How sequential is "Excellence In Literature"?

[MamaSheep]

Is this the sort of thing where the ideas build on each other from one unit to the next, or is it the sort of thing where I could say to my student, "Student, this is a list of books you must read this year, but you may choose the order in which you would like to read them. Which will it be first?" and then we could start with something out of the middle and skip all around in whatever random order strikes his fancy?

 

Also, what about the series as a whole? Could I buy the complete package and then let him choose any book from any part of the series, or would that jump us all over the place as far as what level of ability would be expected?

[Melissa B]

Excellence in Lit I is easier than the other four levels. But there really isn't much change in levels two through five. I think Campbell has said that you can choose the one that fits your history (American/British/World.) The first level has fewer assignments and shorter papers. The last three levels are chronological but fairly independent units. Occasionally she will refer to a previous book within the unit and sometimes one of the paper choices will be to compare one book to another that was previously read. But there are always two or three writing assignments to choose from, so you could always check first, choose the other writing assignment or make up one of your own. She does state that you can skip a unit in the middle if the books don't suit you or your child has already read them. I have my dd doing the first three units of World Literature this year and then we won't hit the fourth unit for two years. :)

[MamaSheep]

Excellence in Lit I is easier than the other four levels. But there really isn't much change in levels two through five. I think Campbell has said that you can choose the one that fits your history (American/British/World.) The first level has fewer assignments and shorter papers. The last three levels are chronological but fairly independent units. Occasionally she will refer to a previous book within the unit and sometimes one of the paper choices will be to compare one book to another that was previously read. But there are always two or three writing assignments to choose from, so you could always check first, choose the other writing assignment or make up one of your own. She does state that you can skip a unit in the middle if the books don't suit you or your child has already read them. I have my dd doing the first three units of World Literature this year and then we won't hit the fourth unit for two years. :)

 

Thanks, this is good to know. :)