| When | Thursday 2:00 - 3:00 |
| Teacher Name | ElizabethFox |
| Target Age Range | 13 - Adult |
| General Grade Level | Lower High School, Upper High School |
| Ability Level | Intermediate |
| Skill Requirements/Prerequisites | Able to read high school level material in a short amount of time (generally one book of 200-300 pages every 2 weeks). Willingness to discuss serious topics and participate in discussions. |
| Book Title | |
| ISBN | |
| Family Provided Materials | You will need to obtain copies of all books on your own. These are readily available at libraries and book stores. We sometimes even have some of them in the Voyagers library. Book list will be sent out a couple of weeks before the study group begins. |
| Instructor Provided Materials | Handouts containing background material on works being studied. |
| Study Group Style | Lecture, Discussion, Activity |
| Description | This is a continuation of Modern American Fiction and Fiction Classics, previously given on Wednesdays. We have expanded from "American" and have even done a few non-fiction works, hence the change in title. We generally read 6 or 7 books per semester. The titles are often those you would find on a typical high school reading list. They will include novels of various genres, and possibly short stories, plays, or memoirs. The focus of the group is on discussing the books. In addition to topics suggested by the subject matter, we also analyze the works for literary devices, do character studies, place the books in historical context and do background research on the authors. Discussion will also be informed by the use of literature guides. We often read background material aloud together during class time. There is sometimes other class preparation involved, for example when we do role playing or simulations. Expect to read approximately 200 pages per week. Note that although the reading level might be within the capacity of younger members, the subject matter is best suited for those who are teens and older. When in doubt, please consult with me. If any group members wish to write essays based on any of the books during the course of this study group, I am happy to review and critique these and work on revisions with you. Also, I am taking suggestions for books you would like to study. The list of books will be sent out a couple of weeks before the start of the semester so we can get started right away at our first session. If you want to get a better idea of the type of books we cover, please contact me and I will send you our lists from the last couple of years. --Betsy |