This course traces the development of the English language, history, and literature. Theme, ideas and literary devices are analyzed through formal critical essays and informal journal entries. Students are encouraged to actively engage in the material being studied through classroom discussion, a large component of the course.

This course traces the development of the English language, history, and literature. Theme, ideas and literary devices are analyzed through formal critical essays and informal journal entries. Students are encouraged to actively engage in the material being studied through classroom discussion, a large component of the course. Independent quarterly projects complement the course curriculum.

Prerequisites: B+/A- in Honors American Literature and recommendation by the department leader. Students will be assigned books to be read during the summer and will be required to write two essays per selection due throughout the summer.

This rigorous course is designed for seniors who enjoy the challenge of heavy reading, active literary analysis and frequent writing. Following guidelines developed by the College Board, students will work with materials and methods similar to those encountered at the introductory college level. Poetry, fiction and non-fiction reading selections from the 16th century to the present dominate.

Students completing this course and scoring well on the standardized College Board Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition examination may be granted advanced placement status at their college/university.