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English The English Department’s curriculum has been designed to be coherent with, and relevant to, Saint Anthony’s philosophy and purpose. The department’s attention to the emotional and spiritual growth of students and to the student’s commitment to service, justice, and peace, is exemplified by the topics assigned in journals, essays, and in-class discussions. Our emphasis on academic rigor, exemplified by grading standards and a strict policy on late assignments, helps to reinforce the Marianist goal of an integral, quality education. The department is also committed to incorporating culturally diverse and international materials into the curriculum, to help the students be more globally aware, and to helping students engage in self-examination (through personal journals, for example) to allow them to become better stewards of their personal health and environment. To promote critical thinking and effective communication skills, teachers regularly assign organized essays delineating clear argumentation, focused oral reports, and active, critical reading. And finally, to elevate students’ technological awareness, the department insists that students know how to prepare word processing documents and multi-media reports, and presents students with themes of the ethics of technology to explore in their analytical writing. Foreign Language The study of foreign language adds a dimension of enrichment that is integral to the academic experience at St. Anthony. No language or country is so strong that it can be independent of the language and cultures of the rest of the world. Through language skills and an appreciation of the culture, students begin to understand the nuances of communication in another culture. Learning even the fundamentals of a second language will help to open a student’s mind to different lifestyles and ways of thinking, and to remove the barriers of a monolingual and monocultural perspective. The understanding of a foreign language and culture provides a solid basis for the study of world history and literature, as well as providing insight into art, music, and the sciences through both terminology and a historical perspective. Foreign language study also helps the student to view his or her own language and culture from a new perspective. The English language has often been enriched by borrowing words from other languages. Further, the opportunity to compare and contrast the forms and syntax of another language with English reinforces a basic knowledge of English and enhances the student’s understanding and appreciation of English. The skills which lead toward mastering another language are emphasized: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, as well as understanding the cultural aspects of the country whose language is being studied. Four years of two contemporary languages are taught at St. Anthony: Spanish and Japanese. Juniors and Seniors may elect to attend Maui Community College language courses as Early Admit students. It is recommended that evening classes be selected since the language program meets daily and lab periods are required. Students who excel in either language may elect a teacher assistant course where they may tutor, teach small groups, and otherwise assist the teacher. |
Faculty Kelly Booth |
