Short Story Series: Edgar Allan Poe

CLASS DESCRIPTION
What is the difference between a short story and a novel (other than the length)? How can the shorter form help a writer focus closely on plot and action? How can a writer make their readers care about the characters they have created without the extra room of a longer novel?

In this one-week course, we will read two different stories from a single American writer, Edgar Allan Poe, and we will make comparisons between each one to find common themes in the writer’s work. Students will learn how the short story form has shaped the history of modern literature, and we will look at examples of short stories that have enabled the writer to comment on their own culture and on the events of the world around them.

This course will focus heavily on reading, and full copies of stories we will cover will be provided for students to read on their own.

CLASS FORMAT
No live classes—view lessons on YOUR schedule. In general, expect 1.5-2.5 hours to work through the lesson plan each week, and an additional 2-5 hours working on assignments (it really depends what assignment your child chooses to do and how they manage their time). For classes with two levels, the material is the same for both—the depth of the assignments differs. Younger students should usually be placed in Level 1. Older students, or younger students who want more of a challenge, should be placed in Level 2.

Each lesson consists of a fully narrated PowerPoint presentation with images and videos to enhance the topics. Students will have access to our learning management system, Canvas, for viewing their lesson, printing worksheets, taking quizzes, viewing/submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and viewing grades/feedback. Read more details about class format.