Infused with a blend of the Gothic and the Romantic movements of the period, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein addresses some of the key concerns of mankind. What are the results of unbridled ego and scientific study?  What responsibilities do we have to those connected to us?  How do we unknowingly pass judgement on those around us and to what effect?  What, then, is life itself and what precisely makes us human?  This expansive and fully-rounded course has been specially crafted with honors students in mind. 

The rapid and stunning changes, as well as the increasing complexity, of modern society are reflected  through the works of some of the most esteemed authors of what is considered to be the modern period of British Literature, from William Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen to James Joyce, Charles Dickens to Virginia Woolf.  These seismic societal shifts, a result of the rapid growth of industrialization, social mobility or stratification, the unleashing of scientific discovery, the results of war and unbridled expansion, gave rise to the works that--as Frankenstein does-- serve not only as great literature but are a powerful reflection of Western Civilization itself.  

Through in class analysis, criticism and discussion students will gain mastery over the formal essay format and build confidence in presentations, while continuing to build rich vocabularies to support ongoing SAT word lists. Students should expect to learn the history of the early 19th century scientific and philosophical movements that lead to the creation of Frankenstein, as well as explore the literary antecedents that led to Shelley’s youthful masterwork. An exploration of the Romantic art work of the time period will add resonance to our studies.  Students will also have the opportunity for invigorating Socratic discussion, artistic projects and science activities as well as creative writing assignments connected to Frankenstein.   Each class, with discussion sparked by visuals ranging from slides to short video clips, includes lecture, always balanced by student involvement.

Throughout the course guidance will be given on use of Commonplace Books, vocabulary notecards, suggested reading lists, as well as ongoing short in-class writing exercises in both quick writes and vocabulary aiming to give students the ability to create essays of power and individual style.  Both Socratic discussion and Fishbowl techniques will be interspersed throughout the class at appropriate times.