YEAR ONE MONTHLY THEMES
The first meeting in September is an introduction of the class and what to expect, and the first packet of readings is a test to see if the student wishes to continue. The following months, we ease into high quality stories and poetry, with only a few essays and speeches. The primary focus in the first year is on learning to analyze and overcome any individual challenges each student faces at the start of the year (e.g. public speaking, reading retention, analyzing poetry, etc.). Approximately 10 hours of out-of-class work each month.
September: Entering Other Worlds
October: Death and the Strange
November: The Young, the Old, and the Ordinary
December: Winter Gifts
January: Fighting for Freedom
February: Expansion and the Self-Aware
March: The End and the Beginning
April: Thoughtful Spring
May: [Final class discussion and end-of-year party.]
YEAR TWO MONTHLY THEMES
The second year begins and ends on a light-hearted note, though the months between increase in challenges for critical analysis. More essays and speeches are included, and common logical fallacies will be explored when exploring the non-fiction. Students will have a moderate course load and will be expected to be comfortable with the routines of the class by second year (unless they did not attend Year One). Approximately 12 hours of out-of-class work each month.
September: Autumn Gold
October: Magic and the Afterlife
November: Critical Review
December: The Cold, Child, and Wild of Winter
January: Science Fiction’s Art and Future
February: The Romantic Heart
March: Innocence and Inventions
April: Spring Fools
May: [Final class discussion and end-of-year party.]
YEAR THREE MONTHLY THEMES
Third year will have a heavier course load, and tackle more difficult subjects than in the previous years. Greater focus on social issues in both the fiction and non-fiction will be addressed, and for students who have taken both Years One and Two, they will be expected to have mastered the routine and bring more to discussions and their projects each month than the previous two years. Approximately 15 hours of out-of-class work each month.
September: Human Growth
October: Dark and Wild
November: Art, Science, and Belief
December: The Solstice and the Stars
January: Challenging Racism
February: Responding to Prejudice
March: Women’s Work
April: The End and the Earth
May: [Final class discussion and end-of-year party.]
Willow and Birch 