Intended for high school freshmen, students in this course will study literature and various literary elements by genres (i.e. short stories, novels, poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction). The literature will be used as a starting point for enhancing their reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, and critical thinking skills. The basics of composition and grammar will be covered and the students will work towards producing well-written compositions. Vocabulary is taught in conjunction with the reading assignments and via various word lists appropriate for this grade.