English

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

Since the English curriculum is college preparatory, critical thinking and analytical skills are developed, and English teachers stress the application of learned skills and methods in all classes. The freshman and sophomore courses offer the student the fundamentals of literary analysis, basic writing instruction, as well as thorough grammar coverage. Junior and senior classes concentrate on more sophisticated application of the concepts. Oral and written communication skills are further developed in junior and senior classes. Four English credits are needed for graduation.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS

List of 7 items.

COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I – 2211 and 2212

College Prep English I, a foundational course for freshmen, reinforces instruction in Standard English grammar and usage within an integrated college preparatory program that promotes every aspect of literacy through reading, writing, and speaking. College Prep English I supports the later DSHA English Department curriculum by focusing on building a strong foundation in grammatical and rhetorical conventions, allowing students to practice using these conventions as effective writers. Additionally, this course strengthens vocabulary development and reading comprehension through exposure to a variety of texts: non-fiction, poetry, drama, short stories, and novels.

Required course
Grade: 9
Semesters: 2
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II – 2251 and 2252

College Prep English II builds on the skills and concepts of College Prep English I to prepare students for the more complex reading and writing assignments they will receive as upperclasswomen. A survey of American literature, the course introduces students to the various authors and genres of American literature from the colonial era to the modern and contemporary age. A variety of reading assignments in American literature including short stories, novels, poetry, essays, and other nonfiction strengthen reading comprehension and a more nuanced understanding of American identity and culture. In the context of American literature, students focus on writing skills such as paragraph development, proper use of sources and citations, grammar, sentence structure, thesis development, and essay structure. Students complete three to four formal analytical assessments each semester in addition to a number of shorter assignments as they work to become capable and competent readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.

Required
Grade: 10
Semesters: 2
THE FEMALE IDENTITY IN LITERATURE – 2310

Women’s roles in art and literature reflect the changing values, cultural biases, and social mores of society. This course offers students an opportunity to examine female authors’ perspectives involving the impact of women in various spheres of the world. Students will explore contemporary and historically significant women writers from both a feminist perspective and a historical perspective. As a composition-based course, The Female Identity in Literature will require students to write numerous essays of critical analysis derived from discussion and independent analysis and examination. Works will include novels, short stories, and nonfiction essays.

Grades: 11 and 1
Semesters: 1
SHAKESPEARE – 2325

This course will provide students with a comprehensive view and understanding of the Shakespearean canon through reading and writing about tragedies and comedies. Reading and critical (written) analysis of Shakespeare’s sonnets will also be included. A composition-based course, Shakespeare will require students to demonstrate essential literary criticism skills in class discussion and within numerous papers throughout the semester.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $50
THE WRITING COURSE – 2345

In The Writing Course, students will engage in a variety of types of non-fiction writing including narrative, descriptive, and expository. During the semester, students will be required to write two narrative assignments, two descriptive profiles, an art review, and an audit of their own writing. We will read samples of these types of writing from nationally recognized publications like The New Yorker and study the authors' use of rhetorical strategies. Students will then utilize these strategies in their own writing. Students will complete reading reflections and will engage in the daily discipline of writing to encourage routine practice. Given the significance of syntax and vocabulary in every writer's work, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence composition instruction will be a part of every unit.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1
WORLD LITERATURE – 2360

World Literature offers a thematic study of texts from around the globe. This course provides students with the opportunity to examine theme, perspective, and purpose within a diverse set of traditional and contemporary writings that may include short stories, poetry, drama, and novels. Each unit will take students on a journey to another corner of the world, allowing them to engage with literature from a variety of cultures. With a focus on both reading and composition, World Literature will require students to write consistently throughout the course. In addition to writing, students will build upon their thinking and speaking skills through large group discussions, small group interactions, and independent work.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1
TOPICS IN LITERATURE – 2365 SS*

Topics in Literature is a thematic or genre-based course that fosters a student’s analytical writing, reading, and thinking skills through the examination of literature. Like other English courses at DSHA, students who choose this course are engaged in college preparatory work and are situated in a community of learners who offer diverse perspectives that can enrich our understanding of literature, humanity, and the chosen topic. Notably, the topic itself is determined by the teacher, so students who choose this course should approach it with an open mind and willing spirit. Previous topics have included world literature, the intersectionality of society and self, social change in literature, and the short story.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1

*NOTE: This course is only offered during Summer 2023, in an online format (i.e., it will not be offered during the 23-24 school year).

