The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: A Critical Analysis and Essay

In this class, students will learn to analyze the book and the history of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. They will then write a four to seven-page essay describing why The Picture of Dorian Gray was a controversial book in its own time era and what we, readers in today’s world, can learn from it and its history. 
In week one of class, students will learn the history of the book The Picture of Dorian Gray. We will discuss Oscar Wilde’s part in the Aesthetic Movement of literature and art. We will discuss the author’s own history and how The Picture of Dorian Gray was used as evidence against him in his trial for gross indecency. We will discuss the nineteenth-century idea that art and literature should influence morality and how the Aesthetic Movement and this particular work of literature spat in the face of such a notion. For homework in week two, students will read the first seven chapters of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I will encourage students to pay particular attention to the beauty of the book. 
In week two of class, students will discuss and analyze the chapters they read for homework. Students will be taught to notate important information about the characters in the book and about the plot. They will be encouraged to analyze the symbolism in each character – Basil Hallward, Lord Henry Wotten, and Dorian Gray. Learners will use these notes in their essay in the final weeks of class.  For homework in week two, students will be required to read chapters eight through fourteen of The Picture of Dorian Gray. 
In week three of class, students will discuss and analyze the chapters they read for homework. Students will, again, notate important information about the growth or change in the characters and the details of the plot. These notes will be important for the essays that will be written in the final weeks of class.  For homework this week, students will be required to read chapters fifteen through twenty of The Picture of Dorian Gray. This will complete the reading of the book. 
In week four of class, students will discuss and analyze these final chapters of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Students will, again, notate important information about the characters and plot. These notes will be important for the essays that will be written in the final weeks. In week four, students will also be shown how to outline their essay that will be due in the final weeks of class. Students will be shown how to organize their thoughts about the book and its history.  For homework in week four, students will refer to their notes from the past four weeks and write an outline of their critical analysis essay. The outline must include information about the novel itself, about the historical controversy surrounding the book, and about what lessons from these events we can apply to the world today. Students will submit their outline to the teacher as part of their homework assignment. 
In week five of class, students will be taught to write the rough draft of their critical analysis essay. They will learn how to structure their essay based upon the outline they wrote and how to cite their sources. For homework in week five, students will write their rough drafts and submit those to me two days prior to our next class. I will send the essays back to the students with feedback. Students will make any necessary corrections. 
In week six of class, students will present their final essays. If students prefer to not read in class, I will read their essays for them. For the remainder of class, we will discuss the student essays. This week will be a time of fun and encouragement for a job well done.

I will teach this class through direct instruction, PowerPoint slides, and discussion. I believe it is important for learners to discuss their ideas with me and with one another. New ideas arise in such discussion. I believe students learn best when they can have fun and be creative.