The Classics to the Cosmos

National Book Month offers an opportune moment to reflect on the depth and breadth of literary exploration at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM). While our name distinctly leans towards "Science and Mathematics," the vast horizon of our literary engagement showcases a comprehensive and dynamic academic experience.

Deep within the hallowed halls of MSSM's English Department, students traverse literary landscapes that span from the medieval intrigues of Shakespeare's "Richard III" to the haunting musings in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." They journey through the societal mazes of Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," confront issues of identity in Kate Chopin's "The Awakening," dive deep into the suspenseful world of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and navigate human psyche in Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire."

But MSSM's literary scope isn't confined solely to the annals of classic literature. This month, our course on Fantastical and Fearsome Literature catapults students into the boundless realms of science fiction. Delving into the intricate tapestry of the genre, students are engrossed in seminal works like Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" and Ray Bradbury's stories "There Will Come Soft Rains" and "Mars is Heaven!" Additionally, George Griffith's "A Corner in Lightning" and Katherine Maclean's "Contagion" further enrich their understanding, pushing boundaries and inviting them to ponder humanity's place in the vastness of the cosmos.

Meanwhile, MSSM's Book Club, now in its sophomore year, showcases the school's commitment to fostering a love for contemporary narratives. With 20 students onboard — a staggering fifth of our student body and double the count from last year — they are currently engrossed in Bethany Wiggins' dystopian novel, "Stung," a gripping tale of a world thrown into chaos by a single scientific misadventure.

MSSM's robust Humanities department ensures our students are not just academically motivated but also culturally enriched. Celebrating National Book Month, MSSM stands as an emblem of academic excellence, where students are molded not just as future scientists and mathematicians, but as enlightened individuals with a deep appreciation for literature, ready to contribute their unique perspectives to the global narrative.