The English 11 course uses the theme of "Being 'American'" to draw students into rich reading, writing and discussion of what it means to "be American." The course draws from a selection of classic and contemporary as well as nonfiction texts. As in every grade at Boston Latin Academy, a Shakespearean play is also required reading. In English 11, students will focus on essential questions such as "What does it mean to 'be American?'" and "What is the 'American Dream?'" Students will use literary devices to discuss layers of meaning in text, as well as the meaning of the work as a whole, will learn to "talk to the text," will analyze diction, syntax and style, use the principles of rhetoric to dissect text and identify and use persuasive strategies in writing. Students are required to write a critical theory paper using an American text in order to pass the course. In addition, students will complete a survey of many different types of expository and narrative writing, including the synthesis essay, personal reflection and SAT-style timed writing.