Boarding School Style Critical Reading and Literary Analysis

In this course, we will work to hone our skills as close readers and critical writers. Through in-depth discussion and analysis of short stories and poetry, we will learn how to advance complex arguments that reflect an awareness of important themes and ambiguities in a literary work.
Designed for

Students who want to improve on their English reading and writing skills

Level

Grades 8-10

Class format

One-on-one and small group (Max. 7 students/class)

Class Introduction

In this course, students will hone their skills as close readers and critical writers. Through in-depth discussion and writing analysis, students will learn how to craft complex arguments that reflect important themes and ambiguities in a literary work. Students will craft strong interpretive sentences, supporting their ideas with textual evidence, and engage in writing analysis.

Teacher Background
  • Previous English Teacher at Milton Academy with many years of teaching experience in college and high school-level English and Creative Writing courses.
  • The teacher holds a BA in English from Yale University and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Boston University. 
Outcome

The course will begin with practice exercises and short responses before culminating in a longer, multi-paragraph essay. By the end of the course, students will learn strategies for effective close reading, outlining, drafting, and revision. They will also learn some foundational principles for effective writing, whether in shorter- or longer-form responses.

Learning Topics

In-depth discussion and analysis of short stories and poetry, how to formulate complex arguments, research and analysis of important themes in literary works, interpretive sentence crafting, supporting ideas with textual evidence, enhance analysis skill, and more.

Feedback

Students and their parents will receive brief feedback after each class regarding the student’s general participation in class. Students will also receive feedback on graded assignments via email. 

Class Schedule

10 classes, 2 hours each class, 20 hours of instruction in total.

2024 Spring Group Classes: Open for Registration

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