In this introductory college level course students will study the art of rhetoric and discover how language works. Using frequent writing and close reading of both fiction and non-fiction, students will increase their own writing ability and their understanding of how language works. A variety of genres, authors and writing styles will be studied. These authors will be exclusively American in a nod to the American Literature requirement at the 11th grade. Summer reading of a novel of their choice from a pre-approved AP list is required of entering students. An AP Summer Bridge class is sometimes offered to encourage those with low skills to reach for the challenge of the class. Students will prepare for and be expected to take the AP Exam in Language and Composition given by the College Board each May.