What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students are required to read the designated graphic novel for the upcoming week. It is important to note that the length of these novels may vary, so it is advisable to manage your time accordingly. Pay close attention to the illustrations as they serve as valuable cues to assist you in understanding the underlying themes, symbolisms, mood, and tone portrayed within the novel.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
*****Trigger warnings are provided for the mentioned books. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that trigger warnings are subjective, and individual sensitivities may differ. Prioritizing your well-being while engaging with the content and seeking support if necessary is important. ****** I am delighted that you have taken an interest in this class. As an avid reader who particularly enjoys classics, I understand that delving into them can sometimes be a daunting task. That's precisely why I have created this class – to provide a solution. Graphic novels based on classic literature can serve as an excellent introduction to these timeless works. By exploring these adaptations, students will be inspired to read, and when they eventually decide to tackle the complete classic novel, they will have a better grasp of the story. It is important to note that graphic novels are not a complete substitute for the original text; rather, they offer a condensed and fast-paced depiction of the narrative. In this class, we will take the opportunity to slow down and engage in detailed discussions about the stories. By delving deeper into themes, vocabulary, setting, plot, symbolism, and other literary elements, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of what they have read. The visual imagery within the graphic novels will aid students in reinforcing their comprehension of the original novel's language. You may even find students revisiting these graphic novels multiple times to enhance their grasp of the story. To ensure that everyone has access to the required books, I have included the ISBN (a unique identifier for each book). This way, you can conveniently order the books from online retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, visit your local bookstore, or borrow them from your library. If you encounter any difficulties in finding the books, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I will do my best to assist you in acquiring the necessary materials for the class. To maximize your understanding of the material, you should read the assigned books for the week before coming to class. Preparing in advance will allow you to engage more deeply with the content and participate actively in our discussions.
Learning Goals
In this class, students will embark on an enriching journey through several timeless classics.
Through thoughtful analysis, they will delve into the intricacies of character traits, symbolism, plot, and settings, among other elements, unlocking deeper meanings within the texts.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
"Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation" by Gareth Hinds
Welcome to our introduction week! During this class, we will have the opportunity to get to know one another and explore our individual preferences and interests. To kick off our literary journey, we will delve into the works of Edgar Allan Poe, a master of horror and the progenitor of the Sherlock Holmes Detective style.
ISBN: 0763681121
Trigger Warnings: death, mortality, violence, gore, psychological horror, loss and grief
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Hound of the Baskervilles
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle.
This is one of the most famous detective stories featuring the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes. The story combines elements of Gothic horror and a classic detective mystery as Holmes and Watson try to separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth behind the haunting legend.
ISBN: 1496500350
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
To Kill a Mockingbird
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. A haunting portrait of race and class, innocence and injustice, hypocrisy and heroism, tradition and transformation in the Deep South of the 1930s, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird remains as important today as it was upon its initial publication in 1960, during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights movement.
ISBN: 0062798189
Trigger Warning: racism & racial slurs, rape, substance addiction mentioned, murder, gun violence, knife violence & stabbing, an
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Fahrenheit 451
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury. This is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic society where books are banned, and the act of reading is deemed illegal. The story revolves around Guy Montag, a fireman whose job is not to put out fires but to burn books and suppress knowledge.
ISBN: 080905101X
Trigger Warning: attempted suicide by overdose, self-immolation & immolation, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use & abuse
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Classic novels encompass a diverse range of characters and situations, exploring various themes. While most books maintain a respectful tone, a small number may contain instances of violence, murder, profanity, race-related content, mild sexual content, or include the use of offensive language like the N-word (e.g., To Kill a Mockingbird). Additionally, graphic novels may depict fighting with blood and death in the artwork. In our classroom discussions, we may address important topics such as racism, sexism, and discrimination, always ensuring age-appropriate handling of these subjects.
I want to emphasize that my classrooms provide safe, respectful, and supportive environments for all students. If you or your students have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me via email. I am committed to responding promptly and addressing any inquiries or issues that arise. As a proactive measure, I have included trigger warnings for specific books to ensure students are aware of potentially sensitive content.
Supply List
Students will need to have a physical or digital copy of the books to participate in the class discussions. Most of these books should be attainable through your local library. I have included the ISBN's for all books in the class description. Please plan ahead when joining this class. We do not read the books in class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Simmons University
I have been teaching on Outschool since June 2020, and throughout my classes, we have delved into important topics that fall under the umbrella of diversity. These include women's rights, race, gender, ethnic background, LGBTQ+ issues, and many more. Classic novels are no exception to these discussions. Like history itself, classic novels provide glimpses into different times and contexts. When exploring these works, I approach them with care and a recognition of our present-day perspectives.
In my teaching, I have covered subjects such as the Civil War, the Holocaust, women's rights, and many other significant events and movements. My aim is always to consider the needs and experiences of each and every student, ensuring that our discussions are inclusive and respectful to all.
I believe in fostering an environment that nurtures the growth and understanding of all my students. If you have any specific concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am dedicated to providing a positive and enriching educational experience for everyone.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly or $210 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
2-12 learners per class