Serving as the foundation for a college prep English track, this course will ground ninth and tenth-grade students in the fundamentals of literature and academic writing. Key concepts of plot, characterization, setting and theme are emphasized. Students will grow in their ability to read, think and write about literature analytically. They will fill up their toolbox for the task of analysis by learning literary term and devices, by practicing the skill of asking what, why and how questions of the text and by discussing, debating and defending their discoveries with classmates. Writing assignments are focused on incrementally developing the skills necessary to write outstanding analytical essays.