The Notables: A Christian Book Club for Reading Classic Literature

Description

An essential part of high school English is the study of classics and other notable novels. These works of literature may be notable for the longevity of their influence, exceptional quality, contribution to culture, or typical of an era, people, or movement. In this ongoing class, we will work our way through notable novels, and learners seek to answer essential questions from a Christian perspective as they read and participate in discussions.

How Does This Work?

We come together for discussion once per week. This is a weekly subscription class. You are charged weekly. If we have to skip a week (e.g. Thanksgiving), you are not charged. Make sure to check the reading schedule here and in the classroom.

Why Classic or Notable Novels?

The idea is that teens read broadly, deeply, and regularly while developing a Christian perspective about deeper life questions that the Bible and literature bring to bear. The live meetings provide accountability for students to read as well as the opportunity to intelligently discuss literature and how what they read has modern-day applications in understanding themselves or the world in which they live. We don’t expect students to “learn a lesson” from each novel; rather, we want them to think about the issues presented by the author and determine whether or not they agree or disagree with the author’s worldview. They determine what precepts from God’s word help them understand the novel. Students will analyze literary devices, figurative language, story elements, characterization, theme, the author’s craft, etc., and attempt to answer the essential questions according to what the Bible says about the issue.

Homework / Reading Expectations:

Students will do all of the reading outside of class. They will complete comprehension quizzes and other assignments to help keep them accountable for the reading.

Grades:

The teacher will provide students with an English / Literature grade based on participation in the discussion, comprehension quizzes, and other assignments.

Reading Schedule:

Sept 11 – Introduction to the course and to Fahrenheit 451. No pre-class preparation is required.

Sept 18 – Discussion of: Part One: ”The Hearth and the Salamander” (about 60 pages)

Sept 25 – Discussion of: Part Two: “The Sieve and the Sand” (about 40 pages) 

Oct 2 – Discussion of: Part Three:  “Burning Bright” (about 50 pages)

Oct 9 – Introduction to To Kill a Mockingbird (about 65 pages per week) No pre-class preparation is required.

Oct 16 – Discussion of: Chapters 1-6

Oct 23 – Discussion of:  Chapters 7-11

Oct 30 – Discussion of: Chapters 12-17

Nov 6 – Discussion of: Chapters 18-23

Nov 13 – Discussion of: Chapters 24-31

Nov 20 – No Class

Nov 27 – Introduction to The Screwtape Letters (about 55 pages per week) No pre-class preparation is required.

Dec 4 – Discussion of: Letters 1-11

Dec 11 – Discussion of: Letters 12-21

Dec 18 – Discussion of:  Letters 22-31

Jan 8 – Introduction to Silas Marner  (about 50 pages per week) No pre-class preparation is required.

Jan 15 – Discussion of: Chapters 1-7

Jan 22 – Discussion of: Chapters 8-13

Jan 29 – Discussion of: Chapters 14-21 (+conclusion)

Feb 5 – Introduction to A Tale of Two Cities (50 pages per week) No pre-class preparation is required.

Feb 12 – Discussion of: Book the First through Book the Second Chapter 3

Feb 19 – Discussion of: Book the Second Chapters 4-9

Feb 26 – Discussion of: Book the Second Chapters 10-18

Mar 4 – Discussion of: Book the Second Chapters 19 through Book The Third Chapter 1

Mar 11 – Discussion of: Book the Third Chapters 2-9

Mar 18 – Discussion of: Book the Third Chapters 10-15

Mar 25 – Introduction to Sense and Sensibility (about 50 pages a week) No pre-class preparation is required.

Apr 8 – Discussion of: Volume I, Chapters I-XIV

Apr 15 – Discussion of: Volume I, Chapters XV through Volume II, Chapter I

Apr 22 – Discussion of: Volume II, Chapters II-X

Apr 29 – Discussion of: Volume II, Chapter XI through Volume III, Chapter IV

May 6 – Discussion of: Volume III, Chapters V-XIV