Book Club: Ayn Rand's Anthem
This course will help students understand and appreciate Ayn Rand's classic novella Anthem.
Dan Schwartz (PhD in philosophy)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(12)
What's included
3 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will need to read Anthem before the second class.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Set in a dystopian future where individuality and personal freedom have been eradicated, Anthem is the story of Equality 7-2521, a young man who yearns for knowledge and independence in a world where everyone is expected to conform and sacrifice their own ambitions for the collective good. The novella is a short read (an average student can read it in 2-3 hours) and the perfect introduction to philosophy and to the themes of individualism, self-discovery, and the power of independent thought. This class will have three sessions: 1. The first session will introduce students to the author, Ayn Rand. We will also preview some of the themes from the novella. 2. The second session will feature a short lecture discussing the plot of the novella, followed by Socratic discussion. 3. The third session will be discussion-based. Students will make connections between the events of the novella and their own lives. The class assumes no prior knowledge.
Learning Goals
Students will be introduced to the philosopher Ayn Rand and to the concepts of individualism and collectivism. They will be able to recognize instances of individualism and collectivism in the real world.
Other Details
Supply List
Ayn Rand's Anthem is freely available at https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1250/1250-h/1250-h.htm. If students prefer a hard copy, it can be found at most bookstores.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Anthem, by Ayn Rand
Joined July, 2023
4.9
12reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from University of California, San Diego
Hi, I'm Dan! I have more than a decade of experience teaching everything from grammar to Aristotle's ethics as a college professor. I have lectured on Galileo at international conferences (one such lecture has 2000 views on YouTube).
But what I live for is the ability to reach one mind at a time. One of my favorite parts of being a professor is office hours, when students come in for one-on-one help, or simply to talk. With class sizes going up and up, it becomes all the more crucial to give each student individualized attention.
Before joining Outschool, I tutored for a couple of years on another website. I would be happy to share my ratings and reviews upon request.
As a teacher, I treat each student as a rational being capable of understanding WHY things are the way they are. I don't rely excessively on clever tricks or mnemonic devices. Knowledge is power, and I try to show students how their burgeoning command of a subject will help them achieve their values.
My BA degree is equivalent to a double major in philosophy and the history of math and science and a double minor in classics and comparative literature. My PhD is in philosophy.
When I'm not teaching, I love swimming, reading, and enjoying nature.
I look forward to hearing from students and/or parents! Contact me if you'd like more information.Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week, 3 weeks
30 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-10 learners per class
