Demonstrate critical acuity in interpreting individual poems, making appropriate reference to formal poetic devices.

Demonstrate a grasp of the historical, social, and literary contexts of the poems and poets studied.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of the historical, social, and literary contexts of the novels and authors studied.

Demonstrate critical acuity in interpreting individual novels, drawing appropriately on the tools of literary criticism and theory.

Express one's insights in a research paper which makes appropriate use of secondary sources and demonstrates mastery of MLA protocols.