Academics

Moreau Honors English I – #E13A/B 1 Credit Level 3 NCAA

This Honors English course is one component of the interdisciplinary Moreau Honors Program that integrates the English, World Cultures, and Faith Formation courses through long-term projects, and class interaction. The course emphasizes thinking and synthesizing, critical reading, journal writing, research methods, and collaboration. In addition to the required writing units, outside reading, and research paper, this course surveys the elements of tragedy and entails extensive reading and independent thinking. The purpose of this course is to provide an accelerated and enriched course for students of superior ability and achievement.  Requirements for placement: Previous record; signature of school counselor

English I – #E12A/B       1 Credit Level 2 NCAA
Students are taught the fundamentals of writing with a concentration on the structure of paragraphs and essays. The necessity of proper citation and the structure of an MLA formatted research paper are taught. During the second semester, students are taught the skills needed to further develop their writing through the practice of prewriting, composing rough drafts, and the construction of a thesis statement. Fiction and nonfiction reading selections are assigned. Constructing a research paper is a course requirement.  Requirements for placement: Freshman status.

Reading and Writing Strategies – #E01A/B 1 Credit Level 1        
The Reading and Writing Strategies course is designed for students in English I Level 2 who need to strengthen their skills in reading and writing. Improving reading and writing skills is a primary purpose of the course and skills such as comprehending critical thinking and synthesizing are developed. Additionally, the teacher will support students’ work in content areas. Requirements for placement: Freshman status: Previous record; signature of school counselor.

Moreau Honors English 2 – #E23A/B 1 Credit Level 3           NCAA  
This course provides accelerated study for students of superior ability and achievement. English 2 Honors builds on the cross-curricular program of Moreau Honors English I in that ethical issues and themes from the sophomore Faith Formation course are traced throughout the literature read in English. Students develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills through assignments that require them to make independent connections across time periods, literary genres, and academic disciplines. Students are required to prepare and present oral reports and recitations from memory, as well as develop audio/visual presentations. An academic research paper and journal writing are requirements of this course.  Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 85 in English I Honors; minimum grade of 90 in English I LV2 and successful completion of writing assessment; signature of English teacher. 

English 2 – #E22A/B           1 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This course introduces students to a range of authors, genres, and writing modes with an emphasis on close reading and literary analysis. Students learn to recognize and interpret literary devices and rhetorical techniques in both literary and nonfiction texts. Writing instruction includes literary analysis essays, creative writing, and one formal research paper of four to six pages. Vocabulary and grammar are reinforced through weekly practice and assessments. Students also complete regular journal writing and an independent reading unit that culminates in a project. Throughout the course, students strengthen critical thinking, reading proficiency, and written expression through engagement with complex texts and academic writing.  Requirements for placement: Sophomore status.

Junior English First Semester Courses

Juniors are required to take two semesters of English. Advanced Placement Language is a two-semester class which fulfills this requirement. American Literature Level 3 and 2 are one semester classes. Students in these classes must take a second English class and can select one course from the English electives.

AP English Language & Composition – #E34A/B 1 Credit      Level 4 NCAA
This is a college-level course offered to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Examination, which is offered in May. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. This course requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite sources and text to support their arguments. Students taking this course must be prepared to read and analyze text to examine its rhetorical elements, literary techniques, and stylistic devices and write about how those elements impact texts. This course is intended for the student who is capable and willing to manage a substantial amount of writing including academic papers, journals, and projects are requirements of this course.  Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 90 in English 2 Honors, minimum grade of 95 in English 2 LV2; minimum grade of 90 overall average; signature of English teacher.

Honors American Literature – #E33A 0.5 Credit Level 3   NCAA
This rigorous one-semester course is designed for students who have demonstrated strong ability in English 2. The course involves an in-depth study of American literature through close reading, critical interpretation, and advanced writing assignments. Honors students complete analytical essays, creative writing, journals, and project-based assessments that require higher-level reasoning and synthesis of ideas. Students analyze how American texts reflect cultural values, historical moments, and societal issues, and they are expected to participate actively in discussion and independent analysis. The course emphasizes the development of strong analytical thinking, articulate written expression, and the ability to connect literature to broader historical and contemporary contexts. Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 85 in English 2 Honors; minimum grade of 90 in English 2 LV2; signature of English teacher. 

