The Outsiders - A Novel Study with Annotations

During the course, students will read, discuss, and analyze The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Ponyboy is your average teenager living in Oklahoma in 1965 - he loves movies, reading, and his gang, the greasers. As he struggles through the tensions between the greasers and Socs, Ponyboy wants to be accepted by others, but as tensions rise to a whole new level, he must figure out a way to survive. It is a powerful novel of love, trust, and social injustices. 

As students complete the work, we will work through discussions and analysis of annotations. Annotations are detailed but highly focused notes. Each week, we will focus on a particular skill that we will discuss and analyze.

Week One:
     - Introduction to the Novel
     - Introduction to Controversial Issues and Topics within the Novel
     - Introduction to Annotations (A How-To Workshop)
Week Two:
     - Chapters One - Two
     - Annotation Focus:
          - Introduction to Characters and Conflict
Week Three:
     - Chapters Three - Four
     - Annotations Focus:
          - Foreshadowing, Character Development, and Diction
Week Four:
     - Chapters Five - Seven
     - Annotations Focus:
          - Symbolism, Identity, and Literature Connections
          - Gone With the Wind and Nothing Gold Can Stay Literary Connection
Week Five:
     - Chapters Eight - Ten
     - Annotations Focus:
          - Tension Building and Character Change
Week Six:
     - Chapters Eleven - Twelve
     - Annotations Focus:
          - Dynamic Characters and Theme