Self-Paced A-G English  ·  Grades 9–12

An introduction to the major works of literature most commonly taught in ninth-grade English. Students read and analyze eight works spanning American and British literature, including drama, a play by Shakespeare, and foundational fiction of the 20th century. This option follows the sequence most high schools use.

Students are responsible for obtaining the books listed below. Most are available through local retailers, online booksellers, or public libraries.

An introduction to the beginnings of Western literature in Ancient Greece and Rome. Students encounter an engaging survey of mythology, the great epics of Homer, and Greek drama, then move into the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle and Roman works by Virgil and Plutarch. Two related works from other eras round out the year.

There are many options for acquiring these books — local or online retailers, the library, or free electronic versions online. If a particular edition or translation is listed, it is important to acquire that version. If no specifics are included, any version will work. Some materials are provided digitally in the course.

A broad survey of world literature spanning ancient Greece and Rome through modern works from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Students read foundational epics, Greek drama, European classics, and contemporary world fiction, tracing the development of literature across cultures and centuries. This option follows the sequence most high schools use for tenth-grade English.

Students are responsible for obtaining the books listed below. Some titles are available free online.

Covers the great epics of the Middle Ages and the legends of King Arthur, including a 20th-century novel on the subject. Students spend significant time with Shakespeare, sampling tragedies, comedies, histories, and sonnets. The course concludes with a selection of metaphysical poetry from the 17th century.

There are many options for acquiring these books — local or online retailers, the library, or free electronic versions online. If a particular edition or translation is listed, it is important to acquire that version. Some materials are provided digitally in the course.

A survey of the American literary tradition tracing the development of the American voice from the 19th century through the mid-20th century. Students read foundational novels, short fiction, and essays that define American literature as a distinct tradition. This option follows the sequence most high schools use for eleventh-grade English.

Students are responsible for obtaining the books listed below.

Covers far more than just the Renaissance. Students begin with Don Quixote, move through two early English novels (Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels), then explore the Romantic poets, Jane Austen, and the Gothic novels of Shelley and Brontë. The course also includes poetry by Tennyson and short works by Poe, Hawthorne, Emerson, and Thoreau, before finishing with Moby Dick.

There are many options for acquiring these books — local or online retailers, the library, or free electronic versions online. If a particular edition or translation is listed, it is important to acquire that version. Some materials are provided digitally in the course.

A chronological survey of British literature from Beowulf through the 20th century. Students trace the development of the English language and its literary tradition from the medieval period through Modernism, reading works across drama, poetry, the novel, and short fiction. This option follows the sequence most high schools use for twelfth-grade English.

Students are responsible for obtaining the books listed below.

A stunning and challenging survey of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Perfect for the literary-minded high school junior or senior, this course spans a wide variety of works including Dickens, Dostoyevsky, Twain, Faulkner, Hemingway, and Orwell, finishing with a memorable novel from the 21st century.

There are many options for acquiring these books — local or online retailers, the library, or free electronic versions online. If a particular edition or translation is listed, it is important to acquire that version. Some materials are provided digitally in the course.