English

Stories give shape to the confusion of life.

The English curriculum at Pomfret is vigorous and vibrant. By examining words, sentences, characters, and plots, our students learn what it means to be human. English courses at Pomfret challenge students to engage fully with the texts, their teachers, and their peers in discussion-based classes. Students write often, in a variety of genres, from the analytical to the personal to the imaginative.

Sample Courses

Term » ENG IVThat Escalated Quickly: The Art of Flash Fiction

Flash fiction is a genre of fiction characterized by its brief nature, usually consisting of only several hundred words. In this course, we will read several dozen examples of flash fiction, including but not limited to the micro-memoirs of Beth Ann Fennelly (Heating & Cooling), and the weird, awesome, and often unsettling flash fiction of Etgar Keret (The Girl on the Fridge). We will look at the importance of word choice and tone when length is so limited, as well as take a stab at crafting our own flash fiction collection.

Term » ENG IV: Literature of Crime - A Look Inside the Mind Capable of Crime

Crime fiction is everywhere; it is in television shows, podcasts, movies, books, and art. In this course, students will comb through classic and modern texts and analyze movies, television shows, and podcasts to address contemporary issues with racism, homophobia, and public policy. Students will debate the impact of these narratives on their lives, whether or not the amount of crime fiction they are exposed to informs the reactions they have about true crime, and whether or not the growing prevalence affects their implicit biases. Will you decide to lean towards guilty until proven innocent or innocent until proven guilty? In looking at both fiction and non-fiction texts, students will examine a problem or controversy of their choosing in our criminal justice system and propose a solution or resolution to that problem as their signature assessment for the term.

Term » ENG IV: Playwriting

Playwriting is designed to identify, investigate, and use the tools needed to craft a stage worthy play. Through a series of reading and writing assignments based on Aristotle’s six elements of drama, each student will explore action, character, idea, language, music, and spectacle. Reading assignments will include plays from a variety of successful playwrights. In addition to weekly writing assignments, each student will be responsible for writing a one-act play at the conclusion of the term. This course may count toward the fulfillment of either a student's English or Fine Art graduation requirement.

Term » ENG IV: Toxic Relationships in Literature

Every love story is the same: two people meet, they fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after. But bad romances, well, no two are alike, and that makes for great fiction. From Heathcliff and Catherine in Wuthering Heights to Tom and Daisy Buchannan in The Great Gatsby to Edward and Bella in Twilight, we have a strange fascination with horrific love stories. In this course, we will explore a myriad of busted romances in literature while also asking ourselves, what makes for a healthy, caring relationship? Students should expect to read extensively and write both critically and creatively.

Term » ENG IV: Writing Poetry - Is my Verse Alive?

In 1862, Emily Dickinson wrote to author, literary critic, abolitionist, and minister Thomas Wentworth Higginson to ask him, "Are you too deeply occupied to say if my Verse is alive?" In this course, we will explore poetry through a survey of (some of) the various forms it can take. Every week, students will read, reflect upon, and discuss poems selected by the instructor. In addition, they will each draft a minimum of one new poem per week and present it to the class in an open workshop setting. Revision — based on feedback both from instructors and peers — will play an important part in preparing end-of-term portfolios. Students will also be required to participate in a public reading. This course may count toward the fulfillment of either a student's English or Fine Art graduation requirement.

Year » Humanities II: English

Pomfret School’s Humanities II: English course offers a student-centered American studies curriculum that fosters a love of reading through close analysis and critical thinking. Students will continue to develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in various writing forms and in public speaking. Our curriculum seeks to uncover social issues that impact students’ everyday lives. As we move into an increasingly diverse community, our curriculum makes connections to contemporary works and issues, particularly as they relate to diverse perspectives, with mainstream texts. Additionally, other genres will complement the written texts, including but not limited to film, social media, graphic novels, television shows, podcasts, and works of visual and performing art. Working in tandem with Humanities II: American Studies, students will uncover issues surrounding civil rights and identity in coming of age stories, consider voices from marginalized groups, and understand the role of the media past and present in describing the culture and compass of the United States. Ultimately, Humanities II: English seeks to prepare students as engaging citizens in an interconnected society.

Our English faculty comprises teachers who love the literary arts and make it a large part of their lives. The Department also offers an exciting annual lineup of visiting authors, further broadening the horizon of what is possible for our students.