Online Modern Literature

Modern Literature

The Colloquia Modern Literature course covers ten classic works of British and American literature from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Browse the Booklist.

View a sample Syllabus.

Class Schedule

Each family participates in the Literature course based on the schedule set out in the Syllabus. Students complete the reading assignments in advance of viewing the Class Discussion Videos, which are posted every Monday morning and removed the following Sunday at midnight.

Parents, of course, will choose which day of the week the readings are due and when (during the week) the student will view the Class Discussion Video.

Dates for 2022-2023

Students must begin their first reading assignment of the fall semester in early September (precise dates to be announced in August).

The Syllabus will provide further details, but the Fall Modern Literature Course will have nine Classroom Discussion videos (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde-1; Pride and Prejudice-4; and Great Expectations-4). The Spring semester will have 14 classes.

The Instructor

Mike Schutt is an English major who went to law school, practiced law, taught law school full time (and still teaches online part time), teaches for Worldview Academy Leadership Camps, and works for Christian Legal Society. He LOVES books and literature, and he LOVES teaching young people to think through reading classic literature! His English degree and his worldview teaching come together nicely in his high school literature class.

Read more about Mike here.

Who should take this class?

We recommend the course for high school students and eighth graders who are very strong readers. Students may do it alone, or in groups. Students could do the week independently, but get together to watch the Class Discussion Video and to have their own discussion after the video. Co-ops could also use the material.

It would actually also be enjoyable for adults who love literature and would like to join in!

All are welcome!

Please contact Mike or Lisa with any questions.

A Note on Pacing and Deadlines

The course is not fully self-paced-- it is designed to keep students accountable to complete their reading on schedule. The Syllabus will always provide a deadline within a seven-day window for families to adjust according to their schedules. This gives a range of days for students to complete the reading and a limited window in which the Classroom Video can be accessed. This requires that students remain current on their reading in order to watch the Classroom Video before it becomes inaccessible.

Fine Print

Books are not included with the price, so families should be sure to purchase the books well in advance of reading assignment due dates. Where a particular edition is required, it is noted on the booklist.

Some themes in modern literature are not suitable for younger or sensitive readers, particularly the themes of racial prejudice and the terrible epithets in Huckleberry Finn, racism and sexual assault in To Kill a Mockingbird and some of the sudden, shocking scenes in the short stories of Flannery O'Connor. Parents should monitor reading and provide guidance as needed, and they should always feel free to contact the Mike or Lisa for more information. From time to time, Mike will send a parental guidance note to keep families posted on more difficult themes.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Schutt at 903-563-3777 or at contact@joiningthegreatconversation.com.

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Our Modern Literature full-year course is $100. Each additional student under the same roof pays $50.

Register and Pay ($100)

Registered Students: Access the Syllabus, Videos, Assignments, and Announcements Here

If you have questions about our program, please text or call Lisa Schutt at 903-563-3777 or email her at contact@joiningthegreatconversation.com.