Themes in Literature
Class Reading List:
Themes in Literature Textbook (Fourth Edition -- A Beka)
Bruchko (Bruce Olson)
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
The Pearl (John Steinbeck)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
Bruchko (Bruce Olson)
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
The Pearl (John Steinbeck)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
Syllabus
Click here to view the Themes in Literature Course Standard.
Click here to view the Extra Credit Reading List.
Click here to view the Extra Credit Movie List.
Click here to view the Extra Credit Reading List.
Click here to view the Extra Credit Movie List.
First Semester (Tentative)
Wk # 1 9.5.12
In Class: Intro to class; Lit. Elements & Analysis; Read pp. 16-21 aloud
Homework: Read Themes Text:Day 1: pp. 2-6; Day 2: pp. 7-15; Day 3: pp. 22-28
Read Bruchko: Chapters 1-4
Write 1-3 page essay—your testimony. What is your journey of faith?
Email Mrs. Maher
Don’t forget to do all Think It Through questions from Themes text. Be sure to follow writing assignment guidelines I gave you in class for your essay. Text written work may be handwritten—in ink, neatly, and labeled properly.
LABEL (for all text written work): Name, Date/Week# (to match assign. sheet), and Assign. Description (e.g.: Title, pp.#)
Wk #2 9.12
In Class: Finish pp. 16-21; Discuss essay writing (format, in-text citations, etc.)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 29-32; Day 2: pp. 33-35; Day 3: pp. 36-43
Read Bruchko Chapters 5-8
Write 1-3 page essay about Truth & Wisdom. Due 9.26
Essay Options (choose one):
1. An essay about using knowledge wisely. (Example: Ability to read shows knowledge; choosing
quality reading material shows wisdom.)
2. General essay about truth and/or wisdom, referencing pertinent Bible verses and/or literature selections.
3. Narrative essay from the perspective of an animal or inanimate object. (Be creative. Show truth and
wisdom.)
Wk #3 9.19
In Class: Unit 1 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 44-48; Day 2: pp. 49-52; Day 3: pp. 53-61; Day 4: pp. 62-65
Read Bruchko Ch. 9-12
Wk #4 9.26
In Class: Discuss Poetry (Rhyme, Meter, Refrain Repetition, Allusion, & Personification)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 66-75; Day 2: pp. 76-79; Day 3: pp. 80-85
Read Bruchko Ch. 13-16
Write 1-3 page essay about Courage.
Essay Options (choose one):
1. An essay about ways that young people can be faithful. Be specific. Reference verses or quotes.
2. General essay about courage. Use references.
3. A personal essay about fear and how you overcame it.
OFF 10.3
Wk #5 10.10
In Class: Unit 2 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 86-90; Day 2: pp. 91-95; Day 3: pp. 96-101
Read Bruchko Ch. 17-20
Bruchko Literary Analysis Thesis & Outline due 10.17
Wk #6 10.17
In Class: Discuss simile, metaphor, POV, & Poetic Justice; Discuss Bruchko
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 102-109; Day 2: pp. 110-117; Day 3: pp. 118-125
Read Bruchko Ch. 21-end
Write 1-3 page essay about Humility.
(Find A Christmas Carol by Dickens)
Bruchko Literary Analysis Rough Draft due 10.24
Essay Options (choose one):
1. Personal essay about a person who helped you improve your character.
2. General essay about humility. Use references.
3. Narrative parable where main character (may be metaphoric) learns a lesson in humility the hard way.
Wk #7 10.24
In Class: Unit 3 Review; Peer Critique
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 126-130; Day 2: pp. 131-139
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 1
Study: 1st Quarter Test
Bruchko Lit. Analysis Final Draft & Analyzing the Literature Questions due 11.7
OFF 10.31
Wk #8 11.7
In Class: 1st Quarter Test: Themes Text: Units 1-3 & Bruchko; (Lit. Analysis & Analyzing Lit. ?s Due)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 140-154; Day 2: pp. 155-157; Day 3: pp. 158-163
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 2
Write 1-3 page essay about Justice.
Essay Options (choose one):
1. A patriotic essay about justice in our country.
2. General essay about justice. Use references.
3. Narrative parable illustrating, “You sow what you reap.”
Wk #9 11.14
In Class: Unit 4 Review; Discuss A Christmas Carol
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 164-167; Day 2: pp. 168-173; Day 3: pp. 174-182
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 3
Write 1-3 page essay about Temperance.
