Course Descriptions
English Department

211 English I
Advanced
This course covers the same material as English 1 as well as additional companion literature. The curriculum is based on the assumption that the students have strong reading and writing skills and is more academically demanding.

212 English 1
Required / Full credit / Honors / Grade 9
This course stresses the development of basic skills in reading, writing, speaking, thinking, and studying. Literature selections are integrated with cultures introduced in the Grade 9 world history course. Vocabulary and writing assignments are based on the literature. In conjunction with developing writing skills through expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive paragraphs and essays, students also study grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence construction, and paragraph organization.

221 English 2
Advanced
This course covers the same material as English 2. However, it is more academically demanding, requires additional readings, and demands stronger writing skills.

222 English 2
Required/ Full credit / Honors / Grade 10
This course stresses analytical reading and expository writing while continuing vocabulary building and the development of oral skills. Literature selections are integrated with themes introduced in the Grade 10 modern European history course. Writing assignments include comparison/contrast, persuasive, and cause and effect essays. The skill of revision and re-writing is refined through proofreading and editing. During the third quarter, students write a short research paper in conjunction with the history department.

231 American Literature
Advanced
This course is offered to highly motivated students who demonstrate a maturity that is reflected in their work ethic as well as in their analytical understanding of material and expression in speech and in writing.

232 American Literature
Required / Full credit / Honors / Grade 11
This is a chronological and thematic study of American literature from the Native American era to the twentieth century. The richness found in the cultural diversity of our American heritage is the focus of the dramas, novels, poems, and short stories studied. Students are expected to use correct standard English in written and oral communication, and the research paper is an important unit within the course. Independent study and cooperative projects are an integral part of the curriculum and are implemented by group discussion, peer reading, oral reports, and group projects.

235 Vocal Communication
Required / Partial credit / Grade 11
This course makes each student aware of the art of communication and helps her improve her process of communication through speech and body language. It also approaches the skill of quickly organizing thoughts and communicating them cohesively.

241 World Literature
Advanced
An AP Examination is offered in this course.
This is a genre-based survey of major writers from a variety of countries and time periods which encourages students to look beyond their own worlds. This course is offered to students who have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in English. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, cooperative learning, effective speech, outside reading and independent projects.

242 World Literature
Required / Full credit / Honors / Grade 12
An AP Examination is offered in this course.
This is a genre-based survey of major writers from a variety of countries and time periods that encourages students to look beyond their own worlds. An emphasis on analytical writing, cooperative learning, and effective speech prepares students for college level work. Students are given the opportunity to pursue independent projects.

245 Women Writers
Elective / Full credit / Honors / Grade 12
This course examines the lives and works of notable women writers. The reading list includes major works by contemporary and classic novelists, poets and writers of non-fiction. The writing requirements include both analytical and creative essays and exercises. Students will analyze and respond to texts from personal, literary, and critical perspectives and will examine narrative and other writing modes. The course demands close, careful and frequent reading of texts including literary criticism and other methodology. Students should have a genuine interest in writing (language, syntax, structure and meaning). Students will learn how to compose visual texts. The course culminates in the publication of a student journal.

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Notre Dame Academy
425 Salisbury Street, Worcester MA 01609
Phone: 508-757-6200/ FAX: 508-757-1888