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General
When the Animals Talk
When the Animals Talk is a literary adventure and exploration of stories in which the authors have chosen to write from the perspective of the animal kingdom. We examine why the authors might have chosen animals to do their bidding, as we learn about literary devices such as symbolism and metaphors, both intended and fortuitously inadvertent. Best suited for high school and middle school students.
Class Schedule(s)
0 availableClass Description
In this class, we examine why the authors might have chosen animals to do their bidding, as we learn about literary devices such as symbolism and metaphors, both intended and fortuitously inadvertent. Reading material for class spans a wide range of works: from native American mythology, a classic English children’s story, young adult fiction, and an adult novel. Some writing will be included (short answers and essays for exploring the reading) and much classroom discussion will be had. The objective is for us to explore the idea that when the animals talk, maybe we should listen.
Parents and students, please note: this is a class for older readers, best suited for high school students and mature middle school students. Literary devices such as symbolism, metaphors, and more will be discussed to put the literature into a historical and philosophical context. While we will not issue tests per se, students will be expected to contribute to class discussions and submit short answer essays throughout the semester.
Readings will include:
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest, by Gerald McDermott
Winnie-the-Pooh. A.A. Milne
Watership Down, by Richard Adams
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Additional Information
Class size: 9-15 students
Supplies:
Readings will include the following titles. Students may purchase these items or check them out from a local library.
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest, by Gerald McDermott
Winnie-the-Pooh. A.A. Milne
Watership Down, by Richard Adams
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Prerequisites
None
Class tags:
General
Language Arts
Literature
Mythology
Reading
Reading Comprehension
Writing
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About Nina Zippay
About Your Instructor
Ms. Zippay earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism at Southern Illinois University followed by a Juris Doctor degree in Chicago at Kent College of Law, specializing in Environmental Law. She received her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in leadership and sustainability from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business.
She is a local business entrepreneur of two education-based enterprises, Radical Radishes, a writing workshop and summer program for children and young adults, and Radical Cooks, a cooking school for both adults and children. She has served on many education-based non-profit boards including, but not limited to: Mt. Washington Elementary School Site Council, Odyssey Charter School, and the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council.
Reviews for this class
emma D.
on Aug. 10, 2021
Nina is an awesome instructor who engages and makes literature and language fun for her students. My daughter loves taking her classes.