What literature did high school seniors study in the 90s?
Hello! I’m currently writing a book set in 1990s America, and I’m trying to understand what books were typically included in the senior year curriculum. I’m having trouble finding information online. Can anyone share what literature was commonly read by students during that time? Were there variations between schools? Thanks!
Is it too late to join a sport in senior year? Hi everyone! I’m an alternative student transitioning to public high school to earn more credits instead of graduating early. I’ve never participated in school sports because I haven’t attended a traditional high school, but I’m pretty athletic—I’ve been a figure skater and a dancer, […]
Is this a solid plan? When?
Seeking Advice Hi everyone, I’m a junior in high school and it’s that time of year when we start planning for next year’s classes. I’m really hoping to secure a “Senior Schedule,” which would allow me to take fewer than seven classes and have release periods throughout the day. I’ve met all the academic criteria—my […]
In the 90s, high school seniors in America typically encountered a mix of classic literature and contemporary works as part of their English curriculum. While there was some variation between schools, many common texts were widely used. Here are a few examples of literature that seniors might have studied during that time:
“1984” by George Orwell
Contemporary Works:
“The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold (again, published in 2002 but indicative of the themes that would emerge)
Poetry:
Works by poets like Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Sylvia Plath often featured in syllabi.
Plays:
“Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
Essays and Non-fiction:
Curricula differed from state to state and even from school to school, influenced by local educational guidelines, teacher preferences, and the demographics of the student body. Some schools might have leaned more heavily on certain literary movements or themes, incorporating regional literature or works addressing specific social issues relevant to the students.
If you’re writing a book set in the 90s, consider weaving in discussions or references to these texts to authentically capture the literary landscape of that time!