Review: World Literature by James P. Stobaugh

" A complete year of high school World literature curriculum in a clear, concise format!"

World Literature by James P. Stobaugh is a 496 page paperback book.  It contains 34 chapters with each chapter having 5 days worth of lessons, taking the student 45-60 minutes a day to complete. In addition to the text, students will need to read/have read books from the following list:

Augustine, Confessions
Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
Goethe, Faust
Homer, The Iliad
Homer, The Odyssey
Paton, Cry, the Beloved Country
Tolstoy, War and Peace
Virgil, The Aenid

They will also need a notepad or computer, pen or pencil, 3x5 index cards, and a prayer journal.  It is recommended that students read each of the novels the summer before taking the course.  This course is student lead and designed for student independence.  After completing this course, the student will have earned 2 full credits.

Each chapter starts with a First Thoughts section, a chapter learning objectives, and 5 daily lessons and assignments.  Students will also write a weekly essay.  World Literature selections range from the Ancient World to the Early Church, the Middle Ages, all the way through to the Modern Age.

The Teacher's Guide is 350 pages long.  It is loose leaf paper already hole punched to be placed in a 3 ring binder.  The Teacher's Guide contains answer keys, student objectives, daily concept builders, weekly essays and tests.

Purchase the Student Book for $34.99 from Master Books here.
Purchase the Teacher Book for $19.99 from Master Books here.

I really like that World Literature is written from a Biblical Worldview and even contains literary selections from the Bible.  I like the wide range of literature selections that students are exposed to.  I like that the book is student lead with very little teacher input needed (besides grading essays.)  You have a choice of  different essay topics.  I also like the illustrations that are throughout the book.  The course definitely teaches teens to think critically and prepares them for college level courses.

It is VERY challenging.  Students are required to read a lot of challenging literary works ahead of time and may need to review those works to complete the assignments.  There also is a LOT of writing.  A weekly essay has to be completed (and graded.)  World Literature is a great course for a High School Senior who is planning on attending college.

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of the World Literature Student and Teacher Guide for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation.