Written by McD

English Department

The English Department of Bishop McDevitt High School has adopted A Pocket Style Manual, 5th Edition by Diana Hacker as the school-wide style manual.  Every student must purchase a copy at the McDevitt Bookstore.

Humanities English I (H)

This course is the first half of a team-taught rigorous course of study.  The Humanities program begins with the origins of the universe and ends at the termination of sophomore year with the French Revolution and its ramifications.  The major developments of mankind are traced in selected literary works which follow historical trends and reveal major literary disciplines.  Writing assignments are frequent and challenging with the expectation that students who enroll in the course already possess a proper sense of style along with a working knowledge of grammar.  Humanities English I must be taken in conjunction with Humanities History I.

English I (A)

This course entails the study of the major genres of literature gleaned from the classics of Western and American culture.  The short story, novel, poetry, drama, and essay are included, providing an overview of various styles of writing.  Composition in emphasized with the introduction of the research paper and explication de texte as well as many creative pieces.  Library research skills are included.

English I (B)

This course is designed for students who require remediation in comprehension and writing skills.  Literary selections focus on a variety of genres of high interest with an emphasis on usage, grammar, and vocabulary review.  Creative writing is stressed along with a mini-introduction to the research paper. 

Humanities English II (H)

The Humanities sequence is a team-taught chronological program which coordinates history and literature to build a framework around which religion, philosophy, anthropology, science, art, music, grammar, genres, etc. mesh to reveal the complex nature of humanity.  The scope of the program necessitates two academic years, providing a continuity and flexibility that is unique and demanding.  Writing assignments are frequent and challenging with an emphasis on group projects and the continued master of the research paper and the explication de texte.  This course is taken in conjunction with Humanities History II.

English II (A)

This course offers high quality, appealing, traditional and contemporary literature selections from major genres. Students will become familiar with literary terms and emphasis will be placed on improving writing skills. Library research will be included in the course of study.

English II – British Studies (A1)

British literature enhances the understanding of early British history and culture.  Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales provide lessons concerning Medieval life while the majority of the year uses Shakespeare's history plays (Richard II, I Henry IV, II Henry IV, Henry V, and Richard III) to show lessons in political struggle and leadership.  It also surveys the difference between true history and fiction.  Composition is stressed through a variety of group projects, both research and creative in nature, as well as the explication de texte.  This course is team-taught and must be taken in conjunction with British Studies History.  T.H. White's The Sword in the Stone is the required summer reading.

English II (B)

This course focuses on the writing process by engaging students in a variety of writing activities including art responses, personal narratives, expository and persuasive writing.  Active reading is emphasized through a broad analysis of various literary genres including poetry, short story, novel, and drama.  Grammar and vocabulary are reviewed within the study of literature as well as the writing process.

English III, American Literature (H)

This honors class explores the history of American literature.  Beginning with the Puritan settlers, the course leads the student through pivotal American moments: the clamor of the Revolutionary War, the first harvesting of American writers, the division of the Civil War, and the blossoming of the literature of Modern America.  By years end, the student will appreciate the rich cultural diversity of our American literary identity.  Extensive writing and research are emphasized.

English III, American Literature (A)

This academic class begins with the oral works of the Native Americans and the Puritan writings of the early colonists, continues through the literature of the Revolutionary and Civil War eras and ends with the rich diversity of contemporary writing.  Along with the various readings, students will be required to develop skills in literary analysis and critical thinking.  A research paper and explication de texte are required.

English III, American Literature (B)

American literature from the Colonial Period to the present is used to enhance reading comprehension and literary analysis.  Particular emphasis is placed on the development of writing skills.

English IV, Shakespeare and Modern Drama (H)

Research and literary analysis are emphasized throughout this in-depth study of the history of drama.  Three plays by William Shakespeare and three modern dramatists are analyzed as representative of the major genres of the dramatic form.  A mature knowledge of the research/writing process is required as well as the ability to relate various characters, plots, and themes to the timeless circumstances of the human condition.  Shakespeare's plays are studied as "script" as well as "text."  Production and performance are additional course requirements.

English IV, World Literature (A)

World Literature is the chronological study of "historically significant" literature beginning with the Ancient Greeks and continuing through the 19th century.  This year-long academic course treats the development of all literary genre, and includes a concise historical and cultural presentation for each time period.  A research paper and an explication de texte are required.

English IV, Shakespeare and Modern Drama (A1)

This academic class explores the history of drama from its beginnings in ancient Greece to present day.  Three plays by William Shakespeare and three by modern dramatists are studied as representative of the major genres of the dramatic form.  All elements of the drama will be highlighted as well as the basics of literary analysis through the explication de texte and the research paper.  Shakespeare's plays are studied as "script" as well as "text."  Production and performance are additional course requirements.

English IV, World Literature (B)

This literature course explores and celebrates the history and culture of regions from around the globe through the study of a variety of genres.  Students will improve their composition skills through creative and research-based projects.

Journalism, Practicum in Twin Towers (A)

This elective course will teach the basics of journalism as they pertain to the production of the school newspaper.

Composition and Writing (A)

Grade 12 only; Dual credit with Alvernia University.  This elective course is designed to build confidence as well as improve writing skills.  Both fiction and nonfiction writing styles will be explored and developed using the writing process.  A writer's autobiography, the essay, the short story, poetry, and satire are a sampling of the genres practiced throughout the course.  Students will keep a journal and a portfolio.

Shakespeare/English Literature and Composition (AP)

Summer assignment: a poetry literary portfolio and the critical reading of a novel, including the writing of an explication de texte.  AP English Literature is a specialized course for students who demonstrate an exceptional interest in and commitment to the study of literature.  Students will have already developed strong writing and anlytical skills.  Students consider and explore the structure, meaning, and value of each literary work and its relationship to contemporary expreience, as well as to the time in which it was written.  Shakespeare as well as Modern Drama is studied, providing a broad interpretation of literary analysis.  AP text genres are reviewed through the written analysis of the explication de texte.  Students must pay for and take the AP English Literature and Composition examination.