Research techniques are taught and research papers or projects are required in all five years. Formal Standard English usage and proofreading skills are developed. Composition is based on logical classification. Additionally, students participate in speech-giving, creative dramatics, and oral reading of poetry. They write poetry, narratives, characterizations, and even short plays.
Literature is studied by genre.
The short story, the novel, the memoir, drama, and poetry are all covered with the terms necessary for discussing and writing about them. The rhetoric unit reinforces the skills introduced in the subfreshman year by emphasizing classification, outlining, thesis development and paragraph organization. Instruction in grammar and punctuation is continued. Students practice public speaking and small group discussion. Shakespearean drama, the novel, short stories, film, and poetry constitute the literary forms studied during the year.