotion, tell a story or simply to sing.” This course is for students who wish to study poetry not only as readers, but also as writers bent…