LANGUAGE ARTS all academic Language Arts courses are yearlong 
 

 Ninth Grade Literature and Composition. Ninth Grade Literature and Composition is a mandatory course for all ninth grade students not enrolled in Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition.  Ninth Grade Literature and Composition students should be prepared to read a variety of materials, write in response to a wide array of topics, work with peers on group projects, participate in novel discussions, and strengthen their grammar skills through our grammar practice program. Students enrolled in this course should be prepared to have English homework each night and are required to participate in our RISE remediation program if the course grade reaches a 74% or below.  Prerequisites:  Seventh and eighth grade English 

Student Comments:

“I usually spend at least 25 minutes a night on English homework.  In high school there is no good excuse not to have your homework finished on time.  We have a free writing lab available to us and I use it all the time.  I have really enjoyed reading the books and discussing them as a class.  It is important to be in class every day because even one day of missing school could put you behind”-- Ansley (Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Student) 
 

Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition. Students interested in taking Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition should be avid readers and writers and have advanced level English experience from middle school.  Honors students should be prepared to work on multiple assignments simultaneously and be prepared for a minimum of one hour of English homework per night.  Students are expected to read most course novels at home and be ready to discuss these novels as a large group during class time. Students will also complete an in depth research paper, memoir, and literary analysis paper throughout the course of the year.  The honors track is a rigorous college preparatory track, so students will be expected to be in class every day and turn in their homework, major assignments, and papers on time.  All major assignments will be typed and no late homework will be accepted.  Students enrolled in this course should be prepared to have English homework each night and are required to participate in our RISE remediation program if the course grade reaches a 74% or below.  There is required summer reading for Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition.

Prerequisites:  Seventh and Eighth grade English. Suggested Prerequisites:  A mid-B or higher in TAG or Advanced seventh and eighth grade English 

Student Comments:

“If you want to push yourself, then take Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition.  I spend at least 45 minutes on English homework per night and many times more.  My honors teachers push me harder and have higher expectations.  Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition is more challenging this year than it was in middle school.  You have to be ready for the challenge.” 

-Amanda (Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Student) 

Tenth Grade Literature and Composition. Tenth Grade Literature and Composition is a mandatory course for all tenth grade students not enrolled in Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition.  Tenth Grade Literature and Composition students should be prepared to read a variety of materials with an emphasis on persuasion and non-fiction throughout the year in addition to a lengthy schedule of fiction novels.  They will write in response to an array of topics and writing situations and work to achieve depth and development in their writing.  They will work with peers on group projects, will participate in novel discussions, and will strengthen their grammar skills through our grammar practice program. Class time will be spent preparing for the GHSGWT and the PSAT.  Students enrolled in this course should be prepared to have English homework each night and are required to participate in our RISE remediation program if the course grade reaches a 74% or below. 

Prerequisites:  Ninth grade English 

Student Comments:

“It’s easy as long as you read and understand what you are reading.  If you do your work for class, 10^th Lit is not that hard, it’s just more advanced and faster than 9^th grade.  We write a lot more- which I love, by the way!  The pace is definitely quicker!  The grammar can be a little tricky, so you should practice, practice, practice until you can’t get it wrong even if you try!  You can also use your DGP packet and go in for help.” - Renato (Tenth Grade Literature and Composition Student) 

Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition. Students interested in taking Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition should be avid, independent readers and eager, accomplished writers who have Honors English experience from high school.  Tenth grade honors students should be prepared to work on multiple in-class and out-of-class assignments simultaneously and should be self-directed, organized learners.  Accordingly, honors students knowingly anticipate a minimum of one hour of English homework per night.  Students are expected both to read course novels and required independent novels at home and to be ready to discuss and analyze these novels as a large group during class time, frequently applying the basics of literary theory. Students will also complete an in depth persuasive research paper, a persuasive issue paper, a literary analysis paper, and numerous timed writing papers throughout the course of the year.  Class time will be spent preparing for the GHSGWT and the PSAT. The honors track is a rigorous college preparatory track, so students will be expected to be in class every day and turn in their homework, major assignments, and papers on time, without question.  All major assignments will be typed and no late homework will be accepted.  There is required summer reading for Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition.