AP & Dual Credit Course Offerings

List of 5 items.

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION – 2171 and 2172

The AP English Language & Composition Course is designed to emulate a first-year college composition course. The AP English Language &Composition course is designed to help students become skilled readers and writers through engagement with composition in several forms (e.g., narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays) about a variety of subjects. Through writing that proceeds through several stages or drafts, with revision aided by teacher and peers; through writing with recurring frequency, students will become aware of themselves as writers and the techniques employed by other writers. By writing expository, analytical, and argumentative compositions based on readings representing a variety of prose styles and genres; by reading select nonfiction, argumentative essays, and two major works of fiction, students will have opportunities to identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques; by developing research skills and the ability to evaluate, use, and cite primary and secondary sources; by conducting research and writing argument papers in which students present an argument of their own that includes the analysis and synthesis of ideas from an array of sources; and, through citing sources using a recognized editorial style (e.g., Modern Language Association). Students will complete an 8-10 page research project at the end of the semester, and all enrolled students are expected to take the AP English Language & Composition Exam in May.

With a score of 3, 4, or 5, on the exam, a student may receive college credit (though a university’s acceptance of AP credit and its criteria will vary by institution).

Grade: 11
Semesters: 2
Fee: Additional fee for AP exam

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION – 2151 and 2152

AP Literature & Composition is a college-level literary analysis course consisting of course numbers 2151 and 2152. Students advance their understanding of literary analysis through the examination of character, setting, structure, figurative language, and point of view in various literary works. As prescribed and recommended by the College Board, the course repeatedly cycles through three genres throughout the year: short fiction, poetry, and long fiction. Students committed to and interested in engaging in a critical examination of literature across genre and time periods, as well as in improving and advancing their own personal writing style, are well suited for this course. Notably, students who elect to take this course should expect frequent reading and writing assignments, as this approximates a college-level English course.

Although not required, most students choose to take the AP English Literature & Composition Exam administered in May by the College Board.

Grade: 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: Additional fee for AP exam

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.
ENG 263: CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE – 2370**

ENG 263 is a study of contemporary literature written in English, written roughly within the last 25 years. The class will approach this literature from a variety of thematic, historical, and/or stylistic vantages. Authors and topics under consideration will focus on understanding the elements of contemporary literature. Students will receive an introduction to higher-level, collegiate literary critical theory through specific viewpoints from a critical anthology. These lenses will then be used to engage with and understand the literary content in deeper, more insightful ways. In addition to critical foundations, we will consider the development of contemporary society and culture and literature's reflection of contemporary concerns. Students will be evaluated by means of reading check quizzes, critical thinking essays, and longer essays that will serve as mid-term and final exams.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1

**Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from UW-Whitewater through the Partners In Education (PIE) dual-credit program.

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.
ENGL 2020: TEXTS, SOCIAL SYSTEMS, and VALUES - 2265**

This course was formerly called EN 211: ETHNICITY IN AMERICAN LITERATURE - 2265

This is a study of American writers of diverse ethnic backgrounds (including, but not limited to, Native, African, Asian, Hispanic, and European Americans) and how ethnicity plays a role in the themes, structures, and genres of literature. Various historical periods may be considered. Aesthetic, historical, cultural, and gender issues will be explored.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1

**Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.
ENGL 3513: MODERN IRISH LITERATURE - 2260**

This course was formerly called EN 215: IRISH LITERATURE – 2260

This course explores how the powerful stories found in Irish mythology and folklore influenced the “Celtic Twilight” of W.B. Yeats and still show up in contemporary literature and art. Ranging from ancient stories of heroes, gods, and sacred sites to cultural beliefs in the supernatural (particularly fairies, the banshee, and ghosts), legends and storytelling traditions will be explored, as well as Irish history and Irish mythology. Students will understand that the mythology and folklore of Ireland influenced and contributed to some of the most important literature of the Western world. We will read folktales, legends, plays, poetry and short stories, study artwork and film, and draw connections from the pre-Christian Celtic myths and beliefs to contemporary literature and current cultural practices and politics.

