This year, ETHS is introducing a new English course focused on Middle Eastern, North African and Asian (MENAA) literature, designed for students eager to deepen their literary analysis skills while exploring themes of culture and identity.
The class is taught by Anita Bucio, Patricia Delacruz and Angela Sangha-Gadsden, who guided it through the Board of Education’s approval process.
“The process to develop this course took two years in collaboration with MENAA educators in the English and history departments, as well as student input from club spaces,” said Bucio.
Seniors can earn honors credit through the course, which fulfills English graduation requirements. Students will engage with works by MENAA authors and scholars throughout the year.
“Students not only connect with powerful voices from the past and present but also begin shaping their own sense of self and belonging,” said Bucio. “The class provides them with a space to reflect on who they are.”
Furqaan Idrees, a student of Bucio’s, has enjoyed the class so far, noting the sense of community as one of its highlights.
“It makes me feel good knowing that other people in this school have similar stories to me,” said Idrees.
Many students describe the class as a supportive environment. For student Lily Vernon, it has been a uniquely positive experience.
“The class makes me happy, especially since this is the first time I’ve been in a class like this,” said Vernon.
Bucio believes that the class will be healing and transformative for students and is eager to see the direction it takes in the coming years.
“My main goal is to create a space where students can see themselves and their identities reflected, honored and challenged through literature,” said Bucio.
