This course follows an integrated format that aligns American Studies and English topics in a team-taught classroom environment as they prepare for post-secondary study, work, and life in the 21st Century. Both career and college preparatory standards will be emphasized. The English component of this class will provide an opportunity for academic growth, specifically in the areas of reading comprehension, critiques, and analysis of common literary terms. In composition, the focus is on effective communication through various formats. Vocabulary and grammar are incorporated through the context of reading, writing, and career readiness terminology. The final purpose of this course is to expose students to the career opportunities available through Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI) through a series of presentations and career exploration activities. It will prompt students to analyze their own strengths, weaknesses, and desires to aid them make educated and realistic decisions about college and/or career choices. At the conclusion of this course, students will decide to pursue a college preparatory academic path in preparation for post-secondary education or to enroll at LCTI to pursue a career pathway (CEW) through one of their technical and vocational programs. Students who select this course should also select American History II Seminar (227) as their history course.