ENG 1500 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 9
Description: This college preparatory course is designed to strengthen foundational skills in critical reading, analytical writing, and literary interpretation through the study of major American literature from colonial times to the present. The curriculum emphasizes engaging with key American themes—such as the meaning of moral freedom, the responsibility of the individual, and the pursuit of justice—as expressed across various genres. Students will focus on close reading to comprehend texts and analyze how authors use literary techniques and rhetorical strategies to shape meaning. The course encourages students to connect the enduring questions in American literature with their Catholic-Jesuit values and their call to be Men for Others. Students will write frequently in various modes so that, upon completion of this course, they are confident and competent writers capable of articulating arguments with clarity and precision.

ENG 1550 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in Honors English 9, a minimum score of 600 on the Reading and Writing section of the PSAT 9 exam, and departmental approval. 

Notes: Students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The goals and objectives of this AP course are aligned to the College Board Curriculum Standards.
Description: This advanced placement course is designed for the rigorous study and production of nonfiction writing, developing students’ abilities to read, analyze, and craft texts that communicate with clear purpose to varied audiences. The course is structured around exploring a diverse body of American literary traditions across history. Taught from a Catholic, Jesuit perspective, this course challenges students to engage with major nonfiction genres (essays, foundational documents, landmark speeches, memoirs, and contemporary journalism) and to analyze how writers use rhetoric, style, and structure to persuade, inform, and inspire national dialogue. Additionally, students will study novels and poetry to understand the evolution of American literary traditions, focusing on how different genres and literary movements reflect and shape the nation's identity and moral conscience. By course completion, through insightful reading and reasoning, and an appreciation for the dignity of the individual, the student will grow in his ability to recognize the pervasive influence of rhetoric in American public life. The student will also construct persuasive arguments with clarity, elegance, and effectiveness, using American rhetorical models to serve the common good and advocate for justice in an increasingly complex world.

ENG 1750 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 95 in British Literature or 90 in Honors British Literature, and departmental approval.Additionally, the College Board AP Potential Expectancy Tables will be used to inform placement.

Notes: Students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The goals and objectives of this AP course are aligned to the College Board Curriculum Standards.
Description: This course provides an opportunity for secondary school students to pursue and receive credit for college-level course work completed at the secondary school level. Students read and discuss some of the finest poetry, plays, novels, and short stories written at various times in various cultures. They learn how to discover meaning in literature by being attentive to language, image, character, action, argument, and the various techniques and strategies authors use to evoke emotional responses from readers. Students are expected to justify their interpretations by reference to details and patterns found in the readings, to compare their interpretations with those proposed by classmates, teacher, and published literary works, and to be prepared to modify their own interpretations as they learn more and think more. Goals for writing include analytical essays about literature as well as creative assignments where the students experience the hard work and rewards of authorship. Exercises emulating the style of a particular writer will be included. Students will be required to write and document a research paper on a single work or several works by one or more authors. Advanced Placement English studentsare expected to develop a mature writing style characterized by good vocabulary, a variety of sentence structures, distinct subordination and coordination of ideas in structured paragraphs, and by rhetorical devices that reinforce meaning. Collaborative projects are a common feature of this course. Small groups of students are given an assignment requiring collecting and organizing information, making critical judgments, and presenting their work to the rest of the class. Students registered in this course are required to take the AP Exam in May.

ENG 1750 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in Honors American Literature or 87 in AP English Language & Composition, with a passing AP exam score, and departmental approval. Additionally, the College Board AP Potential Expectancy Tables with a 60% threshold for a qualifying score of 3 or higher will be used to inform placement.

