To help students understand the importance of historic context in literary analysis.
To expose students to a variety of literary genres to further their appreciation of literature.
To develop students’ vocabulary-building skills through the use of context clues and word origin/structure analysis.
To help students recognize and understand the use of a variety of literary elements (terms and techniques).
To enable students to respond to literature in a way that reflects intelligent and thoughtful analysis.
To develop students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills so that they may function effectively in any course at university level.
To help students create a body of written work (essay portfolio) that will facilitate the college application process.
To provide a wide range of learning opportunities, including daily and longer-term projects, in order that students of all ability levels may be able to reach their respective potentials and be successful.
To foster a classroom atmosphere that emphasizes the importance of respect for others’ opinions, beliefs and ways of being.