American Poetry: College Prep
This half-semester course will take students through the history of American literature, focusing on poetry. Discussion-based meetings will following students' interests, and writing assignments are keyed to Common Core goals.
What's included
20 live meetings
26 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
2-4 hours per week. Two sustained writing assignments will ask students to 1.) explain the theme(s) of one poem, then 2.) compare and contrast two poems in terms of their primary themes.Mastery Evaluation
Regular quizzes will help students learn important vocabulary, concepts, and historical context for the pieces we read.Letter Grade
Students will receive midterm and final grades.Class Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Intermediate Level
I'm a lively teacher who loves to help learners increase their comfort level with and mastery of difficult texts, especially poetry. This class will prepare students for their college literature classes (which I used to teach) with high-level discussions, regular quizzes, and two sustained writing assignments keyed to Common Core competencies. We'll meet twice a week, following students' interest in specific poems, topics, and techniques in spirited discussions exactly like the ones I led for 13 years of teaching college English.
Learning Goals
Identifying and explaining primary themes of literary works (Common Core competency)Understanding the relationship between historical events and literature
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)20 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Course intro; Native American songs
First paper assignment; Cherokee War Song; Lenape War Song 80 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Early American women's writing
Anne Bradstreet, “The Author to Her Book,” “Before the Birth of One of Her Children,” “In Memory of My Dear Grandchild. . .”; Judith Sargent Murray, “On the Equality of the Sexes,” opening poem 80 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Early perspectives on nature
Philip Freneau, “The Wild Honey Suckle,” “On the Religion of Nature,” “The Indian Burying Ground”; William Cullen Bryant, “To a Waterfowl” 80 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Early political poetry I
Phyllis Wheatley, “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” “To the Right Honorable William. . .”; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Slave Singing at Midnight,” “The Jewish Cemetery at Newport” 80 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Because we will be exploring the full sweep of American history, poem topics may include war, death, slavery, political movements, religion, and abortion.
Pre-Requisites
Basic reading, studying, and writing skills should be well in hand.
Supply List
Norton Anthology of American Literature, both volumes, plus a supplement for 20th century poetry that I will provide.
Joined August, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
I taught college writing and literature classes for 13 years, and my PhD focused on major works of 20th century American poetry. There's nothing I enjoy more than bringing this form of literature to new readers.Reviews
Live Group Course
$52
weekly or $515 for 20 classes2x per week, 10 weeks
80 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 16-18
2-6 learners per class
