This class works well for any high school student who can write an understandable paragraph with a topic sentence and is familiar with writing formal essays.

As Ms. Myers states in the course overview, “It teaches students how to read, infer, analyze, and write about literature. Additionally, it recognizes the power of literature to influence readers for good or for ill, and consequently seeks to teach students to recognize an author’s worldview and exercise discernment when reading.”

Analytical techniques (annotating, inferring, outlining, and developing discernment), literary elements (plot and structure, characters, theme, setting, point of view), and literary devices and tools (allusions, parallelism, euphemism, symbolism, anaphora, and epistrophe, imagery, and irony) will be covered through instruction, reading, writing, and practice exercises.

We will meet for an hour of instruction each week for 30 weeks, with moderate homework assigned regularly. Additional time for individual encouragement, tutoring and editing help will also be provided weekly when needed.