Symbols, archetypes, and literary devices can be difficult to decipher in literature. However, it is these important elements that allow students to find deeper meaning and understanding in what they read. This 12 week course will use Thomas Foster's book How To Read Literature Like A Professor to teach students a collection of ideas and strategies also known as “the language of reading” to encourage critical thinking to inform literary analysis about short stories, novels, plays, and movies. 

The book is written with great humor and will allow us to laugh, discuss, and interact regarding the topics in the book. Students will read the chapters before class using a graphic organizer or other note taking strategy to summarize the concepts presented. We will then clarify and discuss the topics presented in the chapters. We will apply what was taught in the chapter to various pieces of literature, songs, and movies in order to help students internalize the concepts taught. At the end of the book, students will use Kate Chopin's short story, The Story of An Hour, to demonstrate what they have learned by completing an analysis.

Learners do not need any prior knowledge about this topic before the start of class. However, this class is best for students that are strong readers with solid comprehension skills. The text How To Read Literature Like A Professor is traditionally taught in an advanced English class. 

Every learner in my classroom is important to me, and I want each learner to feel comfortable. I want to address the needs of each student. Therefore, if you feel your student has special needs I should take into consideration please feel free to share those with me. 

In this course, the emphasis will be on the literary analysis used in various forms of literature, songs, and movies. Discussion is focused on what the characters believe, what the author believes, and what beliefs were central to literary periods of that  time. A particular religion or a belief system is neither favored nor advanced. The stories we do read are classics and most--if not all--were written a century ago or longer and are commonly read in high schools. They help students understand the world in which they live as they ponder deep questions that are as relevant now as they were then. As an experienced educator, I am comfortable discussing topics with courage, compassion and clarity. Parents are welcome to listen in to class or to watch the recording, which I automatically post. I encourage students to talk to their parents about the stories and the issues we discuss.