interpretation of the text, creating an abridged playscript based on their analysis, researching the historical background and context of the text, and aiding the actors and designers in understanding the language and themes of the text. Special guests to the class will include professional actors, directors, and playwrights. Seniors who opt to complete all three parts of the Liggett Shakespeare Project (Dramaturgy, Stagecraft, and Production) in a single year may be approved to waive enrollment in ARP 12. Text: Macbeth
one’s written work to develop voice and style. Text: Poemcrazy
English: Creative Writing: Prose One Semester (Offered Second Semester) Prerequisites: None
This course invites students to explore and practice creative prose writing and is designed to serve both accomplished students — looking for the time and motivation to focus exclusively on their writing — and novices wishing to improve their level of comfort with the rudiments of reading and writing creative prose. In addition to reading a book on the craft of writing prose, students will study many shorter professional prose texts, explicating, analyzing, and mimicking as they develop a unique voice within the specific genres. At its core, the class is about observing the world, brainstorming/sharing ideas, and revising one’s written work to develop voice and style. Text: Bird by Bird English: Creative Writing 2 One Semester (Offered First Semester) Prerequisites: Creative Writing and department approval OR submission of approved portfolio This second semester of Creative Writing centers around student-designed projects. Building on the acquired skills and writing experiences of Creative Writing, Creative Writing 2 further emphasizes the literary devices, techniques, and habits necessary for effective creative writing. Students will sharpen their skills through individualized instruction and practice; to that end, students will define their end project and work towards completing it through independent writing, group work, and meetings with the instructor. Students will also be required to read one mentor text of their choice. Workshopping, revising, and publishing — for class, school, and potentially broader audiences- — are crucial components of the class.
English: Ideology, Imagery, and Narrative One Semester (Offered Second Semester) Prerequisites: None
This class deals with many of the concepts of traditional literature courses, such as protagonist and antagonist, conflict and resolution, parallelism, theme, symbol, exposition, characterization, point of view, and juxtaposition. However, these ideas will be applied to visual media — political cartoons, paintings, magazine covers, graphic novels, and narrative films. In these contexts, additional concepts such as framing, editing, pacing, soundtrack, and detail will also be relevant, primarily in their non-verbal manifestations. The goal of the course is to educate students about the techniques used to sell goods, ideas, and emotions to the general public, making them more aware of the difference between manipulative versus more balanced techniques. Because the course will focus primarily on visual texts, there will be less reading than in traditional English offerings. However, the writing component of the course will be intensive. Texts: Maus, A Survivor’s Guide, My Father Bleeds History Volume 1 , Arrival
English: Literature of Protest One Semester (Offered First Semester) Prerequisites: None
Scholar Howard Zinn defines protest literature as “any form of communication that engages social consciousness and may move someone to action.” From our founding fathers who penned the Declaration of Independence to 17-year-old Darnella Frazier who posted bystander footage on Facebook of George Floyd telling police he can’t breathe, we know that protest literature can occur in many forms, revealing the best and worst of the human condition. In this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the transformative movements that define a nation: civil rights, gender rights, labor, and environmentalism, through the people who give voice to them, as well as the tremendous weight of bearing witness to the historical significance it continues to carry within society Texts: Sand Opera, Detroit ‘67, Space Invaders: A Novel
English: Dramaturgy One Semester (Offered Second Semester) Prerequisites: None
Dramaturgy is the study of theater and the onstage representation of dramatic art. In this course, we will intensively study a single major work by Shakespeare, reading it twice— first for comprehension, plot, and character; second for language, historical context, and interpretation. Each English student will present a research paper on literary interpretations of the play. Each social studies student will present a research paper on the play’s performance history. As this course is part of the Liggett Shakespeare Project, students will collaborate with classmates in the Shakespeare: Stagecraft course and the Liggett Players. Students in Dramaturgy will be responsible for forming a cohesive
67 Upper School
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