Study the Classics: The Great Gatsby
Romp through the Roaring Twenties with Jay, Daisy, and Nick in this ten-lesson self-paced course. Learn about symbolism, theme, characters, and writing choices by exploring F. Scott Fitzgerald's great work.
Mary Probst
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(84)
What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. Learners will be expected to read the required chapters before beginning each lesson.Assignments
Each lesson will have 2-3 assignments, varying in difficulty, to help learners better understand the concepts covered in each lesson.Letter Grade
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is an excellent look into the Roaring Twenties, with all its decadence and decay. When we think of Gatbsy, we typically think of the parties and the riches, but the meaning behind Fitzgerald's masterpiece is much darker. In this course, learners will read closely and delve into the symbolism and themes of this Jazz Age classic. Each lesson will consist of a short introduction video and a comprehension quiz followed by 2-3 activities to help learners analyze and come to their own conclusions about the novel.
Learning Goals
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Historical Background
Learners will engage with a slideshow about the 1920s and gain important historical context for the novel. Then, learners will explore a library of sources to draw their own conclusions about the Jazz Age. 1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Chapter 1
This lesson will focus on the main characters, whom we meet in the first chapter. Learners will focus in on each character, creating a baseline so they can chart character growth (or stagnation) through the rest of their reading. 2 assignments
Lesson 3:
Chapter 2
Learners will begin to dig into the symbolism of the novel as they look deeper in the descriptions of the valley of ashes and the floral names of Daisy and Myrtle. 2 assignments
Lesson 4:
Chapter 3
After comparing the party scene in the novel and the Baz Luhrmann film, learners will look at primary documents to learn more about the spending and lifestyle of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Learners will be encouraged to draw parallels between Fitzgerald and the characters in his novel. 2 assignments
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please reference Common Sense Media's guide to ensure "The Great Gatsby" is appropriate for your learner.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-great-gatsby
Supply List
A copy of "The Great Gatsby" - this can be in paper, electronic, or audio format
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Clips from the 2013 film
Clips and trailers from "Mrs. Doubtfire"
CNN: "Hot under the collar? Heat can make you angry and even aggressive, research finds"
PBS Library: "The Twenties"
The Library of America: "How to Live on $36,000 a Year"
US Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator
The University of South Carolina Library: F. Scott Fitzgerald's personal ledger
The Saturday Evening Post: "Considering History: The Great Gatsby, Multicultural New York, and America in 1925"
Joined June, 2020
4.8
84reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2015 with a degree in English Education and taught reading and ELA in the classroom for two years before transitioning to online learning.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$9
weekly10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
Ages: 13-18
