High School American Literature and Composition (St. Therese Session C 10:40am) 9th-12th, *$100/Semester

Journey through the profound stories, ideas, and voices that shaped the American consciousness—from Franklin’s self‑made wisdom to the enduring courage of Douglass and beyond. Learn how to craft a solid composition, and how to concretely and persuasively communicate your thoughts on paper.

• These are voices of the American mind. Students will engage with the great classics of American literature, examining the themes, ideals, and moral questions that define our nation. Semester 1 explores the birth of American thought and identity through texts like The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Moby Dick, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and The Scarlet Letter, while Semester 2 immerses students in Death Comes for the Archbishop, Huckleberry Finn, Fahrenheit 451, and a curated selection of American short stories and poetry from Poe, Emerson, Longfellow, Whitman, Dickinson, and Frost.

This class emphasizes close reading, discussion, and critical analysis. Students unpack both the larger canonical works and lesser-known gems, connecting literature to historical context, philosophical inquiry, and spiritual reflection. Finally, we will see the culture in America abandoning her roots evidenced in the literature of the time. We’ll look for the attitudes present in seeking or rejecting God and the psychological effects of those choices during discussion of these novels.

Students are expected to complete reading assignments in advance and write analytical papers for each major work. Using IEWs “Windows to the World: An Introduction to Literary Analysis,” we will learn the vocabulary, requirements, and discernment needed to analyze what we read. Many texts are available through the ACPL or widely in print, and abridged editions (such as for Moby Dick) are acceptable when necessary. Annotating (for those with personal copies) or book journaling (for those who choose to borrow) will be taught to allow students to capture initial reactions and quickly identify key points in the story to reference later.

The final project will be a presentation board to be on display at Showcase.

The course concludes with a Celebrate America Party, where students and families share dishes representing the nation and reflect on the enduring influence of American literature. Through this rigorous and reflective journey, students will read, reason, and converse like scholars while growing in appreciation for the moral and cultural tapestry of their country.

Required Materials: Coming Soon

Instructor: Stephanie Martin, email: stephanie.martin.1009@gmail.com

*** Significant discounts are available for families. ***
Contact Mary Milligan for questions (260) 243-8192.

St. Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN

* If a student has special needs, please contact the teacher to discuss any accommodations that might be made.

** All classes require online family registration and enrollment. Year-long classes carry a $50 yearly enrollment fee. This enrolls your student in the class for the entire year. There is no need to re-enroll for 2nd semester. The cost of the class is due no later than the first day of each semester in an envelope labeled with your student's name & the class name with cash or a check made out to the teacher. Registration and Enrollment Fees are non-refundable.