This course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of contemporary and historical non-fiction literature and is designed with two primary goals in mind: firstly, to engage students in becoming highly skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes; secondly, to enrich their understanding of how we use language to communicate. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements such as the use of logical fallacies, figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.
Students will:
- Immerse themselves in a wide range of works extensively with the purpose of mastering and reading through understanding of the structure and purpose of the writing.
- Explore the evolution of thought on contemporary, social, economic, political and scientific issues.
- Deepen their understanding of current issues in the form of written mediums such as newspapers and magazines.
- Understanding and analyze the classical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos in a variety of written mediums. Additionally, students will be expected to incorporate these appeals in their own persuasive writing.
- Develop and recognize their individual voice as a writer. Students will write insightfully, intelligently, and critically in a variety of genres, with an emphasis on expository, analytical, and argumentative writing.
- Improve meta-cognitive thinking skills so as to respond to readings through thoughtful inquiry, articulate class discussions in the form of the Socratic Seminar, better test performance, and incisive writing.
- Learn to present arguments of their own that includes both the analysis and synthesis of ideas from an array of sources.
Student assessments may include:
- Reading assignments for class discussion
- Written responses to class readings
- Media Research Project
- Analytical Essays
- Persuasive Essays
- Campaign Commercial Project
“The class is really fun and explores alternate methods of learning -- one of my favorite things this year was watching course-content movies in the class and discussing and reflecting on it with my classmates. For students who don't prefer reading-heavy courses and enjoy discussions and theoretical concepts more than sitting down and writing and reading, I'd highly recommend this course.”
- Anshuk Sharma (Class of 2023)
“Senior English: Non-fiction is definitely for those who would like to take a more relaxed English class. We do really fun and unique projects including movie/food reviews (you take a class field trip!), making advertisement videos, and making PSA videos of our own choice. I currently have [teacher] and they make this class so much fun.”
- Anonymous