Mrs. Kirkpatrick
English Department Chairperson
"To thine ownself be true"- William Shakespeare
Goals to Achieve
AP English- Goal is to instruct the class in poetry, prose, and literature analysis, composition, and research
English- Goal is to instruct the class in the study of British literature, composition, essay writing, and research.
Honors English- Goal is to introduce the class to literary analysis through the reading and study of American literature, composition, and research.
English 3- Goal is to instruct the class in study and appreciation of American literature, composition, and research.
Study Skills- Goal is to instruct the class in methods for study in secondary and post secondary education, including note taking, listening, memorization, test taking, ACT and SAT prep, time management skills.
Journalism- Goal is to instruct the class in basic journalism concept and techniques, writing, editing, and composing a school newspaper.
AP English 4
Advanced Placement English offers the advanced students the opportunity to develop skills necessary to analyze different types of literature and express their analyses in well-organized compositions. Heavy emphasis is placed on writing. Students may earn college credit if they score satisfactorily on the AP test. Mastery of the literary research paper is necessary for successful completion of the course
British Literature 4
British Literature in historical perspective is studied. There is continued emphasis on analysis and interpretation in discussion and in writing assignments. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is also studied critically; different interpretations on record and on film are used. Vocabulary, spelling and grammar study are coordinated with the study of literature; development of communications and research skills continues, culminating in the writing of a formal research paper.
American Literature 3
Different types of literature of the United States with a representation of various ethnic groups are studied according to genre and in historical perspective. A Separate Peace is read and studied, aided by comparison with different interpretations. Vocabulary, spelling and grammar study are coordinated with the study of literature. Emphasis on development of communication and listening skills and of library and research skills continues in breadth and depth.
Honors English 3
This is an honors course in the study of American literature. Students study a variety of literary genres in American literature in historical perspective. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is also studied critically with respect to the Aristotelian concepts of tragedy. Primary emphasis is placed on developing students’ critical thinking and writing abilities through literary analysis and synthesis. This is a weighted course designed to prepare students for admittance to AP English.
Study Skills
This is a nine-week course in study skills. Through a variety of resource materials, students will learn study techniques designed to help them with their class work/homework assignments; prepare and take teacher-made/standardized tests; and organize a study environment at home. Students will learn units on left/right brain dominance, sequential/holistic-learning preferences, learning modalities and Gregoric learning styles. Also, note taking skills and methods that enhance learning modalities and learning styles.
Journalism
Basic study of journalism with focus on writing questions, interviewing subjects, taking notes, constructing a story, and writing leads. Introduction to professional ethics and journalistic conventions. Development of skills in writing news stories, feature stories, columns, and editorials. Experience in use of computer to compose and edit stories. Most stories will be published in the student newspaper.
I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I took my degree in English literature at Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois (currently Dominican University). I moved to Jacksonville, Illinois in 1976 where I raised my two sons. Both my sons attended Routt and graduated as valedictorian of their classes. My son Ted is a pediatric cardiologist at the Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and my son Michael is a veterinarian at the CARE animal clinic in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In 1996 I obtained a MA in English literature at the University of Illinois in Springfield. Currently I reside in New Berlin, Illinois with my Persian cat Ophelia where I enjoy gardening, reading, and teaching at Routt. I am also involved with the AP program as a Reader for the annual AP Exam.
My future goals include retirement in a few years and relocating to the city of my birth, Chicago, to enjoy my golden years with my sons and grandchildren. I also plan on pursuing my passion for watercolor painting.
Not currently available.
- Sophomore class sponsor
- School newspaper
Email Ms. Kirkpatrick at mkirkpatrick@routtcatholic.com