Description: This advanced placement course is designed to cultivate advanced literary analysis, critical thinking, and sophisticated writing skills in preparation for the AP exam and for lifelong engagement with literature. The student will engage in careful reading and interpretation of British classic and contemporary works of fiction, poetry, and drama from diverse periods and cultures, with particular attention to the moral, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. The student will explore how authors convey meaning through language, structure, and style, while also reflecting on the human experience and the moral questions posed in literature. By course completion, he will deepen his ability for discernment, ethical reasoning, and an appreciation for the dignity of the individual. Through reading, discussion, and writing, students will grow in their ability to articulate thoughtful insights, construct persuasive literary arguments, and communicate with clarity and elegance.
Students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The goals and objectives of this AP course are aligned to the College Board Curriculum Standards.

ENG 1600 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of American Literature
Description: This college preparatory course focuses on building essential skills in critical reading, analytical writing, and literary interpretation. Centered on the study of British literature, the course traces the literary tradition from its foundations to the modern era, examining key works of poetry, drama, and prose within their historical and cultural contexts. Through careful reading, students will explore major themes within the British canon relevant to the lives of young men, such as the nature of integrity and virtue, the importance of moral choice, the interplay between faith and reason, and the journey to find meaning in a complex world. The course emphasizes the Catholic, Jesuit ideals of intellectual discipline, clear expression, and thoughtful inquiry, challenging students to read and write with both understanding and moral awareness. Students will write regularly in various analytical and interpretive formats, strengthening the habits of clear thought and effective communication necessary for academic excellence.

ENG 1100 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 6th
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course invites sixth-grade students to begin their journey as readers, writers, and thinkers in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. While discovering the power of stories and language, the course encourages students to find their own voices, listen thoughtfully to others, and communicate with clarity and purpose. Students read a wide variety of engaging texts—including fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction—that explore meaningful and relatable themes such as courage, friendship, and making good choices.Through guided reading, lively class discussions, and introductory literary analysis, students learn how stories work by examining elements like plot, setting, and characterization. Writing instruction emphasizes the writing process as students practice crafting clear paragraphs, building stronger sentences, and developing narrative and expository pieces. Regular vocabulary study and focused grammar instruction help students become more confident in both written and spoken expression. By the end of the course, students are ready for the challenges of seventh-grade English, having grown into more confident writers, thoughtful readers, and articulate, purposeful communicators. 

ENG 1200 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 7th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 6
Description: This course builds on the skills developed in sixth grade as students deepen their understanding of literature and strengthen their voices as readers, writers, and thinkers. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the curriculum challenges students to communicate with greater clarity, purpose, and reflection while listening thoughtfully to the perspectives of others. Students read a diverse range of texts—including short stories, novels, drama, poetry, and nonfiction—that explore themes such as identity, responsibility, and service. Through close reading, discussion, and introductory literary analysis, students move beyond understanding what a text says to examining how and why it communicates meaning. They will expand their study of literary elements while learning to support their ideas with textual evidence. Writing instruction emphasizes the full writing process as students craft well-organized paragraphs, more complex sentences, and longer narrative and expository pieces, while learning the foundations of argumentative writing. Vocabulary development and grammar instruction support increasingly confident written and oral expression. By the end of the course, students are prepared for the greater independence and analytical expectations of the next level of English, with opportunities for those ready to advance into a more accelerated course.

ENG 1300 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 8th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 7
Description: This course is designed to challenge eighth-grade students by strengthening their reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the curriculum emphasizes reflection, ethical awareness, and clear communication. Students will explore various genres—including fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction—while examining relatable themes such as moral choice, justice, freedom and responsibility. Through guided reading, discussion, and textual analysis, students learn to understand literary techniques and support their ideas with evidence from texts. Writing instruction emphasizes clear organization, paragraph development, and effective use of evidence in narrative, expository, argumentative, and introductory analytical writing. Emphasis is placed on grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics to support students’ confidence in written and oral expression. By the end of the course, students will be prepared for thoughtful engagement with literature and the expectations of high school English.

ENG 1400 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 8
Description: Ninth Grade English is a comprehensive course that explores the interconnected worlds of writing and literature. This course focuses on building a strong foundation in literary and rhetorical analysis, vocabulary, literary and academic writing in preparation for a rigorous course of study. In addition, this course emphasizes effective speaking, listening and language skills. An MLA style argumentative research paper is also included in the spring semester. 

