language
Middle School Literature 2
Hosanna Greene
In this course, we will read well-loved works of substantial length–from Watership Down to Oliver Twist to Pride and Prejudice. Using these works, we will also work on developing good research and writing techniques. We will become familiar with standard MLA formatting to prepare for high school and college courses. By the end of this course, students should be able to discuss and analyze assigned works using a robust literary vocabulary.
Textbook: Vocabulary in Classical Roots; multiple texts include The Hobbit, Boy, To Kill a Mockingbird, and others.
Introduction to Literature
Hosanna Greene
A combination of grammar, composition, and literature suitable for 8th and 9th grade students. The students will cover the essential elements of literature as well as putting their grammar to use in paper writing. This course will cover the themes of literature–conflict, character, theme, structure, point of view and moral tone.
Textbook: To be determined
American Literature (honors option)
Hosanna Greene
This course will trace American literature from its roots to the present. Students will survey works from Puritanism, Rationalism, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism, and Modernism, as well as the Harlem Renaissance. With each text, we will examine recurring questions raised by these texts–in particular, what does it mean to be American? As a class, we will also engage in focused discussion of each text and learn to write critical analyses using literary terminology. In preparation for college courses, we will become familiar with standard MLA formatting.
Textbook: Vocabulary in Classical Roots; multiple literary texts
Essentials of Writing
Hosanna Greene
“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.” -Francis Bacon
In this course, we will write. We will compose fiction and nonfiction, formal and informal, extemporaneous articles and short stories. Our goal is simple: to become better thinkers and better writers. We will go through each step of the writing process, from prewriting to drafting to revising to editing. As we work to cultivate good writing habits, we will peer review our work in class for others to observe and critique. This opportunity for constructive criticism will help students learn to be comfortable with sharing and presenting their own work. Students will also learn to offer specific and helpful feedback to others’ writing. We will also read models of superb writing and discuss their narrative strategies, genres, and styles.
Textbook: The Lively Art of Writing; Vocabulary in Classical Roots