A student sits down in one of their classes at the start of the new semester, and the teacher announces that this class has never been taught before. Immediately, this introduces some questions for them and the many other students in this class. This is the case with the new Multicultural American Literature class, taught by Blaine Jarnagin in Room 302 and introduced in the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year.
The senior English class, “Multicultural American Literature” was developed by Prairie and Battleground High School teachers Annie Odro and Heather Smithline, with lots of support from superintendent Denny Waters. It brings in a new and interesting choice for seniors looking to finish up their English classes.
Taking advantage of the past social studies classes taken up to this point, seniors can better celebrate a variety of groups in this class, and learn more about diversity. This becomes increasingly important as the United States only grows more diverse, and, as stated by the teacher, Jarnagin, “I want them to see how that’s a beautiful thing, and … not to fear that, but embrace it.”
Multicultural American Literature focuses on discussing many different stories from a cultural lens. Jarnagin is also hoping to incorporate current events as they happen in real time, to show students the reality of the fictional stories being shared. In Jarnagin’s own words, “Literature is a cool class because you have windows into other cultures, but latching that into something real I think packs a certain punch that you can’t get from strictly limiting yourself to literature.”
If you’re a junior, and not sure what to take for your English classes next year, consider asking about Multicultural American Literature. It could be an eye-opener or simply a way to make your last year of high school more engaging.
