Express yourself with clarity and force.

An introduction to film as a medium for storytelling, this discussion-based course will focus on the elements of filmmaking, including history, cinematography, sound, editing, acting, directing, and the methods by which one “reads” a film. The abiding purpose is to examine each film as a purposefully created universe, whose tone, color, language, framing and speed are all a product of specific and discernible choices. Thus we will study filmmaking and film theory in order to engage in informed analysis of cinematography, editing, and screenwriting. Selected films will cover a variety of genres including drama, comedy, thriller, documentary, and animation. In order to experience films as cohesive narratives, one class each week will extend into an attached “lab” period, allowing us to watch feature-length movies in one sitting.

This course will focus on two “classic” epic tales, Homer’s The Iliad from ancient Greece (ca. 750 BCE) and Beowulf from medieval England (ca. 1000 CE). In addition to examining the literary elements and associated texts for these works, we will also explore their historical and archaeological contexts, as well as their ongoing relevance to our own world and lives. Among other themes that will arise out of student interest, this course will consider the question of how humans draw upon different types of courage as they face tumultuous circumstances that are not always of their own making or in their control.

In addition to providing Cate students a taste of how writing workshops operate at the undergraduate and post-graduate level, this class is designed to permit as much creative freedom as possible to those students who will benefit from it, while at the same time providing clear objectives to students who may need more guidance. Each of the first seven weeks of the trimester is dedicated to examining one specific element of creative writing – stream-of-consciousness, dialogue, character description, etc. The expectation is that by trimester’s end, all students – whether working on longer, original pieces or shorter exercises — will be using these skills more judiciously, and in service of work that is both more substantive and personally significant.

English Department Chair

nicole_sintetos@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x336

BA, American Studies & Science, Technology, and Society (STS), Colby College
MA, Public Humanities, Brown University
PhD, American Studies, Brown University

Appointed: 2022

Born and raised in Salinas, California, Nicole is thrilled to return to the west coast after more than a decade living and working in New England.  She began her career at Dublin School in New Hampshire, where she taught English and History courses, coached lacrosse, and spearheaded school-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. In 2016, she took a hiatus from high school teaching to pursue a PhD at Brown University. There, she had the opportunity to design her own undergraduate courses in the American Studies and Ethnic Studies departments. Whether working with high school juniors or college sophomores, Nicole’s practice as an educator is grounded in the belief that the act of learning should be as rigorous as it is joyful— and cultivated in a classroom lighted by both introspection and bold curiosity.

On the Mesa, Nicole remains a practicing researcher and writer. She is currently the co-director of a National Park Service-funded digital project that draws on archival material, oral histories, and drone imagery to preserve the history of overlooked World War II Japanese internment sites in Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana.

English Instructor

jeff_barton@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x221

BA, University of California, Berkeley
MA, Princeton University

Appointed: 1983

Jeff Barton has been a cornerstone of the Cate community since 1983 teaching English, Spanish, and Art History. A former co-director of a summer program in Spain during the 1980s, Jeff also served as Dean of Faculty, Chair of the Foreign Languages Department, and Assistant Dean of Faculty. He has coached track since 1984, including 25 years as head coach, and currently coordinates formal dinners and the Servons Speaker Program.

Jeff is the current holder of the Chan Family Distinguished Faculty Chair and was awarded the Spittler Cup in 1993.

Jeff’s three sons – Max ’99, Nick ’03, and Daniel ’21 – are all Cate graduates. He lives on the Mesa with his cat, Panda, and continues to be an integral part of Cate’s academic and extracurricular life.

English Instructor

tracey_calhoun@cate.org / 805-684-4127

BA, Ithaca College
M.Ed., UCLA
Appointed: 2017

Tracey studied English and anthropology at Ithaca College and spent a year abroad at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2001, she served in AmeriCorpsVISTA* working with the LA Gay & Lesbian Center on anti-violence programs in LA-area schools. After earning an M.Ed. at UCLA, she taught all levels of high school English for 12 years in East Los Angeles and La Cañada. At Cate, Tracey is a member of the English department faculty, coaches in the Outdoors program, and assists with El Batidor, the student newspaper. She lives on campus with her with her daughter and their dog, Scout.

English & Humanities Instructor

alicia_hammond@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x302

MA, Dartmouth College
BA, Colby College

Appointed: 2015

A fourth-generation Californian, Alicia Hammond has spent decades living, teaching, and coaching at boarding schools in California and New England. At Cate, she has taught History, English, and Humanities and has been deeply involved in Outdoor Education, leading backpacking trips for Outings Weeks.

A recipient of the Burleigh Pattee Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching, Alicia brings her passion for education and the outdoors into every aspect of her work. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and dogs. Alicia lives on the Mesa with her family and embraces the rhythms of boarding school life.

English Instructor

brooks_hansen@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x297

BA, Harvard University

Appointed: 2010

Brooks Hansen is a celebrated author and educator who has been teaching at Cate for 15 years. He has authored ten books, including seven novels, two illustrated children’s books, and a memoir. Four of his works have been recognized as New York Times Notable Books, with The Chess Garden named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. His most recent novel was included in the New York Times‘ list of best historical novels of 2021.

In 2005, Brooks received a Guggenheim Fellowship and has also been honored with the Spittler Cup and the W. Burleigh Pattee Fellowship. At Cate, he shares his passion for comparative religion, fiction writing, and illustration.

Born and raised in New York City, Brooks is a music enthusiast, art lover, and devoted sports fan.

English Instructor
Assistant Dean of Students

randy_person@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x131

BA, Colby College
MS, University of Pennsylvania
Appointed: 2021

Randy Person, a member of the Class of 2010, returned to Cate as an English and Humanities Instructor following stints at St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I. and St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H. After graduating from Cate, Randy went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and earned his master’s of science in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

A standout student-athlete for the Rams, Randy will return to the sidelines to coach football, and lacrosse, and also serves as the Assistant Dean of Students.

Born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles, Randy‘s hobbies include pottery, thrifting, and adding to his sneaker collection. He is looking forward to meeting the students, participating in new and old traditions, and of course, every opportunity to BEAT THACHER!

English & Humanities Instructor

michael_szanyi@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x130

MBA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
MA, Claremont Graduate University
BA, Pitzer College

Appointed: 2023

Michael Szanyi brings over two decades of experience in education and the arts to Cate, where he serves as an English and Humanities Instructor and contributes to the dance and musical programs. Michael spent 12 years at The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, where he held roles including Dean of Faculty, Dance Program Director, and Lead Class Advisor. He also taught at Pomona College for eight years as a lecturer, adjunct, and choreographer in dance.

A 2024-2025 Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms participant, Michael is passionate about exploring literature and the performing arts. He has designed innovative courses such as Honors LGBT American Stories and Advanced Studies in Experimental Literature.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys themed sweaters, listening to Britney Spears, reading experimental novels, and sharing his love for storytelling through movement and words.