Course Objectives

 

This course encourages students to deeply explore grief, trauma, loyalty, and morality through a novel-in-verse that unfolds over just sixty seconds. Students will analyze storytelling structure, develop persuasive writing techniques, and reflect on personal and societal choices.

By the end of the course, students will:

• Identify and analyze key themes using poetic devices

• Evaluate moral dilemmas faced by the main character

• Explore how narrative structure and pacing affect meaning

• Write a multi-paragraph persuasive or reflective literary essay

 

Weekly Class Structure

 

Classes are built around guided reading, open dialogue, and structured writing practice. Students will engage with the text at an emotional and philosophical level while honing academic essay skills.

Weekly components include:

• Verse reading and interpretation
  Analyze figurative language, tone, and character voice

• Thematic dialogue and Socratic questioning
  Explore justice, revenge, fear, and choice

• Writing workshops
  Argument and reflection writing using text-based evidence

• Optional journaling prompts
  Encourage personal connection to universal themes

 

Final Project & Wrap-Up (Week 8)

 

Students will complete and present a formal essay responding to a core theme in the novel, such as:
“Should Will follow the rules—or break the cycle?”

They will:

• Plan and write an essay with a clear position and support

• Integrate textual and symbolic evidence

• Share their final thoughts and insights in class dialogue

Parents will receive:

• A personalized progress report

• A summary of the student’s interpretive growth and writing development

• A Certificate of Completion

• Optional reading and writing extension suggestions