English

In The Classroom

An English classroom at Seton High School is robust and full of energy. Students are engaged in hands-on learning activities designed to develop the critical reading, thinking, speaking, listening, and writing skills necessary for success in college and careers.

Through challenging selections from fiction and non-fiction genres, students engage in intensive discussions that lead to a deeper appreciation of the written word. Writing skills emphasize accuracy of expression as well as the development of vocabulary improvement and information literacy. Students develop a broad range of research skills, synthesizing multiple sources of information and citing credible, reliable sources according to the Modern Language Association (MLA). Both small group and whole class discussions are student-led allowing students to clearly and effectively communicate their ideas in an authentic conversation.

To fulfill diploma requirements, 4 units of credit must be accumulated. Please see our Course Description & Academic Policy for course descriptions and program requirements.

Electives

English Department electives create engaging and authentic environments that offer hands-on and relevant real-world experiences. Our graduates are well-prepared for fields in Communications and Journalism based on their experience in the English classroom and participation in English electives.

  • Journalism is a semester .5 credit elective which develops the online news magazine, The Seton Connection.
  • Yearbook is a full-year 1 credit elective which develops our nationally recognized yearbook, The Setonian.
  • HerStory (WST 150) is a semester .5 credit elective which is also available for 3 college credits through Mount Saint Joseph's Early College Credit program.

Advanced Placement and Early College Credit (Dual Enrollment) Offerings

In addition to HerStory (WST 150), Seton High School offers two Advanced Placement courses which are also each available for college credit. 

  • AP English Language and Composition (ENG 101)
  • AP English Literature and Composition (ENG 350Q)

Students have the opportunity to be simultaneously enrolled in these courses and also potentially earn valuable college credit through Seton High School’s strong partnership with Mount Saint Joseph University. Overall, 9 college credits are available through Seton High School's Language Arts Department.

Please visit AP & Early College Credit (Dual Enrollment) for details and to see a complete listing of both AP and Early College Credit Courses available.  

The Senior Capstone

Each senior participates in The Senior Capstone, a semester-long academic research experience, which is supported through the second half of a student’s senior English class. Please visit Senior Project for more details about this unique learning opportunity.

English Department Activities and Clubs

Seton’s English Department engages with local colleges and universities in addition to other local and national organizations to offer students opportunities to participate in meaningful life-long learning and real world activities. Such opportunities include:

  • Poetry Out Loud – A national recitation contest created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation
  • Mount Saint Joseph University – All students are encouraged to participate in collegial opportunities with MSJU faculty and students including the Celebration of Teaching and Learning symposium; Shakespeare productions; and speaking engagements from published writers and national figures.
  • Competitive Writing and Publishing Opportunities – Students who seek to become published writers and presenters through essay, poetry, song-writing, and multi-media competitions are encouraged and supported in the English classroom. 
  • Student initiated research is introduced and developed Freshman through Senior year through participation in the all school summer reading, a college and career research project, and formal research papers.

English Department Members

Nora Ampleman
Nora Ampleman
English Department
English Teacher
amplemann@setoncincinnati.org
(513) 471-2600 ext. 2203
Cassidy Casteel
Cassidy Casteel
English Department
English Teacher
casteelc@setoncincinnati.org
(513) 471-2600 ext. 2202
Gary Collins
Gary Collins
English Department
English Teacher
collinsg@setoncincinnati.org
(513) 471-2600 ext. 2204
Barbara David
Barbara David
English Department
English Teacher
davidb@setoncincinnati.org
(513) 471-2600 ext. 2201
Nick Merk
Nick Merk
English Department
English Teacher
merkn@setoncincinnati.org
(513) 471-2600 ext. 2228
Stephanie Metz
Stephanie Metz
English Department
English Teacher
metzs@setoncincinnati.org
(513) 471-2600 ext. 2103

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