Students are asked to write about literature in English 200, but the emphasis is on writing that allows students to respond to various works.

Literary analysis is not out of place in English 200, but rather than be an end in itself, the formal study and discussion of the basic mechanisms of literature (metaphor, theme, structure, etc.) should serve the primary objective of helping to deepen students' ability to respond to literature in some thoughtful and substantive fashion.

The course necessarily relies on writing assignments that offer students an ability to communicate their insights and understanding regarding literary works in clear and relevant prose, but the course remains concerned first and foremost with helping students find ways to gain from reading literature.

Since English 125 is a prerequisite for English 200, it is assumed that students in English 200 will demonstrate competence in their writing.