MS English Semester: Science Fiction & Fantasy
In this 14-week course, students will develop their English skills through one science fiction and one fantasy novel and several short stories that are full of debates, writing activities, and project-based learning.
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(967)
Star Educator
Popular
What's included
28 live meetings
21 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to complete all of their reading outside of class. If some of our writing work is unfinished after class, students will be asked to complete that work outside of class as well. But the majority of work will be completed in class.Assessment
Students will be given several formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!Grading
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 8
In this semester-long course, students will participate in various reading, writing, and discussion activities through a science fiction unit of short stories and Robert Louis Stevenson's The Curious Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde or Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card accompanied by a fantasy unit of short stories and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. The outline below may shift as the semester goes on depending on student needs, but we will go through the units as prescribed. As a teacher and a parent, I feel it is important to make adjustments based on student needs so that students are getting the most out of their classes and so that they are developing the skills that they need to be successful.
*** Please note that the September 2024 session will be covering Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. ***
We will take typical holiday breaks according to the United States federal holidays. We will also be taking a full week's break during the week of Thanksgiving in November and a spring break in the spring semester so that students can spend time with their families.
Week 1: Introduction to Semester Course
- Welcome! and Student Introductions
- Introduction to the Semester
- Introduction to Google Drive and Docs
- Introduction to Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Sci-Fi Element Discussion and Debate
Week 2: Science Fiction Short Stories
- Short Stories:
- "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
- Excerpt from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams
- Discussion and Debate
- Analysis and Writing Prompt
Week 3: Science Fiction Short Stories
- Short Stories:
- "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
- "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut
- Discussion and Debate
- Analysis and Writing Prompt
Week 4: Science Fiction Novel
- Introduction to the Novel
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Controversial Topics Debate
- Literary Techniques Journal
- Similes, Metaphors, and Allusions
- Plot Development and Character Analysis
- Ender's Game
Week 5: Science Fiction Novel
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Similes, Metaphors, and Allusions
- Plot Development and Character Development
- Personification and Hyperbole
- Plot Development and Character
- Ender's Game
- Character and Plot Development in a New World
- Alternative World Conflicts
- Coming-of-Age
- The Role of Children in Government Conflict
Week 6 Science Fiction Novel
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Imagery and Symbolism
- Theme and Character Development
- Imagery and Symbolism
- Theme and Character Development
- Ender's Game
- Coming-of-Age
- The Role of Children in Government Conflict
Week 7: Transition to Fantasy
BOTH Novels
- Finish Discussion of Science Fiction
- Comparing Sci-Fi to Fantasy
- Fantasy Discussion and Debate
- Elements of Fantasy Literature
- Writing: Comparing Sci-Fi to Fantasy
Week 8: Fantasy Short Stories
- Short Stories:
- Excerpt from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"
- "She Unnames Them" by Ursula K. Le Guin
- Discussion and Debate
- Analysis and Writing Prompt
Week 9: Fantasy Short Story and Novel
- Short Story:
- "The Strange High House in the Mist" by H.P. Lovecraft
- Discussion and Debate
- Analysis and Writing Prompt
- Introduction to the Novel
- The Golden Compass
- Introduction to the Author
Week 10: Fantasy Novel
- Character Relationship Analysis
- Element of Fantasy and Sci-Fi within the Novel
- Which wins out more? Discussion
- Dæmons (Definition and Examples)
- Connections to History
- Plot Development
- Analysis and Writing Prompt
Week 11: Fantasy Novel
- Character Relationship Analysis
- Element of Fantasy and Sci-Fi within the Novel
- Which wins out more? Discussion
- Plot Development
- Technology of the World (The Golden Compass and More)
Week 12: Fantasy Novel
- Element of Fantasy and Sci-Fi within the Novel
- Which wins out more? Discussion
- Plot Development
- Technology of the World (The Golden Compass and More)
- Analysis and Writing Prompt
Week 13: Fantasy Novel
- The Conflict, Climax, and Resolution?
- Character Development
- Fantasy Cross-Curricular Connections
- Modern and Ancient Connections Discussion
- The End? What More is to Come?
- Introduction to the Essay and Presentation
Week 14: Final Semester Wrap-Up
- Developing a Full-Length Essay
- Comparative Essay: Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
- Presentation: Which is better? Science Fiction or Fantasy?
*** Please note that while the course is designed with 7th and 8th-grade students in mind, I have a flexible age range. Students of varying ages are welcome if this class's curriculum, content, skills, teaching style, etc. fit their needs. I encourage all students and parents interested in my class to contact me with questions they might have! ***Learning Goals
Reading:
- Debate Controversial Topics
- Discuss Genre Styles and Purposes
- Analyze Character
- Identify the Setting’s Place and Time
- Differentiate Character Development
- Plot a Story's DevelopmentReading Continued:
- Define Theme and Symbolism
- Analyze and Discuss Cover Art
- Ask Tough Questions
- Collect and Define Vocabulary and Literary Elements
- Actively Participate in a Socratic Seminar
Syllabus
28 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1: Introduction to Semester Course
- Welcome! and Student Introductions
- Introduction to the Semester
- Introduction to Google Drive and Docs 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 1: Introduction to Semester Course
- Introduction to Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Sci-Fi Element Discussion and Debate 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 2: Science Fiction Short Stories
- Short Stories:
- "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
- Discussion and Debate
- Analysis and Writing Prompt 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 2: Science Fiction Short Stories
- Short Stories:
- Excerpt from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams
- Discussion and Debate
- Analysis and Writing Prompt 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Here are the parental guides from common sense media and a plot overview for our novel studies:
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-golden-compass-his-dark-materials-book-1
- https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/jekyll/summary/
When looking through the parental guides and summaries, please note that fantasy and science fiction novels have levels of violence in them that are common elements of the genre. We will work through these elements together but please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Supply List
Students will need to purchase the novels for our course. The Curious Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is out of copyright and can be found in multiple locations for free! Here are purchase guides for the novels! Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Case-Dr-Jekyll-Hyde/dp/1713326477/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3BWHSC24NSOJT&dchild=1&keywords=dr.+jekyll+and+mr.+hyde+book&qid=1605235942&sprefix=dr.+je%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-3 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-and-other-stories-stevenson-robert-louis/1126932192?ean=9781435163096 Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Strange-Case-of-Dr-Jekyll-and-Mr-Hyde-Audiobook/B076FF3QGP Sparknotes Free Online PDF: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/jekyll/full-text/ The Golden Compass: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Compass-His-Dark-Materials/dp/0440238137 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/golden-compass-philip-pullman/1100010621?ean=9780440418320 Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Golden-Compass-Audiobook/B002V1NG16
Language of Instruction
English
Joined January, 2020
5.0
967reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I teach several semester classes for both middle school and high school. Below are the links to the middle school semester courses that you are welcome to look at!
Classic Literature Course:
- https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-english-a-semester-course-7nCZhtYz?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Anne of Green Gables and Sherlock Holmes:
- https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-english-a-semester-F5FMvb3V?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Personal Narrative Writing and Classic Literature:
- https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-english-a-semester-JDnTCdCb?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_linkReviews
Live Group Course
$400
for 28 classes2x per week, 14 weeks
45 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-6 learners per class
