Read, Analyze, Write: Introduction to Literary Analysis for High Schoolers

Course Overview:
Class Experience: Read, Analyze, Write: Introduction to Literary Analysis for High Schoolers**  

If you've ever read a book (or short story) and thought, "I know there's something deeper here, but how do I explain it?"—this class is for you! In this 8-week course, we’re going to break down the literary analysis writing process step-by-step, so that by the end, you’ll not only have written a polished essay, but also have a repeatable writing process to use again and again.  

What Will We Do?
This isn’t your typical English class where you read something, answer some vague questions, and move on. Nope—we’re going deep! We’ll start by learning how to argue (academically, not with your siblings), really, we will go through the elements that can help you respectfully win any argument! Then we will analyze a short animated film to practice identifying symbolism, theme, and argument structure.  From there, we’ll jump into our main literary piece, "The Scarlet Ibis", and work through the entire writing process together.  

Here’s what our journey looks like:  
📌 Weeks 1-3 – Learn the foundations of argument-driven writing, annotation, and literary analysis using example essays and a short film.  
📌 Weeks 4-5 – Read and analyze *The Scarlet Ibis*, track themes, and gather evidence before writing a thesis.  
📌 Weeks 6-8 – Write, revise, and refine your essay—one step at a time—so that by the end, you have a strong, well-supported literary analysis paper.  

How Will I Teach? 
Think engaging, interactive, and discussion-driven! I don’t just lecture—I guide, question, and challenge you to think critically. In class, we’ll annotate, discuss, write, and share our thoughts. Expect a mix of guided instruction, group discussions, interactive exercises, and individual writing time. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get feedback, and fine-tune your skills.  

Oh, and don’t worry—this won’t feel like busy work. Every assignment has a purpose, and each class session builds directly on the last so that your essay develops step by step without last-minute stress.  

How Will Learners Interact?  
This is a collaborative and discussion-based class. You’ll get to:  
- Talk through ideas with your classmates in structured discussions.  
- Peer review thesis statements and drafts to refine your argument.  
- Get direct feedback from me on your writing (because no one likes vague comments like “needs more detail” with no explanation).  

Expect to actively participate—this isn’t a passive, listen-and-zone-out kind of class, though it is a safe place for my introverts too!  

Required Experience? 
No prior literary analysis experience is needed, but you should be comfortable reading and writing at a high school level. If you’ve written a basic essay before, you’re in good shape!  

Pacing-wise, this class is structured so that every student can follow along without feeling overwhelmed—it is rigorous, but we take it one skill at a time!  


What Makes This Class Special?
💡 Hands-on learning – We analyze together, annotate together, and write together.  
📝 No last-minute panic – You’ll build your essay piece by piece instead of rushing at the end.  
📖 Real-world application – These skills aren’t just for school—they help you write stronger college applications, improve critical thinking, and even craft a solid argument when convincing your parents to let you go to that concert!  

If you're ready to read, analyze, and write with confidence, I can’t wait to see you in class! Let’s do this. 🚀  

********How This Course Aligns with Educational Standards*********
This course is designed to meet and exceed Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) in grades 9-10. Here’s what your learner will be able to do by the end of this course:

📖 Reading & Literary Analysis
✔ Find deeper meaning in texts – Students will learn how to identify themes, symbols, and literary elements in stories, going beyond just summarizing what happened. (RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.2)
✔ Analyze characters and author choices – Instead of just following the plot, students will explore how characters develop, interact, and influence the story’s message. (RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.4)
✔ Understand different perspectives – Students will learn how a writer’s point of view and storytelling techniques shape a reader’s experience. (RL.9-10.6)

📝 Writing & Argument Development
✔ Write clear, well-structured essays – Your learner will develop strong thesis statements, organize their ideas logically, and support their arguments with evidence from the text. (W.9-10.1, W.9-10.4)
✔ Use strong evidence and reasoning – Instead of vague statements like “This story is sad,” students will support their ideas with direct quotes and thoughtful explanations. (W.9-10.1b)
✔ Revise and improve writing – Students will practice editing their own work, strengthening their arguments, and making their writing more persuasive. (W.9-10.5)

🎤 Speaking, Discussion, & Critical Thinking
✔ Engage in meaningful discussions – Learners will share ideas, analyze different perspectives, and challenge their thinking through structured class discussions. (SL.9-10.1)
✔ Express ideas confidently – Whether in writing or conversation, students will learn how to communicate their arguments clearly, concisely, and effectively. (SL.9-10.4)

🔤 Language, Vocabulary, & Writing Mechanics
✔ Use academic language and strong vocabulary – Students will replace weak words with more powerful, precise language to make their writing stronger. (L.9-10.3)
✔ Improve grammar and sentence structure – Learners will write with clarity and confidence, using proper grammar and sentence structure. (L.9-10.1)

Why These Skills Matter
✅ Prepares for College & Beyond – These are the same reading, writing, and thinking skills students will need for college essays, job applications, and everyday decision-making.
✅ Improves Writing Confidence – No more staring at a blank page! Your learner will have a step-by-step approach to writing essays that they can use in high school, college, and beyond.
✅ Strengthens Critical Thinking – Learning to analyze, interpret, and support ideas with evidence helps students in all areas of life—whether it’s understanding the news, debating an issue, or making informed decisions.

Final Thought for Parents
This course ensures that your learner doesn’t just memorize facts but actually learns how to think, analyze, and express their ideas effectively. It’s about building skills that will last a lifetime.

I look forward to working with your learner! 😊