Literature discussions (high school)

I have to laugh because this is exactly how my boys are.

For my oldest, who is now 17, we were fortunate to have a co-op that had a literary analysis and writing class for high schoolers.  He did that for three years.  If that was not available, I would look for or start a book club for high schoolers.  While I understand and respect that teenage boys often don’t like to discuss literature (especially with parents), I think the opportunity to look more deeply into literature is a valuable experience.

I can’t imagine, for example, reading To Kill a Mockingbird in high school without further discussion about race, class and social inequality, justice, etc.  When my son read Jane Eyre, there were many opportunities to discuss relationships, moral and religious beliefs, and class.  Again, these are things he would not have talked about, may have even glossed over, but gave him a deeper appreciation for the book and a broader knowledge of life, morality, and relationships.

I’ll be watching for something in the next few years for my now 13YO.  Because he is not as much of a book lover, I think finding an appropriate fit for him will be even more challenging.

Erin, I vote “yes, it’s enough” because of the end goals you have set and the great work they do. Literary analysis is like beating a dead horse for those of us who love it too. If that makes sense? It’s also highly subjective and takes forever to be interesting at (notice I didn’t say good, I said interesting meaning that you’re at a level of expertise people want to listen to you wax on elgoqently) lol.

To quote Monica above

I can’t imagine, for example, reading To Kill a Mockingbird in high school without further discussion about race, class and social inequality, justice, etc.  When my son read Jane Eyre, there were many opportunities to discuss relationships, moral and religious beliefs, and class.  Again, these are things he would not have talked about, may have even glossed over, but gave him a deeper appreciation for the book and a broader knowledge of life, morality, and relationships.

I agree with this statement completely.  In no way do I think every book needs dissecting, but there are some that you will get much much more out of by digging a little deeper. IMO Socratic discussion is a pretty painless way to go about that on your own or in a group setting and I have to say our experience has been good, not just interesting. For us it is not beating a dead horse.   I’ll also add that my sophomore in college found Socratic discussion and the literary analysis we did at home of huge benefit in English and humanities courses. Again we didn’t do this with every book, but for the college bound or those unsure yet wanting their kids prepared just in case (my 15 yo) – some experience with this is very helpful before it’s “required”. Free reading at my house is just that with nothing else required unless they bring it up   That’s definitely important to keep imo, especially for kids who don’t like reading like my son

I should amend my earlier statement to say I have used Socratic principles and questions learned from Center for Lit in our co-op Shakespeare studies very effectively.  I’ve simply not applied them to other works we study on our own.

Not to take away from the original thread, but could I get more info on the centerforlit.  I’ve looked over the website and its a little pricey but may be worth it.  My daughter is starting dual enrollment in fall and has never had a “real” literature program, and I’m kind of worried that she will struggle (she’s 14).

Should I just start with the seminar first and then try some of their classes?  I saw that some people were able to take free classes over the summer, but couldn’t find anything on their website about that.

It does, thank you.  I think I will contact them and ask their advice on whether to sign her up for fall or not.  With her starting her first college English class, I don’t want to pile to much on her, but this looks like something we would be interested in.