2025-2026 How to Read Literature: A Year-Long In-Depth Class on the Fundamentals of Reading

$715.00

How to Read Literature

This class is designed both for Adults and High School Students who are looking for a foundational year in how to read before taking my other classes. Some students prefer to take this class as a capstone year as well because we do cover some literary theory.

This class will provide training in the skill and art of reading. With a heavy emphasis on learning how to read metaphorically, students will also learn how stories work, the grammar of stories (Bible stories, myths, fairy tales, fables, and legends) and how every story talks to every other story. Our primary focus will be understanding how each literary work–and even each literary image–is an opening to the whole world of literature. We will also cover some literary theory in the context of understanding both how to recover the Aristotelian literary tradition and how we lost it. 

How is this class different from my other High School classes?  The High School classes are in-depth chronological classes which place classic works of literature in their scholarly tradition and historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds, as well as looking at the chronological development of ideas and form. There will be some of that kind of material covered in this class, but the primary focus will be on learning how to read well, slowly, astutely. This class will focus on the skill and art of reading and will then apply and develop those skills over a variety of genres and time periods. 

The Less is More Approach:  In my classes, I prefer to teach students how to think deeply and engage thoughtfully with literary texts. Therefore, I deliberately limit the number of works we cover.  This allows students to read slowly and truly contemplate what they are reading, rather than rushing through huge reading lists with very little understanding—or enjoyment. Alexander Pope famously wrote, “A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not…”  We drink very deeply.

Students (especially those who are not as Humanities oriented) respond very well to the less is more approach.  It is a true delight to watch their confidence and excitement build as they begin to truly understand and enjoy intimidating old books.

Assignments: This is a class that will teach the art and skill of reading well. There are no other assignments other than reading, and no grade will be issued. Parents may assign a grade for their student.

Asynchronous Option: This class is our most popular asynchronous class. Students have access to the streaming videos of the course to watch on their own time plus the LIVE Canvas Discussion forum for a full year. The classes are not discussion based and instead focus on the skill and art of reading well. Many students even prefer the asynchronous option because they can pause and rewind when taking notes. (Live students also have access to the course videos to rewatch for note-taking)

 

Book List:

NOTE: SIBLING SEATS MUST BE MANUALLY ADDED TO YOUR CART AFTER ENTERING SIBLING INFORMATION: https://houseofhumaneletters.com/product/2025-2026-sibling-seat-how-to-read-literature/

SKU: N/A Category:

Registration Information

  • Parent's First and Last Name *

  • Parent's Email *

  • Student's First and Last Name *

  • Student's Age *

  • Student's Email (If Applicable) *

  • 2nd Student's First and Last Name *

  • 2nd Student's Age *

  • 2nd Student's Email (If Applicable) *

  • 3rd Student's First and Last Name *

  • 3rd Student's Age *

  • 3rd Student's Email (If Applicable) *

  • Siblings Sharing a Computer for Class *

    We offer a "Sibling Discount" which allows for siblings or even a student's parent to qualify for a discount if they are willing to share a device to stream the classes.
    NOTE: YOU MUST MANUALLY ADD SIBLING SEATs TO YOUR CART AFTER FILLING IN SIBLING INFORMATION.
    See the Course Description for the sibling seat link. Unpaid siblings will not be given access to Canvas.

