English 4 continues to stress growth in analysis and close reading strategies in honing the writing process and in developing voice in speaking and writing. The curriculum emphasizes the refinement of cognitive processes, especially those of analysis and synthesis. Students are encouraged to respond both emotionally and intellectually to the literature studied, and to become more aware of the value of language as a system of creating meaning. Students will write papers and create projects relevant to class discussion and readings. Literature will be chosen from a varied list of classic and contemporary literature from a range of periods and cultures. A research project, as well as essays that emphasize analysis and synthesis, will be expected.