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1

**Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.

MEET THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY

Andrew Lelinski | at DSHA since 2016 | teaching since 2007

English Department Chair
English Faculty
Specialized Studies Faculty
Film Study Co-Curricular Moderator
Head Cross Country Coach
BA in English and Secondary Education, Marquette University
MA in English, Marquette University
LelinskiA@dsha.info

“The greatest reward I can receive as an educator is to witness the awakening of my students. When a student steps away from the literature we study and the critical thinking skills we build to realize something new about herself and feels empowered to change for the better the world in which she lives, this is my reward.”
Andrew Berens | at DSHA since 2016 | teaching since 2008

English Faculty
Model UN Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in History and English, University of Wisconsin - Madison
BerensA@dsha.info

"Developing and nurturing critical thought alongside students is like watching them grow a second pair of eyes. The most rewarding part of being an English teacher is getting to be there when they see the world through them for the first time.”
Wendy Fitch | at DSHA 2001-2012 and since 2018 | teaching since 1996

English Faculty
The Word Student Publication Co-Curricular Moderator
BS in English, University of Wisconsin -Oshkosh
Certification in Secondary Education, Cardinal Stritch University
MA in English Rhetoric and Composition, University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee
FitchW@dsha.info

"I so appreciate teaching in an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and fosters sustaining, healthy relationships between females."
Kayla Gilgenbach | at DSHA since 2019 | teaching since 2010

English Faculty
Reading Co-Curricular Moderator
BA in Secondary Education and English, Marquette University
GilgenbachK@dsha.info

"A love of literature led me to a career in education. The joy I experience when working with students as we wrestle through difficult topics and texts has turned this career into a vocation. Each day I am motivated by the pursuit of inspiring students to become lifelong learners and readers, and for this reason I am excited to be part of the teaching and learning community at DSHA."
Quinten Loucks | at DSHA since 2006 | teaching since 2003

English Faculty
Instructional Technology Coordinator
Co-Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach
BA in Education SCL, English and Social Studies Emphasis, University of Wisconsin - Platteville
MA in Education-Instructional Technology, Cardinal Stritch University
LoucksQ@dsha.info

“Every day I come to work, I know I’m going to be surrounded by hardworking staff and students who may have started here for a single purpose of an education but have come to love the culture for so much more. The girls that I work with in the classroom and on the sports fields have focus, drive, heart, and faith. The questions they ask, as well as the respect they give each other and their education, make me so proud to meet them again as adults out in the world.”
Aubrey Murtha, DSHA '13 | at DSHA since 2018 | teaching since 2017

English Faculty
Yearbook Co-Curricular Moderator
BS in Middle/Secondary Education & Writing Intensive English, Marquette University
murthaa@dsha.info

"As someone who has benefited directly from this school community in every way, I can confidently say that my DSHA education is the primary reason I pursued a career in teaching. As a student here, the lively, uninhibited class discussions and ample opportunities for rich and meaningful academic and co curricular exploration were both inspiring and deeply transformational for me. There is something unique about the all girls environment that encourages students to open themselves up more freely to the possibility of growth, to allow themselves to experience this transformation. Now, as a teacher at DSHA, I am committed to fostering this environment through my teaching. If I can push a student to grow, to question, to see past her own world view, I have been effective in my job."
Peter Nurre | at DSHA since 2018 | teaching since 2007

English Faculty
Assistant Cross Country Coach
BA in English Literature and American History, Miami University, Ohio
MA in the Humanities, University of Chicago
NurreP@dsha.info

"On a daily basis, DSHA’s faculty, staff, and students infuse energy and meaning into all that they do. The enthusiasm, talent, and authenticity everyone brings to the community is contagious. Teaching in this environment makes the work we do feel like a vocation rather than a job."