American Literature – #E32A 0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This is a one-semester, in-depth study of selected works of American literature. Students explore major literary themes through focused units that emphasize close reading and analysis. Coursework includes journals, literary analysis essays, and creative writing, allowing students to engage deeply with texts and connect them to society and contemporary life. Through discussion, reflection, and writing, students strengthen critical thinking, reading comprehension, and written expression.  Requirements for placement: Junior status

Junior English Second Semester Courses

Students registered for Honors American Literature or American Literature must select one of the following courses.

Honors American Reflection – #EE4B 0.5 Credit Level 3 NCAA
In this class, students will gain the skills necessary to conduct college-level research as they examine important events in American History and the literature surrounding them in order to see how they reflect change in America. Literature in this course will include not only books and short stories, but also news, opinion columns, political speeches, music, political cartoons, short stories, movies, and anecdotes. The choice of event is left to each student, and it will form the basis for a semester-long research project that will culminate in a paper and presentation on the connection between the chosen event and its reflection in American literature.  By the end of the course, students will be equipped to conduct the type of research that will be required of them in college classes.  Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 85 in English 2 Honors; minimum grade of 90 in English 2 LV2; signature of English teacher. 

Honors Literature of Mythology & Folklore – #EE6B 0.5 Credit Level 3 NCAA
This is an advanced, one-semester English course emphasizing rigorous analysis of mythological and folkloric traditions from a variety of cultures. Students engage in close reading of complex texts while examining literary elements, archetypes, cultural contexts, and thematic development. Honors students complete frequent analytical writing, including comparative essays, interpretive responses, and reflective journals that require textual evidence and higher-level reasoning. The course also explores how traditional narratives are adapted in modern literature and film, with an emphasis on analyzing how authors craft meaning and develop themes across different versions of a story. Students are expected to demonstrate strong critical thinking, effective written communication, and the ability to synthesize ideas across texts and traditions.  Requirements for Placement: Minimum grade of 85 in English 2 Honors; minimum grade of 90 in English 2 LV2; signature of English teacher.

Literature of Mythology & Folklore – #EE5A 0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This is a one-semester English course focused on the close study of mythological and folkloric texts from multiple cultures. Students read and analyze a range of traditional narratives, including myths, folktales, legends, and literary adaptations, while examining elements such as theme, archetype, symbolism, characterization, and narrative structure. The course emphasizes critical reading and academic writing through analytical essays, written responses, and reflective journals. Students also study how oral traditions transition into written literature and how classic stories are reinterpreted in modern texts and film. By the end of the course, students demonstrate proficiency in literary analysis, interpretation, and evidence-based writing. Requirement for placement: Junior status.

African American Literature – #EE8A 0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
Students will have the opportunity to reach a deeper understanding of how African American literature has changed and shaped both American culture and identity. Students will read a variety of historical texts as well as modern novels. Students will process what they read while continuing to develop their writing and research skills. Requirements for placement: Junior status.

Senior English First Semester Courses

Seniors are required to take two semesters of English. Advanced Placement Literature fulfills this requirement. Honors World Literature Level 3 and World Literature Level 2 are one semester classes. Students in these classes must take a second English class and can select one course from the English Electives.

AP / ECE English Literature & Composition – #E44A/B 1 Credit Level 4      NCAA
The course is designed to involve students in the analytical study of literature. Students develop a deep appreciation of literary works and a facility for critical response, both oral and written. Students must be capable and willing to manage a substantial amount of reading and writing. Coursework relies heavily on student preparation and presentation of the materials presented. Academic papers, journals, and projects are required.  This college level course prepares students for the required Advanced Placement Literature and Composition examination, offered in May, and is a UConn ECE course for college credit.  Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 85 in English 3 Level 4; minimum grade of 90 in Honors American Literature Level 3; minimum grade of 95 in American Literature Level 2; minimum grade of 90 overall average; signature of English Teacher. 

Honors World Literature – #E43A 0.5 Credit Level 3               NCAA
This English course is taken during the first semester during which students will write the college essay. Examination of world literature is undertaken through short stories, poems, and longer works. Writing assignments are required and will develop students’ critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. An academic essay and journal are requirements of this course.  Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 85 in American Literature Level 3; minimum grade of 90 in American Literature Level 2; minimum grade of 85 overall average or above; signature of English Teacher. 

