English

“As a form of moral insurance . . . literature is much more dependable than a system of beliefs or a philosophical doctrine.”

– Joseph Brodsky, Noble Laureate in literature (1987)

“What is at stake in the idea of writing as a centuries-old discipline is our very capacity to reason, which democracy itself, at least in its classical definition, requires.”

– Charles Johnson, Seattle writer and National Book Award and MacArthur Fellowship winner.

“There is nothing outside the text.” – Jacques Derrida, French philosopher

Reading, writing and speaking are means to discover and disseminate meaning. When we read, we begin to appreciate those like and unlike ourselves; when we write, we begin to define who we are; when we speak, we begin to acknowledge the similarities and differences between others and ourselves. The English Department encourages students to develop both awareness and style through the writing process, from prewriting through revision.

Our Middle School program encourages the imagination of young writers while exposing them to traditional literary elements. Students practice the fundamentals of composition, drafting, revising, and publishing. Upper School students fine-tune their abilities by practicing the elements of effective interpersonal communication, close reading of literary and visual texts, audience-centered composition, public speaking and oral interpretation. Finally, each senior is required to research, draft, and defend a senior thesis or project.

Faculty