愛情、戰爭與成長——第九、十期古典文學課

We discuss the books at length so make sure your child has read and has copies of the books so we don't give away any plot lines or spoilers.

This will be an semester literature class where we will discuss a new book every two to three weeks.  I will gently guide the discussion on different book topics such as: plot, character attributes and development, themes, symbolism, genre types, literary devices, and others. 
We will leave most time open for discussion and learn different book elements around that discussion. I mainly use Socratic discussion when discussing the books and themes of the novels.  I try to get students to think about what they are reading. Both students that love to read and those that are more hesitant will enjoy reading classical literature of different periods, places, and writers.  I will also use google slides in my classroom presentations. Some weeks we may have handouts related to the different literary elements we will be discussing. This class can also be used as a literature credit for the semester.  

The week before we study each novel I will send out discussion questions from each novel.  I will also send out a reference sheet that will give examples and definitions of any literary elements we will be learning in class. 

Please make sure that students have copies of the books in their possession as we read and discuss each book.  I don't require that students turn on their cameras but I prefer that students have their cameras on during my class.  

This class will rely heavily on student discussion.  We will need to cancel class if there are not at least 5 learners. 

Weeks of September 10th and 17th-- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.  In this book we will study setting, character development,  foreshadowing, mood, and point of view.  

Weeks of September 24th and October 1st-- Lord of the Flies by William Golding.  In this classic novel of boys stranded on a tropical island we will study foreshadowing, setting, plot, antagonist verses protagonist, and symbolism.  (Please be aware that this book may be disturbing for younger audiences.) 

Weeks of October 8th and 15th-- Anthem by Ayn Rand.  In this dystopian novel we will study symbolism, dynamic versus static characters, macro versus microcosm, and some of the political structures discussed in the books. 

Weeks of October 29th and November 5th-- These will be our poetry selections: Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman, Annabel Lee by Edgar Allen Poe, and Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market by Pablo Neruda.   We will discuss-- rhyme, meter, rhythm, stanzas, and more depending on time.  We may not be able to discuss all poems in-depth due to time constraints.  

Weeks of November 12th, November 26th, and December 3rd-- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.  We will discuss plot, themes, foreshadowing, protagonist versus antagonist, character development, sonnets, tragedies versus comedies, and other literary devices that Shakespeare used in his writing.   

Please note that I will not be teaching classes the week of September 4th.