  • Do you want to register a sibling? *

  • Sibling's First and Last Name *

  • Sibling's Age *

  • Sibling's Email (If Applicable) *

  • Do you want to register an additional sibling? *

  • 2nd Sibling's First and Last Name *

  • 2nd Sibling's Age *

  • 2nd Sibling's Email (If Applicable) *

  • Do you want to register an additional sibling? *

  • 3rd Sibling's First and Last Name *

  • 3rd Sibling's Age *

  • 3rd Sibling's Email (If Applicable) *

  • Withdrawal/Refund/Late Payment Policy (Please Read Carefully) *

    Withdrawal:We understand that schedules change and occasionally a student needs to drop a class. To withdraw from a class, send your request in writing to [email protected]. Please consult our Refund Policy Below. If you need to transfer to a different class or time, please place your Transfer Request in writing to [email protected]. Our classes are high demand, and we unfortunately cannot always accommodate requests for a class change. If we are able to transfer your student, there is a $15 transfer fee per class to cover administrative costs.
    Refund Policy:The $95 deposit is non-refundable. Refund requests made before June 1 will receive a full refund minus the $95 deposit (and any installment fees, if applicable) Refund requests made after June 1 but before classes begin will receive a 50% refund minus the $95 deposit (and any installment fees, if applicable). There will be no refunds after classes begin.
    Refunds for Digital Purchases/Webinars:All sales are final on digital purchases and webinars. Please email [email protected] for any issues about your digital purchase.
    Late Payments:Payments are due promptly on the due date. After three days, unpaid invoices will have an automatic charge of $15.00 added. Seven days after the due date without payment or contact with House of Humane Letters will result in immediate removal from class. We understand situations arise that are sometimes unavoidable. If you have any questions or concerns about late payments, please email [email protected].

  • PLEASE NOTE: *

    Once you have completed your form on this page, the registration form will be added to your cart. You can either check out from your cart or go to another class's page to add another registration request to your cart. Your student's spot in each class will not be guaranteed until at least the deposit payment has been accepted. An order marked "Completed" under your "Orders" tab is indication of a successful registration.
    Please remember this is a new system, and with that comes the possibility that there may be a few bugs to work out that we have not anticipated. We ask for your patience if you experience any issues. Rest assured we will get you sorted out as soon as possible to complete your registration request.
    Please reach out to our coordinator, Atlee, at [email protected] if you have not received any expected emails in the proper time or if you have any further questions about registration that have not been answered here.
    Thank you!

Course Total

Additional Students/Siblings

Grand total

Description

This class is designed both for Adults and High School Students who are looking for a foundational year in how to read before taking my other classes. Some students prefer to take this class as a capstone year as well because we do cover some literary theory.

This class will provide training in the skill and art of reading. With a heavy emphasis on learning how to read metaphorically, students will also learn how stories work, the grammar of stories (Bible stories, myths, fairy tales, fables, and legends) and how every story talks to every other story. Our primary focus will be understanding how each literary work–and even each literary image–is an opening to the whole world of literature. We will also cover some literary theory in the context of understanding both how to recover the Aristotelian literary tradition and how we lost it. 

How is this class different from my other High School classes?  The High School classes are in-depth chronological classes which place classic works of literature in their scholarly tradition and historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds, as well as looking at the chronological development of ideas and form. There will be some of that kind of material covered in this class, but the primary focus will be on learning how to read well, slowly, astutely. This class will focus on the skill and art of reading and will then apply and develop those skills over a variety of genres and time periods. 

The Less is More Approach:  In my classes, I prefer to teach students how to think deeply and engage thoughtfully with literary texts. Therefore, I deliberately limit the number of works we cover.  This allows students to read slowly and truly contemplate what they are reading, rather than rushing through huge reading lists with very little understanding—or enjoyment. Alexander Pope famously wrote, “A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not…”  We drink very deeply.

Students (especially those who are not as Humanities oriented) respond very well to the less is more approach.  It is a true delight to watch their confidence and excitement build as they begin to truly understand and enjoy intimidating old books.

Assignments: This is a class that will teach the art and skill of reading well. There are no other assignments other than reading, and no grade will be issued. Parents may assign a grade for their student.

Asynchronous Option: This class is our most popular asynchronous class. Students have access to the streaming videos of the course to watch on their own time plus the LIVE Canvas Discussion forum for a full year. The classes are not discussion based and instead focus on the skill and art of reading well. Many students even prefer the asynchronous option because they can pause and rewind when taking notes. (Live students also have access to the course videos to rewatch for note-taking)

 

Book List:

Additional information

Class Time

Thursdays, 2:30pm-4:00pm ET, Asynchronous

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “2025-2026 How to Read Literature: A Year-Long In-Depth Class on the Fundamentals of Reading”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related products