Purpose

The course’s first semester reading of poems, short stories, and novels focuses on the culture of the United States from the colonial era through the 19th century while the second semester’s fiction titles highlight the consequences of our country’s progressive social evolution in the 20th century away from being predominantly Christian. 

Process

Students will learn how classic American authors utilized characterization, setting, irony, and other literary tools to expand upon various themes, often in ways that are unique to American culture. Students consider the use of these tools and themes and analyze them from a Christian perspective through class discussion and writing assignments. Lessons include:

• An overview of the history of the time period and its predominant worldviews;

• An explanation of the authors’ backgrounds and personal worldviews;

• Charts, essay questions, and literary analysis essays.

Parental Responsibilities

Parents are responsible for purchasing the course workbook and each of the novels (print version preferred) for their student at the beginning of the year. While library editions are also permitted, students must have the workbook and the current reading book with them in class each week. Parents are also asked to help their student pace out their reading, fill in the worksheets, and submit their writing and worksheet assignments on time.