High School English

Excellence in Literature: A Writing Approach to the Classics Self-Directed College Prep Literature-Based High School English for Homeschoolers

*4.14.08- Update: We plan to have all five levels of Excellence in Literature available by early 2009. We may have some levels available in beta form for the fall semester of 2008-- please e-mail us if you would like to be notified when it's available.

Nothing captures the spirit of an age like great literature! Books that have stood the test of time contain the intellectual wealth of the ages, and students who study them in context develop a firm foundation, not only in the language arts, but also in the humanities. Excellence in Literature presents a feast of great literature, along with the context information needed to fully appreciate each work.

These challenging, self-directed courses introduce students to great literature in its historical context, while developing skills in writing and literary analysis. English I and II provide foundational skills; English III and IV offer a chronological survey of American and British literature, and English V focuses on European literature.

An Honors Track, with additional readings and writing, for each course encourages preparation for AP or CLEP exams. Some students who have taken this track have been permitted advanced placement in college based upon the material covered. Students who complete four years of Excellence in Literature have the potential of earning 24-30 hours of college credit through testing.

Course Format

The literature-based unit format of Excellence in Literature offers students the opportunity to grow thoroughly familiar with some of the greatest writers and literary works of all time. There are nine four-week units in each level. Study and writing for each unit is centered around a focus text— a novel, play, or poem— chosen for its significance to the period of literature being studied. A reasonable number of context works, including poetry, short biographies, art, music, videos, and online resources, are selected to enhance the student’s understanding of the focus text, its author, and the literary period in which it was created. There is an emphasis on the analytical essay, which offers the opportunity to perfect the standard writing process of planning, drafting, and revising. Shorter assignments in various forms will round out each unit.

Evaluations

A special rubric using the 6-Traits evaluation model makes evaluation simple for writing mentors-- including parents, tutors, or co-op leaders. You can find a link to a site with details of the 6-Traits evaluation on the FAQ page.

For parents who would like extra help with evaluations, I suggest visiting the website of the National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators. This organization offers a database of writing evaluators (available beginning in 2008) who may be able to help with evaluating Excellence in Literature assignments. When you visit the NAIWE website, search for evaluators that work with academic writing. You can be sure that your students are getting the in-depth, college-prep reading and writing assignments that you want them to have, as well as objective, accurate assessments. It works!

What's Special About Excellence in Literature?

• Carefully-chosen great books increase cultural literacy.
• Self-directed courses encourage independent learning.
• College-style syllabus helps to prepare students for university academic experiences.
• Week-by-week lesson plans make it easy to know what to do when.
• Honors Option provides motivated students the opportunity to earn advanced placement or college credit.
• Evaluation rubric makes grading simple.
• Carefully designed end-of-semester evaluation reports provide a detailed snapshot of progress.
• Context readings provide in-depth understanding of literature in its historical and artistic context.
• Students will be introduced to books they'll never forget.

It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature. Henry James, 1843-1916

My Qualifications
I graduated with honors from Mary Baldwin College with a B.A. in English, and I have freelanced as a writer and editor since the late 1980's. My educational philosophy is most closely aligned with A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille and the Charlotte Mason series on education. I have also homeschooled my four sons, two of whom have graduated from college, and coached other students in writing. My goal is to encourage a love of good literature while preparing students for the challenges of college-level writing.

In addition to Excellence in Literature, my books include Transcripts Made Easy: Your Friendly Guide to High School Paperwork and Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for Teens.

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