Contemporary Novels

For this course, students will read a set of novels and novellas that were written during the twentieth century and reflect themes common to contemporary literature, such as the ability of the human spirit to rise above seemingly-impossible circumstances. Through creative projects and writing assignments, students will identify and analyze each novel’s themes and also compare and contrast the novels’ treatment of common themes.  Please note that, like most contemporary literature, the novels assigned for this course contain realistic situations and language. In addition to the novels listed, each student will read another contemporary novel of his or her choosing that the instructor must approve. MLA (Modern Language Association) documentation is required on all papers submitted.

Grade Level

9 – 12

Materials

Novels:

• Picture Bride
  By Yoshiko Uchida
• Night
  By Elie Weisel
• To Kill a Mockingbird
  By Harper Lee
• Fallen Angels
  By Walter Dean Myers
• The Old Man and The Sea
  By Ernest Hemingway
• Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
  By Stephen King

Duration

1 Semesters

Credit Value

0.5

Prerequisites

Language Arts 9