Excellence In Literature: Reading & Writing Through Classics

Description

This series lives up to its name: Excellence in Literature. Designed to both teach students to read with discernment and to train them to be independent, self-motivated learners, they will likewise be introduced to great literature from the Western tradition and provided with tools to strengthen their writing skills. In other words, they will be well-prepared for college classes. Updating to a Fourth edition (2021), each updated manual provides more content on essay-writing, augmented model essays, and an expanded section on evaluating writing.

Each course is a non-consumable manual with outlines for nine units of study each with four weeks of assignments. Students read and respond to great literature - great because the selections reveal truth through the power of story. And although each unit has a focus text, additional reading is also expected - contemporary poetry, essays, biographical sketches, etc. Also provided are suggestions for additional reading and writing assignments for those wanting to count the course as an Honors English course. Assignments follow a typical path but they have been carefully chosen so that knowledge and skills build sequentially although a competency level of literary analysis and writing skills are assumed. If the student is unsure about these, he should consider two resources as prerequisites (or do them concurrently) - Teaching the Classics and Elegant Essay. Although the student is expected to do his own contextual research (information about author and story background), directed paths are provided in the form of quality web links and research suggestions - and these are extensive (audio, video, visual arts, music, historic/geographic context, places to go, and relevant quotes).

During the completion of each four-week unit, students will complete a number of written assignments including author profiles, approach papers, historical papers, and 750 -word essays usually from a choice of topics. Not to worry, though. A Formats and Models section provides exactly what it sounds like - formats for the various types of papers accompanied by sample (model) writing papers prepared in accordance to the suggested format. Very helpful! Also helpful is the How to Evaluate Writing section and its Evaluation Rubric. The author's Handbook for Writers serves well as a writer's resource and is recommended.

The courses are designed for the student to work through independently. Assignments contain specific instructions. So what does that leave for the teacher/parent to do? Become a Writing Mentor, of course. Plan to spend some time each week with the student talking through assignments, literary gleanings, and preparation. The Mentor should also be prepared to either evaluate the papers - or find someone else to do so. Oh, and by the way, students will be compiling a binder-notebook-portfolio.

Although it may be hard to believe that the author, Janice Campbell, has packed so much into such a tidy package, it's true. Introductory information includes a course overview, FAQs, and short sections on How to Read a Book and Discerning Worldview through Literary Periods. At the back of the book is not only the amazing Formats & Model section, but also a helpful section on Honors preparation, and a glossary. The detailed unit lesson plans make up the rest of the course.

The author suggests the following scope and sequence: Introduction to Literature, Literature and Composition, American Literature, British Literature, and World Literature, but a student with appropriate literary course experience could "jump in" at any point to do one or more of the courses. These are excellent college-prep courses that allow the student to work independently, take a whole-book approach with a suitable emphasis on essay responses to literature, and can be easily "upgraded" to an Honors level. ~ Janice


Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.