The English program is designed to enable the student to understand the communications of others and to employ the English language in creative and expository composition and speech. Courses prepare the student in grammar, composition, vocabulary, and literary analysis so that he develops competence in the use of his native language, not only in college, but throughout life.

In the Lower School, courses prepare the student in understanding and employing grammar, in developing a keen interest in the use and meaning of words, in writing and speaking, and in reading and understanding types of literature. In the Upper School, English courses continue to emphasize a sound understanding of and facility in English. Students assess literature according to type, theme, rhetorical strategies, literary richness, and history. Frequent writing of essays and research papers reflects both personal expression and the interpretation of literary studies. Vocabulary study includes word origins, connotative and denotative meanings, and analogies. Finally, analysis of grammar, usage, and syntax occurs not in isolation from literature and composition, but in relationships with those aspects of English.

In Grade 11 most students take British Literature and Composition while qualified juniors opt for AP English Language and Composition. As first-semester seniors, students continue with AP English Literature and Composition or select among elective senior seminars emphasizing genres, historical periods, themes, or great authors. Second-semester seniors enroll in an additional seminar to complete their English requirements.

SUMMER READING

At Memphis University School we firmly believe that a summer-reading program is of great advantage to the student. The enrichment, enjoyment, experience, and ideas to be gained through reading should not be set aside for three months of the year. Also, reading is valuable in better preparing a student in vocabulary, reading speed, eloquent sentence-building, and comprehension for the following year’s work, as well as for college entrance examinations. Furthermore, it is very important for a student to have read as much and as widely as possible before he undertakes his college work.

Believing that reading should be encouraged as a lifetime activity, students are required to read at least three books during the summer from a prescribed list. The list is on the MUS website.

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