Prerequisites:  Ninth grade English. Suggested Prerequisites:  A mid-B or higher (without honors points) in Honors ninth grade English or TAG ninth grade English or a strong teacher recommendation from ninth grade on level English 

Student Comments:

“To do this class, you have to be committed the entire time by prioritizing school work over prioritizing relaxation time.  I usually have an hour of English homework per night on average, sometimes more. This year there are a lot more expectations for us to go into depth.  Last year in writing you only needed to know the ideas.  This year you have to know how to focus on the ideas and explain in writing how they contribute to the overall meaning of the novel.  There’s a lot more subtlety that we’re expected to get in the novels, too.  The pace at which we work and the level at which we pause and think and connect and write distinguishes honors students from others.” -Ananth  (Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition Student) 

“The difference between last year’s English class and this year’s 10^th Honors English is that everything requires much deeper analysis.  We’re expected to analyze books and things we read to a deeper level, and we’re expected to do assignments with more detail and more insight.  All of this takes a lot longer—I usually have 30 minutes of reading homework alone in addition to the other things that we’re asked to do.  The grading of these assignments, particularly our writing, is much more critical because you have to reach new levels of analysis and have to more concisely convey what you mean in your writing.”

--David(Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition Student) 

 “This year Honors 10^th English requires more analyzing rather than just basic comprehension.  You’re expected to constantly think outside the box to the extent that rather than just knowing something as fact and making that comment, you have to connect it to something else to rationalize it and justify it.  Because of that, you have to develop better analysis in your writing.  Since in class time is spent analyzing and discussing, most reading work is done at home.  We have homework every night.” -Erik (Honors Tenth Grade Literature and Composition Student) 

Eleventh Grade American Literature and Composition 23.0530010. Eleventh Grade Literature and Composition is a mandatory course for all eleventh grade students not enrolled in Honors Eleventh Grade Literature and Composition or AP Language.  Eleventh grade American Literature/Composition is a study of the major literary periods and themes cross the history of the United States from pre-Colonial times to present day.  Class time will be spent preparing for the GHSGT and the SAT. Students will focus on major literary forms, analyze literary themes and trends, research topics, compose several papers, present speeches, make presentations, learn new vocabulary, and study grammar concepts.  Students enrolled in this course should be prepared to have English homework each night and are required to participate in our RISE remediation program if the course grade reaches a 74% or below.

Prerequisites: Ninth and Tenth grade Literature /Composition 

Student Comments:

“In 11^th grade literature there is more independent work.  Students have to be able to manage all the due dates and make time to study. There is a lot of focus on preparing for standardized tests like the graduation test and SAT.I have learned a lot more about literature not just grammar and writing.”

-Tahja (11^th American Literature and Composition Student) 

Honors Eleventh Grade American Literature and Composition 23.0510043. Honors American Literature is a rigorous reading and writing intensive class that focuses on American authors and poets through United States history. Students interested in taking Honors Eleventh Grade Literature and Composition should be avid readers and writers and have Honors English experience. Students will be asked to think critically and apply their knowledge both in Socratic seminars and writing. Students in this class will be expected to write more essays than in an on-level course and read more novels independently outside of school. More than one text may be assigned at one time. Students will also complete an in-depth literary research paper on the Modern Poets. This is a fast paced class and students must be able to work independently. Students enrolled in this course should be prepared to have a minimum of an hour of English homework each night and are required to participate in our RISE remediation program if the course grade reaches a 74% or below.  Summer Reading is required for this course.

Prerequisites: Ninth and Tenth grade Literature /Composition. Suggested Prerequisites: A mid-B or higher (without honors points) in Honors Ninth grade English and Honors Tenth grade English or a strong teacher recommendation from tenth grade on level English 

Student Comments:

“I enjoy the freedoms and liberty of this honors class and especially like and learn from all the writing. The expectations are high and the grading especially hard, I am learning from these aspects.”

-Sarah  

AP Language and Composition.  Students interested in taking AP Language and Composition with American Literature focus should be prepared for college level work; therefore, they should be strong readers and writers and should have taken and done well in Honors 9^th and Honors 10^th grade literature and composition.  Please note that there is required summer reading for this course.  The purpose of this class is two-fold. 

