This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Embark on a literary journey like no other with this middle school literature survey course! Through engaging discussions and creative presentations, students will dive into the captivating worlds of novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. They will learn and practice literary analysis as they read works of O. Henry, Robert Louis Stevenson, Lois Lowry, William Shakespeare, G. K. Chesterton, and more. With a focus on critical thinking and collaboration, this course offers a dynamic blend of imaginative exploration and academic rigor, shaping young minds into discerning readers.
Total classes: 12
Suggested credit: One full semester of Literature
Special notes: This is Part One of a two-part course. Students are expected to also register for Part Two offered in the spring.
Description
Learn and practice literature analysis! Middle school students will read a wide variety of literary genres, including the novel, short stories, letters, poems, and a drama. In this high-interest, high-engagement course, students will be introduced to literary analysis and creative writing through the study of literature and the mimicking of excellent written classics. Classroom meetings will include short instruction, Socratic discussions, and practical collaborative exercises.
Outline
Week 1: Course introduction; Discussion Forum etiquette; Socratic style rules
Week 2: Introduction to Treasure Island
Weeks 3-10: Treasure Island Socratic Discussions, Literary Themes, Literary Analysis, Discussions of various shorter works
Weeks 11-12: Final Project Construction, Completion of Shorter Works Discussions
Materials and Homework
Materials: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, any unabridged version.
The Father Brown Reader (VOLUME 1), adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown (ISBN-10 :0976638673; ISBN-13: 978-0976638674 (used all year)
All other materials will be provided free by the instructor in PDF form.
Homework: Homework will include reading, taking auto-graded quizzes, posting in the discussion forum, and an optional final essay OR PowerPoint presentation. Students can expect to spend one to two hours of homework outside of the classroom per week.
Important Dates
Class dates: Tuesdays, September 17 to December 10, 2024 (No class Nov. 26)
Starting time: 11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific)
Duration: 50 minutes
