Literary Analysis
This class for advanced 8th to 12th grades is designed to expose students to a thorough study of analytical and critical reading while providing for lively and engaging discussions as well as offering instructions in various modes of literary and academic essay writing. An honors component is available.
Students will delve into the short stories and poems from Window to the World (IEW) as well as explore 3 classic literary pieces (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Hamlet by Shakespeare). With each novel, students will research background schema so they are able to identify with the time period, understand the universal themes, and the author’s purposes. Through the study of literature, students develop and practice critical thinking skills which allow them to become more effective listeners, speakers, readers, and writers. They will explore the joys of close reading and annotating.
As we cover each piece of literature, students will:
· Identify, analyze, interpret, and discuss various literary elements and devices such as; allusions, conflicts, irony, tone, POV, figurative language, rhetorical language, plot devices, characterization, setting, foreshadowing, suspense, theme etc.
· Analyze the relationship between the novel and its historical time period and cultural influences.
A combination of creative projects, student-led discussions, vocabulary, annotations, tests, and quizzes will be assigned for a comprehensive understanding of literary piece. We will also view excerpts from each novel.
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics handouts, on-line grammar quizzes, and sentence structure will be assigned on a weekly basis.
Vocabulary: Students will receive vocabulary assignments from the words in their literature. These will include learning definitions, applying the meaning in sentences and essays, and understanding the etymology of the word. Many of these words are among those included on the ACT, SAT or other college placement tests.
Prerequisites: A good understanding of writing principles for a high school level 5- paragraph essay and readiness to analyze literature
High School Credit: 1 English Credit
Required Texts:
- Window to the World (IEW)
- Elements of Style by Strunk and White
- Synonym Finder (Rodale)
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Hamlet by Shakespeare
Tuition Cost: $620.00 per year for first child, $570.00 if paid in full on or before the day of class orientation or monthly payment of $65.00. Sibling Discount Available.
Location:
Tuesday Live Online 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Wednesday Indian Trail Town Hall 10:15 am –11:15 am
Testimony
“Mrs. Gartrell’s classes are very thorough and a great learning experience for my children. I have graduated 2 homeschooled children and currently homeschooling my youngest. My 2 oldest feel very confident with what they have learned through Mrs. Gartrell’s classes and feel very equipped to handle any college course which require essays. Her classes and the level of assignments has also helped prepare them for college level work. These classes are a lot of work, but even my children will agree that these classes have been a great benefit.” D. McWhorter