Description
An essential part of high school English is the study of classics and other notable novels. These works of literature may be notable for the longevity of their influence, exceptional quality, contribution to culture, or typical of an era, people, or movement. In this ongoing class, we work our way through notable novels, and learners seek to answer essential questions from a Christian perspective as they read and participate in discussions.
How Does This Work?
We come together for discussion every other week. This is a bi-weekly subscription class. If we have to skip a week (e.g. Thanksgiving), you are not charged. Make sure to check the reading schedule here and in the classroom.
Why Classic or Notable Novels?
The idea is that teens read broadly, deeply, and regularly while developing a Christian perspective about deeper life questions that the Bible and literature bring to bear. The live meetings provide accountability for students to read as well as the opportunity to intelligently discuss literature and how what they read has modern-day applications in understanding themselves or the world in which they live. We don’t expect students to “learn a lesson” from each novel; rather, we want them to think about the issues presented by the author and determine whether or not they agree or disagree with the author’s worldview. They determine what precepts from God’s word help them understand the novel. Students will analyze literary devices, figurative language, story elements, characterization, theme, the author’s craft, etc., and attempt to answer the essential questions according to what the Bible says about the issue.
Homework / Reading Expectations:
Students will do all of the reading outside of class. They will complete comprehension quizzes and other assignments to help keep them accountable for the reading.
Grades:
The teacher will provide students with an English / Literature grade, based on participation in the discussion, comprehension quizzes, and other assignments.
The Notables Reading Schedule (100 minutes/week)
Fahrenheit 451
- 9/16 Introduction to the course and to Fahrenheit 451
- 9/30 Part One: ”The Hearth and the Salamander” and
- Part Two: “The Sieve and the Sand”
- 10/14 Part Three: “Burning Bright” and Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet
The Screwtape Letters
- 10/28 Introduction to The Screwtape Letters
- 11/11 Letters 1-21
- 11/25 Thanksgiving Break
- 12/9 Letters 22-31 and Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet
To Kill a Mockingbird
- 1/6 Introduction to To Kill a Mockingbird
- 1/20 Chapters 1-11
- 2/3 Chapters 12-23
- 2/17 Chapters 24-31 and Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet
Silas Marner
- 3/3 Introduction to Silas Marner
- 3/17 Chapters 1-13
- 3/31 Chapters 14-21 (+conclusion) and Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet
Sense and Sensibility
- 4/14 Introduction to Sense and Sensibility
- 4/28 Volume I and Volume II
- 5/12 Volume III and Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet
