The aim of this course is for students to explore and apply conventions of fiction and non-fiction writing, with an emphasis on writing coherent and focused prose with well-defined perspectives, tightly reasoned arguments, and an awareness of audience and purpose.

Activities in class will be content-driven and the methods in which the content is studied will be wide-ranging, from teacher-centered lecture-style classes to group activities, individual research, and study activities.


Typically, the content studied each term will be centered on English in use (in literature, poetry, and informational texts), along with supplementary components of vocabulary building and grammar skill-building.


Assessment in the class will consist of both formative and summative assessments, formal and informal. Students’ skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening will each be assessed each term through written essays, tests, presentations, and participation in group discussions and activities.