English Department

The English Department course offerings provide the college-bound student with a strong emphasis in composition and literature. Students are exposed to a variety of literary styles including numerous classic and contemporary works that provide a multi-cultural, global perspective. Our summer reading program is designed to remind students of the joy of reading for pleasure. The common theme among all of the literature is that it allows students to go beyond their own experiences to engage the world from the point of view of others. The literary topics also provide a springboard for discussions that frequently emphasize Catholic values.

Writing instruction is intensive, continuous and across the curriculum. Bishop Foley utilizes the Collins Writing System which stresses the frequency of writing and the value of writing for different audiences. Our students do more than write essays for English class; they write lab reports, summarize math equations, persuade Social Studies classes, create newspapers, develop video screenplays and imagine creative stories. The different styles of writing are used in each department and student writing is more consistent and effective because of the tools of grammar, mechanics, vocabulary and organization that they learn in English class. The rigors of writing, taught by the experienced and dedicated teachers in our English department, have served our students well as they have gone on to college.

Effective communication happens on many levels. Students are able to take the tools of reading carefully for detail, summarizing, writing for your audience, organizing your thoughts, speaking and listening with care and apply them beyond the walls of academia; they are gifted with life skills that will carry them along whatever path God has destined for them.

Faculty

Erin Masen, Curriculum Supervisor: masenbishopfoleyorg
May Gorial: gorialbishopfoleyorg
Monica Katharopoulos: katharopoulosbishopfoleyorg
Mary Peterson: petersonbishopfoleyorg
Edna Soave: soavebishopfoleyorg      (Long Term Substitute)- Heather Shiveley: shiveleybishopfoleyorg
Marilyn Welicko: welickobishopfoleyorg

English Department Course Offerings:

The electives offered by the English department are an opportunity for students to showcase their gifts. The school newspaper, the Venturian, keeps students abreast of important events in the building and around the world. The Yearbook is a keepsake that many families and alumni refer to fondly as a guide to remembering their high school years. Both publications are student run and allow students to gain valuable experience working in a team, using layout and design programs, participating in the editing process and expressing themselves creatively.

Required Courses:

• Grade 9: Literature and Composition or Honors Literature and Composition
• Grade 10: World Literature or Honors American Literature
• Grade 11: American Literature or Honors British Literature
• Grade 12: British Literature or Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

Electives:

• Reading Enrichment
• Creative Writing
• Journalism I
• Journalism II
• Yearbook
• Public Speaking