This course focuses on a study of literary genres; the student develops an understanding that theme is what relates literature to life and that themes are recurring in the literary world.  The students explore the effect of themes in regard to interpretation.  While the focus is argumentative writing in ninth grade literature, the student will also demonstrate competency in a variety of writing genres:  narrative, expository, and technical.  The student will engage in research, timed writings, and the writing process.  Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking.  The students demonstrate an understanding of listening, speaking, and viewing skills for a variety of purposes.