The approach is chronological from the Puritan era to twentieth century authors. The Crucible and Wilder s Our Town. In addition to Twain s Huckleberry Finn, outside reading from a list provided by the teacher is required. A research paper on an author studied during the year is required to pass sophomore English, and is a graduation requirement. This paper must follow the format set forth in A Manual for Writers.
Students are responsible for units in the vocabulary text.
The sophomore year begins with a review of grammar, the needs of the students dictating how much time will be needed for it. Teaching of grammar during the sophomore year is conjoined with the various writing assignments. In connection with these assignments, the students are taken slowly through A Manual for Writers. In literature studies, the students are introduced to a chronological approach to the study of American literature. This overview begins with the Puritan era and takes the students into 20th Century American literature by year s end, including some assignments not found in the text.