Description and Objectives

Historical fiction is an interesting animal. Is it history, or an artistic interpretation of events, or fiction that gets some ideas from those events? Hugo’s epic novel provides us with some answers. The unabridged version we are reading gives us a feel for the actual place and time, whether that be a history of the Paris sewers or reflections on the Battle of Waterloo. It also provides the powerful story of Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, Marius, and Javert.

Topics Covered

• Hugo’s vision of the world
• The nature and purpose of revolution
• Exercise of virtue in the presence of chaos

Textbooks

Books, Writings, Stage and Film Adaptations

Les Miserables, Victor Hugo (unabridged)

Course Requirements

• Attendance is paramount, and active class participation and critical questioning are required. Together these will form a participation grade. Excused absences are, of course, excused.
• Daily reading and raising his personal writing bar will be most rewarding for each student.

Assignments

• One class-long presentation on a historical element found in the novel. Examples include the effect of clothing on human behavior, the reasons and people behind the barricades, the architects and engineers of Paris. Requirements for this presentation include creativity, originality, and written and visual elements.
• Critical essays that consider primary and secondary sources.
• Active assignments such as slideshow performance and character hot-seating.
• Creative assignments such as writing in the voice of a fictional character.

Exam

• The exam for this class will cover all semester material covered up to the review classes. Review classes will take place in the days leading up to the exam.

A Note on Grades

• I’ve found that discussion of letter grades on English assignments often leads to distraction from and neglect of the actual writing. Consequently I will frame conversations with students in terms of the quality and content of their writing. If he is doing his best work, he will get the best grade he can achieve.
• At the same time, I understand that grades can be useful as a conversation starter with those not directly involved with the assignment, and I will discuss letter grades with parents and mentors whenever requested.

Successful Students

• Successful students will be on time, with books and notes in hand.
• They will attend to details and foster habits of creative initiative and a collaborative spirit.
• Above all, they will turn in writing assignments early and take advantage of the rewrite option.

Good writing is rewriting!