Breaking down senior English classes
In the midst of studying and standardized test prep, the last thing Samo Juniors want to have to think about is deciding between the myriad of Senior english electives. Presented with more that two choices for the first time in their english careers, there are many things that students must take into account when making this important decision.
Shakespeare Literature
While a first exposure to William Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets might range anywhere from the ninth grade Romeo and Juliet unit to a deeper involvement in the study or performance of his quintessential works such as “King Lear” and “A Midnight Summer’s Dream”, any student would become immersed in the lyrical witticisms and dramatic soliloquies explored in Shakespearean Literature. The course extends beyond analysis and explication of the written texts, incorporating a more “hands-on” approach, according to Lee. Students attend performances by theater companies at the Broad Stage, and stage their own adaptations of the plays in theater companies.
AP English Literature and Composition
Students interested in expanding upon the traditional literary study explored in Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition can continue in Samo’s only AP senior elective — AP English Literature and Composition. The class is designed to analyze both traditional and contemporary literature and delve into renowned drama, fiction and poetry pieces. While the first semester is a study of plays, from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” to “Death of a Salesman,” the second semester takes a more involved look at the deceivingly simple concept of “the novel”, while also preparing the students for the AP exam. After the exam, studnts continue to focus on various novels and on perfecting their analytical and writing skills.
Women’s Literature
Women’s Literature examines feminism through both literary and social lenses. The holistic course observes the power of womanhood in both historical and contemporary settings through poetry, short stories, films, art and novels written by and about women, with the goal of analyzing the portrayal of women from various cultural and historical perspectives. During second semester, students focus on women in the United States and respond to femenist criticism through various literary eras. “Most, if not all, students at Samo have been learning history as ‘His story’ since elementary school. Women’s Lit is the only course I have taken that focuses on the traditionally underrepresented ‘Her story,’” Janet Coleman-Belin (’15) said.
California Literature
Although books by John Steinbeck are commonly read in California Literature, students taking this course study a wide array of literature about our Golden State. This course follows two of the major perspectives of California: one focuses on California as a tropical paradise, and the other as a dystopia. Additionally, while the California Literature trip was a highlight for many past students, it should not be the deciding factor when choosing your English class, because the trip is not always guaranteed. “I really like California Literature because as a California native, I am learning so much about my home state and the importance of Chicano Literature,” Jake Feffer (’15) said.
Folktales and Mythology
Although commonly misrepresented as bedtime stories meant exclusively for children, the Brothers Grimm and Euhemerus present a mature twist on Folktales and Mythology — a surprisingly dark, multi-faceted and sometimes gory course that breaks the stereotypical “fairy-tale ending,” replacing it with the exploration of more involved texts through the lens of feminism, history and even Disney as a social norm. The first semester is a study of ancient mythology, whereas the second semester takes a deeper look at the stories we have heard as children.
Bible as Literature and Existential Literature
The first semester of the course is centered on studying the Bible — both the New and Old Testaments — and John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden”. Through studying the Bible as a work of literature as well as a source of allusions, students begin to understand its significance in Western Culture. and The second semester is dedicated to existentialism by studying writers including Franz Kafka and Jean-Paul Sartre. “We look at question such as ‘why we do the things we do’ and ‘why bad things happen to good people,’” English teacher Kitaro Webb said. “This class is for everyone. It looks at the meaning of life and we discuss questions, through reading, about the way different people throughout history have answered these questions.
African-American Literature
African American literature aims to develop an awareness of the racism that is still present, according to Tess Miller (’15). The literature ranges from books like Invisible Man to numerous slave narratives, opening students’ eyes to both historic and modern racism. This class involves controversial debate topics and interactive activities, focusing on periods such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement. “In this class, you become really aware of African American history through narratives, movies and classic and current books,” Anna Lamb (’15) said.
CORE TEXTS:
Folktales and Mythology:
-“Mythology” by Edith Hamilton
-“Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles
-“Best Loved Folktales of the World”, selected by Joanna Cole including stories like “Cinderella” and “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp”
African-American Literature:
-“Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
-“Incognegro” by Mat Johnson
-A variety of slave narratives including “The Dutchman” by Amiri Baraka, “Native Son” by Richard Wright and “The Ballad of Emmett Till” by Ifa Bayeza
AP English Literature Composition:
-“Candide” by Voltaire
- “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw
- “Tales of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens
-“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
-“The School for Scandal” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Bible as Literature and Existential Literature:
-Excerpts from the Bible
-“East of Eden”
-“Existentialism From Dostoevsky to Sartre” (including authors such as Sartre, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Kafka, Heidegger and others)
California Literature:
-“Pastures of Heaven” by John Steinbeck
-“Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck
-“Madonas of Echo Park” by Brando Skyhorse
- “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck
-“Under the Feet of Jesus” by Helena Maria Viramontes
Women’s Literature:
-“The Awakening” by Kate Chopin
-“Mother Tongue” by Demetria Martinez
-“Mama Day” by Gloria Naylor
-“When I Was Puerto Rican” by Esmeralda Santiago
Shakespeare Literature:
-“Hamlet”
-“A Midnight Summer’s Dream”
-“King Lear”
-“Much Ado About Nothing”
(all by Shakespeare)