Week 1: Primer on Literature & Critical Analysis 

The first week of classes will be a primer on reading fiction, literary devices, and close-reading strategies. This will be a preparatory immersion into the world of literature and critical analysis. We will cover literary terms, devices, as well as strategies to become an effective reader. The student will have a comprehensive toolkit when he/she begins to read in our second week of classes. 

Week 2:  Chaps 1-2; Author Background; Historical Context; Allusions & References

We will read, write a summary, answer comprehension questions, answer questions for in-class discussion, and answer short-responses in writing for homework.  I will provide some brief lectures and an overview of the author, the novel, and the historical contexts within which the book was crafted. 

Week 3: Chaps 3-4; Class discussion & Group Discussion; Democracy vs. The Tribe

We will read, write a summary, answer comprehension questions, answer questions for in-class discussion, and answer short-responses in writing for homework.  We will discuss the concept of Decomcracy as opposed to Tribal Law or Group-Think. 

Week 4: Chaps 5-6; Class discussion & Group Discussion; Archetype of the Shadow 

We will read, write a summary, answer comprehension questions, answer questions for in-class discussion, and answer short-responses in writing for homework. We will begin to look at the problem of evil by beginning with the psychological concept of the Shadow. 

Week 5: Chaps 7-8; Class discussion & Group Discussion; Archetype of the Shadow; Biblical Allusions 

We will read, write a summary, answer comprehension questions, answer questions for in-class discussion, and answer short-responses in writing for homework.  We will continue or discussion on evil, human nature, and the book's connection to biblical themes, and the epic poem Paradise Lost by  John Milton. 

Week 6: Chaps 9-10; Class discussion & Group Discussion; Place, Wilderness & Allegory. 

We will read, write a summary, answer comprehension questions, answer questions for in-class discussion, and answer short-responses in writing for homework. We will discuss the literary device allegory and how Place is personified in Literature to represent aspects of the human condition. We study the geography of the island and try to determine what it tells us about the hidden meanings in the novel. 

Week 7: Chaps 11-12; Class discussion & Group Discussion; Symbolism, Theme, and Allegory continued. 

We will read, write a summary, answer comprehension questions, answer questions for in-class discussion, and answer short-responses in writing for homework.  We will also continue our discussion of allegory and connect with the themes and symbols within the novel. 

Week 8: Discussion & Supplementary Materials;
 
We will spend this week in class and group discussions on the novel and its deeper meanings. We will also look at some supplementary materials in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and history to provide an enriching context for discussing the major themes of the novel as well as its more hidden allegorical meanings. We will address the ideas of civilization, wilderness, power, human nature, and the problem of evil. 

Week 9: Writing Primer

By week 9 we will be finished reading the novel and other supplementary material so that we can solely focus on the process of writing essays on literature. We will cover the entire writing process from start to finish including research; brainstorming; outline; drafting; revision; peer-review; formating. 

Week 10: Drafting & Revision 

In this week of classes, we will work together as a class and in groups to guide each other in the process of writing. There will be opportunities for peer-review and questions if something is not understood. 

At this point, the class as a group will be complete. However, if you need more time and require one-on-one attention from me I can open some make-up dates on the schedule to accommodate struggling students.  

In week 10 we will have an opportunity as a class to work together and help each other through the writing process of the final paper. I will reserve the option to add a few make-up classes if additional time is needed to craft a polished essay.