1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
2. Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).
3. Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.

I have a B.A. in English. I also have a Master's of Education. I was a classroom English teacher for 20 years. I have also taken part in multiple professional development trainings addressing cultural issues and how to address these issues as a teacher. 

Students will be expected to recognize the diversity of opinions and backgrounds of their classmates. The emphasis will be on the literary devices in the story.  Discussion is focused on what the characters believe, what the author believes, and what beliefs were central to literary periods of that  time. A particular religion or a belief system is neither favored nor advanced. The stories we do read are classics and most--if not all--were written a century ago or longer and are commonly read in high schools. They help students understand the world in which they live as they ponder deep questions that are as relevant now as they were then. As a former public school teacher, I am comfortable discussing topics with courage, compassion and clarity. Parents are welcome to listen in to class or to watch the recording, which I automatically post. I encourage students to talk to their parents about the stories and the issues we discuss.

Homework Offered
Students will be required to complete all reading before class. The amount of time a student needs to complete assigned reading will vary depending on the reading speed of the student. In addition to reading, students will be asked to jot down their ideas about various pieces of literature, songs, or movies to illustrate their ability to apply what they have learned. 
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students will be informally assessed by their class room participation. Also at the end of the course, students will complete a literary analysis on which I will provide feedback.
Grades Offered

How To Read Literature Like A Professor Thomas C. Foster