The first purpose is to complete a survey of American literature in order to prepare for the End-of-Course Test administered in May.  The focus will be on the history and development of American Literature, including:

• the influence of mythic, traditional, and classical literature on American literature;
• elements of nonfiction with an emphasis on letters, journals, diaries, speeches, and essays;
• historical development of poetic styles and forms in American literature; types of drama with focus on political drama, theatre of the absurd, and modern drama;
• and the analysis of primary source documents in relation to the literary period or historical setting.

The second purpose is to become familiar with a variety of composition methods and writing styles and techniques and to improve reading comprehension of difficult texts in order to prepare for the AP exam (also administered in May).  The AP exam includes three timed free response essays (persuasive, synthesis, and rhetorical analysis) to be completed in two hours and a passage-based multiple-choice section to be completed in 55 minutes.  To help students become comfortable with the format of the exam, they will complete at least three full practice exams (nine in class essays and three full multiple choice exams) in addition to many out-of-class, full process compositions.  Based on the guidelines set forth by the College Board®, the AP English Lang students will:

• analyze and interpret samples of good writing, identifying and explaining author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques;
• apply effective strategies and techniques in their own writing;
• create and sustain arguments based on reading, research, and/or personal experience;
• demonstrate understanding and mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writing;
• write in a variety of genres and contexts, both formal and informal, employing appropriate conventions;
• produce expository and argumentative compositions that introduce a complex central idea and develop it with appropriate, specific evidence, cogent explanations, and clear transitions; and move effectively through the stages of the writing process, with careful attention to inquiry and research, drafting, revising, editing, and review.

Prerequisites: Ninth and Tenth grade Literature /Composition. Suggested Prerequisites: A high-B or above (without honors points) in Honors Ninth grade English and Honors Tenth grade English. Students should have earned a minimum score of 55 in the reading comprehension section of the PSAT to be successful in this class. 

Student Comments:

“AP Lang was definitely more challenging than previous language arts classes. We wrote many timed writings, engaged in many literary debates, and created distinctive essays. Most importantly, AP Lang was rewarding because it allowed us to formulate and express our own opinions.” - Krisha (AP Language student) 

World Literature. World Literature and Composition is a mandatory (semester) course for all twelfth grade students not enrolled in College English or AP Literature. World Literature and Composition is a study of major literary pieces, movements and themes from around the world.  It is a rigorous class that requires attendance, note taking, and daily studying. Students write in class and out of class papers and read a variety of texts both in and out of class. Only senior level work is accepted.  This class is meant to help prepare seniors to begin college the following school year.  The reading, writing, and discussing require senior level depth and maturity. 

Prerequisites: Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh grade literature 

Student Comments:

“Ironically, all of the grammar practice has actually helped a lot when writing papers. Also, I have used MLA about six times my first semester in college, and if we did not practice the format so many times, I would have failed the papers easily. When it comes to the actual classes, World Lit was my favorite. I liked exploring the different cultures and seeing the differences and similarities between them.”   -Adam (former AP Language student) 
 

Contemporary Literature 23.0660001 Contemporary Literature is a selective course for all twelfth grade students not enrolled in College English or AP Literature. Student must take World Literature and then they decide between Contemporary Literature and Multicultural Literature. Contemporary Literature covers literature written from the 1940s through the present day.  Students will read a variety of texts both inside and outside of class and will use these texts to discover the universal human condition while exploring the issues that face modern society.  Students will closely analyze all types of literature observing details such as structure, style, themes, social and historical values, figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. This course emphasizes writing; throughout this semester students will write to understand, explain, and evaluate.  Contemporary society (along with its literature) includes issues that are timely and often controversial.  Senior level maturity in discussion and senior level depth of analysis and expression are required.   It is a rigorous class that requires attendance, note taking, and daily studying.