Essay Options (choose one):
1. An informative, historical essay outlining the temperance movement and prohibition. (U.S. 18th and
21st Amendments)
2. General essay about temperance. Use references.
3. Personal essay about you overcoming temptation for greed, overindulgence, etc.
OFF 11.21 Happy Thanksgiving!
Wk #10 11.28
In Class: Unit 5 Review; Discuss Dialogue, Irony & Tone; Discuss Christmas Carol
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 183-190; Day 2: pp. 191-197
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 4
Organization grade 12.14
Christmas Carol Lit. Analysis Thesis & Outline Due 12.5
Wk #11 12.5
In Class: Discuss Christmas Carol; Discuss Research Paper; (Check Thesis & Outline)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 198-202; Day 2: pp. 203-210
Read Rookie’s Guide: pp. 3-9 and pp. 21-46
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 5
Write 1-3 page essay about Christmas.
A Christmas Carol Lit. Analysis Rough Draft Due 12.12
Decide Research Paper topic. Email Mrs. Maher by 12.11
Essay Options (choose one):
1. Expository essay, illustrating “How to best celebrate Christmas.” May be humorous or serious.
2. General essay about Christmas. Use references.
3. Personal essay about a time when God provided for you or your family.
Wk #12 12.12
In Class: Unit 6 Review; Discuss Christmas Carol; Review for Exam; Peer Critique
Homework: Study for Semester Exam; A Christmas Carol Lit. Analysis Final Draft due 12.19
Wk #13 12.19
In Class: Semester Exam: Themes Text: Units 4-6 & A Christmas Carol; Organization Grade; (Lit. Analysis & Analyzing the
Literature Questions Due)
Homework: Find books for Research Paper. Begin reading and making note cards. (30+ due 1.9.12)
OFF 12.26 & 1.2.12 Merry Christmas!
Second Semester (Tentative)
Wk #14 1.9.12
In Class: Go over Exams; Writing Activity
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 211-215; Day 2: pp. 216-218; Day 3: pp. 219-226
Read The Pearl Ch. 1-2
Wk #15 1.16
In Class: Unit 7 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 227-229; Day 2: pp. 230-235
Read The Pearl Ch. 3
Write 1-3 page essay on Joy & Peace
Essay Options (choose one):
1. Personal essay about a time when you allowed circumstances to dictate your happiness.
2. General essay about joy and peace. Use references.
3. Informative essay about a person (past or present) who was known for promoting peace.
Wk# 16 1.23
In Class: Note Card check; Unit 7 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 236-243; Day 2: pp. 244-249; Day 3: pp. 251-255
Read The Pearl Ch. 4
The Pearl Lit. Analysis Thesis & Outline Due 2.6
OFF 1.30
Wk #17 2.6
In Class: Discuss metaphor, apostrophe, romanticism, & alliteration; Discuss Research Paper Thesis & Outline
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 256-259; Day 2: pp. 260-267; Day 3: pp. 268-279
Read Rookie’s Guide: pp. 10-11
Read The Pearl Ch. 5 & 6
Write The Pearl Lit. Analysis Rough Draft Due 2.13
Write Thesis Statement & Preliminary Outline for Research Paper
Wk #18 2.13
In Class: Thesis/Outline check; Discuss In-text Citations; Unit 8 Review; Peer Critique
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 280-285; Day 2: pp. 286-291; Day 3: pp. 292-297
Read Rookie’s Guide: pp. 12-14; 21-46; 49-55
Rough Draft of research paper due 3.6
The Pearl Literary Analysis due 3.6
Research Paper Rough Draft Guidelines:
Body: 3-6 pages.
You will hand in outline, rough draft, and works cited.
Note: Be sure to save your draft on your computer and back it up. It makes revision much easier.
Be sure to save rough draft with my comments. It MUST accompany final draft on 4.27.
