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: $680.00 per year for first child, $630.00 if paid in full on or before the day of class orientation or monthly payment of $72.50. Sibling Discount Available.
Location: Monday Indian Trail Town Hall 12:35 pm –1:35 pm
Testimony
: “We have really appreciated Kyra’s classes for all four of our kids. Our two oldest have since gone on to college and have felt completely equipped and prepared for their college classes after their courses with Kyra. Literary Analysis was a new class for us this year, and my daughter said it has helped her with her reading comprehension in all her other classes”. (students have taken WriteShop Jr, Introduction, Level I, Level II, & Literary Analysis classes) T. Nuzum
Five stars for The Writer’s Toolbox program! This is our second year participating, and we have been thoroughly impressed with the exceptional curriculum and instruction provided by Mrs. Kyra. The program stands out for its thoroughness, organization, and the consistent, high-quality feedback offered week to week. As a homeschooling family, we greatly value the level of care and attention given our student’s progress. The opportunity for students to participate in presentations open to family members is an added benefit that we truly enjoy. The communication from Mrs Kyra is exemplary; she ensures that parents are always well-informed and engaged in the learning process. I highly recommend The Writer’s Toolbox program to anyone seeking a comprehensive and enriching writing experience for their homeschoolers. V. Gerrald