The English Department focuses on building and refining skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We strive to inspire and guide students to become creative and critical thinkers, independent learners, conscientious communicators and joyful lovers of literature. Students read for enlightenment and for pleasure. The curriculum — created around guiding essential questions — is designed to develop students’ ability to read with enthusiasm, discrimination and curiosity; to engage students in the exploration of literary works from a variety of periods, global perspectives and genres; to cultivate imaginative, clear, accurate and effective expression; and to foster sensitivity to the structure and function of language. Lively discussions, public speaking, research, writing, engagement with technology and collaborative endeavors prepare students for higher education, global citizenship and a “fully realized life” (Johnson and Arp).