Hello, I have been teaching English Language Arts for over 15 years. This class includes some of my favorite texts that I provide to learners completely annotated. After teaching on Outschool for almost 5 years, I am able to anticipate terms and context learners may have confusion on. These carefully curated texts were taken from the public domain so I am able to provide annotated texts to learners. 

The class will begin with a work from Shakespeare. Depending on learner comprehension of the text, we will spend 3-4 weeks. Learners will explore Macbeth through a post colonial lense. We will then move to the 1700's to read Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic 'The Scarlet Letter'. 

We will move to American literature and read Washington Irving's "The Devil and Tom Walker" which was published in 1824. Learners will then read a short story by Elizabeth Glaskel titled "The Yellow Wallpaper".  

Diving into the science fiction genre, learners will be given an annotated copy of  "Youth" by renowned science fiction author, Isaac Asimov. This story was published in 1952 and discusses themes surrounding colonialism and the Cold War.  Continuing with the Cold War era, learners will read two dystopian short stories by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. First learners will read "EPICAC" followed by "2BR02B". 

The class will conclude with a contemporary novel by M.T. Anderson titled 'Feed', a thought-provoking and timely novel that explores the implications of technology and consumerism in a dystopian future. Set in a world where the majority of the population has a "feed" implanted in their brains, the story follows a group of teenagers as they navigate a society dominated by corporate influence and instant gratification. Learners will explore the impact of technology on personal identity, relationships, and the environment. By examining the literary elements, like the societal structures in the story, readers can gain valuable insights into the complex interplay between technology, consumerism, and human values.

Moreover, Feed challenges young readers to consider the role of language and communication in shaping their understanding of the world. The novel's unique narrative style, which incorporates a blend of slang, advertising jargon, and at times curse words, serves as a reflection of the characters' dependence on technology for self-expression. By analyzing the language and themes in Feed, young readers can develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language and the importance of clear, thoughtful communication in the digital age. It is important to note that the characters' dialogue includes curse words, but learners are encouraged to think broadly about what the characters use of language says about their characterization.