In this class, we will embark on an exciting journey into the world of literary theory, symbols, and character development! We are going to explore novels through different literary lenses, which is a fascinating process that allows us to delve deeper into the text and its meanings from different perspectives.

Each learner is expected to read between 50-100 pages a week, which averages to about 30-60 minutes of weekly reading. (Students are allowed to opt for the Audible version if they would rather.) This pace is designed to ensure that we can cover the material in a timely manner, but it's completely understandable if this deadline can't always be met. However, please be aware that there may be spoiler alerts in class!

Our exploration of classic literature provides a unique window into different eras, cultures, and ways of thinking. This helps your child understand biases and challenges from another era, and fosters a sense of "historical cosmopolitanism". This is a valuable perspective that broadens their understanding of the world and its history!

Classic literature helps us to empathize with characters from distant times and places. It's a wonderful way for them to understand that authors from the past shared similar emotions, thoughts, and experiences as people today. This connection across time and space is a powerful learning experience!

Finally, classic literature exposes your student to a wide range of vocabulary and a more formal style of writing. This enhances their language skills and their ability to understand and appreciate different writing styles and prepares them for SAT reading comprehension, college, and beyond!

It's always a joy to see students making connections between the stories and their own experiences. 

Overall, I hope your student's engagement with classic literature contributes positively to their personal growth. My goal is make sure they are not only enjoying the stories but also learn valuable life lessons from them, as this can be a testament to their growth, maturity, and understanding.


CLASS BOOK SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS: 
-- Each week in class we will complete an author study so students have a comprehensive understanding of the author and their lives and not just the story itself. Sometimes there are short biography videos to watch or if it's a poetry week, we may listen to the poet read their own work in recorded interviews. After the author study, we will discuss and dissect the reading section students completed over the week! Fun bingo games to recall vocabulary, literary terms, and author facts are included often!


SEPTEMBER: Theme: Perseverance and dignity, man versus nature. 
Week 1: THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Ernest Hemingway - 60 pages
Week 2: THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Ernest Hemingway - 64 pages
Week 3: "RIP VAN WINKLE"  by Washington Irving - 50 pages 
Week 4: "RIP VAN WINKLE" by Washington Irving - 60 pages 

OCTOBER: Theme: Human ambition, pride, and scientific advancements. 
Week 1: FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley - 75 pages
Week 2: FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley - 75 pages
Week 3: FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley - 75 pages
Week 4: FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley - 52 pages

NOVEMBER: Theme: Classic short stories and classic lit poetry units.
Week 1: THE TELL-TALE HEART - Edgar Allen Poe - What would classic literature be without a creepy Edgar Allen Poe murder mystery?? 
Week 2: POETRY UNIT - WALT WHITMAN - Personal research project
Week 3: POETRY UNIT- MARY OLIVER - Personal research project 
Week 4: THE BIRTH-MARK - Nathaniel Hawthorne

DECEMBER: Theme: Power, control, and corruption. 
Week 1: ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell - 35 pages
Week 2: ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell - 35 pages
Week 3: ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell - 35 pages
Week 4: ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell - 35 pages



....More to come!