Wk #19 2.20
In Class: Discuss The Pearl
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 298-303; Day 2: pp. 304-307
Find The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Lewis
OFF 2.27
Wk #20 3.6
In Class: Rough Draft due; Unit 9 Review; Review for 3rd Qtr. Test; (Pearl Lit. Analysis & Analyzing Lit. ?s Due)
Homework: Read Lion, Witch, & Wardrobe Ch. 1-3
Study for Test
Catch up on Writing Assignments
Wk #21 3.13
In Class: 3rd Quarter Test: Themes Units 7-9 and The Pearl
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 308-315; Day 2: pp. 316-322; Day 3: pp. 323-326
Read L,W, & W Ch. 4-6
Wk #22 3.20
In Class: Discuss sonnet; Activity: write a sonnet OR Write a definition of true love (poetry or prose)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 327-330; Day 2: pp. 354-361
Read L,W, & W Ch. 7-12
OFF 3.27 Have an awesome Spring Break!
OFF 4.3
Wk #23 4.10
In Class: Unit 10 Review; Read sonnets/poems/definitions of true love; Discuss Allegory (p. 359) & how applies to L,W,&W
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 362-365; Day 2: pp. 366-373
Read L, W, & W Ch. 13-15
Read Rookie's Guide: pp. 15-17
L, W, & W Lit. Analysis Thesis & Outline Due 4.17
Use my notes from rough draft to write final draft of research paper. Due 4.24
Wk #24 4.17
In Class: Discuss climax & story arc. Review past stories. Find the climax in each.
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 374-379; Day 2: pp. 380-383
Read L,W, & W Ch. 16-end
Write L, W, & W Lit. Analysis Rough Draft Due 4.24
Research Paper Final Draft Guidelines
Hand in (in this order): Final Outline (first page); Body (3-6 pages); Works Cited (last page) & Revision w/my
comments. You MUST hand in rough draft with my comments. If not, paper will be returned ungraded til complete.
Wk #25 4.24
In Class: Final Draft of Research Paper Due; Discuss L,W, & W; Peer Critique
Homework: Get organized! Organization grade on 5.9--Be prepared.
The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe Literary Analysis due 5.8
Write a letter (or email) to Mrs. Maher saying what you liked and disliked about this class. Be constructive.
Due 5.8
OFF 5.1
Wk #26 5.8
In Class: Unit 11 Review; Review for Exam; Organization Grade; (L, W, & W Lit. Analysis & Analyzing Lit. ?s Due)
Homework: Study for Exam: Themes Text: All Units & L, W, & W
NO HOMEWORK ACCEPTED AFTER 5.15!
Wk #28 5.15
In Class: Final Exam (Themes Text: All Units, and L,W, & W)
Last day to turn in homework.
Wk #29 5.22
Fun Day!
Have an amazingly awesome summer!
Wk # 1 9.5.12
In Class: Intro to class; Lit. Elements & Analysis; Read pp. 16-21 aloud
Homework: Read Themes Text:Day 1: pp. 2-6; Day 2: pp. 7-15; Day 3: pp. 22-28
Read Bruchko: Chapters 1-4
Write 1-3 page essay—your testimony. What is your journey of faith?
Email Mrs. Maher
Don’t forget to do all Think It Through questions from Themes text. Be sure to follow writing assignment guidelines I gave you in class for your essay. Text written work may be handwritten—in ink, neatly, and labeled properly.
LABEL (for all text written work): Name, Date/Week# (to match assign. sheet), and Assign. Description (e.g.: Title, pp.#)
Wk #2 9.12
In Class: Finish pp. 16-21; Discuss essay writing (format, in-text citations, etc.)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 29-32; Day 2: pp. 33-35; Day 3: pp. 36-43
Read Bruchko Chapters 5-8
Write 1-3 page essay about Truth & Wisdom. Due 9.26
Essay Options (choose one):
1. An essay about using knowledge wisely. (Example: Ability to read shows knowledge; choosing
quality reading material shows wisdom.)
2. General essay about truth and/or wisdom, referencing pertinent Bible verses and/or literature selections.
3. Narrative essay from the perspective of an animal or inanimate object. (Be creative. Show truth and
wisdom.)
Wk #3 9.19
In Class: Unit 1 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 44-48; Day 2: pp. 49-52; Day 3: pp. 53-61; Day 4: pp. 62-65
Read Bruchko Ch. 9-12
Wk #4 9.26
In Class: Discuss Poetry (Rhyme, Meter, Refrain Repetition, Allusion, & Personification)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 66-75; Day 2: pp. 76-79; Day 3: pp. 80-85
Read Bruchko Ch. 13-16
Write 1-3 page essay about Courage.
