Modern Literature Live

Description

This live Zoom course is designed to give high school students the tools to read great literature with discernment and write about it with clarity. Students explore some of the most influential books of the modern world—from the early 1600s to the 20th century—through the lens of a Christian worldview.

Each week includes a short lecture introducing the time period, author, and relevant literary criticism, followed by a lively discussion that functions more like a book club than a traditional classroom. Students practice analyzing character development, plot, theme, and symbolism as they engage deeply with the texts and their ideas.

Students complete 10+ writing assignments over the year, including essays and research papers. Instruction includes:

• How to build a clear thesis and support it
• How to organize ideas logically
• How to integrate and cite secondary sources
• How to revise based on feedback
• Writing instruction is personalized and practical, with students receiving regular feedback on how to improve their work.

This course not only prepares students for academic writing but helps them become more thoughtful readers, critical thinkers, and articulate Christian communicators.

What’s Included

• Weekly live Zoom classes with short lectures and group discussion
• Reading assignments from classic modern works
• 10+ writing assignments including essays and research papers
• Instruction in thesis writing, structure, and literary criticism
• Regular feedback and opportunities for revision
• A Christian worldview integrated into all discussions

Class Details

Credit: One Credit in High School Literature/English

Ages: 14+ (This course is taught at the high school level.)

The class will meet weekly over Zoom on Mondays, from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Standard Time starting the week of August 11th. See the schedule below.

The format will be discussion-based with short lectures focused on historical context. The course can be used alongside Dave Raymond’s Modernity course but is also structured to stand alone.

About the Instructor

Mary Pierson Purifoy was homeschooled through high school and graduated from Liberty University. With years of experience teaching literature, she brings warmth, insight, and encouragement to every class. Her goal is to help students not just complete assignments, but grow in their love for reading, their ability to write well, and their understanding of God’s truth in the midst of great stories.

List of Readings

Bold items need to be purchased separately. Any unabridged editions will do for all except Don Quixote.

1. Don Quixote (selections), Miguel de Cervantes [Ideally the Ormsby translation.]
2. Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe
3. The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
4. The Scarlet Pimpernel, Baroness Orczy
5. Emma, Jane Austen
6. Sherlock Holmes (selections), Arthur Conan Doyle
7. Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman
8. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson
9. All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque
10. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
11. “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae & “Memorial for 1940” by John Gould Fletcher
12. The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom
13. Animal Farm, George Orwell
14. Cry, the Beloved Country, Alan Paton

Schedule of Class Meetings

All Mondays, all scheduled from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Standard Time. Exact dates subject to slight change.

Aug 11 – Don Quixote (prologue & chapter 1)
Aug 18 – Don Quixote (chapter 2 & 3)
Aug 25 – Writing week
Sep 1 – Robinson Crusoe
Sep 8 – Pilgrim’s Progress
Sep 15 – Scarlet Pimpernel
Sep 22 – Scarlet Pimpernel
Sep 29 – Scarlet Pimpernel
Oct 6 – Fall Break
Oct 13 – Scarlet Pimpernel
Oct 20 – Emma
Oct 27 – Emma
Nov 3 – Emma
Nov 10 – Emma
Nov 17 – Emma
Nov 24 – Thanksgiving Break
Dec 1 – Sherlock Holmes
Dec 8-Jan 4 – Winter Break
Jan 5 – The Little Woman
Jan 12 – Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Jan 19 – All Quiet on the Western Front
Jan 26 – All Quiet on the Western Front
Feb 2 – All Quiet on the Western Front
Feb 9 – To Kill a Mockingbird
Feb 16 – To Kill a Mockingbird
Feb 23 – To Kill a Mockingbird
Mar 2 – Hiding Place
Mar 9 – Spring Break
Mar 16 – Hiding Place
Mar 23 – Animal Farm
Mar 30 – Easter Break
April 6 – War poetry
April 13 – Cry, the Beloved Country
April 20 – Cry, the Beloved Country
April 27 – Cry, the Beloved Country
May 4 – Cry, the Beloved Country

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t attend the live Zoom sessions?

All the sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled families to watch at their convenience. You can use the recordings to review or catch up if you missed a session.

Families who can’t make the schedule above can still participate in the class assignments and group discussions by watching the recordings and communicating in the group on My Compass Classroom.

What kinds of assignments and assessments are included?

Assignments include weekly readings and papers corresponding with various pieces of literature.  All are designed to help students think deeply, write clearly, and enjoy great literature.

Will my student receive a final grade?

Yes! The instructor, Mary Pierson, will provide a suggested final grade based on submitted assignments and participation. Since this is a live homeschool course, the parent has the final authority and may use this grade as part of their student’s official transcript or records.

Is there a minimum enrollment required?

All live classes are subject to minimum enrollment in order to hold. If minimum enrollment is not reached before the first scheduled session, all families will be notified and refunded completely.

Do you offer refunds on live classes?

We think you will love this class. If you don’t, you may request a refund but must do so no later than before the second scheduled class after your enrollment (purchase) date. This gives you the chance to experience an entire live class session to make your decision.

How long will I have access to the class?

Recording access expires 6 weeks after the last live session. Families are free to continue working through the course on their own during this time. However, no submissions will be graded after the final class meeting, or as directed by the instructor.