High School-Level Literature Studies

Literature possesses great power to influence the heart and mind of the reader. As believers, it is important to remember that everything we read must be viewed through the truth of Scripture.

The incredible benefits of studying literature include developing Bible study skills, improving writing skills, understanding what people believe by identifying worldviews expressed extensively through literature, seeing how beliefs are translated into practical life, and learning how to communicate truth through various literary devices.

The strong cautions to remember when studying literature include considering that much literature is objectionable or simply not worth reading, remembering that extensive literature study can take away from Bible study, and realizing that unbiblical philosophies and worldviews are often taught through literature.

Suggestions for Studies

The Wisdom Booklets themselves contain excellent sources of literature, and they may be studied as such. A student should learn the basic principles of literature and how to analyze the application of these principles.

In addition to the Wisdom Booklets, there are several beneficial resources that teach a Biblical approach to literature.

• American Literature—11th grade (Bob Jones University Press)
• British Literature—12th grade (Bob Jones University Press)
• American Literature—11th grade (Abeka Books)
• The Literature of American People—11th grade (Abeka Books)
• Introduction to English Literature—12th grade (Abeka Books)
• The Literature of England—12th grade (Abeka Books)
• Twelve Trademarks of Great Literature by Jeff Baldwin (Worldview Academy)

For an independent study of literature, here are several suggested assignments.

• Be able to recognize and define key terms of literature.
• Read a book such as How to Read a Book, by Mortimer J. Adler.
• Learn to identify the plot, theme, characters, imagery, and other literary devices in your reading.
• Research the author of the book you are reading. Discern his worldview, and evaluate how his philosophies influenced his writings.
• Write book reports on the books you read, incorporating the above points of study.

A study of literature should include areas of Biographical Literature, World Literature (both American and British/English Literature), and Christian Literature.