Essay Options (choose one):
1. An essay about ways that young people can be faithful. Be specific. Reference verses or quotes.
2. General essay about courage. Use references.
3. A personal essay about fear and how you overcame it.
OFF 10.3
Wk #5 10.10
In Class: Unit 2 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 86-90; Day 2: pp. 91-95; Day 3: pp. 96-101
Read Bruchko Ch. 17-20
Bruchko Literary Analysis Thesis & Outline due 10.17
Wk #6 10.17
In Class: Discuss simile, metaphor, POV, & Poetic Justice; Discuss Bruchko
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 102-109; Day 2: pp. 110-117; Day 3: pp. 118-125
Read Bruchko Ch. 21-end
Write 1-3 page essay about Humility.
(Find A Christmas Carol by Dickens)
Bruchko Literary Analysis Rough Draft due 10.24
Essay Options (choose one):
1. Personal essay about a person who helped you improve your character.
2. General essay about humility. Use references.
3. Narrative parable where main character (may be metaphoric) learns a lesson in humility the hard way.
Wk #7 10.24
In Class: Unit 3 Review; Peer Critique
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 126-130; Day 2: pp. 131-139
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 1
Study: 1st Quarter Test
Bruchko Lit. Analysis Final Draft & Analyzing the Literature Questions due 11.7
OFF 10.31
Wk #8 11.7
In Class: 1st Quarter Test: Themes Text: Units 1-3 & Bruchko; (Lit. Analysis & Analyzing Lit. ?s Due)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 140-154; Day 2: pp. 155-157; Day 3: pp. 158-163
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 2
Write 1-3 page essay about Justice.
Essay Options (choose one):
1. A patriotic essay about justice in our country.
2. General essay about justice. Use references.
3. Narrative parable illustrating, “You sow what you reap.”
Wk #9 11.14
In Class: Unit 4 Review; Discuss A Christmas Carol
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 164-167; Day 2: pp. 168-173; Day 3: pp. 174-182
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 3
Write 1-3 page essay about Temperance.
Essay Options (choose one):
1. An informative, historical essay outlining the temperance movement and prohibition. (U.S. 18th and
21st Amendments)
2. General essay about temperance. Use references.
3. Personal essay about you overcoming temptation for greed, overindulgence, etc.
OFF 11.21 Happy Thanksgiving!
Wk #10 11.28
In Class: Unit 5 Review; Discuss Dialogue, Irony & Tone; Discuss Christmas Carol
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 183-190; Day 2: pp. 191-197
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 4
Organization grade 12.14
Christmas Carol Lit. Analysis Thesis & Outline Due 12.5
Wk #11 12.5
In Class: Discuss Christmas Carol; Discuss Research Paper; (Check Thesis & Outline)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 198-202; Day 2: pp. 203-210
Read Rookie’s Guide: pp. 3-9 and pp. 21-46
Read A Christmas Carol Stave 5
Write 1-3 page essay about Christmas.
A Christmas Carol Lit. Analysis Rough Draft Due 12.12
Decide Research Paper topic. Email Mrs. Maher by 12.11
Essay Options (choose one):
1. Expository essay, illustrating “How to best celebrate Christmas.” May be humorous or serious.
2. General essay about Christmas. Use references.
3. Personal essay about a time when God provided for you or your family.
Wk #12 12.12
In Class: Unit 6 Review; Discuss Christmas Carol; Review for Exam; Peer Critique
Homework: Study for Semester Exam; A Christmas Carol Lit. Analysis Final Draft due 12.19
Wk #13 12.19
In Class: Semester Exam: Themes Text: Units 4-6 & A Christmas Carol; Organization Grade; (Lit. Analysis & Analyzing the
Literature Questions Due)
Homework: Find books for Research Paper. Begin reading and making note cards. (30+ due 1.9.12)
OFF 12.26 & 1.2.12 Merry Christmas!
