In this upper-level English Literature course, students will engage with classic literature to uncover deep themes, moral truths, and human experiences from a Christian worldview. Through close reading, character analysis, and historical context, students will be challenged to reflect on how literature reveals God’s truth and what it means to live a life of Christian integrity.

Course Overview:

• Classical Literature Study:
  Read a range of literary genres, including a Shakespearean comedy, an American autobiography, selections from lyrical and epic poetry (provided in class), and other enduring works.
• Faith and Virtue Reflection:
  Students will connect literary themes to their faith, deepening their understanding of Christian character and moral decision-making.
• Socratic Discussion:
  Engage in weekly conversations centered on analysis, interpretation, and thoughtful questioning of the texts.
• Major Projects:
  Complete three large assignments during the year, including a research paper and a creative project to demonstrate understanding and originality.
• Honors and Mastery Reporting:
  Students who complete the course will receive a mastery narrative with a suggested transcript grade. Honors-level work will be noted where applicable.

Required Texts:

The following books must be procured by families prior to the start of class:

• How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren – ISBN: 9780671212094
• The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr – ISBN: 9780979660740
• The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
• A Christmas Carol
• As You Like It by William Shakespeare
• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky – ISBN: 9781250788450 (Translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky)

Note: Poetry selections (lyrical and epic) will be provided in class—no need to purchase additional texts for those units. While we do not expect to finish The Brothers Karamazov in full, key sections will be studied in depth.