I often get questions on how I chose the books that are included in the Excellence in Literature curriculum, so I thought I’d address that question today. It may help you decide whether or not this is the right curriculum for your family.
There were many factors that went into my choice of books, but I considered the following questions to be most important as I selected what to include.
- Is this work foundational to an understanding of western civilization and culture?
- Is it a classic work that is regularly alluded to in current conversation (including newspaper, radio, books, movies, etc.)?
- Does it tell the truth about life and consequences?
- Is there something compelling about this particular work that makes it, more than another, deserve a place in the curriculum?
- Does it offer a unique perspective on the culture of its time and place?
- Does it have the power to engage readers and cause them to think deeply about important issues?
- Is it well-written?
- Has it endured the test of time?
While I considered whether or not I liked each work (and included as many favorites as possible), I couldn’t make selections solely on my own preferences.
janicecampbell