Second Semester (Tentative)
Wk #14 1.9.12
In Class: Go over Exams; Writing Activity
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 211-215; Day 2: pp. 216-218; Day 3: pp. 219-226
Read The Pearl Ch. 1-2
Wk #15 1.16
In Class: Unit 7 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 227-229; Day 2: pp. 230-235
Read The Pearl Ch. 3
Write 1-3 page essay on Joy & Peace
Essay Options (choose one):
1. Personal essay about a time when you allowed circumstances to dictate your happiness.
2. General essay about joy and peace. Use references.
3. Informative essay about a person (past or present) who was known for promoting peace.
Wk# 16 1.23
In Class: Note Card check; Unit 7 Review
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 236-243; Day 2: pp. 244-249; Day 3: pp. 251-255
Read The Pearl Ch. 4
The Pearl Lit. Analysis Thesis & Outline Due 2.6
OFF 1.30
Wk #17 2.6
In Class: Discuss metaphor, apostrophe, romanticism, & alliteration; Discuss Research Paper Thesis & Outline
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 256-259; Day 2: pp. 260-267; Day 3: pp. 268-279
Read Rookie’s Guide: pp. 10-11
Read The Pearl Ch. 5 & 6
Write The Pearl Lit. Analysis Rough Draft Due 2.13
Write Thesis Statement & Preliminary Outline for Research Paper
Wk #18 2.13
In Class: Thesis/Outline check; Discuss In-text Citations; Unit 8 Review; Peer Critique
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 280-285; Day 2: pp. 286-291; Day 3: pp. 292-297
Read Rookie’s Guide: pp. 12-14; 21-46; 49-55
Rough Draft of research paper due 3.6
The Pearl Literary Analysis due 3.6
Research Paper Rough Draft Guidelines:
Body: 3-6 pages.
You will hand in outline, rough draft, and works cited.
Note: Be sure to save your draft on your computer and back it up. It makes revision much easier.
Be sure to save rough draft with my comments. It MUST accompany final draft on 4.27.
Wk #19 2.20
In Class: Discuss The Pearl
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 298-303; Day 2: pp. 304-307
Find The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Lewis
OFF 2.27
Wk #20 3.6
In Class: Rough Draft due; Unit 9 Review; Review for 3rd Qtr. Test; (Pearl Lit. Analysis & Analyzing Lit. ?s Due)
Homework: Read Lion, Witch, & Wardrobe Ch. 1-3
Study for Test
Catch up on Writing Assignments
Wk #21 3.13
In Class: 3rd Quarter Test: Themes Units 7-9 and The Pearl
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 308-315; Day 2: pp. 316-322; Day 3: pp. 323-326
Read L,W, & W Ch. 4-6
Wk #22 3.20
In Class: Discuss sonnet; Activity: write a sonnet OR Write a definition of true love (poetry or prose)
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 327-330; Day 2: pp. 354-361
Read L,W, & W Ch. 7-12
OFF 3.27 Have an awesome Spring Break!
OFF 4.3
Wk #23 4.10
In Class: Unit 10 Review; Read sonnets/poems/definitions of true love; Discuss Allegory (p. 359) & how applies to L,W,&W
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 362-365; Day 2: pp. 366-373
Read L, W, & W Ch. 13-15
Read Rookie's Guide: pp. 15-17
L, W, & W Lit. Analysis Thesis & Outline Due 4.17
Use my notes from rough draft to write final draft of research paper. Due 4.24
Wk #24 4.17
In Class: Discuss climax & story arc. Review past stories. Find the climax in each.
Homework: Read Themes Text: Day 1: pp. 374-379; Day 2: pp. 380-383
Read L,W, & W Ch. 16-end
Write L, W, & W Lit. Analysis Rough Draft Due 4.24
Research Paper Final Draft Guidelines
Hand in (in this order): Final Outline (first page); Body (3-6 pages); Works Cited (last page) & Revision w/my
comments. You MUST hand in rough draft with my comments. If not, paper will be returned ungraded til complete.
Wk #25 4.24
In Class: Final Draft of Research Paper Due; Discuss L,W, & W; Peer Critique
Homework: Get organized! Organization grade on 5.9--Be prepared.
The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe Literary Analysis due 5.8
Write a letter (or email) to Mrs. Maher saying what you liked and disliked about this class. Be constructive.
Due 5.8
OFF 5.1
Wk #26 5.8
In Class: Unit 11 Review; Review for Exam; Organization Grade; (L, W, & W Lit. Analysis & Analyzing Lit. ?s Due)
Homework: Study for Exam: Themes Text: All Units & L, W, & W
NO HOMEWORK ACCEPTED AFTER 5.15!
Wk #28 5.15
In Class: Final Exam (Themes Text: All Units, and L,W, & W)
Last day to turn in homework.
Wk #29 5.22
Fun Day!
Have an amazingly awesome summer!