ENG 1401 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 8
Description: This course is designed for ninth-grade students who are ready to strengthen their reading and writing skills and engage in a challenging, yet supportive, high school English curriculum. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the course emphasizes clear, purposeful, and ethical communication through the study of novels, drama, poetry, and nonfiction from a variety of historical periods and cultures. Students will explore themes such as moral freedom, individual responsibility, justice, and conscience while building skills in close reading, discussion, and basic literary analysis. Students will be introduced to foundational rhetorical concepts as tools for understanding how writers communicate ideas and persuade readers. The curriculum focuses on developing proficiency in analytical, argumentative, expository, and narrative writing, with attention to textual evidence, logical organization, and clarity of expression. Students will also strengthen vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics, and learn to engage thoughtfully with diverse texts and perspectives. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and discuss literature for both its artistic qualities and its moral and philosophical lessons, preparing them for continued success in high school English and a life of thoughtful, ethical engagement.

COM 9606 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th - 12th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of History & Social Impact of Film and teacher recommendation.
Description: The Film Production I course is designed to teach students basic film making skills from step one, an idea, all the way to the final step, exhibition. The class will teach students practical skills in camera, lighting and editing. This is a hands‐on, procedural class. The key issue to the class is to see how well students grasp the information and put it to use. In other words, how well they can get their idea, in a clear manner, on to the screen. This class will allow students to be as creative as they want but have organized and well thought out ideas. This course does not require any experience in the field. Actually, the less you know the better, since this will allow students to have nothing that can hold them back from being able to think for greatness.

COM 9506 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th ‐ 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: History of Cinema and its Social Impact explores the historical development of the film industry. The course will examine the origin of the motion picture, narrative and non‐fiction genres in American and world cinemas from its inception to today. It investigates the relationships between economics, industrial history (Technology), social and political effect on society, ethics and the styles and techniques of specific films. In depth looks are given to the diversity of styles of presentation in motion pictures. The course will also look at the development of new technologies such as video and digital media. Finally, there will be in depth discussions of the social impact that cinematography has had on society throughout history, as well as the films that shaped and changed civilization.

ENG 1510 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in English 9 or 85 in Honors English 9, and departmental approval.
Description: This rigorous advanced-level course integrates a deep dive into canonical and contemporary American literature with explicit practice in literary and rhetorical analysis. The curriculum demands exceptional ability in critical reading, precise argumentation, and sophisticated synthesis of complex ideas. Students move beyond comprehension to analyze how texts work, mastering the techniques necessary to interpret poetry, fiction, and drama, while applying rhetorical criticism to non-fiction. The course is structured around exploring major American themes—such as the meaning of freedom, the pursuit of justice, the conflict between faith and materialism, and the formation of national identity. The course challenges students to connect these enduring questions with their Catholic-Jesuit formation and their vocational call to be Men for Others, cultivating habits of thought and expression appropriate for the highest level of academic work.

ENG 1610 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in American Literature or 87 in Honors American Literature or 85 in AP English Language & Composition, and departmental approval.
Notes: This advanced course is designed for highly motivated students who demonstrate exceptional ability in critical reading, analytical writing, and literary interpretation. Centered on the study of British literature, the course traces the development of the literary tradition from its early foundations to the modern era, examining major works of poetry, drama, and prose within their historical, cultural, and theological contexts. Through the close reading of texts, students will engage the central themes of the British canon, including the nature of virtue, the moral dimensions of freedom, the tension between faith and reason, and the search for order in a changing world. The course emphasizes the Catholic, Jesuit ideals of intellectual discipline, eloquent expression, and reflective inquiry, encouraging students to read with both critical and moral awareness. By the end of the course, students will have written frequently in a variety of analytical and interpretive modes, while cultivating habits of thought and expression appropriate to advanced academic study.