Prerequisites: ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade literature

Student Comments: 

“Contemporary literature is nothing like any other class I have taken before.  The books and activities we do in this class are exciting and different—five minute free writes, modern novels and short stories are all relatable.  Discussions are also a part of this class and they are always on interesting topics.  This is by far my favorite literature class!”  - Sasha  (Contemporary Literature student) 

Multicultural Literature 23.0670001 Multicultural Literature is a selective course for all twelfth grade students not enrolled in College English or AP Literature. Student must take World Literature and then they decide between Contemporary Literature and Multicultural Literature. Multicultural Literature is American writing that represents the works of new and otherwise marginalized Americans who illustrate the ethnic diversity of America and the cross cultural experience that is becoming more and more a central part of American life.  This is a senior level class that expects reading, writing, analysis and discussion to be performed in an almost college level depth and maturity.  Multicultural lit combines personal history and American history in looking at the immigrant experience as well as the native experience.  We read about, research, and discuss our own stories of where and who we come from and experiences others have had in building our present culture in the U.S.  Students need to be prepared to talk about controversial subjects passionately yet logically—lively yet maturely.  This class includes writing, presenting and reading assignments geared to preparing all students for college.  It is a rigorous class that requires attendance, note taking, and daily studying.

Prerequisites: ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade literature 

Student Comments:

“Multi-Cultural lit was by far my favorite English course taken in high school. The course mainly focused on different individuals’ heritages and social issues that are prevalent in today's society. The social issues often fueled intense in-class discussions, and given the diverse crowd that attends Alpharetta High School, it was a great learning experience being able to hear each different student's personal perspective on the discussion topics. With such a diverse student body it was nice to have a safe environment where we could really discuss these issues.  I gained so much from the class and would highly recommend taking it!”   -Katie (former Multicultural Literature student) 
 

AP Literature and Composition 23.0650010  AP Literature is a college level literature course that focuses on an intense study of literature from the 16^th century to present day, academic writing, literary criticism, literary terminology, and preparation for the AP exam in the spring. Expectations: The course, designed by the College Board, requires a student read multiple long and short works, some simultaneously and often averaging 50 pages per night.  Students must also meet routine writing deadlines for out-of-class research projects, literary analysis essays, and shorter response papers.  Students are expected to be able to write fluently and with sophistication and to discuss literature with considerable knowledge, insight, and a refined vocabulary. During the year, students should plan to read at least 8 major works outside of class in addition to class assignments.  This course requires summer reading and is available to students in grade 12.

Prerequisites:  AP Lang or 11^th grade honors English. Suggested Prerequisites: Students who have experienced success in 11^th grade honors or AP classes (with at least an 85 average (without honors points), students who have been extremely successful (94 or above) in an on level 11^th grade class, or students whose PSAT Verbal score is 60 or above.

Student Comments:

“Although heavy in reading and analysis, the class discussions and enjoyable texts make AP Lit a mature, yet challenging, class.” -Kelly (AP Literature student) 
 

ESOL Course Descriptions

Communication Skills I 55.021000—new number (23.0910000—old number)

Students who enter the ESOL Program with no or very limited English skills begin with survival language.  Students at this stage are learning how to express themselves in English to communicate basic needs as well as beginning to acquire an understanding of academic learning taught through the medium of English to compliment their existing educational learning experience.  This course employs a wide variety of visual and oral communicative skills, strategies, and materials to help students access academic learning in English. This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 9-12.

Prerequisites: Level 1 on W-APT or ACCESS test 
 

Oral Communication in the Content Areas 55.024000—new number (23.0420020-old number) The primary emphasis for beginning ESOL students includes building on the initial survival language skills as well as developing interpersonal communication skills while learning about various cultural characteristics of the United States.  Students will respond to and ask questions as well as participate in simple conversations.  They are encouraged to retell events and stories in their own words.  The focus will be on the acquisition of fundamental skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing while developing vocabulary associated with designated themes.  Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing talks, speeches, and written communication.  Learning strategies and basic computer skills are introduced to help facilitate the acquisition of English. This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 9-12. Prerequisites :  Level 1 on W-APT or ACCESS test 

Reading and Listening in the Content Area 55.0230000—new number

(23.0830020—old number) The primary emphasis for beginning ESOL students includes building on the initial survival language skills as well as developing interpersonal communication skills while learning about various cultural characteristics of the United States.  Students will respond to and ask questions as well The primary emphasis for beginning ESOL students includes building on the initial survival language skills as well as developing interpersonal communication skills while learning about various cultural characteristics of the United States.  Students will respond to and ask questions as well.

