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Does Money Buy Happiness? Literary Theme Exploration: Analyze 3 Victorian Texts

In this self paced class, learners will read 3 stories from the Victorian Era that question the timeless theme that money cannot buy happiness.
Striving Students Towards Success, LLC.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(245)
Class
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What's included

3 pre-recorded lessons
3 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Learners are required to read 3 fictional short stories, nonfiction articles related to the authors, and complete written response questions for each story: "Mammon and the Archer", "The Unexpected", and "The Adopted Son".
Letter Grade
1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 12
Hello! Thank you for your interest in my literature class. This class can be extended for learners who would like additional time! Students who are in a homeschool program can use this class as a quarter semester English class, while district learners can use the class as an enrichment opportunity. 
In this self paced class learners will explore three fictional short stories by Guy De Maupassant, O. Henry, and Kate Chopin. Each of the stories explore the question of whether money and happiness are items for purchase. Students will begin by reading and annotating "Mammon and the Archer" by O. Henry. This story was published and set in New York City during the early 1900's. The next story is Guy De Maupassant's short story "The Adopted Son" that was published in 1887 and is one of my favorite stories from the French author. Maupassant is a favorite among middle and high school teachers, as well as college professors.  Learners can begin to compare themes from Maupassant and O. Henry's short stories, while identifying literary elements that are different. Kate Chopin's story "The Unexpected" will again explore themes surrounding marriage values in the French colonies versus the New England region. When reading a story from the late 1800's or early 1900's, I make sure to explain the context of the setting to learners. Learners will leave the class with strategies for analyzing future Victorian era literature.

Learning Goals

Learners will read "Mammoth and the Archer" by O. Henry and answer 3 comprehension analysis questions.
Learners will read "The Adopted Son" by Guy de Maupassant and answer 5 comprehension analysis questions.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards
3 Lessons
over 3 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Reading & Annotating: "Mammon and the Archer"
 Read and annotate "The Mammon and the Archer". Read the story for the first time through, underlining unknown vocabulary terms and identifying possible literary elements. Utilize the blank copy of the interactive study guide to familiarize yourself with what you should be looking for within the text. You can watch the lesson video to check my annotations. Answer the comprehension analysis questions. 
Lesson 2:
Reading & Annotating: "The Adopted Son"
 Read and annotate "The Adopted Son". Read the story for the first time through, underlining unknown vocabulary terms and identifying possible literary elements. Learners will answer 5 short response comprehension and analysis questions. 
Lesson 3:
Reading & Annotating: "The Unexpected"
 Read and annotate "The Unexpected". Read the story for the first time through, underlining unknown vocabulary terms and identifying possible literary elements. Utilize the blank copy of the interactive study guide to familiarize yourself with what you should be looking for within the text. You can watch the lesson video to check my annotations. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
I received my Master's Degree in Students with Disabilities and I hold a New York state teaching certification in Special Education. My 6 year old daughter was diagnosed with level 3 autism in 2020, so I am especially passionate.
Supply List
Learners will be given:
A study guide for each text
Annotated copies of "The Adopted Son", "The Unexpected", and "Mammon and the Archer"
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
"Mammon and the Archer" by O. Henry "The Adopted Son" by Guy de Maupassant "The Unexpected" by Kate Chopin
4.9
245reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Nicole Hess
New York Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Nicole Hess
Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University
Nicole Hess
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from State University of New York at Oswego
Nicole Hess
I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's in Students with Disabilities. I have two New York state teaching certifications in English Language Arts and Special Education for grades 7-12. I have over ten years experience teaching learners literature and social studies, both in the classroom and remotely. I have assisted learners in passing state assessments and entrance examinations, as well as helped my district with grading standardized assessments. 

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Self-Paced Course
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$14

weekly
3 pre-recorded lessons
3 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 12-18

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