Course Description

      This course is an overview of literary analysis for high school students, designed to prepare them for discussions about literature.  This quick 4-week course is gives students the tools to diagram plot and understand how the elements of fiction work together to create emphasis and enhance the theme.  It is a complete course, with weekly video lecture available through YouTube links provided herein. 

            Intro to Literary Analysis centers around short fiction readings that are purposefully selected to illustrate story elements, common literary devices, and the importance of characterization, setting, and background development are all discussed.  These short works, one read in class and discussed as an illustration and one assigned for homework, are selected from classics in both children’s literature (for introduction of ideas, because the story will be familiar) and short story. Student study guides will help steer the student toward a deeper understanding of both the art of literature and its themes.  

            This unit forms the foundation for a success in high school level literature courses. 

As this unit is the first unit in the "Intro to Lit" course, please be aware that you do NOT need to purchase this course if you intend to purchase the "Intro to Lit" course.

(Recommended for grades 9-12)

Author & Educator

Cara Shelton

Miss Cara received a Bachelor of Arts in English from CSU, Northridge, where she graduated magna cum laude. A lifelong bibliophile, Miss Cara has been teaching Literature and English Composition courses for over twenty years now, finding that getting students talking about Literature is just as rewarding as reading it! Outside of the classroom, Miss Cara and her husband are co-ringmasters of their own "Family Circus," recently having graduated the last of their children from their own homeschool. Author of several children's books, and co-author of a set of devotional books (with her sister), Miss Cara is excited to provide literature courses that will empower parents, teachers, and students to take education into their own hands!Not all Rigor is Mortis!

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Week 1/4 - Unit: Introduction to Literary Analysis

    • TeacherGuide_Week1

    • If I could read anytime, anyplace ... Survey

    • RCCR_I2L_PreTestGrammar

    • Exit Tyrannus_StudentCopy

    • Elements of Fiction Diagram

    • Discussion Video 1 - Unit: Intro To Lit. Analysis

    • Homework Week 1, Intro to Lit Analysis Unit

    • Wk1_Hmrk_DulceDomum_StudentCopy
  • 2

    Week 2/4 - Unit: Introduction to Literary Analysis

    • TeacherGuide_Week2

    • ReadCompQzLesson2

    • Discussion 2.1 - Unit: Intro to Lit Analysis

    • StudentGrammarGracePack_IntroGG

    • Characterization/Setting in the Little Red Hen

    • Discussion 2.2 - Unit: Intro to Lit Analysis,

    • Homework, Week 2 _ Intro to Lit Analysis Unit

    • The Last Leaf_OHenry_Annotated
  • 3

    Week 3/4 - Unit: Introduction to Literary Analysis

    • TeacherGuide_Week3

    • ReadCompQzLesson3

    • Discussion 3.1 - Unit: Intro to Lit Analysis

    • GrammarNGrace_SC2

    • The Lady or the Tiger_Student

    • EvidenceWorksheet

    • Discussion 3.2 - Unit: Intro to Lit Analysis

    • I2L_Hmwk_Wk3

    • VelveteenRabbit_student
  • 4

    Week 4/4 - Unit: Introduction to Literary Analysis

    • TeacherGuide_Week4

    • ReadCompQzLesson4

    • Discussion 4.1 - Unit: Intro to Lit Analysis

    • GrammarSC3

    • TheThreeBears_StudentCopy

    • How to Mark a Book_RCRRQuestions

    • Discussion 4.2 - Unit: Intro to Lit Analysis