Prerequisites: Level 2-3 on W-APT or ACCESS test 
 

ESOL 9^-- 23.0910020/ESOL 2--23.092000 ESOL 9 follows the 9^th grade curriculum, including the EOCT, with accommodations for English Language Learners. In ESOL 2 as students are acquiring basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English at this level, attention is given to the continuous development of grammar and usage.  Students continue to expand their interpersonal communication skills and knowledge about culture in the United States. Students begin accessing sources other than texts for information.  Process writing is introduced: planning, drafting, revising, editing, proofing and re-writing.  Students increase their reading comprehension level through continue use of reading strategies and through a variety of printed material.  Students continue to apply learning strategies and computer skills to facilitate the acquisition of English.

Grade: 9 and 10; 11-12 in ESOL 2 Prerequisite:  Level 2-5 on W-APT or ACCESS 
 

ESOL 10 23.0920003; ESOL 3 23.093000 ESOL 10 follows the 10^th grade English curriculum with accommodations for English Language Learners.

English Language Learners at this stage (ESOL 3) understand more complex speech and use English fairly well to communicate. While their spoken English is comprehensible, they may still make grammatical mistakes. They are developing a larger English vocabulary for speaking and writing as well as understanding written materials for academic success.  This course also has a strong focus on further developing academic writing skills to ensure students are successful on statewide writing assessments as well as feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts, opinions and knowledge in academic matters.

Grade: 10^th grade; 11^th-12^th for ESOL 3. Prerequisite: Level 2-5 on W-APT or ACCESS 
 

Communication Skills II 55.022000/ ESOL 4 23.0940000 This course is designed for those English Language Learners who still need to develop stronger reading and writing skills and who would not otherwise receive this specialized attention.  Success on academic measures such as the statewide tests and college entrance tests require a high degree of skill in reading and writing.  Grade:  9-10 for Communication Skills II; 11^th-12^th for ESOL 4. Prerequisite:  Level 2-3 on W-APT or ACCESS test 

11^th grade American Literature Sheltered 23.0510020 This course follows the on-level 11^th grade American Literature course with accommodations for English Language Learners.  American Literature/Composition is a study of the major literary topics and themes across the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to present day. Students will focus on major literary forms, analyze literary themes and trends, research topics, compose several papers, present speeches, make presentations, and study grammar concepts.  Grade: 11, 12. Prerequisite:  W-APT or ACCESS score of 2-3; 11^th or 12^th grade placement 
 

World Lit/Composition S 23.0630021/Contemporary Lit/Comp S 23.0660021 (old numbers); Sheltered Senior English 23.0660021—new number (not in use yet) This course follows the on-level 12^th grade World Literature and Contemporary literature courses with accommodations for English Language Learners. 

Term: S. Grade: 12. Prerequisite: W-APT or ACCESS score of 2-5; 12^th grade placement 
 

Access Classes

The goal of the ACCESS curriculum is a modified standards based instruction for students in the four areas of Science (Access Biology and Access Physical Science), Math (Access Int Adv Algebra and Access Int Geometry), English (Access 9th Lit/Com and Access 10th Lit/Com), and Social Studies ( Access AmGvt/Civics and Access World History). The content of the classes is GPS based and modified to allow the students access to the general education curriculum. Student are in class four days weekly (M-TH) and then participate on Fridays in community based instruction based upon the student's IEP goals and objectives. 

Basic Reading/Writing. The Basic Reading/Writing curriculum integrates literature, composition and grammar. Emphasis is placed on critical reading and writing skills as they relate to everyday life. This class targets area of reading, writing, listening and speaking strategies while exploring all different facets of literature as it relates to the writing component and the reading component. Students spend a great deal of time practicing decoding strategies and skills as well as comprehension skills. This class will help you become an effective writer and understand the many components to the writing process.  

This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 9 -12 with an IEP placement.  

