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Passing by Nella Larsen: Book Club and Novel Study

In this three-week novel study, students will read the book Passing, a classic novel, and engage in a literary analysis of the book to expand their reading comprehension.
Alexis Thompson B.A. B.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(34)
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. Read the stated chapters each week Complete the comprehension questions and activities Complete the comprehension quiz Complete the optional essay
Assessment
An optional critical literary analysis essay is offered

Class Experience

Passing is considered to be one of the Great American novels written by a Black female writer. 

"Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent, comfortable life with her husband and children in the thriving neighborhood of Harlem in the 1920s. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned, Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for a white woman after severing ties to her past--even hiding the truth from her racist husband.
Clare finds herself drawn to Irene's sense of ease and security with her Black identity and longs for the community (and, increasingly, the woman) she lost. Irene is both riveted and repulsed by Clare and her dangerous secret, as Clare begins to insert herself--and her deception--into every part of Irene's stable existence. First published in 1929, Larsen's brilliant examination of the various ways in which we all seek to "pass," is as timely as ever." Summary from Goodreads.com.

In this class, the teacher will provide relevant background information about the setting of the novel and lead a discussion of the book. The book takes place in 1920s Harlem so the teacher will provide relevant background information regarding the history of race in America during the time of the book. Through reading and answering comprehension questions, we will explore the plot, character development, themes, symbols, and other literary devices. 

Activities for the class will include:
A reading guide each week with comprehension questions and activities
A video lesson for each week's chapters
Comprehension questions posted in the class for students to answer
A weekly comprehension quiz
An optional essay for students to complete and receive feedback on.


This is a self-paced class where students can work at their own pace. There will be no live meetings. Please give three business days for teacher feedback on comprehension questions and the optional essay.
Learning Goals
practice and expand their reading comprehension skills
analyze a text
learning goal

Syllabus

3 Lessons
over 3 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Part 1
 In this lesson, students will find a video lesson, reading guide, comprehension questions and a comprehension quiz on the stated chapters. 
1 assignment
15 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Part 2
 In this lesson, students will find a video lesson, reading guide, comprehension questions and a comprehension quiz on the stated chapters. 
11 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Part 3
 In this lesson, students will find a video lesson, reading guide, comprehension questions and a comprehension quiz on the stated chapters. 
13 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The book contains racism, racial slurs, and death. These subjects will be handled appropriately and taught from a trauma-informed and historical approach. If you are wondering if the book would be appropriate for your student, please pre-read the book or message me with any questions or concerns.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2023
5.0
34reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Lethbridge
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Lethbridge
I have a Bachelor's Degree in History and Education and have taught humanities for eight years. I have taught novel studies in the classroom as well as facilitated my school's book club for many years. 

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Self-Paced Course
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$10

weekly or $30 for all content
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: 13-17

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