World Literature – #E82A 0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This English course is taken during the first semester during which students will write the college essay. This is a survey course which covers poetry, short stories, and excerpts from longer works of literature in units based on geographical regions.  Academic paper and journal are requirements of this course.  Requirements for placement: Senior status.

Senior English Second Semester Courses

Students registered for Honors World Literature or World Literature must select one of the following courses.

Honors American Rhetoric – #EE3A 0.5 Credit Level 3        NCAA 
This course is devoted to the study of the foundations of speech, verbal and nonverbal messages, and effective listening.  It also introduces students to the major areas of human communication, emphasizing public speaking, small group, and interpersonal skills. Students focus on public speaking by preparing and delivering informative, process, and persuasive speeches that mimic real world situations such as delivering a presentation, introducing a speaker, giving instructions, or persuading a group. Students in the class practice critical thinking and listening skills by evaluating speeches in a variety of contexts. Students will use their recordings to reflect, set personal goals, and make changes in order to deliver speeches in a clear, concise, audience-appropriate manner.  Requirements for placement: Minimum grade of 85 in American Literature Level 3; minimum grade of 90 in American Literature Level 2;  signature of English Teacher.

Honors Gothic Literature and Graphic Novel – #EN4A 0.5 Credit Level 3            NCAA
In this honors course students will emerge with a heightened appreciation for Gothic Literature, refined writing skills, and an understanding of the genre's enduring influence on literature and popular culture. This course is for students who seek a deeper understanding of Gothic Literature, improved writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Requirements for placement: Senior status; minimum grade of 85 in American Literature Level 3; minimum grade of 90 in American Literature Level 2; 85 overall average or above; signature of English Teacher.

Gothic Literature and Graphic Novel – #EN8A 0.5 Credit Level 2            NCAA
In this one-semester course, students will explore Gothic elements such as thrilling psychological environments, good versus evil, horror, and other elements of dark fiction. Traditional texts and graphic novels will be employed. Literary analysis essays, projects, and presentations will be assigned. Requirements for placement: Senior status

Literature into Film – #E72A 0.5 Credit Level 2        NCAA
This course offers students the opportunity to study literary devices taught in their English classes through the medium of film. In addition to the study of literary terms and essay writing, it is the goal of the course to foster an appreciation of film. Students will be required to write analytical essays throughout the semester.  Requirements for placement: Senior status.

Studies in Language and Literature

IB English: Language and Literature (HL) I

IB English: Language and Literature (HL) 1 is the first year of a two-year course that introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts. This first year focuses on creating a learner portfolio, which is a place for a student to explore and reflect upon literary and non-literary texts. Students will also prepare for their individual oral assessment, in which they examine the ways in which the global issue of their choice is presented through the content and form of one of the works and one of the texts that they have studied. The individual oral is based on the exploration the student has carried out in the learner portfolio.  Requirements for placement: Two-year course. Must be enrolled as an IB student. 

IB Language and Literature (HL) 2

IB English: Language and Literature (HL) 2 is a continuation of IB English: Language and Literature (HL) I. This second year continues the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary forms and non-literary text types. Students prepare for paper 1 and Paper 2 which are May assessments. Students also complete a literary essay.  Students leave the program with a profound understanding of how meaning is constructed within belief or value systems, and how it is negotiated across multiple perspectives generated by single or multiple readers. They are able to think critically about texts, as well as respond to, produce, or perform them, leading to an understanding of how language sustains or challenges ways of thinking and being.  Requirements for placement: Two-year course. Must be enrolled as an International Baccalaureate student.

The Knightly News is a student written, directed, and produced news program. Join us behind the camera or in front of it! 

Knights of the Round Table is a discussion group for anyone who wants to be an ally or needs an ally. Discussions form around issues students may be facing such as family conflicts, identity issues, stress, and/or bullying or having trouble making friends. Anyone who wants to join is more than welcome. It is a safe and secure place to have or to provide an empathetic ear.

The award-winning literary magazine is compiled and edited by students to showcase the talents of Notre Dame students in the forms of writing and artwork. Writings include first-person narratives, poetry, short stories, and other works that they may like to submit. 

The SaCTC promotes critical thinking skills by engaging students in board games and other games of skills. 

The Yearbook Club is the team responsible for putting together the annual edition of The Shield, Notre Dame's yearbook. Students design the layouts, choose the pictures, and help edit the final copy. All grades welcome.