The elective program in English offers a wide variety of courses for student selection. These offerings range from thematically organized courses, to special seminars on specific authors, with each course covering relevant short and long works that fit the course’s focus. The typical composition students write at this level continues to build on student’s mastery of the five-paragraph essay. Students are expected to write three such essays each semester. They also study topics such as outlining, introductions and conclusions, transitions, and parallel structure designed to develop specific skills necessary for the writing of effective essays.
Shakespeare's plays are meant to be performed, seen, heard, and spoken aloud, not read passively at home. This class examines five of Shakespeare's later plays, and these five are considered by many to be his best works. The lectures aren't long; most time in class will be spent acting out or viewing film versions of the plays, followed by class discussions. Students will write two or three 5-paragraph essays. Plays we study: Hamlet, Henry V, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Tempest.