Note: This class is open to high school students only.

High school students will read “Mother Night” by Kurt Vonnegut, followed by a series of short works, focusing on concepts of community and justice. We will read and analyze sections of the book and stories in class, discuss the plots, engage with close reading, explore themes and characters, as well as reading as homework. We will practice forms of literary criticism to gain a richer understanding of the book, encouraging critical thinking and constructive dialogue and further expanding their writing skills. 

Each week, students will be expected to read the assigned chapters/stories, and respond to each week’s didactic coverage with short essays and reflections, culminating in a final, longer form essay.

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

Middle school students will read “Away” by Megan E. Freeman, as well as supportive short stories that explore themes of community and justice. Students will explore different writing techniques, such as screen writing, newspaper journalistic writing, and poetic prose. Students will utilize the book and stories to expand their writing skills, understanding of grammar and figures of speech. Students will compare and contrast “Away” to the previously read book “Alone” by the same author, engage with close reading techniques, further develop their annotation and note taking skills, and practice constructive dialogue as a group. 

Each week, students will be expected to read the assigned chapters/stories, and will additionally be assigned short writing responses, quizzes and creative projects, intended to create a greater depth of knowledge of the source materials.