May+2012+Syllabus

Christian Themes in Literature: An Independent Study

“You that live in the shelter of the Most High and lodge under the shadow of the Almighty, who say, ‘The LORD is my safe retreat, my God the fastness in which I trust’ he himself will snatch you away from fowler’s snare or raging tempest.” - Psalm 91: 1-2

May 2012 Class meets on Wednesdays, second hour: 9:15 – 9:55. Assignments include:
 * **__ Reading (REA) __** : It is expected that you complete all of your reading assignments in preparation for the class discussion on Wednesdays.
 * **__ Written Assignments (WRI): __** Writing Assignments will be due **Mondays** by 10:00 PM. These will be emailed to me c/o ggrossman@woodlandsacademy.org.
 * **__ Discussions (DIS): __** Discussions are on line in our wiki site. You will be expected to read the prompt and complete your discussion by Thursday evening, 10:00 PM.
 * **__ Journals (JOU): __** Journal entries are personal in nature as they relate to the readings and topics for discussion. You will complete your personal journal by Wednesday evening, 10:00 PM.


 * __ Class 13: 25 April __**

Introduce //Washington Square//


 * REA 14: **// Washington Square //, Chapters 1-10


 * WRI 13: ** Dr. Sloper and Morris represent two types of men. When Morris is coming to the Slopers for dinner, Dr. Sloper was very curious to see whether Catherine might really be loved for her moral worth.” Catherine describes Morris: “he seemed so sincere, natural.” Examine the third paragraph in Chapter 10 and discuss what you imagine is the true Morris.
 * DIS 13 ** : See wiki prompt.
 * JOU 13 ** : What is the nature of Morris’ words to Catherine: “You must tell me … that if your father is dead against me, if he absolutely forbids our marriage, you will still be faithful”?
 * __ Class 14: 2 May __**

Discuss //Washington Square//, Chapters 1 - 20


 * REA 15: **// Washington Square //, Chapters 11 – 28, pages 67- 173


 * WRI 14: ** Mrs. Penniman becomes a catalyst of sorts in the story. In some ways, she is about what she things is good for her niece, Catherine. Others will argue that she is a misguided romantic who only exacerbates an already compromised situation for everyone. Using Mrs. Penniman as a focus, discuss whether you think she is an instrument of grace in Catherine’s world or whether she is a distraction from finding that grace in the world incarnated with God’s love. Be specific. Use examples from the seven chapters.
 * DIS 14 ** : See wiki prompt.
 * JOU 14 ** : What would you be writing in your locked diary now if you were Catherine?
 * __ Class 15: 9 May __**

Discuss //Washington Square//, Chapters 11-28 Introduce “The Final Paper” (below) which will be due on __Tuesday, 29 May 2012__ – plenty of time!


 * REA 16: **// Washington Square //, Chapters 29-35, pages 173 - 219

“//Washington Square// is a novel about money…He (Henry James) was devoted to the aristocracy but lived in the second half of the nineteenth century =, when industry, and the quick fortunes it could offer, was beginning to cleave birth from status; when for the first time in human history it was possible to join the aristocracy simply by becoming rich.” … Catherine Sloper…a person literally made of money. Catherine lacks beauty, charm, courage, intelligence, and just about any other quality traditionally requires of protagonists. She has only steadiness and honest. … If Catherine had no money, she would have no story at all.” Discuss Mr. Cunninghan’s comments in terms of your reading of the novel and your understanding of Christian/Catholic themes in literature.
 * WRI 15: ** Michael Cunningham wrote the “Afterword” in the Signet Classic edition of //Washington Square//. In the “Afterword” he writes:
 * DIS 15 ** : See wiki prompt.
 * JOU 15 ** : James once wrote, “There are no unimportant experiences, only inadequate ways of looking at them.” Comment in your journal!
 * __ Class 16: 16 May __**

Discuss //Washington Square//, Chapters 29 - 35 Questions about “The Final Paper” (below) which will be due on __Tuesday, 29 May 2012__ – plenty of time!


 * WRI 17: ** “The Final Paper” due on __Tuesday, 29 May 2012__ – plenty of time!