• English

English

The study of English includes knowledge of the language itself, development of its use as a means of communication and appreciation of its artistry as expressed in literature. The use of English involves skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and observing. The development of these skills is a lifelong process.

Course Offerings

List of 17 items.

  • 20th Century Literature

    1 semester, 1/2 credit 
    Open to 11, 12

    This course consists of works from the late 19th century through the Modern and Post-Modern periods.  Representative  works  from  different  genres,  i.e.,  drama, novel, poetry, short story, and essay are discussed and studied.  Students discuss the works and their literary forms and develop oral and written literary analyses.
  • Advanced Writing

    1 semester, 1/2 credit,
    Open to 11 (with Department approval) and 12
    Prerequisites: Expository writing (11th) OR Honors US Literature
    and Writing (10th)

    This is a required writing course for any student who has not taken or will not take AP Language and Composition. This course provides students with post-expository writing practice using the various rhetorical modes of discourse. This includes writing based on: personal experience, narration, description, causal analysis, and research with special attention to literary analysis. Students will engage in critical reading of sample writings and continue with the grade-level vocabulary series.
  • African American Literature

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisite: U.S. History or Honors U.S. History

    In this course we will read central works of fiction and non-fiction in African American literature. We will trace the evolution of the genre from formerly enslaved persons, to the pulse of Harlem Renaissance poetry, to the modern novel. This African American Literature course will explore a literary genre that has established
    itself as both a part of, and separate from, traditional American literature. The course will be rooted in discussion, analysis and writing as we explore the literary testimonies of African American authors.
  • AP English Language and Composition

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11 and 12
    Prerequisites: “A-” in Honors United States Experience in Literature and Writing or “A-“ in Expository Writing. Departmental approval, and an approved application are required. (Not open to Juniors and Seniors who have taken Advanced Writing)

    This college-level course engages students in the critical reading of non-fiction from a variety of authors and historical periods. This course is equivalent to an introductory college-level rhetoric and composition course. Students will read and analyze numerous texts, developing their critical reading skills. Students will also
    create evidence-based analytical and argumentative essays in preparation for the AP Exam.

    The course also continues with the respective vocabulary series.
  • AP English Literature and Composition

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 12
    Prerequisites: “A” in Advanced Writing and Honors British Literature or a “B” or above in AP English Language and Composition. Department approval, and an approved application are required.

    This college-level course is designed for the advanced student and involves a thorough study of literary trends. Major representative works will be studied through different genres, i.e., novel, drama, poetry, and short stories. The students also write critical essays and literary analysis papers. This course may be considered
    as preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition. The course also includes the respective vocabulary series used in the department.
  • Creative Writing

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11, 12

    Creative Writing is designed to help students express their thoughts and feelings in a creative fashion. Students write essays, short stories, poetry, and short plays. Students should have an interest in writing and developing imagination and creativity through the written word.
  • English 9

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9

    This comprehensive, full-year course focuses on writing skills and literary study. The students will work on the fundamentals of writing, the art of discussion, grammar, public speaking, and research skills. Students will study the various literary genres of short stories, poetry, drama, and novels. The course also includes the respective vocabulary series used in the department.
  • Expository Writing

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11

    This is a required junior writing class for college preparatory level juniors. The only students who are NOT required to take this course are those who have successfully completed Honors US Literature and Writing as a sophomore (Expository Writing course content is already covered within the year-long Honors US Literature course.) Expository Writing introduces students to the basic techniques of composition with emphasis on the logical development of the sentence outline, the effective argumentative persuasive essay, the research paper, and MLA style citation. Students develop critical thinking skills. All students will practice writing a college admission essay using current Common Application prompts. The course also includes the respective vocabulary series used in the department.
  • Honors British Literature

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “B” or above in Honors U.S. Experience in Literature and Writing or an “A-” or above in U.S. Experience in Literature and Writing

    This course consists of a survey of British literature from its origins in Old and Middle English works to more contemporary works by British Isles writers (including but not limited to Irish, Scottish, and Welsh writers). Works are from a variety of genres including novels, short stories, plays and poems. Historical and cultural background is developed in relationship to the literature.
  • Honors English 9

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9

    This comprehensive, full-year course is designed for students who work well at an accelerated rate. Students will examine the various literary genres of short story, poetry, drama, and novel while simultaneously exploring and practicing various writing techniques. This course incorporates and completes the 10th grade writing curriculum and requirements. In addition, students will review and further develop grammar and vocabulary, public speaking and research skills. The course also includes the respective vocabulary series used in the department.
  • Honors United States Experience in Literature

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10
    Prerequisites: “B” in Honors English 9 and teacher recommendation

    This honors level full-year program focuses on United States literature and writing. Students read selections from the course anthology and six additional novels or plays. Students write a comprehensive research paper following guidelines
    outlined in the 11th grade grammar/writing text, study and practice the formal essay as a response to literature. The course also includes the respective vocabulary series used in the department.
  • Mythology

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11, 12

    This course aquaints students with the comparative mythologies of the world, including Greek, Norse, Middle Eastern, and Medieval British. Students develop recognition of achetypes in mythology, analyze how myths are used to understand different cultures, and examine where mythology is seen in modern culture. Students
    discuss the works and their literary forms through oral and written analyses.
  • United States Experience in Literature and Writing

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10

    This full year program focuses on the emergence and development of literature in the United States. Concurrently, students learn to write formal, five paragraph essays with proper structure and content. They learn how to develop a thesis
    and how to support it effectively with literary evidence. Students read selections from the text and four-five additional novels, as well as other pieces of literature. Students also write informally about literature and its analysis. The course also includes the respective vocabulary series used by the department.
  • Women in Literature

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11, 12

    In this course students read the works of women authors and study women characters, their roles, and their relationships to culture and society. The roles of women are represented in diverse texts - poems, stories, novels, diaries, plays, essays, and letters. Students discuss the works and develop oral and written analyses.
  • World Literature

    1 semester, 1/2 credit
    Open to 11, 12

    This course consists of a survey of representative literature from Ancient Mesopotamia through more contemporary works by European and Latin American authors. Works are from a variety of genres including excerpts of novels, short stories, plays and poems. Historical and cultural background is developed in relationship
    to the literature.
  • Yearbook

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisites: Application and teacher approval required

    In this course students learn the basics of layout design, photography, copy writing, graphic reproduction, and the miscellaneous jobs required of a yearbook staff. Students are responsible for the planning, production, and distribution of the
    school yearbook.
  • Yearbook 2

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to  11, 12
    Prerequisites: Yearbook I, Application and teacher approval required

    In this course students add to their English, art, and business skills learned in Yearbook. They will enhance their abilities in basic photography skills, advanced layout design, copy writing, copy editing, graphic reproduction, and other miscellaneous jobs in creating and publishing a yearbook. Students are responsible for the planning, production, and distribution of the school yearbook.

List of 5 members.

  • Molly Varbedian 

    Department Chair
    BA - Michigan State University
    MA - Michigan State University
  • Kelly Davis 

    BA - Wayne State University
    MA - University of Southern California
  • Peter Shaheen 

    BA - Michigan State University
    MA - Eastern Michigan University
  • Brendan Sharp 

    BA - Oakland University
    MEd - Oakland University
  • Dawn Tafel Zink 86

    BA - Michigan State University

Marian High School

7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
PHONE: 248-644-1750 - Marian High School
Marian High School, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by NCA CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The mission of Marian is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.

An enduring tradition: guiding young women spiritually, challenging them academically, and inspiring them to a life of leadership and service.