English

This sophomore course emphasizes writing, vocabulary, close reading, literary analysis, and literary criticism to encourage students to develop an appreciation of American Literature. With scaffolded instructional support, students are expected to consistently use critical thinking skills to complete course assignments.

A survey of all genres of the various periods of American literature forms the reading segment of the course. A research paper on a literary topic is assigned as part of the writing component. 

Students who are enrolled in English Level 1 (E111) will be enrolled in either Level 3 or Level 6 as determined by the Director of the O’Shaughnessy Program and the English Department Chair.

This full-year, senior, Level 6 course examines the authors, themes, and characters of the “Chicago tradition” in literature from the early twentieth century until the present day. 

Through discussion of Chicago authors and their work, the class will determine what issues, themes, and concerns may be held in common by Chicago writers. Anticipated issues to be explored include industrialization, immigration, segregation, racism, housing, and the “building, breaking, rebuilding” ongoing transformation of Chicago’s physical, emotional, and social landscape.

The course will also discuss Chicago’s situation within American culture, Chicago as a fictional character, and Chicago authors’ love for the city they depict. One goal of the course is that students gain a lifelong appreciation of Chicago literature and the city of Chicago itself. 

Students will be evaluated based on quizzes on reading, unit tests, formal and informal writing assignments, research projects, individual and group oral presentations, and other relevant and appropriate modes of evaluation.

This sophomore course is designed to examine American Literature through the active participation in community-based organizations that allow for a deeper analysis of American society, both past and present, through the lens of hidden voices.

Building on the skills gained in E119, this course exposes students to diverse groups facing challenges in both the world and literature, while refining the skills of writing, vocabulary, close reading, literary analysis, and literary criticism. Students are expected to perform independent inquiry, participate in class, and complete homework and assignments utilizing resourceful, critical, and creative thinking. 

These skills for problem-solving and critical thinking will also be applied in the context of community experiences. Assessments in this course regularly require application, analysis, and synthesis of content. As part of the course, students are required to participate in Arrupe service experiences during both first and second semester. During these service site visits, students will be oriented to the core themes of the course: socioeconomic status, oppression and stereotypes, immigration, war and activism. 

A research paper on a literary and societal topic is assigned as part of the writing component. This course prepares students for either Honors British Literature or AP Literature and Composition.

This year-long course provides students with the opportunity to explore the field of journalism. It is intended for students interested in working on Loyola’s student newspaper, The Prep, or for those students who may be interested in a career in journalism. 

This course will provide students with instruction on the basics of news writing, interviewing, legal issues related to journalism, journalism ethics, and media. Through the analysis of contemporary journalism, students study the fundamental style and ethics of journalism to create their own pieces for submission to and possible publication in The Prep. Journalism 1 is open to seniors and will fulfill the requirement for senior year English credit. This course is also open to sophomores and juniors, but it can only be taken as an elective.