English II: World Literature
Date & Time
Instructor
Grade Level
In this World literature course, students will read and discuss engaging and significant works from around the world, spanning from ancient texts to more modern selections. As we explore each work, students will consider its geography, historical moment, culture, and worldview while continuing to develop and refine essential literary analysis skills. Throughout the course, students will discover that many of the themes found in literature—identity, struggle, justice, courage, and belonging—are shared human experiences that transcend time and place.
This course encourages students to think deeply about their own perspectives and their relationship to the wider world through meaningful reading and discussion. It is a highly interactive class that includes close reading, vocabulary study, discussion, projects, and analytical writing. Because dialogue is central to the course, a functioning microphone is required.
SPECIAL NOTE #1: Tuition includes a user license for Yellowdig, an internal communications platform for students to use within Canvas. Yellowdig promotes deeper discussion and critical thinking skills.
SPECIAL NOTE #2: Some course readings address mature and complex themes. This class is best suited for students who are ready to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with challenging ideas.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Yellowdig, an internal communications platform for students to use within Canvas (included in registration)
Students will need access to a Gmail account if they do not already have one.
The Odyssey, by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson, ISBN-13: 978-0393356250
The Art of War: A New Translation by Thomas Cleary ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1590302255
The Prince by Machiavelli, translated by N.H. Thompson, ISBN-13: 978-0486272740
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, ISBN-13: 978-0812035735
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, ISBN-13: 978-0486424491
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, translated by Constance Garnett, ISBN-13: 978-0486415871
Cry, Beloved Country by Alan Paton, ISBN-13: 978-0743262170
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, ISBN-13: 978-0062315007
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, ISBN-13: 978-0316322423
Students may choose between these two books:
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah, ISBN-13: 978-0374531263
Everything in Tuberculosis by John Green, ISBN-13: 978-0525556572
Jenny Cutler earned her B.A. in Education in 2005 and her Master’s in Multicultural Education in 2012, both from Eastern University. She has taught in both private and public school settings and later transitioned to full-time online teaching in 2014, finding it an ideal fit for both her students and her family. In addition to teaching, Jenny has experience running a tutoring business and continues to serve her local church in a variety of capacities. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in English at Wichita State University.
Jenny is passionate about helping students develop a genuine love of literature. She believes that good books cultivate both critical thinking and compassion, and she especially enjoys guiding reluctant readers toward meaningful connections with texts they never expected to love.
Jenny lives in rural Michigan with her husband, four children, and a multitude of pets. When she’s not teaching she can usually be found experimenting with a new recipe, embroidering, swimming, or—most often—with her nose in a book.
Student K. –
Mrs. Cutler’s World Literature class has been amazing! It’s a nice mix of papers and projects, which keeps things interesting. I especially loved the poetry unit, and the ability to discuss each week’s literature reading with other students during the week online. I highly recommend this class!
Parent J. –
This is a quality high school level English class. The reading list and assignments are challenging. Ms. Cutler is a fair but tough instructor. I am happy for my son to have access to this rigorous high school curriculum in a home school format.
Parent J. –
Mrs. Cutler is AMAZING. She’s a gifted and devoted teacher. My kids have loved taking her courses.
Parent K. –
This has been a valuable class for my Sophomore student. The book list is extensive and the reading assignments can feel lengthy; titles offer a nice variety for the level. Content has been an engaging review of literary concepts and comprehension. Mrs. Cutler is an enthusiastic teacher who has led the full class in interesting discussions throughout the semester.
N.L. –
This is a great class for anyone who is interested in learning about a broad variety of literature. It’s not paper writing intensive – there is a comfortable mixture of projects and papers – yet there is still plenty of room to put your essay writing/critical thinking skills to work! The Yellowdig discussions are very helpful and fun as it allows students to communicate their thoughts and findings on the literature during the week.
Student J. –
English II was one of the best classes I had this year: Mrs. Cutler was very fun and engaging in class, the assignments were fun, (especially the projects), and she helped me learn many new English tricks! Thank you, Mrs. Cutler! 😀
Student B. –
I just want to say this was my favorite class all year! I felt like my writing developed in so many ways from thesis development to staying in third-person point of view. I really appreciated how interactive the live sessions were, and how she incorporated a fun balance projects and essays. I loved the variety of books we went through and there was even a short poetry unit! Mrs. Cutler is a very supportive teacher who fosters meaningful discussion. I would 100% recommend this class!
Student B. –
This is my second english class with Excelsior and wasn’t sure what to expect but so far I have absolutely loved it. Mrs. Cutler is so fun and makes the class enjoyable, which is pretty uncommon for an English class. I would highly recommend an English class at Excelsior but especially one taught by Mrs. Cutler and I can’t wait for the second half of the year. 5 Stars!!
Student E. –
My name is E., and an taking English II with Mrs. Cutler as a sophomore. This course is rigerous, but Mrs. Cutler does an amazing job of making class time engaging, and causing us to think deeper. She really helps us engage well with the text, and overall wants us to grow as students and writers. I highly recommend any student taking this course.
Michelle W. –
My son completed this class as a sophmore last year with Mrs. Cutler and he absolutely loved it. He found the discussion enjoyable and challenging and would regularly come to me after class telling me how interesting the discussion had been! Mrs. Cutler is extremely skilled at engaging each student and providing individualized feedback and this was just invaluable for my son. He cannot wait to take another class with Mrs. Cutler!