This is a literature-based course grouped into four literary collections (short story, poetry, Shakespeare and Greek Mythology) which will be used to implement various writing, critical thinking and application strategies. The students will become familiar with the writing process focusing specifically on informational and persuasive writing. There will be several opportunities to research and incorporate research with the classroom and writings. They will explore vocabulary and "roots" of words to aid in understanding meaning of context. Students will also review grammatical devices, usage and varying sentence structure. All of these processes will be practiced and utilized based on our literature throughout the year. The students will build on prior knowledge of common literary devices, the writing process and Modem Language Association (MLA) Format. The students will be required to read, interpret and analyze and apply 4-5 novels/plays/poems throughout the year including The Outsiders, Fahrenheit 451, The Hunger Games, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Homer's epic The Odyssey.