Electives:

Journalism 1 Annual 23.0320007 Study of photo journalism; production of school annual

Expectations: Students who apply for this course must be fluent writers who are willing to interview students and adults whom they do not know, take photos, and put in hours beyond regular class time. Having a firm grasp of other academics is important because of the demands of this class. Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation: staff selection is made as a result of application process. This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 10 -12.  
 

Journalism II Annual 23.0330007 Advanced study of photo journalism; production of school annual. Expectations: Students who apply for this course must be fluent writers who are willing to interview students and adults whom they do not know, take photos, and put in hours beyond regular class time. Having a firm grasp of other academics is important because of the demands of this class.

Prerequisites: Annual I. This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 11 and 12.  
 

Journalism III Annual 23.0350007 Advanced study of photo journalism; production of school annual. Expectations: Students who apply for this course must be fluent writers who are willing to interview students and adults whom they do not know, take photos, and put in hours beyond regular class time. Having a firm grasp of other academics is important because of the demands of this class.  Prerequisites: Annual II. Prerequisites: Annual I. This is a yearlong course available to students in grade 12.  

Student Comments:

“Making the yearbook takes a lot of patience, creativity, and time management, but the final product makes all of the effort worth it.” – Aubrey

“My friends could never understand why I spent so many hours running around for yearbook. The constant need to take pictures, get quotes, and interview my peers seemed like it would have been overwhelming, but to be able to hold the finished product in your hand and be able to say, ‘I helped make that,’ is one of the best experiences ever.” –Brittany  

Course Number:  Journalism I Newspaper 23.0320000 Journalism I is an elective course available to students interested in all elements of journalism production.  Students should have a personal interest in news and popular culture and should have a desire to publish work.  They must be very accomplished academic writers, likely those who have participated in honors English during their freshman and/or sophomore years, and must be extremely comfortable working with new people.  They should be responsible, self-motivated leaders who are well-respected by peers and faculty.  Journalists accepted into the program will commit to year-after-year participation on the staff.  In Journalism I, students will learn the tenants of journalism writing, journalism photography, and page layout design, often working collaboratively in peer newsroom groups.  Responsibilities for this class extend outside of school hours for tasks like interviewing, page layout, and revision or editing processes; additionally, students must obtain advertising dollars to help support the journalism program.  The class produces the school’s newspaper 6-8 times per academic year and enters its work into local and national competitions.

Prerequisites:  Ninth grade English and if applicable 10^th grade English, Application with work sample, and Teacher Recommendation. This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 10 or 11.  
 

Journalism II Newspaper 23.0330000 Journalism II is an elective course available to students who have participated in Journalism I in the previous school year.  Journalism II students will hone their skills in journalism writing, photography, and page layout design, tackling more prestigious journalism opportunities.  These student journalists will become leaders of the class by applying for section editor positions, business management positions, or the position(s) of Editor-in-Chief. Prerequisites:  Journalism I. This is a yearlong course available to students in grades 11 or 12. 
 

Journalism III Newspaper 23.0350000 Journalism III is an elective course available to students who have participated in Journalism II in the previous school year.  Journalism III are leaders of journalism writing, photography, and page layout design.  These student journalists are typically leaders of the class and will work on compiling a portfolio representative of their growth as a student journalist.  Often these students apply for entry into journalism programs in post-secondary institutions. Prerequisites:  Journalism I and Journalism II. This is a yearlong course for students in grade 12. 

Student Comments:

“Being in journalism and producing a paper requires commitment, dedication, and a willingness to branch out of the ‘typical’ student mold.  Things you do for newspaper aren’t usually things that a student would do on his own—like going to the principal and asking about school policies or inquiring at Lifetime about student parking procedures.  I’ve committed to journalism because I like that I can influence and inform the school through investigating, interviewing, and writing.  It’s gratifying because when you see people reading and talking about what you’ve written, it makes you feel like you made a difference.”

--Adam  

“To be a journalist, you have to have a desire to write about people and events and an ability to find a way to make it interesting.  By developing a journalistic style, I’ve found a way to write on topics that otherwise wouldn’t normally reach a high school audience; it’s a neat and creative challenge to justify a topic’s credibility and to figure out how to present it to readers.”--Bennett