This course will continue to develop students' writing skills, emphasizing clear and logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students will write a variety of essays, and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students will read American works of literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses. Students will also begin to see the fluid nature between fiction and nonfiction and make connections to history, art, and other content areas. The course is designed to be rigorous, and some work outside of the classroom should be expected.