English 3 Honors is designed for academically talented 11th grade students who intend to prepare for entrance into competitive colleges and universities. It is a prerequisite for English 4 Advanced Placement or English 4 Honors. This course focuses on the study of language and the dialogue that occurs between the writer and his/her craft. Although the emphasis will focus on American Literature, we will also study prose and poetry from around the world. Throughout the thematic organization of the course, students will examine literary genres, styles and narrative techniques in depth, noting the similar and unique approaches to human life concerns across cultures. Skills that will be emphasized in depth include: critical thinking, reading comprehension, style analysis, oral and written commentary and research methods. The mandatory research paper (8-12 pages in length) will be taught fall semester.