1. The Great Gatsby and The Glass Menagerie

Often featured on lists of recommended reading for the AP Literature exam, The Great Gatsby and The Glass Menagerie feature vivid stories infused with thought-provoking themes of memory and nostalgia, illusion vs. reality, and the corrupting influence of wealth and social class. Dr. Amanda will help students realize that these stories are more relatable than they realize, all while learning critical competencies that will help them excel in AP Literature. 

The following skills will be prioritized:

• The capacity to explain the function of character, setting, imagery and symbol and how they help deliver "big ideas" within each text.
• The ability to develop substantiated arguments about a piece of text or a text as a whole.
• The skill of taking an essay through at least (2) drafts to produce a stronger final product.

By the end of the course, students will have completed (2) drafts of a short (2-3 page) close analysis essay and a series of shorter written assignments including weekly explications (close readings) and character journals. Occasional in-class writing activities will help animate and lend texture to weekly discussions. 

Ultimately, students may consider this a "crash course" on two literary classics as well as a primer for the kinds of discussions and assignments they will be expected to master for AP Lit.

Prior to the first lesson, students are expected to have read the first two chapters of The Great Gatsby.

2. Margaret Atwood's Oryx & Crake and The Handmaid's Tale

Students tend to find the works of Margaret Atwood intimidating. Often featured on lists of recommended reading for AP Literature, The Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake portray vivid dystopias infused with thought-provoking themes of environmental degradation, survival and memory, and the ethics of genetic engineering. Ms. Amanda will help students realize that these stories are more accessible and relatable than they realize, all while learning critical competencies necessary to excel in AP Literature. 

The following skills will be prioritized:

• The capacity to explain the function of character, setting, imagery and symbol and how they help deliver "big ideas" within each text.
• The ability to develop substantiated arguments about a piece of text or a text as a whole.
• The skill of taking an essay through at least (2) drafts to produce a stronger final product.

By the end of the course, students will have completed (2) drafts of a short (2-3 page) close analysis essay and a series of shorter written assignments that include weekly explications (close readings) and character journals. Occasional in-class writing activities will animate and lend texture to weekly discussions. 

Ultimately, students may consider this a "crash course" on Margaret Atwood's most treasured literary accomplishments as well as a primer for the kinds of discussions and assignments they can expect from AP Lit. 

Dr. Amanda (B.A. UCLA, PhD USC) teaches writing at the University of Southern California. On the side she tutors in various areas of writing, scores the AP Language and Composition exam,  and helps aspiring college students craft winning college admissions essays. Her clients have been admitted to USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, Penn State, Pepperdine, Boston College, LMU, Case Western, Reed College, and Baylor. 

In addition to tutoring in these areas, Dr. Amanda provides "boot camp" style tutoring for high school graduates getting ready to start college. This form of intensive support prepares students to meet the demands of college writing, thereby helping to protect their parents' investment in higher learning. 

Education
PhD in English Literature, University of Southern California
B.A. in English Literature, Magna Cum Laude, UCLA 

Honors, Awards, & Fellowships
Master Teacher Designee, Writing Program, University of Southern
California
Fellowship Nominee, Civil Society Fellowship
Merit Fellow, University of Southern California

• Full refund after the first lesson if not satisfied.
• No refunds after the second lesson or for missed classes.
• Students are expected to attend consistently.  
• We reserve the right to cancel the course if enrollment falls below the minimum requirement. In such cases, all paid tuition will be fully refunded.