Reading Room

Instructor: Aaron Blumenthal

About

​

This is my new name for Book Club (I liked the alliteration). We read, analyze, and discuss the historical context of a classic novel.

​

In addition, we read works of short fiction and nonfiction relevant to lessons about the novel to facilitate discussion, create variety, and give students the satisfaction of finishing readings on a regular basis.

​

Assignments include weekly readings, guided reading questions, response papers, and 1–2 longer essays.

This class is somewhat intensive in terms of reading; each week, students read the assigned portion of the novel and a short reading. It is necessary to do this before class in order to have productive discussions.

Past books

​

Typically, students vote on the novel from a few options that we read portions of on the first day. These classics have enough humor and drama to entertain and enough depth and historical context to reward close attention.

​

• Pride and Prejudice

• Madame Bovary

• Seize the Day

• The Portrait of a Lady (Volume 1)

​

Schedule

​

• Fridays 5–6:30 PM

• Session One: 1/20 – 3/17 (9 weeks)

• Session Two: 3/24 – 5/26 (9 weeks)