Fantastic Fiction

This course is designed to provide instruction on a range of important literary and English-language concepts, including critical reading, intellectual analysis, socratic discussion and refined writing. The course will consist of three units of three lessons each, with the units structured around a specific novel. Each 1.5hr lesson will be anchored with the text being covered, with supplementary material designed to provide depth of novel concepts.
Each class will follow roughly the same structure from week to week. Lessons will begin with a short ten minute review of the previous week’s readings, covering relevant content and any updates. Students will then complete a very brief (five minute) quiz to ensure the retention of discipline-specific concepts and vocabulary. This will be followed with a ten minute lecture providing background on the week’s new topic. Next, the class will spend approximately forty minutes reading the novel aloud. While reading, the teacher will lead the class in the defining of vocabulary, discussion of concepts and analysis of novel themes and concepts. The final twenty-five minutes of class will be devoted to writing, with students being presented with a homework prompt, discussing a possible outline and learning academic writing skills.
Each unit students will submit one non-fiction essay and one creative piece of work. Both writing pieces will be connected to the novel being studied. Students will learn how to write sound paragraphs, structured essays and creative pieces that evoke emotion and individual style. They will receive in-depth written feedback on the assignment and have the chance to produce a final draft. Students will then be able to collate their work, providing evidence of intellectual growth.