PMCA’s English curriculum is deep and wide, covering Genre Studies, World Literature, American Literature, and British Literature. However, there is a wealth of written treasure that cannot fit into the time limits of our classroom program. Therefore, back in 1994 the English Department began a literary Forum, giving the entire high school an opportunity to read great works and to discuss them in an exciting, yet informal meeting.

Students receive extra credit for their labors, but more importantly they get to read a widely diverse selection of poetry, plays and novels especially chosen to represent various eras, cultures, styles, and key writers. Our evolving list is not unlike the requested reading lists supplied by top colleges, so it is not surprising that many seniors have included a list of the works they have done in Forum along with their college applications.

Eight times a year teachers and students meet after school for two 90-minute sessions to discuss great literature. Monday sessions are from 7:00-8:30 and are good for athletes and students involved in other after-school activities. Tuesday sessions are from 3:00-4:30 and are good for students with evening obligations or transportation problems. Students are free to attend either session.To receive full extra credit (10 bonus points), a student must read the work carefully and attend a scheduled Forum, take a brief reading quiz, participate at least briefly in one of the discussions (arriving on time and staying for the entire Forum), and write a thoughful journal response within a week of the Forum

Copies of the Forum texts are available at local libraries and bookstores, as well as on-line. The school library has some, but PMCA supplies are depleted early, so don’t wait until the last minute to locate a copy. Any of these would make a fine addition to a growing personal library and may be of use to you in coming college days. Plan ahead.

Happy reading!