This course blends reading analysis with understanding nature and history. Learners will:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of Silent Spring through close-reading and group discussion.
- Identify and describe major aspects of the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
- Understand and articulate the differences between fictional literature and non-fiction genres.
- Analyze narrative style and explain what makes for credible evidence in an argument.

I love reading! Whether you're a fellow bookworm or a hesitant reader, my classroom is a welcome space to explore literature without expectation or judgement. There are no tests or quizzes in my courses -- I even hand you notes with what to watch for as you read! Flipping the reading process and telling readers which ideas to be on the lookout for makes it easy for learners to focus their reading. Students will complete the course feeling confident in their understanding of the book and able to explain how it relates to the environmental movement taking place today. I always offer additional suggested reading for students who want to continue exploring the subject further, too.

I hold a Master of Arts in English Literature and a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature. Although originally an architecture major, I embraced my inner lit nerd while studying at UC Berkeley, where my favorite classes were small, discussion-based literature courses. I loved the endless options for studying different authors, time periods, genres, and literary canons, and found myself with a minor in Russian Literature just for the fun of it, too.

I originally learned about Silent Spring when I was a high school student taking Advanced Placement (AP) US History. I read it then and it helped me to gain a stronger understanding of the content in my APUSH class. Now I'm a high school counselor, and I continue watching students in APUSH learn about the impact of this book. Those who decide to pick it up often walk away with a much deeper understanding of the time in which it was written, and I'm excited to bring that further understanding to our classroom here.

Homework Offered
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered