SMC English/Humanities
SMC English and Humanities Department
St. Mary Centralís English and Humanities Department offers a variety of courses to help students become proficient thinkers, speakers, writers and readers. SMC's core courses focus on the National Writing Project's philosophy that writing is the key to learning. This philosophy espouses that doing signficiant writing and rewriting encourages students to become lifelong learners. These same core courses help our students become more poised, confident speakers.
Recognizing that strong communications skills are essential for post-secondary success, the English Deparment developed the SMC Communications Manual which is used throughout the entire curriculum to develop and strenghten students' communicative skills.
Courses Offered (2008-09)
- American Literature
- AP Language
- AP Literature and Composition
- CAPP English
- CAPP Philosophy, Masterpieces of Philosophy
- CAPP Philosophy, Pathways to Ethics
- CAPP Speech
- Contemporary Literature
- English Fundamentals
- Honors Oral and Written Composition
- Honors American Literature
- Honors English Fundamentals
- Modern American Literature
- Mythology
- Oral and Written Composition
- World Literature
Goals of the English/Humanities Department
- Learn to research and write documented papers in both MLA and APA style
- Master writing well-organized essays
- Strengthen creative writing skills
- Increase understanding of grammatical concepts
- Enhance critical thinking
- Encourage collaborative work
- Build higher level vocabulary
- Foster enthusiasm for reading
- Gain confidence in public speaking
- Provide opportunities to earn college credit
The department promotes a school-wide sustained silent reading program that goes by the acronym B.E.A.R. (Be Enthusiastic About Reading).