ENG 1610 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in American Literature or 87 in Honors American Literature or 85 in AP English Language & Composition, and departmental approval.
Notes: This advanced course is designed for highly motivated students who demonstrate exceptional ability in critical reading, analytical writing, and literary interpretation. Centered on the study of British literature, the course traces the development of the literary tradition from its early foundations to the modern era, examining major works of poetry, drama, and prose within their historical, cultural, and theological contexts. Through the close reading of texts, students will engage the central themes of the British canon, including the nature of virtue, the moral dimensions of freedom, the tension between faith and reason, and the search for order in a changing world. The course emphasizes the Catholic, Jesuit ideals of intellectual discipline, eloquent expression, and reflective inquiry, encouraging students to read with both critical and moral awareness. By the end of the course, students will have written frequently in a variety of analytical and interpretive modes, while cultivating habits of thought and expression appropriate to advanced academic study.

Grade Level: 11th - 12th

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Broadcast Journalism, teacher recommendation and departmental approval.

Notes: Coursework will require additional studio, off-campus research and or filming time.

 

ENG 1310 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 8th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in English 7, and departmental approval.
Description: This advanced-level course is designed for highly motivated eighth-grade students who demonstrate advanced reading comprehension, strong writing skills, and a high degree of intellectual curiosity. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the curriculum emphasizes rigorous inquiry, ethical reflection, and articulate self-expression. Students engage deeply with complex texts across genres—including fiction, drama, poetry, and nonfiction—from diverse cultural and historical contexts. Through sustained close reading, seminar-style discussion, and analytical writing, students explore enduring and abstract themes such as moral choice, justice, freedom, and responsibility. Instruction places a strong emphasis on interpreting literary and rhetorical techniques, evaluating authorial choices, and supporting nuanced claims with well-integrated textual evidence. Writing expectations are demanding and include analytical, expository, narrative, and introductory argumentative pieces, with particular attention to the sophistication of ideas, organization, precision of language, grammar, and advanced academic vocabulary. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to approach literature as independent, critical thinkers who consider both artistic craft and moral meaning, in alignment with the school’s mission of forming reflective, ethical communicators.

ENG 1411 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in English 8 or 87 in Advanced English 8, and departmental approval.
Description: This advanced-level course is designed for motivated ninth-grade students who demonstrate strong reading and writing skills and are ready for an accelerated high school English curriculum. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the curriculum emphasizes clear, purposeful, and ethical communication through the study of novels, drama, poetry, and nonfiction from diverse historical periods and cultures. Students explore enduring themes such as moral freedom, individual responsibility, justice, and conscience while developing close-reading, discussion, and rhetorical analysis skills.The curriculum builds proficiency in analytical, argumentative, expository, and narrative writing, with an emphasis on textual evidence, logical organization, and clarity of expression. Students strengthen critical thinking, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics while learning to engage thoughtfully with both literary texts and diverse perspectives. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to analyze literature for both its artistic merit and its moral and philosophical dimensions, in alignment with the Catholic, Jesuit mission.

ENG 1410 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in English 8 or 87 in Honors English 8, and departmental approval. 
Description: The Ninth Grade Honors English course is a comprehensive course that explores the interconnected worlds of writing and literature. This course focuses on refining a strong foundation in literary and rhetorical analysis, vocabulary, literary and academic writing in preparation for a rigorous course of study. In addition, this course emphasizes effective speaking, listening and language skills. The accelerated pace of reading and writing and the expected depth analysis allows for additional required essays and projects. In addition to an MLA style argumentative research paper included in the spring semester, students will have a variety of different writing opportunities to develop a sense of personal style and tone. 

