Excellence in Literature: Reading & Writing Through Classics
Excellence in Literature: Reading & Writing Through Classics
Description
Excellence in Literature is a highly regarded
college-prep literature and composition curriculum for grades 8–12 that teaches
students to read great books with discernment, think critically, and write with
clarity and depth.
Designed for independent high school students, each course
guides learners through full-length classic works from the Western tradition
while building advanced literary analysis and essay-writing skills. The program
is known for preparing students well for college-level English courses, the
SAT, ACT, and AP Literature.
Key Curriculum Features:
Nine four-week units per course with a focus
text plus additional reading (poetry, essays, and biographical sketches)
Strong emphasis on literary analysis, worldview
discernment, and sequential skill development
Multiple essay assignments including author
profiles, approach papers, historical papers, and 750-word literary essays
Detailed Formats and Models section with
sample essays and clear writing templates
How to Evaluate Writing section with
rubrics for easy grading
Extensive web links and research suggestions for
author, historical, and cultural context
Honors options with additional reading and
writing assignments
Updated 4th Edition (2021) with improved essay
instruction and model essays
Program Components:
Student Books: Non-consumable,
spiral-bound guides with complete lesson plans, assignment instructions,
formats, models, and glossary
Recommended Resources:Teaching the
Classics and The Elegant Essay (for students needing stronger
foundational skills); Handbook for Writers (recommended reference)
The recommended sequence includes Introduction to
Literature, Literature and Composition, American Literature, British
Literature, and World Literature. Students with prior experience may
begin at any level.
Excellence in Literature stands out for its elegant
design, focus on great books, and balance of independent student work with
meaningful parent mentoring. It is an excellent choice for homeschool families
seeking a rigorous, college-preparatory literature program that emphasizes both
analytical reading and strong writing skills.
Browse all Excellence in Literature courses and sets
below!
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
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.
