American Literature B

Why This Class

You want your student to learn how to think for themselves—and the best way to do that is to expose them to the works of great thinkers. This course does just that by guiding your student through the most notable contributions to American literature in the last one hundred years.

With the guidance of a mentor, students in this course take a tour of the Progressive, Modern, Postmodern and Contemporary genres of American writing. Through class discussions and debates, they seek to empathize with—and think like—the authors and characters they study (including MLK and Helen Keller). Students also work with mentors to refine their analytical skills and identify the core ingredients for transformational writing as they draft thesis-driven essays on key literary works.

As a result of completing this course, students train their minds to think on a new level about human nature and the forces that shape America. They are more motivated than ever to contribute a positive verse to their national story.

Overarching Questions

What can I learn about myself, humanity, and America from studying literature?

How does studying American literature change me?

How is the human condition present within the writings of past authors?

What can I learn from my chosen contemporary book about the literary characteristics of today?

Reading List

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Course Details

Recommended Grade: 10th (Sophomore)

Prerequisites: American Literature A (recommended)

Estimated Weekly Hours: 5 (Classic), 7 (Honors)

Format: Live, self-paced

Credits: 0.5

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Please note that program and course descriptions, as well as reading and materials lists, are subject to change as we continuously improve our curriculum throughout the year. Book and materials lists for the upcoming school year are published in SIS mid to late June. Some courses require subscriptions e.g., Adobe software or online magazines that may not be covered by partner schools.