The word – spoken, written, thought – is full of powerful potential. The study of language and literature, then, becomes a study of works that have shaped our culture and our thinking. Additionally, working hard at the way we use language becomes a key to effective communication, powerful expression, and clear thinking. To this end, all English courses will stress clear and logical thinking, strong study in the conventions of language (grammar, syntax, mechanics, the figurative, vocabulary), reading, critical thinking, speaking, and listening. Students will learn to deal with the various writing situations with which they will be faced, and to do so with calm confidence. In the same way students will learn to read well for various purposes. The great works cannot be fully appreciated in isolation. The literature in English at CCHS will often parallel the same year’s course in history and Bible to reinforce understanding of the truths of Scripture and of the world as a whole. In the same way that language, writing, and literature study are often naturally integrated, English, history and Bible relate closely and naturally.