English & Journalism
English
Welcome to the English Department!
At St. Pius X, our English Department fosters a lifelong love of reading and writing while integrating emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Through diverse literature and composition, students develop critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills. Our program emphasizes the exploration of various texts to understand different cultures and human experiences, enhancing moral imagination and empathy. We teach students to use language responsibly and powerfully, preparing them for diverse audiences and purposes. By conducting research and utilizing modern resources, students strengthen their logical and critical thinking skills. Celebrating linguistic diversity and grounding students in their Catholic faith, we prepare them to be reflective and ethical communicators.
Join us in discovering the transformative power of words and stories.
CORE COURSES
English I Literature and Composition
Develops reading skills, introduces literary terms, and emphasizes writing, grammar, and vocabulary.
Honors English I Literature and Composition
Focuses on advanced literary analysis, critical reading, and in-depth study of various genres.
English II Literature and Composition
Explores world literature, critical thinking, and writing skills, with an emphasis on literary analysis and research.
Honors English II Literature and Composition
Prepares students for AP English with critical analysis, extensive reading, and advanced writing skills.
American Literature/College Writing
Surveys American literature and develops expository and argumentative writing, critical thinking, and research skills.
British Literature/College Writing
Combines major English works with advanced writing techniques, literary analysis, and vocabulary study.
AP English Language and Composition
A college-level course emphasizing rhetorical analysis and extensive writing on American literature. AP exam required.
AP English Literature and Composition
Focuses on analyzing major British writers, critical and creative writing, and preparing for the AP exam.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Journalism
Covers media literacy, First Amendment, ethics, and basic journalism skills, preparing students for lifelong media creation and consumption.
Journalism/Magazine
Hands-on production of the school literary-art magazine, focusing on journalism skills and publication design.
Journalism/Newspaper
Maintains the online newspaper and publishes hard copy issues, developing advanced journalism skills.
Journalism/Yearbook
Teaches yearbook production, including reporting, writing, design, and business skills, with some outside classwork required.
Power of Speech
Develops public speaking skills through critical thinking, writing, and oral interpretation for various audiences.
Film as Literature
Studies classic and contemporary films as narrative texts, encouraging critical analysis and writing about cinema.
For more information, see the Course Catalog. [Page 13]
FACULTY
Journalism
The St. Pius X Catholic High School Journalism Department equips students with the skills to produce publications that reflect Catholic teachings and the culture of our school. We foster a peer-led learning environment where students take ownership of their work, enhancing critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Our program emphasizes effective communication across multiple platforms, real-world connections between coursework and current events, and the ability to evaluate media for accuracy and fairness. We believe in teaching media literacy and recognizing journalism's impact on daily life, preparing students to be responsible consumers and contributors of public information.
MAGAZINE
The St. Pius X literary-art magazine, “Carpe Diem,” is a student-produced publication featuring photography, artwork, poetry, and prose from the student body.
NEWSPAPER
The “Golden Lines” student newspaper staff provides timely coverage of school events on our newspaper website. The staff also publishes several hard copy issues throughout the school year.
YEARBOOK
The “Golden Echoes” yearbook staff works throughout the year to create a publication that proudly showcases our school community and captures the Golden Lion spirit that defines St. Pius X.
2024 Yearbook Senior Parent Ad Information
If you are interested in purchasing a senior parent ad for the 2024 yearbook, please read these detailed instructions.
The deadline is Monday, October 2.
FACULTY
Ashley Curlette
Journalism Teacher