Literary Analysis and Criticism
Teaches critical analysis of texts and development of literary critiques.
Description : Students engage in in‑depth analysis of diverse texts, developing nuanced interpretations and constructing well‑argued critical essays.
Category : English
Age : 12+
Difficulty Level : Normal
Curriculum :
Module 1: Foundations of Literary Study
Section 1: Introduction to Literature
- Lesson 1: Defining Literature
- Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Defining literature as a form of art and communication
- Lesson 2: The Value of Reading
- Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Exploring why literature matters in our everyday lives
Section 2: Basics of Literary Analysis
- Lesson 1: What Is Literary Analysis?
- Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understanding the purpose and process of analyzing texts
- Lesson 2: The Steps of Analysis
- Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learning how to read critically, annotate, and ask questions
Section 3: Developing Active Reading Habits
- Lesson 1: Techniques for Active Reading
- Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Introducing strategies to engage with a text
- Lesson 2: Annotation and Note-Taking
- Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Methods for marking up texts and recording insights
Section 4: Understanding Author’s Intent
- Lesson 1: Contextual Background
- Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Discovering how an author’s background and era influence a text
- Lesson 2: Exploring Authorial Purpose
- Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Investigating why authors write and what they aim to convey
Section 5: Fundamentals of Discussion and Critique
- Lesson 1: Sharing Interpretations
- Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Developing skills to discuss personal readings and interpretations
- Lesson 2: The Art of Constructive Criticism
- Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Learning to express thoughtful critiques and respect differing opinions
Module 2: Literary Elements Basics
Section 1: Plot and Structure
- Lesson 1: Identifying Plot Components
- Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Breaking down narrative structures and key plot points
- Lesson 2: Understanding Story Arcs
- Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learning about exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution
Section 2: Characters and Characterization
- Lesson 1: Analyzing Character Roles
- Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Examining the roles characters play in advancing a story
- Lesson 2: Tracing Character Development
- Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Observing how characters evolve throughout a narrative
Section 3: Setting and Mood
- Lesson 1: The Role of Setting
- Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Understanding how time and place contribute to the narrative
- Lesson 2: Creating Atmosphere
- Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learning how language and detail establish mood and tone
Section 4: Theme and Message
- Lesson 1: Recognizing Themes
- Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Identifying central ideas and recurring motifs in texts
- Lesson 2: Interpreting the Author’s Message
- Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Analyzing how themes convey deeper meanings
Section 5: Point of View and Perspective
- Lesson 1: Exploring Narrative Perspectives
- Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Understanding different points of view and their impact
- Lesson 2: Effects of Perspective on Interpretation
- Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Investigating how narrative perspective shapes reader understanding
Module 3: Thematic and Contextual Analysis
Section 1: Exploring Literary Themes
- Lesson 1: Common Literary Themes
- Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Identifying themes found across various texts
- Lesson 2: Connecting Themes to Daily Life
- Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Relating universal themes to personal and societal experiences
Section 2: Understanding Historical Context
- Lesson 1: The Influence of History on Literature
- Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Studying how historical events shape literary works
- Lesson 2: Techniques for Contextual Analysis
- Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learning methods to connect texts to their historical settings
Section 3: Cultural Influences in Literature
- Lesson 1: Literature and Society
- Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Examining how cultural background influences texts
- Lesson 2: Recognizing Cultural Symbols
- Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Identifying symbols and references that reflect cultural contexts
Section 4: Introduction to Literary Criticism
- Lesson 1: Overview of Critical Theories
- Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Introducing basic literary theories in an accessible way
- Lesson 2: Applying Critical Perspectives
- Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Using simple critical tools to analyze texts
Section 5: Comparative Analysis of Texts
- Lesson 1: Comparing Themes and Elements
- Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Learning to compare and contrast different literary works
- Lesson 2: Identifying Trends in Literature
- Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Observing patterns and recurring ideas across texts
Module 4: Critical Essay Writing
Section 1: Essay Structure Fundamentals
- Lesson 1: Components of a Literary Essay
- Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Outlining introduction, body, and conclusion in critical essays
- Lesson 2: Organizing Ideas Effectively
- Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learning to structure arguments logically and cohesively
Section 2: Developing a Thesis Statement
- Lesson 1: Characteristics of a Strong Thesis
- Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understanding the elements that make a thesis statement clear and specific
- Lesson 2: Crafting Your Thesis
- Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practicing the creation of focused thesis statements based on analysis
Section 3: Supporting Arguments with Evidence
- Lesson 1: Selecting Textual Evidence
- Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Finding and choosing key quotations and details from texts
- Lesson 2: Analyzing Evidence Critically
- Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learning to interpret evidence to support a claim
Section 4: Writing Coherent Paragraphs
- Lesson 1: Crafting Topic Sentences
- Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Developing clear and concise topic sentences for each paragraph
- Lesson 2: Using Transitions for Flow
- Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Connecting ideas smoothly to create a unified essay
Section 5: Revising and Editing Your Work
- Lesson 1: Self-Review Strategies
- Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Techniques for critically reviewing and improving your own writing
- Lesson 2: Peer Review and Feedback
- Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to refine essays
Module 5: Developing Critical Perspectives
Section 1: Interpreting Metaphors and Symbolism
- Lesson 1: Identifying Figures of Speech
- Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learning to recognize metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech in texts
- Lesson 2: Analyzing Symbolic Elements
- Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Exploring how symbolism adds layers of meaning to literature
Section 2: Understanding Tone and Mood
- Lesson 1: Recognizing Authorial Tone
- Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Identifying tone in various texts and understanding its impact
- Lesson 2: Creating and Analyzing Mood
- Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Examining how word choice and style set the mood in literary works
Section 3: Evaluating Literary Criticism
- Lesson 1: Reading Reviews and Critiques
- Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Exploring different critical perspectives through reviews and analyses
- Lesson 2: Forming Your Own Opinion
- Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Developing skills to form well-supported personal critiques
Section 4: Writing a Literary Critique
- Lesson 1: Structuring a Critical Review
- Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Outlining the structure for a balanced literary critique
- Lesson 2: Balancing Opinion with Analysis
- Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learning to blend personal insight with objective analysis in writing
Section 5: Presenting Your Critical Analysis
- Lesson 1: Preparing an Oral Presentation
- Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Developing techniques for presenting literary analysis verbally
- Lesson 2: Engaging in Constructive Discussion
- Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Learning to participate in discussions and refine critiques through feedback