Description
Independent Honors English
Please note: Both fall and spring semesters must be completed to obtain a full credit. This class can not be started in the spring.
Course Description: This class is ideal for the self-motivated, capable Junior or Senior who needs an English credit and cannot attend a class in person. This class focuses on the impact of storytelling through the lens of semiotics and the experiences of others, both real and fictional. Students will be pressed to think critically about what they read as well as reflect on how these stories impact them. We will read a variety of works focused around storytelling, which is a foundation of every culture in the world. From reading myths and fables to contemporary novels and memoirs, students will be exposed to a variety of voices and genres, as well as lessons learned from centuries of lived experiences. We’ll look at how new stories are built from old ones and consider why there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to exploring the human condition.
Note: This class does not function like a traditional virtual classroom where students interact with one another or participate in group activities. Rather, Jennie works one-on-one with each student to nudge critical thinking and improve his/her writing skills.
Prerequisites: Students should be able to do the following things without help: 1) write a basic essay in MLA format, 2) extract main ideas from a novel, 3) identify common literary elements and devices being used in the text, 4) complete homework assignments without prompting, and 5) be able to use Google Docs.
Expectations: Students will self-pace their work within certain time frames, so time management is key. Additionally, students should be familiar with common literary elements and a general understanding of how plot, characterization, and conflict unfold in a traditional narrative. MLA format is required for all essays.
Book List:
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer (ISBN: 0-385-48680-4)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (ISBN: 978-0-425-23220-0)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (ISBN: 978-1-4000-3271-6)
Big Fish by Daniel Wallace (ISBN: 978-1-61620-164-7)
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (978-0-7636-606509)
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (ISBN: 978-1-4013-2325-7)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (ISBN: 0-15-603020-9)
Origin Stories: Last unit on Myths, Tales, etc. provided
**Links to resources may be affiliate links. You don’t pay anything more but we make a small percentage of each sale.
Instructor: Jennie Miller (jennie@jenniecreates.com)
For: Grades 11 -12
Max Students: 7
Hours: 4-5 hours each week
Credit Hours: 1 High School Credit (on completion of both semesters)
Syllabus: Click here to view a broad overview of what’s expected both semesters.
Fall Dates: August 18 – Dec 12 (with a week’s break over Thanksgiving)
Spring Dates: January 5 – May 1 (any week in March can be taken for Spring break)
Minimum Class Size: 4
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