CLTL Expectations
Trial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Wrentham District Court

Location: Tri-County Vo-Tech School, Franklin, MA
Wednesdays: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dates: September 10 through December 10
Instructor: Trudy Schrandt
Facilitator: Gail Krause (508-384-8141, ext. 263)

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce participants to the language, style, critical thinking, discussion skills, and texts typical of a college-level literature course.

Course Expectations

Participants are expected to analyze the characters in the story and to offer their perspectives on these characters by answering such questions as:

What kind of people are these characters?
What do they love, fear, want, hate. etc?
Why do they do what they do?
Do they change during the story?
If they do change, why do they and how do they?
How do they relate to you and how do you relate to them?
How did the reading affect you?

In order to successfully complete the course, participants must attend all classes, arrive on time to each session, thoroughly prepare for class by reading all assignments, and participate constructively and purposefully during in-class discussion.

Zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, firearms, and sexual harassment will be enforced. Students who do not meet these requirements will be asked to leave and/or will not graduate.

Participants are required to arrive on time, to attend each of the eight sessions with handout/book, to have read the text assigned, and to contribute to the discussion.

A REQUIREMENT FOR YOUR ADMISSION TO THE SECOND CLASS IS A VALID LIBRARY CARD FROM YOUR TOWN'S LIBRARY.

Short stories will be handed out. Novels are the responsibility of the student. Class discussion is expected from EACH participant. This is NOT a lecture class, it is a class in which each student is expected to add his or her insights regarding the material read and the perspectives attained. Even if you are so confused that you are not sure what you read, your questions will provide a wonderful starting point for discussion.

Novels may be obtained through the library or a bookstore or may be borrowed. For purchases, I highly recommend the New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton. Budget book shops are located in most towns if you choose to buy the books.

You are welcome to bring water or soft drinks to class. We will take a break at approximately the halfway point in the evening. Before the break, all "business" will be taken care of (attendance, announcements, forms, etc.) that is needed for the courts or the program.