English Department

At Stevenson, English ignites curiosity through deep engagement with diverse texts that challenge and inspire. In our dynamic classrooms, students move from close reading to confident analysis, learning to craft compelling arguments and articulate their unique perspectives with clarity and conviction. Through thoughtful discussion, analytical writing, and creative expression, they develop both the critical thinking skills and authentic voice needed for lifelong engagement with literature.

Departments

Featured Courses

AP English Literature and Composition

AP English provides an introductory college-level course to students ready for advanced literary analysis while acquainting students with some of the major texts in the Western tradition and exposing them to a rich sampling of literary genres.

Curtains Up: Love and Conflict Onstage

Students will read plays that showcase love and conflict—betrayal, family secrets, sibling rivalry, and the pursuit of power within the microcosm of the family unit.

The Postmodern Storyteller

Artists and writers of the late 20th century had witnessed the horrors of the First and Second World Wars, the Holocaust, the Cold, Korean and Vietnam Wars, the torturous progress of the civil rights movement and the upheavals and inequalities of late-capitalist society.

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English Department Spotlight

Connecting History, Literature, and Science

Studying English at Stevenson means engaging with literature in the very landscapes that inspired it. Our students analyze Steinbeck’s works while exploring the Monterey Peninsula he chronicled, bringing canonical texts to life through the same tidal pools and historic streets that shaped these enduring stories. This deep connection to place enriches their understanding of how the environment influences storytelling and shapes the writer’s voice.

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