ENG 1440 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 95 in Advanced English 8, a minimum CPT score of 750 in reading comprehension, and departmental approval.
Description: This Pre-AP-level course is designed for the most capable ninth-grade students preparing for the rigor of the most challenging high school English courses. Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, the curriculum emphasizes eloquentia perfecta—the ability to communicate persuasively and ethically. Students will move beyond introductory literary analysis to engage with complex rhetorical strategies and sophisticated argumentative techniques across diverse media and literary traditions. The curriculum incorporates a variety of challenging texts—including novels, drama, poetry, and nonfiction—from diverse countries, historical periods, and cultural perspectives and introduces advanced rhetorical analysis of literary and persuasive texts. Students will develop mastery in four key modes of writing: Analytical, Argumentative, Expository, and Narrative. In alignment with the Catholic, Jesuit mission, upon completion of the course, students will possess the ability to analyze texts not only for their artistic merit, but also for their ethical and philosophical implications, and the intellectual curiosity and personal reflection necessary to engage thoughtfully and morally with a complex world.

ENG 1710 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in British Literature or 85 in Honors British Literature, and departmental approval.

Description: This course is an advanced introduction to World Literature, including works from authors whose diverse views reflect thought in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. This is a college level course, with a major independent study component similar to those offered at the college level. Students will read and critically analyze literature orally and in writing, exploring themes, genres, and literary techniques. In this course, there will be extensive discussion of the authors, styles, historical contexts, philosophical backgrounds and general aesthetic qualities of the various works covered. In addition, students will study the techniques and vocabulary required for competence in writing themes about the literature they read and discuss. A specific assignment will be made each semester to be completed autonomously (outside of normal class activities). The student will budget his time, complete extensive research and perform independent analysis of a piece of literature.

ENG 1710DE (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: Final grade of 92 in British Literature or 85 in Honors British Literature, and departmental approval.

Notes: This is a dual enrollment course with St. Thomas University. Students must commit to dual enrollment for both semesters.
Description: This course is an advanced introduction to World Literature, including works from authors whose diverse views reflect thought in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. This is a college level course, with a major independent study component similar to those offered at the college level. Students will read and critically analyze literature orally and in writing, exploring themes, genres, and literary techniques. In this course, there will be extensive discussion of the authors, styles, historical contexts, philosophical backgrounds and general aesthetic qualities of the various works covered. In addition, students will study the techniques and vocabulary required for competence in writing themes about the literature they read and discuss. A specific assignment will be made each semester to be completed autonomously (outside of normal class activities). The student will budget his time, complete extensive research and perform independent analysis of a piece of literature.

Description: This course is designed to promote greater ease in effective oral expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Engaging in live presentations addressing small and large groups, the student will design and apply strategies to help overcome oral communication apprehension. The student will develop effective presentation strategies that enhance their presentations. A cooperative learning environment encourages peer review and response to diverse audience feedback. Students engage in the presentation of speeches to inform, persuade and entertain utilizing the process of writing, reading, speaking, listening and viewing. They will study diverse speeches and presentations and analyze and evaluate public discourses and explore speech writing as a possible career.

COM 9602 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: The student will explore the role of oral communications including public speaking, engaging in live presentations, speech and debate, and addressing small and large groups. The student will address issues of oral communication apprehension and design and apply strategies to help students overcome it. The student will develop effective strategies that enhance their presentations. Everyone will work in a cooperative learning environment to encourage peer review and respond to diverse audience feedback. The program includes a combination of the processes of writing, reading, speaking, listening, and viewing to achieve successful communication skills. Students will explore and attempt to effectively intonate, project, and grasp the attention of an audience. They will study diverse speeches and presentations and analyze and evaluate public discourses. This is a hands-on class where students will write and deliver speeches on a weekly basis and explore speech writing as a possible career.

ENG 1700 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 12th

Prerequisites: Successful completion of British Literature

Description: This course exposes students to the great works of Western literature in order to establish thematic patterns that show the continuity and development of Western literature. Students will write essays in-class and at-home in response to the literature studied, engage in group projects to synthesize their understanding, as well as write a research paper in the MLA style. This course will provide students with an opportunity to improve their ability to read critically and engage in literary analysis and discussion.