Embark on a literary journey through the rich tapestry of British literature while honing the art of persuasive writing in this 30-week high school course. Rooted in the principles of the Circe Institute’s Lost Tools of Writing, this class offers a unique approach to exploring classic works and mastering the tools of effective communication.

This 30-week class is for students in grades 9-12 will expose students to the fundamentals of literary analysis and writing a persuasive essay. We will read ten novels from different periods in British literature and learn to write essays that will prepare students for college.

Students will learn to use the classical Canons of rhetoric. They will learn how to decide what to say, how to order their thoughts, and how to express those ideas. They will become familiar with the standard form of a five-paragraph essay and learn how to use literary devices to enhance their writing. They will also learn the basics of literary criticism by reading and analyzing great works of literature. Discussions of virtue and literary themes will help the student develop a taste for well-written prose.

Students will complete a five-paragraph essay every three weeks with intervening weeks spent on analysis and outlining. For each essay, the student will be required to read a new (novel. Class meetings will revolve around discussing the novels, generating ideas, and practicing the tools for crafting an essay.

Please note that this course is an appropriate introduction to literature for high school freshmen.

Some of the novels we will read this year are:

• A Knight’s Tale from the Canterbury Tales by Chaucer

• Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

• Dracula by Bram Stoker

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

• Other novels chosen by the tutor (and students!)

Reading selections may change depending on the interests and proficiency of the students. I will keep the students updated on which novels will be included so that you have plenty of time to acquire them.

Required materials:

• The Lost Tools of Writing Level One Student Book (https://www.circeinstitute.org/store/book/level-1-5th-ed-students-workbook)

• Access to the novels. Most are available at your local library.

• Computer and internet access. (Essays must be typed. They may be printed orsubmitted electronically.)

Homework: An assignment is due each week. These assignments generally rotate every three weeks between essay plans, outlines, and the essays themselves. We will read a new novel every three weeks.

Wednesday FULL

Time: 9:00-10:30
Grades: 9-12
Cost: $400
Supply Fee: $50
Tutor: Donna Enoch