The Department of English has diverse parts, which include writing, literary studies, creative writing, journalism, speech, film, and drama. Cultural history and American studies are also involved through its unique interdisciplinary program with the Department of Social Studies. We believe that the study of literature and language cannot be isolated from the rest of the liberal arts. Students of English need to know how English can be used in other disciplines, and students in other disciplines can profit from the study of English.
The study of English at South is founded on critical reading and expository writing. To establish this foundation, we offer a sequence of courses intended to accommodate a variety of needs, skills and interests. Advanced Placement and Honors courses allow students to move at a rapid pace and to interact with a wide range of texts. CP and General levels help students to learn at a rate and level commensurate with ability and motivation. The interdisciplinary study, which takes place in Grades 10 and 11, emphasizes the literature of the United States.
Our courses explore genres of literature (short story, novel, poem, play) by culture and region (World, European, American) and by periods of literary history (medieval, Renaissance, Puritan, modern). However, the underlying purpose remains the same: to enhance the enjoyment of literature and writing by developing ways of understanding and expression.
The scope of our interdisciplinary program is unique among high schools in New Jersey. Honors in Grade 9 and select sections in Grades 10 and 11 are taught in conjunction with colleagues from the Department of Social Studies. English and social studies teachers share the same interdisciplinary curriculum and, for the most part, team-teach in double class sessions. As stated in the English 10/United States History I Curriculum "...knowledge is more meaningful when it is integrated with other knowledge. The approach of this curriculum (involves)...integrating English and social studies methods and skill while also infusing aspects of other disciplines such as music, art, and science."
The English faculty is proud of its expertise and works to keep content and professional knowledge current. Many have advanced degrees or are presently engaged in coursework leading to such degrees.
The English department is instrumental in the writing and publication of the Eagle Eye, South's monthly newspaper, and the Subterranean, the biannual literary magazine. The Eagle Eye is a yearly recipient of commendations from several state and national high school newspaper evaluation institutions.