Formal essay work is integrated with all units. As we discuss, there is room for students to express personal opinions. I am a Christian, and the basis of my teaching philosophy is that God created language, and communication is the goal of literature. However, my class is not overtly Christian, though the books and poems we study often are. I do not seek or enforce consensus of opinion, just careful reading.
Careful study is the best way to find truth.
There are some days which will require a lot less, but students who are not prepared to spend up to 3 hours a day reading and writing find themselves slipping behind, and experience a sense of defeat which quickly overpowers their interest in books. Students who need to be away for events can often keep up, but only if their commitment to do so is high. I welcome questions from students and parents on all of these things. Short papers required on each. The paper is a MUST for admission to the class, so plan around summer activities.