On the big screen, in the books we read, and even in everyday life, we encounter heroes and villains. How are the values of our culture reflected in the traits we admire in our real and fictional heroes? What forces work against our heroes? In this class, we use the books we read and the discussions they generate to explore universal ideas such as heroism, challenges, dreams, and social justice issues. Students will learn the tools for effective communication, both out loud and in writing, and begin to write and speak with an understanding of the audience and purpose. No matter what your future plans hold, the ability to communicate with clarity, think critically, and work collaboratively will give you an advantage.