Beasts and Heroes: Let's Explore Early British Literature
In this six week class, we will explore the classic British literature as well such as The Canterbury Tales and Beowulf.
Naomi
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(36)
What's included
12 live meetings
11 in-class hoursHomework
Students may need to do up to an hour of work between classes. That may be in the form of reading or written responses.Assessment
I will assign a letter grade upon parent request. Otherwise, student understanding will be assessed during class discussions and written responses, and they will have a rubric for the literary analysis essay.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
This course will meet twice a week over the course of six weeks. During the course, students will explore the origin of some of the earliest works of literature. They will understand the historical roots and contexts from whence these stories came. The students will learn how cultural beliefs and conflicts, such as Pagan and Christian, manifested themselves in these works. Students will learn the history of the Anglo Saxon period after the fall of Rome, and the early how the early English monarchy contributed to the storytelling of the time. I deliver the content using a combination of lecture and PowerPoint, class discussion, and guided research. Students will be expected to read portions of these stories, outside of class. Since the reading is challenging, I will assign small chunks of it to be read outside of class, followed by a lot of discussion, explanation, and support. Students will become familiar with common themes and and archetypes, such as the British Hero, the Heroes Journey, and The Arthurian Cannon. The culminating project will be a literary analysis essay in which students will be provided a multitude of choices of topic, and support and instruction as to how to write the essay. The course breakdown will be as follows: Week One: Introduction to Early British Literature and History Beowulf Week Two: The Arthurian Cannon Literary Elements The early British monarchy Week Three Introduction to Arthurian legend Geoffrey Monmouth and Le Morte D’Arthur Week Three Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 19th century revival The Lady of Shalott by Lord Tennyson Week Four History of Geoffrey Chaucer Intro to The Canterbury Tales Week Five The Knight's Tale How to write a Literary Analysis Week Six The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Wife of Bath Culminating Discussion - literary analysis due
Learning Goals
Students will learn the historical contexts behind early British Literature, as well as the authors, narrative archetypes, themes, and common characters born of this cannon. Students will learn to write a literary analysis.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The stories that we read in this class depict some disturbing and violent content. Topics pertaining to these genres will be discussed in class in a sensitive and diplomatic way. Opinions may be expressed, and I will foster civilized and productive discussions. Some of the stories depict violence, injury, illness, and death. On a green, yellow, red scale, I would consider the content to be a yellow level course. Beowulf depicts violence, ferocious beasts, and celebrations involving alcohol. The Canterbury Tales has some sexual content. The story will be covered in a mature and productive fashion, and we can discuss how Chaucer emphasized that the Wife of Bath was a sexually independant and free thinking woman. These stories also contain literary allusions to cultural mythology or religious texts, such as the Bible. Since Paganism and Christianity play critical roles in the evolution of literature during this time, it is crucial that students are briefly introduced to the history surrounding the stories. The conflicts and connections between Paganism and Christianity are overtly evident in the stories, and will be taught as such. I will diplomatically facilitate productive discussions about history, but I will not allow religious or theological debate.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over twenty years of experience teaching rhetoric writing, reading, language arts, and critical thinking skills. I am familiar with the material, and have the experience to foster meaningful learning. I have taught English and Language Arts for many years at the high school level. My experience includes teaching history as well as social studies, as these topics often go hand in hand with literature, writing, and humanities. I have a degree in English Teaching, and I enjoy teaching students how to explore historical events through written material. As an English teacher, I have taught students to read and critically analyze differentiating opinions about fictional works and non-fictional topics and arrive at a substantiated belief. In addition, I have taught in a team taught, multidisciplinary Language Arts/History class at the secondary school level. British Literature is on of my favorite topics to teach and learn about, because the depth and breadth of it is vast and connected. I enjoy harvesting connections between literature and history.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$160
for 12 classes2x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class
