English Language and Literature
Courses
Ancient History and Mythology
In Ancient History and Mythology, students will be exposed to the classical world and its myths. They will gain an appreciation for past humanity by studying various ancient cultures from across the globe. The course will introduce students to the most famous myths, legends, and folktales of antiquity. The students will also explore the culture and language of these societies, and they will begin to understand the relationship between ancient and modern myths and why myths continue to speak to us today.
AP English Language and Composition
AP Lang is a three-session course that focuses on language as a persuasive tool and is designed to develop students’ ability to utilize and analyze rhetorical appeals, techniques, and devices in various media. While students will primarily read non-fiction texts, we will also include some fiction. An AP exam is offered at the end of the year, but is not required to participate in the course.
AP English Literature and Composition
This is a college-level literature course which explores a variety of the world’s great literature. It prepares students to take the AP Literature exam which, if passed, counts for college credit. The course involves intensive reading, writing, and discussion.
Composition 9
In this course, we will spend time reading about and discussing various themes and essential questions that relate to us as individuals. This class will help you sharpen your reading and writing skills as we dive in and examine literary works and texts. While studying long and short works of fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and drama, students will think and discuss critically while becoming familiar with literary elements and techniques. As a composition course, much of what we discuss and analyze will also lead to putting those thoughts and ideas on paper. Students will write creative pieces of fiction and poetry in addition to expository and argumentative papers using the writing process. These writings will show knowledge of standard grammar and usage as well as a sense of audience. Lastly, listening and speaking skills will also be developed throughout the course.
Critical Communication
As the culmination of their language studies, students read challenging and diverse material and are also given freedom to choose their own topics of inquiry. Students will write essays and other short works, both fiction and non-fiction, for each section with the goal of creating arguments that synthesize their readings, discussions, and research and clarify their individual ideas about each theme/topic.
Critical Reading
In Critical Reading, students study rhetoric (the art of persuasion). Students read material and identify how authors use rhetorical devices to move readers to think, feel, and act in certain ways. Students analyze literary devices in short stories, novels, and works of poetry and non-fiction. Students use their knowledge of literary and rhetorical devices to persuade readers as they craft their own original works of both creative and analytical writing. The course includes discussion, student-led research, and student presentations.
Critical Writing
Critical Writing is a two-session 11th grade English course designed to help students understand practical approaches to critical analysis, research, and the application of those skills to reading and writing. Students will be engaging with various texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays.
English Lit 10
In English Literature, students read contemporary and classic works of fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction to identify the elements of Literature. Lectures and student research help students read texts in historical context. Throughout the course, students participate in and lead discussions, conduct original research, and develop both analytical and creative writing projects.
Experimental Literature and Writing
This class asks students to reflect upon reading and writing practices that are “experimental” or “non-traditional.” Topics discussed will include writing under strict rules to explore creativity and critical thinking and choose-your-own adventures and blackout poetry. In addition to reading select works of experimental writing, students will have opportunities to create their own experimental writing and develop a zine of original experimental writing.
Prerequisite: This is an advanced English class reserved for 11th and 12th grade students, but 9th and 10th grade students can petition for admission.
Film & Media Studies
This class asks students to watch and study film. Student attention will fall on film narratives, camera work, set and sound design, costumes and make-up, and editing, among others. In addition to watching and studying film, students will have opportunities to develop and practice film-making through weekly labs and a final project.
Finding a Voice of Our Own
Focusing on the literature of E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolfe, and the storied members of the Bloomsbury Group, students will explore how a small, eclectic group of writers and thinkers discovered their voices. Students will choose one of the members of the loosely knit group to research and give voice to in a dynamic, multimedia presentation.
Freshman Seminar
Transitioning to high school can be a pretty exciting time! Yet, with newfound freedom, an increased workload, and greater responsibility, one can feel a bit overwhelmed trying to balance all of the changes. In this class, we will discuss and explore strategies that will set you up for a smooth transition into high school. Some topics covered will include time-management skills, study habits, college/career exploration, and emotional well-being, with a strong emphasis on relationship building. We will engage in FUN hands-on activities, class discussions, and group projects to help ensure social and academic success for the next 4 years and beyond.
Career & College House
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
STEM
Introduction to Film and Media Studies
This course explores the look, technologies, and social impact of moving images—film, television, and other new media, like video games and TikTok. Topics will include set design, cinematography, editing, sound, genre, and remix culture, among others. Students will also work in groups to direct short scenes illustrating learned concepts.
Introduction to Religious Studies
In Introduction to Religious Studies, students will be exposed to an array of sacred texts from the five major world religions and will read selections from several novels and short stories with religious themes and allusions. Students will gain an appreciation for the influence of religion on cultures, will begin to learn the basics of the field of religious studies, and will practice researching religions. Each student will write a research paper on a religious topic/theme and will give a presentation on a selected text from the course.
Library Aide
Students will pursue a number of projects intended to expand, improve, and maintain the library at TSAS. These projects will offer students the opportunity to draw on their knowledge of our culture and values while applying newly-acquired skills in library science and construction. Students will be expected to work collaboratively, incorporating surveys and community feedback as they tackle the design challenges of a fully-functioning library.
Narratives in Fantasy Fiction
In this elective students will focus on the writings and conversations of “The Inklings”: C.S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, et. al. Students will also practice writing/sharing their own works (in the spirit of The Inklings).
Post-apocalyptic Lit
This course will focus on themes common to the genre, reflect on how people (real and fictional) respond to crises, and investigate how these stories can uniquely critique the present. We will read and analyze novels, short stories, and other forms of post-apocalyptic media. Students will practice writing their own stories in this genre and will demonstrate their learning through other projects.
Seeking Shakespeare
Who was William Shakespeare and why aren’t the questions of authorship more widely known and discussed? After looking at recent research and scholarship on the playwright, students will watch several comedies, tragedies, and a couple of the history plays—all attributed to William Shakespeare, the man from Stratford Upon Avon.
The 1990s
The 1990s: grunge, pop-star icons, Oklahoma City Bombing, Boy Bands, the rise of hip-hop to the mainstream, Y2K, the OJ Simpson trial, the impeachment of President Clinton, and so much more. This interdisciplinary course blends elements of Literature, American History, Political Science, and American Studies to explore the decade of the 1990s. We will use film, television, music, theory, literature, advertisements, and more to understand the culture-changing decade. Students will complete reflective in-class writing, whole-class and independent reading, discussions, and an independent research project.
The Voices of Harlem
In this elective, students will explore how a group of Black writers and thinkers give birth to a renaissance. Students will choose one of the members of the group to research and give voice to in a dynamic, multimedia presentation.