As freshmen are coming of age and entering this new environment, they will study literature, finding similar characters who also struggle to discover their identity, to build new relationships, and to form and understand their values in a complex world. In reading and writing about characters and communities representing different voices, students will explore how to navigate their own identity and combat injustice. Ultimately, students will come to an affirmation of themselves and understand and celebrate diversity. Using their analysis of literature, students will begin by focusing on the basis of argumentation; writing four one paragraph essays in the first semester. During the second semester, each student will write two five-paragraph essays, introducing them to the structure that will serve as the basis of their writing throughout their Bellarmine English education.