The Stuyvesant High School Online Course Guide

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Overview: American Literature is being created every day, out there (and right here), somewhere in this vast land; right now, someone is writing a book that will light up our culture for generations to come. These texts often fit right into the scope of American Literature: they relate to, or draw from, previous works that still resonate today.

This class will explore the great themes of our nation's literature, in books that range from our foundational poetry to yesterday's prize-winning novels. Take this class if you love to read, and even more, if you love to write: the challenge will be to improve as writers and join the great dialogue about our country's writing.

Students will be encouraged to take the A.P. Language and Composition exam in the Spring. Applicants for the class must have at least a 92% average in English, or the special permission of the Department.

Texts: Readings vary each year. Last year's texts included plays by Arthur Miller and August Wilson; short stories by Philip Roth and Jonathan Lethem; and novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Michael Chabon. Students may be expected to acquire certain books on their own, since some titles may not be available from the book room.

Assignments: Essays will include analytical and narrative pieces, and creative combinations of both. Students will be expected to master the traditional academic essay, and to explore their own style and voice in all their writing.

Format: While developing as writers is our most important goal, the majority of classes are grounded in discussion; students will be encouraged to participate and create a dynamic intellectual community.