This course studies the novel "The Parable of the Sower" by Octavia E. Butler using a multi-disciple approach. Students will read and dissect the novel from the point-of-view of literary analysis, historical context, sociological theme. 

Topics covered during this course include 
-  understanding the influence of an author's background on the stories they select to tell
-  connecting the author created world with both ancient and modern historical events
-  studying primary source historical documents to understand portions of the story better
-  analyzing and evaluating the literary merit of the literary piece
-  introduction of sociological concepts that a pair with themes presented within the novel, such as social stratification, race, gender, and Marxism
-  exercising a Social Imagination, as defined by sociologist C. Wright Mills

Participants will read or listen to assigned portions of the novel before participating in weekly live sessions. Each live session will include direct instruction related to the novel and an opportunity for students to have literary discussions with their peers. Resources and information to deepen the student's understanding are assigned weekly. There are also optional assignments that can help build a student's academic portfolio. 

The teacher-directed portion of the live lessons includes visual and audio aids, multimedia, and interactive participation. The instructor uses the Socratic Method--allowing students to participate fully and express themselves. Students will be expected and encouraged to participate in a discussion similar to what they might encounter in future academic settings. Students will be able to participate and interact with the instructor and peers during guided live discussions and interactive assignments during and between classes. 

Course Breakdown
Week 1: Introduction to the author Octavia Butler and a study of significant historical events which inspired and influenced the novel. This week includes background information and assignments for students and a live lesson focusing on Butler's life and background. 

Week 2: Students will read and dissect chapters 1-5 of the novel. The group will focus on the setting and world which Butler creates. A sensory exercise will guide students in using their Literary and Social Imagination to make connections and deepen understanding. The assignment will produce a tangible artifact which the students will share during the live session. Students will express their feelings, thoughts, and questions during teacher-led discussions based on the weekly reading. 

Week 3: Students will read and dissect chapters 6-10 of the novel. Students will focus on the social structure of the family, community, and civilization. Connections between past and current incarnations of these social structures will be investigated.  Primary source information and multimedia resources about societal structures are provided for students prior to the live lesson. Students will express their feelings, thoughts, and questions during teacher-led discussions based on the weekly reading. 

Week 4: Students will read and dissect chapters 11-15 of the novel. Students will focus on the role of deviance in society, including its causes and effects. With a Social Imagination assignment, students will understand why segments of society deal with delinquency, deviance, and crime at a higher rate. Comparisons will be made between Butler's world and modern society using statistics and analytical detail. The assignment will produce a tangible artifact which the students will share during the live session. Students will express their feelings, thoughts, and questions during teacher-led discussions based on the weekly reading. 

Week 5: Students will read and dissect chapters 16-20 of the novel. Students will focus on the concepts of social class, social stratification, and race. Examples of critical points in human history in which class and race lines either blurred and disappeared or amplified and divided will be discussed. Students will consider their local community in terms of stratification and class and complete a written response based on their thoughts.  Students will express their feelings, thoughts, and questions during teacher-led discussions based on the weekly reading. 

Week 6: Students will read and dissect chapter 21 through the end of the novel. The focus of this week is a study of the concepts of a social organization, including Marxism, Socialism, Communism, and Democracy. Students will view different versions of social organization from historical and modern examples. Students will practice making predictions of Butler's world based on learned concepts about society and their Social Imagination. They will share a created artifact that outlines their predictions. Students will express their feelings, thoughts, and questions during teacher-led discussions based on the weekly reading. 




Students who participate in this course should be able to read or listen to the assigned novel.