Upper School English

Philosophy/Approach: 
The Upper School English Department begins its program with Ninth Grade Humanities, an interdisciplinary synthesis of history, literature, and art. The course, taught in conjunction with the History Department, invites a philosophical examination of human nature through a study of the relationships between the history, geography, literature and arts of ancient cultures from around the globe, including Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece, and Rome. English courses after Humanities 9 maintain a humanities focus, In particular, Humanities 10, American Studies and AP Literature, all consider elements of history, art, music and philosophy in their instruction.
 
 
 
All English courses foster an appreciation for literature in its historical and cultural contexts and encourage a willingness to explore and examine a variety of global perspectives. Skills emphasized throughout the curriculum include close reading, critical thinking and analysis, analytical and creative writing, careful speaking and listening and extensive vocabulary development. Teachers pay considerable attention to a broad range of writing, including expository essays, personal essays, journal writing, poetry, and fiction.
 

Departmental Requirements/Course Sequence:
  • Four years of English are required for graduation.
  • Ninth grade English is a course in Humanities taught in conjunction with the History Department
  • English 10 focuses on the genres of the novel, short story, drama, and poetry.  Another sophomore option is Humanities 10 taught in conjunction with the History Department.  Taking the lead and continuing the work of Humanities 9, Humanities 10 focuses on the history, literature, art, philosophy and music of world cultures with additional work in film studies.
  • English 11 offers three choices for a student to fulfill the junior English requirement: American Literature, AP English Literature, and American Studies. 
  • English 12 allows students to choose year long or semester elective classes that focus on a variety of topics based on student interest and teacher expertise.
Program Highlights:
  • The Writing Center, working closely with the English Department, offers opportunities for students to “workshop” their writing as well as opportunities for student leadership through the Writing Center Interns Program. In this program, student interns who have demonstrated a strong capability in writing tutor their younger peers in writing during 9th grade Humanities labs.
  • The English 11 and American Studies documentary project enables students to explore filmmaking.
  • The Homelessness course provides opportunities for students to work extensively with homeless agencies in the Cleveland area. 
  • Community members with expertise in relevant fields are invited to Hawken to sit on a Humanities Panel to discuss topics relevant to the course; in the past, panels have focused on ancient civilizations and Judaism.
An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12

Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135 
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

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