This competency-based course is designed to provide a balanced language arts experience centered on recurrent themes and genres in United States literature from earliest times to the present, reflecting on the diversity of American life. The main emphasis of this course will be analyzing works of fiction and nonfiction for the recognition of theme, symbolism, tone and historical significance. Incorporated into this course will be vocabulary enrichment and listening and speaking skills, as well as a variety of writing activities including narrative, expository, persuasive, informational and descriptive writing that demonstrates research, organization and drafting strategies. FREE