Course Description:

In this eight-week class, students will read Hard Times by Charles Dickens in its entirety. Class meetings will utilize a Socratic format where the instructor facilitates a discussion using guided questions. This enables students to interact with each other, the instructor, and the content more actively than in a traditional lecture-style course.

Please note that this course will explore a variety of potentially difficult topics, ideas, and events from divergent perspectives. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the overview section below in order to determine if they want their child to analyze and discuss this content. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

*****All learners will be required to have their cameras on for the duration of the live class meetings. This promotes an engaged learning environment for all students.*****

Assignments and Grading Policies:

Each class meeting will have assigned reading from Hard Times. Students are free to read ahead, but the class discussion and optional written assignments will focus on the assigned passages. 

It is important that students do the assigned readings in order to get the most out of the course. Given the difficulty of this text, I only expect that students have made a good faith effort to understand the content before each class meeting, not that they have successfully done so. 

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to submit written work for feedback and grading if they so choose. In order to obtain a grade, students will have to complete four of the optional written assignments. If a student completes two of the assignments, they are eligible to receive a certificate of completion for the course.

Students may write more than four written assignments if they so choose. They may also write an additional assignment if they wish to replace a previous grade. I will grade up to eight assignments for each student. The use or aid of any AI tools or large language models is prohibited for written assignments in this course.

Students who do not wish to receive a grade or a certificate are welcome to do as much or as little written work as they like. The only requirement for enrollment is participation in weekly Socratic discussions about the assigned readings.

*****Readings and written assignments are placed on the date that they are due on the syllabus, not the date that they are assigned.*****