Freshman Writing
This required course, taken in addition to English 9, provides an academic forum in which students develop their abilities to express themselves intelligently, accurately, and creatively. The writing process—prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing—becomes a natural and effective method for students as their writing confidence and skills grow. The class engages students in reading published expository prose, fiction, poetry, and peer writing as models of and inspiration for their exemplary compositions. In conjunction with the formal modes of analytical writing, journal writing fosters the open expression of ideas and voice. In addition, students build their peer-revision and self-revision skills through discussions, teacher-student conferences, and exercises in the classroom. To help students edit with purpose and certainty, the course emphasizes grammar and mechanics lessons as the foundation of strong, well-organized prose. Texts include: Grammar for Writing; Models for Writers; and Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Book D.