World Literature by James Stobaugh

Let me begin this review by saying that I have not actually used this curriculum with my children. I received the book for review and here are my thoughts upon going through the student text as well as the teacher's guide.

The Good --

I like the scope of this literature course. It ranges from ancient history (Sumerians, Egyptians, Ancient Greece, etc) through early church history and the modern age. It highlights literature from many different areas around the world -- China, India, Persian & Arabic, Europe, etc. Organized in a timeline fashion--chronologically through different ages. Literary works are interpreted through a Christian viewpoint.

The Bad --

Teacher's guide does not include the literature texts that the student book does. Much of the literature is not included in the student text but rather has to be checked out of the library or purchased. Set-up is as an independent study, however for many of the discussion/for thought questions, it'd be helpful to hear other viewpoints as well (discussion setting -- at least with a parent or family if done as an individual homeschooler)

The Ugly --

This curriculum is set up in such a way that the author suggests that the student read the major works the summer before the course. And I mean MAJOR! Works such as The Illiad, The Odyssey, War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, Faust, etc. I don't like that. Not that I don't want them to read them as a part of this course, but if reading those makes the course too long, just split it up! I like to keep my children's summers precious. They ARE still children!

Soooooooo . . .my thoughts? I think that we actually WILL use this textbook, just not as intended. I think we'll use it in conjunction with world history. I think we'll use it as a multi-year course. I think we'll use chapters, not go through the entire text.

Not what I expected, but I think we'll find a way to make it useful for us!

I received a copy of this book and the teacher guide for free from Master Books (here) for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.