Saratoga has long been recognized as a school centered on math and science, and numerous students have complained about the lack of humanities options.
Next year, however, a select few seniors will have the option of doubling up on AP English classes—both English Language Composition and English Literature. Their enrollment will be contingent upon the availability of space.
“We made the change because we wanted students who are truly passionate about English to have an opportunity to take two classes,” English department chair Jason Friend said.
Friend said that the department decided to offer this option in response to desires expressed by students and parents. But the class is only open to students now enrolled in English Honors who have undergone a thorough review process; they will be able to take their second choice AP English class on a space-available basis.
Junior Sasan Saadat is one of the five humanity-oriented students who are hoping to double up on Englishes next year. He said he chose to double up for several reasons.
“I basically wanted to show colleges that I’m really passionate about English and the humanities,” Saadat said.
Saadat also said that taking both AP English courses would allow him to fully develop his critical reading, writing and thinking skills. According to Saadat, even though many students “are very talented in those areas, they don’t really pursue it as much.”
“In the Silicon Valley, because a lot of our parents are generally engineers and doctors,” Saadat said. “There’s a huge slide towards those kinds of classes, and there’s a very big emphasis on science and math programs at our school.”
To double up on AP English courses, current juniors underwent an application process, which entailed detailing why one is fit for doubling up, and what makes them passionate about English. There was also a mandatory interview with applicants’ current English teachers.
Saadat, who is highly involved in school activities, said that his English teacher, Suzanne Herzman, was concerned that he would not have enough time next year to handle the rigorous coursework that doubling up entails.
“She said, ‘I know that you’re very involved in other aspects of the school and that’s going to have to take a back seat [if you double up on Englishes].”
According to Friend, the workload for students doubling up will be “very intense.”
“I would recommend it to a small band of devoted and hardworking students who love the humanities and relish the though of drowning in a sea of reading and essays,” Friend said.
Saadat believes he can handle the immense amount of reading required in the two classes.
“It’s going to be a difficult task,” Saadat said, “But I’m really committed.”
